Online bid to boost youth vote

SOCIAL networking sites are being used by Oldham Council to encourage young residents to have their say in the congestion charge referendum.

The council has taken a leap into the world of YouTube and Facebook to reach the borough’s younger citizens.

Students from Oldham Sixth Form College took centre stage in a specially commissioned video, launched on the internet today, aimed at encouraging electors, especially younger people, to participate in the December 11 vote.

They talked about the importance of efficient public transport to reach their campus and for their leisure-time journeys.

It is the first time the council has used online media as a way of communicating with the public.

Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes said: “This is a bold step for the council, but we felt we needed to reach as many people as possible to encourage participation in the referendum.

“It is such an important issue for everyone in the borough across all age groups, because the result will determine the pattern of our public transport for generations.

“Our message is simple — we want people to know it’s their choice and their decision.”

Councillor Sykes said Oldham’s younger citizens increasingly communicated through media such as YouTube and facebook. He said if the approach proved successful, they would consider using it again.

Councillor Sykes said: “We have not suggested how people should vote, but we are eager to encourage as many citizens as possible to participate.

“It is important this issue is decided by the people of Greater Manchester People have to decide whether the introduction of a congestion charge is a price worth paying for such a massive programme of spending that would bring trams into the heart of Oldham town centre, vastly improved bus services and better train services for commuters.”