Stand up for where you live

WORRIED villagers are being urged to have their say tonight on a vital review that could change the face of the community.

Oldham Council has been accused of treating Saddleworth residents “with disdain” over its review of existing land allocations for residential, recreational or employment use or protection under the Local Development Framework (LDF).

It is inviting comments from residents and businesses on sites identified for potential development or protection - including at a drop-in session at Uppermill Civic Hall tonighyt, from 6pm-8pm.

Saddleworth parish councillor Robert Knotts said angrily: “The approach taken by Oldham Council has treated Saddleworth residents with disdain.

“The first indication the public could comment on the site allocations was given at the district partnership meeting on January 30 — with the response deadline limited to this weekend.

A sub-committee from the district partnership and parish council team examined every site allocation proposed by the council for Saddleworth.

“We have worked extremely hard for many hours with lengthy meetings to correct inaccuracies, appraise site allocations and ensure effective protection in Oldham Council’s LDF documentation and ensure Saddleworth’s voice is heard,” said Mr Knotts.

“The work involved lengthy and extremely detailed studies. Eyebrows have been raised because of inaccuracies, discrepancies and, in some instances, wrongly-defined boundaries.

“Difficulties accessing the associated website coupled with a very tight timescale available for comments suggest a very derisory attempt to promote and engage public opinion.

Councillor Barbara Beeley, chair of Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, urged locals to attend tonight’s drop-in session.

“It is vital we complete this exercise no matter what the difficulties, as it will have a significant bearing on land use in our area for years to come. We have to get it as right as we can now before it’s too late.”