Training base is axed in cost cutting

OLDHAM Council’s flagship training and conference centre is set to be demolished.

The Centre for Professional Development (CPD), in Fitton Hill, will close over the coming weeks.

As well as being used for training and conferences by a range of organisations, the former Fitton Hill Secondary Modern school in Rosary Road also houses some council services, mainly in education.

These are being moved into other council accommodation in the borough, along with the Oldham National Union of Teachers (NUT) office.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration, said: “Oldham Council has been carrying out a wide-ranging review of its property portfolio in an effort to save money and ensure that all its buildings are brought into full use.

“As a result the CPD will be closing. This will not have any impact on services offered by users of the building.

“Council officers based there will be relocated to other accommodation. We are proposing to demolish the building and regeneration projects for the land will be considered.”

He said the closure would save a “substantial” amount of money, adding: “For the council-tax payers it’s good news.”

But Bryan Beckingham, president of Oldham NUT, criticised the closure.

He said the number of services based there had reduced in recent years.

He added: “It was a well-used facility but they have run it down, which would then enable them to produce figures saying it is not being used.

“The facilities are something that Oldham could, if it had the vision, market to many areas.”

The services moving from the CPD are: school performance; attendance behaviour and support; 16-19 year olds service; children’s safeguarding; extended services for children; educational psychologists and information technology communications.