Jean named community champion

JEAN STRETTON

OLDHAM Council has won four prizes at a prestigious awards ceremony in Westminster.

Hollinwood councillor Jean Stretton was named Community Champion of the Year at the Local Government Information Unit and Churches Charities and Local Authorities Achievement Awards.

Judges honoured her efforts in setting up the Oldham Distress Fund and supporting the people of Shaw following last year’s massive gas explosion.

The Young Councillor of the Year prize was shared between Councillors Amanda Chadderton, Sean Fielding and Arooj Shah for leading successful local campaigns on fairer bus fares, affordable local credit and energy switching.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Oldham Council leader, said: “I am incredibly proud of these awards — all four are fully justified.”

The awards, at Westminster City Hall, reward the efforts of councillors from across the political spectrum.