Power share at the grassroots

A VISION of community involvement was unveiled by council leader Jim McMahon last night at a residents’ meeting in Saddleworth.

He went into depth about plans for a co-operative council in Oldham as members of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association quizzed him on its meaning.

Admitting the idea had come about as a response to the Conservative’s Big Society, Councillor McMahon spoke about plans to create six district town halls in the borough and give more power to the people.

He revealed how a co-operative fund has been set up with £100,000, which will enable local people put forward their ideas for schemes in their community.

Money would then be used to support such plans in becoming a reality.

Speaking to villagers he added: “It’s not for us to decide how the co-operative will look in each area, you can be as ambitious as you want to be.

“Be it a community group, street or individual, any can come up with ideas.”

Examples could include taking over the running of a library or an allotment project.

A community could also increase its recycling, in turn saving the council waste removal costs which could then be put towards a local project.

He also revealed that council staff from handymen and decorators to solicitors would be given three days a year to help local groups on their way to success.

The idea of opening up the civic centre suites for free community use is also under discussion.

Councillor McMahon said it was down to councillors to “lose the arrogance” and become front-line workers in making the vision become a reality, adding that the “dead hand” of bureaucracy would be reduced to assist.

Secretary of the resident’s group Mike Rooke said: “At meetings there has been real contempt for community groups like ours, that’s completely unacceptable.

“Somehow we’re out of the loop.”

It was agreed a healthy relationship between councillors and locals would be vital under the co-operative plan.

Councillor Barbara Dawson, who also attended, said: “This is a great opportunity to shape and influence how services are delivered in your area.”