Security beefed up at civic centre

Tougher secruity has been introduced this week at Oldham civic centre.

Staff have been issued with new identity badges, and new card readers are being introduced at all entrances, car park barriers and along the corridors.

Councillors and council staff who visit the centre regularly have also received new identity badges.

Chief executive Charlie Parker promised a security revamp in January, after the Chronicle revealed that 17 council laptops had been stolen by thieves using recycling bins.

Mr Parker said: “The new arrangements will provide increased security for our people and facilities. It will allow us to bring in a single system that can be used across the council’s premises in the future.”

A second phase will be introduced in early May, with additional security panels and access restrictions.

Staff have been briefed on the importance of ensuring unauthorised people are not allowed through staff entrances.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes said: “We have been carefully studying our requirements for the new system to ensure we get the right balance between security and the need for access for staff to be able to do their jobs.

“I have been keen for this system to be introduced and I’m pleased it’s now in place. I trust staff will feel the same — it will improve personal safety for everyone.”

A further phase, when staff working in other council buildings will receive new identity badges, will be introduced later in the spring.