Parking fines trail

Oldham Council Cabinet reports


£283,000 in unpaid parking fines is still being chased by the council.

Motorists who didn’t pay up last year were never chased for the cash because of a computer problem.

It was then “written off” by the council, attracting claims of incompetence.

But Councillor Lynne Thompson, Cabinet member for finance, said “writing off” was an accountancy procedure for the budget and did not mean the council has given up chasing the debt.

About £33,000 has since been recovered.


Tram line defended

PLANS to demolish the Metrolink line through Werneth and Mumps when a separate town centre line is completed have been defended.

The first line will be axed when the second becomes operational in 2014.

This will leave Oldham with a new Metrolink and bus interchange at the former B&Q site and stops in Union Street, King Street, Manchester Street and Westwood.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “It is an exciting opportunity.”


Business boost
NEW businesses in the borough will benefit from a share of £1.7million to boost the economy.

The three-year Intensive Start Up Support programme will be funded with a £1million grant from the European Regional Development Fund, and £292,000 each from Oldham and Rochdale councils.