‘Less secrecy’ call over stadium plan

The pitches at Lancaster Sports Club

LABOUR councillors have branded what they claim is a lack of consultation and misinformation over Oldham Athletic’s £20 million stadium plans a “shameful episode.”

The proposal for a 12,000-seater stadium with community sports facilities on a 30-acre site off Broadway has sparked anger in Failsworth.

Two petitions have been started opposing the plans, with another requesting an urgent meeting with council leaders after accusations that residents have been ignored.

Latics have also faced criticism for holding a public meeting on the plans outside of Failsworth on a night that clashed with a Failsworth council meeting that all councillors are expected to attend.

Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon, along with two shadow cabinet members, met Oldham Athletic’s bosses to persuade them to carry out a full consultation exercise before a planning application is submitted in February.

Councillor McMahon said: “We had grown increasingly concerned about the lack of public consultation and about the Liberal Democrat administration’s misleading comments relating to Lower Memorial Park.

“We wanted to ensure that those residents who could be affected were given an opportunity to hear the plans at first hand, and then to discuss their concerns in a constructive manner.”

He said his party recognises the importance of the development of a new stadium, adding: “Although the logical solution would be to build one at Boundary Park, we accept that it may not be feasible in the current economic climate.

“We will look at what is being proposed with an open mind; and we hope that our call for less secrecy, more transparency and better consultation is accepted, and acted upon, by this administration.”

Shadow member for regeneration, Councillor Joy Wrigglesworth, said: “We set out our view very clearly; a planning application should not be submitted until a full and open consultation exercise has taken place.

“The Latics management have accepted our approach. They have agreed not to submit an application until February at the earliest.

“This will allow time for the club to come up with the detailed plans which will enable residents, councillors and fans to see clearly, and exactly, what is being proposed.”

Ward councillor Glenys Butterworth added: “There are two separate issues here. One is the status of Lower Memorial Park and the other is the principle and the practicalities of building a stadium in that location.

“The misinformation that has been given out by the leaders of Oldham Council has created mistrust and animosity among local residents. It has been a shameful episode.”

The Lib Dems say the council has simply tried to facilitate and assist in a “company relocation” and that Latics, as the developer, are responsible for consultation.

They have held meetings with Latics to emphasise the importance of consultation and believe a number of public events are to be held, including in Failsworth.