‘Bulldozed’

Councillors have controversially “bulldozed” through a move to scrap area committees — despite a volley of opposition in a heated two-hour exchange.

Under new proposals by Oldham’s Liberal Democrat-run council, six District Partnerships will be created — Chadderton; East Oldham; Failsworth & Hollinwood; Shaw, Royton & Crompton; Saddleworth & Lees; and West Oldham. Oldham Town Centre Partnership will remain.

But some Labour members found faults with the proposals.

Councillor Peter Dean said that consultation with residents, co-opted members and council partners should be undertaken.

He said: “Yet again we have a report that is full of holes and doesn’t know what is happening. There is really no structure and no foundation to this.”

Councillor Jean Jones, added: “One of the most worrying aspects is the blatant attempt to bulldoze these through in record time. This is a clear case of we know best and what the community thinks is of no consequence.”

And Oldham’s Labour leader, Councillor Jim McMahon, said: “We’ve got co-opted members who don’t even know this is coming.

“The very people who give their time freely are the very people who are excluded from it.”

However, Oldham’s Lib-Dem council leader, Councillor Howard Sykes said the report gave communities flexibility in terms of partnership working and a real way of engaging with people.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Rod Blyth said: “What is important to the people of Oldham is the outcome.

“Let’s get the outcomes, not get tied up in the process.”

Councillors and representatives from the police, health trusts and housing groups will make up District Partnerships — the first round of which, will take place in July.

Although residents can still attend District Partnerships, Ward Forums will replace the current area committees and it is there where residents and co-optees can raise community concerns and speak to councillors, police and neighbourhood managers. The outcomes of which which will then be fed back to the District Partnerships.

As part of the proposals, both Chadderton and East Oldham District Partnerships have been selected as pilot areas.

Both areas will receive a budget of £100,000, which will be merged with the current allocation of £6,000 per ward, totalling £118,000.

Despite the vocal opposition, councillors voted 37 to 23 in favour of the changes.






Community champions



NEW community champions who will chair the district partnerships have been selected.



Councillor Fida Hussain was named West Oldham chairman, and Councillor Philip Rogers as chairman of Chadderton. Also selected were Councillor Barbara Beeley (Saddleworth & Lees), Councillor John Dillon is (Shaw, Royton and Crompton), Councillor Mohammed Masud (East Oldham) and Councillor Stephen Barrow (Failsworth and Hollinwood).