Road safety campaign in running for awards

AN Oldham campaign created to raise awareness about dangerous driving has been shortlisted for two national awards.

Oldham Youth Council’s Every Life Matters campaign received two nominations for the Children & Young People Now Awards.

The annual event, now in its sixth year, celebrates all those who work to improve the lives of children, young people and families.

Out of 420 entries received from groups across the country, judges shortlisted the campaign in two of the 20 categories, nominating them for The Stay Safe Award, and The Volunteering and Participation Award.

The Every Life Matters campaign was set up in memory of schoolboy Chris Dale who was killed by a young driver while crossing a road in Lees in 2009.

Members of the Oldham Youth Council, led by his sister Becca Dale, Chantel Birtwistle, the current youth mayor, and Charlotte Kilroy, formed the campaign to flag up to young people the dangers of dangerous driving. As a result, they helped influence the installation of speed cameras in Lees Road, near the site of the collision.

They then went on to commission hard-hitting play “The Split Second”, which toured sixth forms across the borough and went on to be staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Members also gave up countless hours to spread the word about safer driving and organised an awareness week, encouraging drivers to support the campaign by flying black bands on their car aerials.

Jodie Barber, senior empowerment and participation officer at Oldham Council, supported the campaign.

She said: “We’re absolutely over the moon and feel quite honoured that the campaign has received national recognition.

“I’m particularly proud of the young people that have led the campaign and have worked tirelessly on it.

“They have made a massive difference to the lives of young people in Oldham and this is just part of the recognition they deserve.

“We will be keeping our fingers crossed until the winners are announced next month.”

The finalists will be invited to a glittering award ceremony on November 17 in Hammersmith, West London.