Money talks

OLDHAM residents who speak little or no English will benefit from a grant of more than £96,000.

Oldham Council and Oldham College have been awarded the money to improve language skills primarily for those looking for work.

The Government launched a competition in January to find new ways of running community-based English classes. Six bids won a share of a £6 million fund.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “Council staff already provide English language courses for non-native speakers within our neighbourhoods, but this funding will dramatically expand our work so that even more people can benefit.”