How council is playing its part

EXTRA officers, meetings with organisers and a cash injection are what Oldham Council has put in to turn band contest plans into reality.

Councillor Jean Stretton has clarified the council’s extensive support for the world-famous event.

As well as a major effort of administration, the council gives £15,000 to the event through the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.

Councillor Stretton, who is the cabinet member for neighbourhoods and devolved services, said: “Council officers have put a lot of time and effort into supporting the contests and have met often to put preparations in place. It is not a council event.”

More than 20 council officers will be involved on the day in various roles, while other staff will work voluntarily until midnight.

Councillor Stretton added: “A lot of people are involved to support the contests and it’s disappointing all the hard work seems to go unrecognised.

“The band contests are important, they bring people into the borough and it is a flagship event.

“People should be concentrating on enjoying this year’s fantastic event, then sitting down after and talking through with council officers what needs to be done.”


READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle