How Lib-Dems would balance council books

DIMMING streetlights, slashing the number of councillors by a third and reducing council publications would be the cost-cutting targets of an Oldham Lib-Dem council.

The party’s alternative budget for 2015/16 also includes more research on the arrival of retail giant Marks & Spencer at the new Prince’s Gate development at Mumps, and more spending on street and gully cleaning.

Councillor John McCann, shadow cabinet member for finance and HR, said: “We do not oppose regeneration but as in the case of Marks & Spencer coming to Oldham we want a clear business case with pros and cons.”

The proposed savings add up to £441,000 for 2015/16 and £272,000 for 2016/17.