Schemes on hold as cash belt tightens

THREE major Fitton Hill and Hathershaw projects are on hold until the Government releases money which has been earmarked for building and improvement work.

The biggest is the Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre, where £1.8 million has been earmarked as the New Deal for Communities’ project contribution to the health centre, library, youth and community facilities.

The money is the return of a loan made to Villages Housing Association, landlord of the Fitton Hill estate, from the NDC project, which was repaid in March, 2009.

The money cannot be re-used without specific consent from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Also being held back is £800,000 to improve sports pitches and community access at Broadfield, St Martin’s and Hathershaw schools, and £150,000 for a business start-up project at the newly refurbished Earl Mill.

All three are part of the NDC’s delivery plan for its final year, 2010/11. The 10-year, £53million programme, began in 2001, to improve housing, health, education, jobs and the environment in the two areas.

Oldham Council is the account holder for the NDC funds, including £2.4 million which has been approved for the final year, plus the capital spending which is still on hold.

Despite the delays over the final three major schemes, Oldham Council’s cabinet has approved the year’s spending plans, although no contracts can be signed for capital spending until the Government releases the money.