Petition steps up stadium fight

SIGN here . . . Failsworth Residents’ Action Group members Peter Batty (right) and Alan Shaw at the Lancaster Club

DETERMINED campaigners have targeted 10,000 signatures after launching a petition against the proposed new Latics stadium in Failsworth.

Failsworth Residents’ Action Group says locals have become increasingly angry about the way they have been treated by Oldham Council and Athletic directors.

The 25-strong steering group met for the first time this week, ahead of a public meeting in about three weeks’ time, when they want representatives from the Boundary Park club, council leader Howard Sykes and chief executive Charlie Parker to answer questions.

They are also leafleting Failsworth, calling on residents to show their objections to the League One side’s £20 million, 12,000-seat stadium with community sports facilities on a 30-acre site off Broadway, by displaying posters.

The group was formed after a heated People and Communities Together (PACT) meeting in September when 80 concerned householders packed into Mather Street School to oppose plans.

Acting secretary Peter Batty, who lives a short distance from the site in question, said: “The group has a target of 10,000 signatures before the planning application’s comments and objections deadline, whenever that may be. We believe the stadium is neither needed, wanted or necessary for the benefit of the vast majority of Failsworth’s residents, nor the regeneration of the area.

“We are vehemently opposed and believe the stadium would have a tremendous impact on people’s lives.“There is also a conflict of interest with the Moston Brook Regeneration Project, the greatest regeneration project being undertaken on the Oldham-Manchester border, 10 per cent of which is on the Oldham side.

This is a 10-year project only in its second year. There is a lot of opposition from people living across the Manchester border as well.

“Numerous appeals have been made to Oldham Athletic and council members to meet residents and demonstrate exactly how this project would improve or regenerate the area and listen to residents’ concerns.

“No offer addressing the requests has been received.”

The group is setting up a constitution, appointing officers and appealing for help from experienced residents’ groups with their campaign.

Mr Batty can be contacted on jeanpete49@talktalk.net.