Big freeze: we’ll be even hotter next time

A627M in the worst of the go-slow. "Our teams did an outstanding job of keeping borough on the move" — council leader

Teams did an outstanding job of keeping borough on the move — council leader


A REVIEW of council actions during the recent big freeze has been requested by council leader Howard Sykes.

In a letter to chief executive Charlie Parker, Councillor Sykes formally requested that an assessment be undertaken into how the council had managed staff and services.

He said the review would ensure the council was even better prepared for when bad weather next hit the borough.

He said: “We have certainly performed well in some areas, but we cannot be complacent and there will be other areas where we can improve.

“That might relate to how we allocated staff, for example, how we resourced vital materials, or even communicated within the council and to the citizens we serve. Learning from the past will make us even more robust for the future.”

In the letter, Councillor Sykes also thanked staff at the council and its partner organisations for their dedication during the heavy snow and sub zero temperatures.

He said: “I have heard and personally witnessed so many examples of staff going the extra mile to ensure there was little or no disruption of essential services to the public.

“The work of our gritting team has, of course, been the main focus of the local media coverage and indeed some national media.

“Talking to residents of the borough, the overwhelming view I’m hearing is that citizens think they did an outstanding job in keeping the borough on the move.

“These staff rightly deserve the plaudits — not just for what they did, but for the way they gave up time with their families during the festive season, something many of us all take for granted.”

Councillor Sykes gave special mention to the Oldham Council’s vocational service and the First Response Team for its efforts.

He also thanked the Street Scene Team who, although unable to carry out their normal duties, redeployed themselves to district centres to carry out tasks such as shovelling snow.


Street cleaning in full swing

THE streets of Oldham are getting back to normal as the big thaw replaces the big freeze.
The council was forced to scale down street cleaning operations during the recent run of bad weather as the snow put some equipment out of action.

The snowfall made it almost impossible to carry out the usual schedule of mechanical sweeping, street cleaning and grounds maintenance duties. Staff were redeployed to clear snow across the district centres.

As the big thaw continues Street Scene staff will put its “environment recovery plan” into action which involves clearing grit and collecting household waste and recyclables.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We want the public to let us know about fly-tipping or report any local issues that need tackling to help keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy.

“You can report a ‘grot spot’ or fly-tipping to us by calling Contact Oldham on 0161-770 6644. You can also use the website at www.tidyoldham.gov.uk  to give us details to allow our officers to investigate.”