Council ‘no pledge’ on Latics switch

Oldham Cabinet meeting

OLDHAM Council didn’t give an undertaking that it would authorise a relocation for Latics.

Councillor John McCann gave the reassurance as he answered a series of questions by Failsworth resident Warren Bates on the plans that fell through for an Oldham Athletic stadium at Broadway.

Councillor McCann said a planning application would have to have been submitted which the council could not predetermine.

Asked if sufficient undertaking had been given to Latics that would permit a damages claim, Councillor McCann said: “It would be inappropriate to speculate on any claim for compensation, save to say that the council acted with transparency and integrity on all occasions.”

He said counsel’s advice had been sought but the submission for a land swap was an application that by its nature could be refused. He could not provide a breakdown on staff hours undertaken on the issue but said third party advice had cost £11,551.