Mayor reveals secrets in high-tech grilling

THE MAYOR, Councillor Shoab Akhtar

THE Mayor of Oldham revealed a host of personal secrets in a ground-breaking video link with young pupils from schools.

Speaking to youngsters from St Chad’s and Horton Mill, Councillor Shoab Akhtar revealed his most embarrassing moment since taking office.

He said: “I was attending a mayor’s ball in Wigan, changing my normal suit to my dinner suit, and putting on the chain of office.

“I went to the bar to buy a soft drink and realised I’d left my wallet in the other suit and I had to borrow some money off another mayor.”

The three-way event was organised by St Chad’s co-ordinator, Claire Dunkerley, with the Mayor linked from the civic centre.

On other issues, he was asked if he had the choice between recycling and more houses, which would he pick?

He replied: “The council’s budget is broken into different sections so you can’t choose one over the other.

“However, I think recycling is very important as the council has a limit on landfill and it is fined if it exceeds it.”

Questioned about parks, he said: “Everyone must look after them. Creating a new park would cost a lot of money but we all must be responsible for those we have.”

And the Mayor urged children to tell an adult if they saw any vandalism. He said: “We’ve got to encourage youngsters to have respect. We’ve got to work together to stop vandalism.”

Explaining his enthusiastic support for his choice of five charities, the Mayor said: “I like getting the old and the young to work together.

“My charities are for the start of life, and at the other end, with the hospice.”

Pressed about what he would like to change in Oldham to make it better, Councillor Akhtar said: “I want to provide the best for young people by building schools.

“In this way children from different cultural backgrounds can meet and understand each other.”

Asked why Breeze Hill School would be closing in 2012, he said: “Breeze Hill and Counthill will merge and a new school will be built on a new site.

“The Government has given extra money so that we can have excellent, modern schools.

He said being Mayor gives him a unique picture of Oldham, meeting people and seeing positive things.

Asked what was the best thing he had done in his life, he said: “My three sons being born and being the Mayor.”

Claire Dunkerley said: “We are at the forefront in new technology and the interview show how exciting opportunities have been introduced into all Oldham’s schools.”