Light to lift some of the gloom

FUNDING for a multi-million pound upgrade of Oldham’s street lights has been given the go-ahead by Government.

In a day of otherwise bad news for public spending Oldham got confirmation that the £30 million joint Private Finance Initiative between Oldham and Rochdale councils moved a step closer.

According to the Department for Transport the scheme would see 41,800 street lights replaced and 996 new ones installed across the two areas to provide modern high street lighting. In addition 6,300 illuminated signs will be replaced.

A DfT spokesman said: “The announcement means that the Oldham and Rochdale street lighting PFI project that forms part of the 2nd Street Lighting Bidding Round can now proceed.”

The scheme was due to begin last June, but the plan had to be sent back to Government for re-approval.

Commuters are also set to benefit from the rail electrification between Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Blackpool.

Chancellor Osborne set out cuts of £81 billion to the public purse.

He highlighted the new build at The Royal Oldham Hospital as evidence that the Government was committed to improving the NHS.

In June, the Chronicle revealed Oldham had been given the go-ahead for a new £44 million Women and Children’s Super Centre maternity centre which will include a neonatal intensive care unit.