No rush to spend cash

Oldham Council
COUNCIL leader Jim McMahon says Oldham town centre is set to become a beacon people can be proud of.

He hit back after councillor Howard Sykes demanded to know why the council hadn’t spent £100,000 of government money designated for invigorating the high streets, which was awarded a year ago.

“No one would suggest we spend the cash wastefully, but I do find it hard to believe some or most of it could not have been used so far to support our hard-pressed high streets,” he said.

Councillor McMahon said the money was “a drop in the ocean” but shouldn’t be wasted.

“We’re investing millions in our town. If we took your approach we’d spend it quickly. We’d have a town dominated by charity and betting shops.

“This town needs long-term investment — not just retail. It needs to be a centre for the community, a place that is clean and safe. Yorkshire Street should be Oldham’s independent quarter but it’s like a ghost town. People are about to see change they have not seen for generations.”