New ground site under spotlight

Aerial view of the controversial Failsworth site earmarked for the new Oldham Athletic stadium development.

Dusty volumes dating back more than 80 years could help decide whether a controversial Failsworth site earmarked for the new Oldham Athletic stadium development is charity land.

Yellowing record books from the 1920s, detailing the minute details of how land was bought and paid for to extend the Lower Memorial Park, will be examined by bosses from the Charity Commission.

They are being asked to rule if the land, off Broadway, is part of a charitable trust, or simply open space acquired by the former Failsworth Urban District Council.

The commission, which protects the interests of charities and their legal status, has already checked the park deeds and advised at that time that the extension land does not appear to be a charity.

But campaigners like Failsworth Historical Society, open space champion John Arnold and Councillor James McMahon, have argued that records of the time appear to show differently. Now Oldham Council has sent copies of minutes from Failsworth Council through the early-1920s period, plus more archive information about the Failsworth War Memorial Committee, to the commission.

It will check whether anything new affects its ruling that the land has no charitable status.

There was outrage in Failsworth when plans for the new 12,000-seater stadium were revealed by Latics chiefs in July.

That was followed by an Oldham Council resolution to provide open land between the Lancaster Club and the Lower Memorial Park bowling greens as part of the stadium site.

Before agreeing to this, council officers checked the status of the land with the Charity Commission.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We have submitted these additional documents as it is vitally important for all parties concerned that we ensure that all decisions and actions taken are legally sound.

“We will not be making any further comment on this matter until we receive a final ruling from the Charity Commission.”

No detailed plans have been submitted by the League One side, but the club is expected to apply for planning permission soon.