Oldham on awards shortlist

TEAMWORK in Oldham is among the best in Europe and could be in line for a prestigious public sector award, according to judges who have shortlisted the borough.

The Oldham Partnership is one of 28 organisations bidding for a European Public Sector Award, which attracted over 300 entries from 27 countries.

Entries come from as far afield as Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Poland.

Assessors visited the borough yesterday to make sure they have a clear picture of how the Oldham Partnership operates.

The final winners will be announced in Maastricht, Holland, in November.

The partnership brings together the council, the police, health services, local businesses, voluntary and community organisations and many more groups and people.

The entry highlighted achievements in Oldham including the reduction in teenage pregnancies; low numbers of young people not in employment, education or training; and the support offered to allow people to live independently in their own homes.

Nick Brown, chairman of the partnership’s executive and principal of Oldham Sixth Form College, said: “We’re completely committed to continuing the improvements and making Oldham a place to be proud of. The level of involvement from the community makes us different from other partnerships and is one of our strengths.”