Council in spotlight for Democracy Week

A PROGRAMME of borough-wide events is set to take place to mark Local Democracy Week.

Members of the council’s cabinet will be visiting secondary schools to discuss politics with students next week, while other sessions will allow residents to get involved in local decision making — more specifically by giving their views on the council’s ambition to become a co-operative council.

Each district will be holding at least one event for residents — with Saddleworth’s being held on a canal barge.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, the council’s deputy leader, said: “The views of residents are extremely important. We want to hear what you think about the services we provide for you.

“If you are impressed with something, do let us know. Likewise, if you feel we could improve the way we deliver a service that is important to you please speak up.”

A local democracy exhibition is running at Gallery Oldham everyday until Sunday, October 16.

A special launch event today, at the Union Street gallery (5pm_ features talks on prominent Oldhamers, from Annie Kenney’s role in the suffragette movement to the residents who fought in the Spanish Civil War.

The exhibition will also showcase Oldham’s collection of political posters — including those from Winston Churchill’s election as Oldham’s MP in 1900.

A Cabinet question time — in a similar format to the popular BBC show, “Question Time” — takes place in the council chamber at Oldham Civic Centre, next Thursday, from 6pm.

All questions from the public must be pre-submitted. The event will be broadcast live on the council’s website. If you would like to submit a question or request tickets email localdemocracy@oldham.gov.uk with your full name and contact details.

You can also phone 0161-770 5696 or 0161-770 1975, tweet @oldhamQT or visit www.facebook.com/oldhamcouncilquestiontime .


The district events are taking place on:
Monday — Greenacres, 3-4pm, Greenacres and St Anne’s primary schools.

Wednesday — Higginshaw, 3-4pm, Beever Road Primary School.

Thursday — Shaw Market, 9.30am-12pm; Royton Market, 1-4pm; Sholver, 3-4pm, St Thomas Primary School; Saddleworth (Pennine Moonraker barge in Uppermill), noon-3pm; Oldham Civic Centre, Live Question Time, 6-8pm.

Friday — Chadderton Library, Q&A session for Silver Surfers’ group and young people.

Monday, October 17 — Youth Council Question Time, Civic Centre, 6pm.

For more information about Local Democracy Week and a list of events go to www.oldham.gov.uk.