Memorial clean-up a ‘civic duty’

A COUNCILLOR and historian is calling for a special group to be set up to care for Oldham’s war memorials.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Labour leader and member of Failsworth Historical Society, says he is shocked by how difficult it can be to get basic maintenance carried out.

As chairman of the Failsworth War Memorial steering group, he has written to Oldham Council’s chief executive, Charlie Parker, to suggest there could be a special case for the mayor’s office to take over the care of memorials as a civic duty.

He told Mr Parker: “I would like to see a ring-fenced sum for maintenance of all war memorials and memorial gardens across the borough. My view is that the money is already in the system but needs drawing together.

“I am open to suggestions about where this fund would sit — the most logical seems to be with the parks department but there may be a case for the mayor’s office to oversee and arrange annual clean-ups and planting ahead of the Remembrance Sunday services.”

Councillor McMahon was a leading member involved in the restoration of Failsworth War Memorial, recently attacked by vandals who threw old oil on to it, which soaked into the Yorkshire stone.

Councillor McMahon said: “Four separate council departments are responsible so trying to get something done is hugely bureaucratic.

“Even when there is moss and silt from the roadway which makes it slippery, to get someone out to jet wash it is impossible. I am told there is no budget.

“Money should be taken from each department and put in a central pot.”

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received the letter from Councillor McMahon, however, this issue is not a simple matter.

“This is part of a much wider debate about the way the council previously structured its budgets. That is presently under a detailed review and will take some time.”