Democracy Week: public urged to get involved

OLDHAMERS are being urged to meet up with with their civic representatives during a week of events marking local democracy.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon kickstarted Local Democracy Week at Gallery Oldham.

It featured talks on prominent Oldhamers, from Annie Kenney’s role in the suffragette movement to the residents who fought in the Spanish Civil War, as well as an exhibition showcasing Oldham’s collection of political posters that runs until Sunday.

Other events this week include members of the council’s cabinet visiting secondary schools to discuss politics with students, while other sessions will allow residents to get involved in local decision-making.

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 on Thursday (6-8pm).

Questions from the public must be pre-submitted, and tickets requested, by emailing localdemocracy@oldham.gov.uk  with your full name and contact details, phoning 0161-770 5696 or 0161-770 1975, or tweet @oldhamQT or visit www.facebook.com/oldhamcouncilquestiontime.

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