Diggle News has now become part of inSaddleworth
We’ve still got all the same Diggle News stories, all the great photos, but now also have all the extra features of inSaddleworth like Notices, News, Business Directory, Events and Galleries
‘All in Good Time’ at the Millgate Theatre, Delph
The last advertised play in the Saddleworth Players season, at the Millgate Theatre, is Bill Naughton’s ‘All In Good Time’ which runs from 31st May to 7th June.
Directed by Rod Fitton, this warm, funny and touching play centres on the sensitive Arthur and his new bride forced by economic circumstances to live with his good-hearted but rough-tongued father, Ezra. ‘I try to do right – but somehow it always turns out bloody wrong,’ says Ezra plaintively. He has a lovely nature, but his roughness grates on his sensitive son who would rather listen to serious music than down a pint with the boys. Arthur and his bride can only afford to live with Arthur’s parents. The lack of privacy is so inhibiting that, six weeks after the wedding, Violet woefully confides that she is still a virgin. The news gets around. Humiliated and furious, Arthur intends to leave Violet, but fortunately his rage destroys his inhibitions. Coming downstairs later, his new confidence allows father and son to reach each other for the first time.
Premiered in 1963 ‘All In Good Time’ was later filmed as ‘The Family Way’ with John Mills, Marjorie Rhodes, Hywel Bennett and Hayley Mills. In the Saddleworth Players production Arthur is played by Andy Hoyle, Ezra by Ian Crickett, Lucy, his mother by Edwina Rigby and Violet his bride by Cally Statham.
For online booking and additional information go to the Saddleworth Players website.
Blues Festival Fundraiser: Diggle Band Club
Blues Festival Fundraiser – Real Ale and Cider tasting at Diggle Band Club
Friday 30th May from 7pm
Tickets from Saddleworth Real Ale Shop (Uppermill) and Diggle Band Club.
For more details visit Friends of Diggle Band Club on Facebook.
Oldham Council: Local Elections – Thursday, May 22nd
Oldham Council is reminding residents that local elections are taking place on Thursday, May 22. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm that day and registered voters should have received cards explaining where to go to vote.
A total of 21 seats are up for election: one third of Oldham Council’s 60 seats (one in each of the 20 wards), plus a by-election in another seat in the St James ward which was recently vacated by Councillor Nigel Newton.
Voters should not number their choice(s) on the ballot paper. They should simply place a cross against one or two candidates. Anybody who votes for just one candidate will still have cast a valid vote.
Oldham Council is firmly committed to a fair and democratic election. Voters are encouraged to use their right to vote and reminded that if you have any evidence of an electoral offence having been committed, you should contact the police immediately. The election count will take place in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday, May 23. The vote verification process will start at 9.30am that day and it is anticipated the count will start at around 2pm.
You can keep up to date with the results as they are announced by following @OldhamCouncil on Twitter or by visiting the link from our website (www.oldham.gov.uk) to the results which will be posted at www.oldham.gov.uk/electionresults
Oldham Community Radio will also be broadcasting live from the count that afternoon on 99.7FM.
The current composition of Oldham Council is: 43 – Labour; 14 – Liberal Democrats; 2 – Conservative; plus 1 vacant.
Elections are also taking place on May 22 to choose the North West’s eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). More information can be found at www.northwestvotes.gov.uk
Related stories:
Saddleworth Parish Council concerned about the lack of consultation re: Saddleworth School
Debbie Abrahams says Diggle is the ‘least worst option’ for locating a new school
Public anger grows following Saddleworth Parish Council’s U-turn
Diggle residents say NO to OMBC in big way
Garth Harkness Wins Saddleworth North
Letter to the Editor: Who do the Parish Councillors represent, a political party or the electorate?
Party Politics Risk Undermining Saddleworth Parish Council
During its current term of office Saddleworth Parish Councillors have developed a good team working relationship and have produced commendable achievements; these include re-addressing the way the Parish Council does its work, £45,000 net rates rebate, annual rates bill reduced by £14,000, annual insurance bill reduced by £1,500, energy bills significantly reduced by shopping around and applying energy saving measures, running the cemetery as a self sufficient business with no money paid into or taken from Parish Council funds, excellent cemetery restoration work carried out, precept not increased in 2013 or 2014, parish caretakers recruited without increasing the precept, effective focus on transport issues and successful resolution of planning issues.
Party politics have not played any part in our meetings until the advent of the Saddleworth School issue. However, since September 2013 sadly their unsavoury smell permeated the council’s chamber; unfortunately they prevail.
This unsavoury party political stance resulted from the proposed new secondary school in Saddleworth. Last summer, at the request of a group of Saddleworth residents, public debate on the subject was initiated in a letter to the Oldham Chronicle. That fuelled considerable opposition from some prominent parish councillors. The councillors advocating public debate were subjected to threats, bullying and intimidation in an effort to curtail the debate; the premise was that inviting public discussion would totally undermine the case for having a new school in Saddleworth. When such threats failed councillors supporting public debate were accused of not wanting any secondary school in Saddleworth; accusations were made in an effort to undermine their credibility in promoting debate. Such accusations were emphatically rejected; education is so important and feeds major opportunities in raising individual achievement in life.To further undermine public debate one parish councillor was also recently reported in the Oldham Chronicle as saying “The Education Funding Agency has threatened on a number of occasions to withdraw funding for the new school in Saddleworth.” It will be interesting to see if that statement stands up to formal scrutiny or if it is merely a political ploy used as a frightening tactic.
Perceptions also exist are that some parish councillors want to stifle public opinion, comments and debate with respect to local issues. Sadly there is a view among a handful of politically motivated parish councillors in Saddleworth that public opinion and comments are not of value to council business.
To some members of the public, party politics are totally offensive, at government, borough and parish levels. They consider party politics as disruptive and view that they contribute to disunity within communities. On a general level focus on representing a community as a whole is displaced by focus on what is important to the party in power. Moreover, such behaviour is often accompanied by an arrogant stance that if the electorate doesn’t like what is happening it will have an opportunity to do something about it at the next election. Sadly one prominent Saddleworth Parish Councillor is on record as sharing such sentiments. Of interest to note is that one community association in Saddleworth has expressed extreme dissatisfaction with politics dominating the Parish Council chambers to the degree that it totally by-passes the Parish Council and addresses issues direct to OMBC.
My view is that party politics risk undermining the work of Saddleworth’s Parish Council. Far more importantly they are degrading to the electorate and could be construed as bringing the Parish Council into disrepute. The important question is: “Who do the Parish Councillors represent, a political party or the electorate?” Furthermore, it is unacceptable to have one of Oldham’s political party machines imposing party will at the expense of all Saddleworth residents; such a stance undermines the Parish Council and is disrespectful in representing the residents of Saddleworth. Only one of the three groups in the Parish Council seems to play the political game, the other two rightly maintain and apply effective independent thought in dealing with Saddleworth issues.
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Rob Knotts
The views and comments expressed in letters to the editor and in comments on posts do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the editor. Letters may be edited.
Related stories:
Parish Council asks OMBC to consider an alternative scheme for Saddleworth School
Public anger grows following Saddleworth Parish Council’s U-turn
The fight will continue say Saddleworth residents
EFA will consider the views of local people when deciding on site for Saddleworth School
Saddleworth’s Independent Councillors say consider the views of 3000 residents
Live art event outside Oldham Art Gallery
A unique piece of mind-boggling illusionary art is taking shape outside Oldham Art Gallery this week.
Over three days the internationally acclaimed pavement artists Urban Canvas will create a one-off piece of 3D art as part of this year’s Festival Oldham activities. Using only pastels and poster paint the large-scale artwork will magically rise from the pavement, creating a giant gravity defying masterpiece when viewed from above.
On the final day the artists will invite you onto the art for a unique photo opportunity… but be careful where you walk, and don’t look down!
The finished artwork has also been designed to form a striking visual backdrop for the ‘Rooted’ event taking place at Gallery Oldham on Saturday 24th May from 12noon to 4pm. Skateboarding demonstrations and a special BMX dance show will be performed on the 3D artwork at the free event that also features live music, theatre and crafts.
For more information visit the Oldham Art Gallery website.
Dementia Awareness Week
Schedule for road closures in Uppermill
Revised plans to tackle sewer flooding in Uppermill go on display to the public next week.
Uppermill residents are being invited to an exhibition on Thursday 1 May to see United Utilities’ plans for a major £1 million sewer improvement scheme. The work on Church Road, New Street and Bolton’s Yard is due to start on 2 June and will take until the end of August to complete. Water engineers have been planning the scheme since last October and working closely with Oldham Council to minimise the impact on traffic.
Following consultation with residents last autumn the project team has been looking at ways to reduce the impact of a lengthy diversion route – the only route available in the area.
Tessa Smith, project coordinator at United Utilities, explained: “Everybody recognises that we must do this work to resolve the nightmare of sewer flooding for residents, but the big problem has been the diversion route. We’ve looked at our schedule from every angle with Oldham Council to see what we can do to reduce the impact. We’re now planning on working 13 days a fortnight with extended hours to get it completed as quickly as possible. And we will phase the work so that the major diversion is confined to the school summer holidays.
“We know there’s never an ideal time to do work like this but we hope people will bear with us. It’s one of the many essential upgrades that our customers’ bills help to fund and it will be well worth it when the flooding protection is in place.”
The public exhibition will be held at Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill on Thursday 1 May, from 3pm to 7pm.
A letter and leaflet with full details of the work schedule will be sent to all residents and people are encouraged to come along to the exhibition, to meet the team and ask any questions.
The Uppermill sewer scheme forms part of United Utilities’ £3.5 billion investment across the North West between 2010 and 2015, aimed at improving drinking water quality and cleaning the environment.
The Revised Schedule
The work will be completed in 6 phases:
Phase 1: Smithy Lane to Boltons Yard (2nd June – 1 week )
Affected Roads: Smithy Lane, Uppermill from a point 10 metres east of its junction with Boltons Yard to its junction with Station Road
Alternative Route: Smithy Lane, High Street, Bridge Street, Carr Lane, Rush Hill Road, Grove Road, Shaws Lane, Station Road and vice versa
Phase 2: Boltons Yard (9th June – 2weeks )
Affected Roads: Boltons Yard, Uppermill for its whole length, between New Street and Smithy Lane
Alternative Route: Smithy Lane, High Street, New Street and vice versa
Phase 3: (23rd June – 4 weeks )
Affected Roads: New Street from the junction of Boltons Yard to Church Road
Alternative Route: High Street, Church Road and vice versa
Phase 4: ( 21st July – 2 weeks )
Affected Roads: Church Road Uppermill from its junction with Pickhill Lane
Advisory Alternative Route for Eastbound Vehicles: High Street, Oldham Road, Chapel Road, Chew Valley Road, Kinders Lane, Boarshurst Lane, Haw Clough Lane, Knowl Top Lane, Gellfield Lane and Church Road
Advisory Alternative Route for Westbound Vehicles (Under 17T): Church Road, Running Hill Gate, Running Hill Lane, Ward Lane, Huddersfield Road, Wool Road, High Street
Phase 5: (4th August – 1week )
Affected Roads: Church Road, Uppermill from its junction with Pickhill Lane to a point 20 metres west of Brook Avenue
Advisory Alternative Route for Eastbound Vehicles:High Street, Oldham Road, Chapel Road, Chew Valley Road, Kinders Lane, Boarshurst Lane, Haw Clough Lane, Knowl Top Lane, Gellfield Lane and Church Road
Advisory Alternative Route for Westbound Vehicles: Church Road, Running Hill Gate, Running Hill Lane, Ward Lane, Huddersfield Road, Wool Road, High Street
Phase 6: Continuing along Church Road to outside
For further information call United Utilities on 0845 746 220 quoting project number NCA 80029009 or Oldham Council on 0161 770 3000
Nominations for Election of Saddleworth North Councillor
Oldham Council
Thursday, 22nd May 2014
The following statement as to the persons nominated for election as Councillor for the
Saddleworth North Ward / District
____________________________________________
Statement as to persons nominated
_______________________________________________
The following persons have been nominated:
|
Candidates Surname
|
Other Names |
Home Address |
Description (if any) |
|
Clark
|
Angela Michelle |
Dobcross |
UK Independence Party |
|
Fryer
|
Paul |
Springhead |
Labour Party Candidate |
|
Jeffery Sykes
|
Nicola |
Uppermill |
The Conservative Party Candidate |
|
Kirkham
|
Nikki |
Delph |
Independent |
|
Roughley
|
Alan |
Denshaw |
Liberal Democrat |
The persons opposite whose names no entry is made in the last column have been and stand validly nominated.
Returning Officer: Carolyn Wilkins, Oldham Council
European Parliamentary Elections
The full list of candidates for the forthcoming European Parliamentary Elections has now been published. Eleven political parties will contest the elections on Thursday, May 22 to choose the North West of England’s eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The full list can be viewed at www.northwestvotes.gov.uk
Electors in the Oldham area will also be choosing 21 councillors in local elections* at the same time.
Voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 22 for both elections.
Oldham Council’s local election results will be counted on Friday, May 23 and the North West European Parliamentary Elections count will take place on Sunday, May 25, as polls close across Europe.
People will not be able to vote in either election unless they have ensured they are on the electoral register by Tuesday, May 6.
For further information – including how to apply for a postal or proxy vote – visit the Oldham Council website at: http://www.oldham.gov.uk/elections or call the Elections Line on 0161 770 4718.
Related stories:
Residents asked to submit questions for a public meeting: “The Future of Saddleworth School…”
Letter to the Editor regarding a new Saddleworth School in Diggle
Debbie Abrahams says Diggle is the ‘least worst option’ for locating a new school
Oldham Council: Local Elections – Thursday, May 22nd
Garth Harkness Wins Saddleworth North
Saddleworth School Update: Option agreement signed – work on planning submission starts
Greenfield and Greenbelt site at Shaw’s Pallet Works, Diggle (Photo: Paul Marsh)
Oldham Council has now signed the legal agreements with partners to deliver the proposed new Saddleworth School at Diggle.
The local authority has been in negotiations to acquire an area of land at the former WH Shaw Pallets Works in Diggle to be funded using the existing school site on High Street, Uppermill, in exchange.
The option agreement now enables Oldham Council to complete this purchase at any time in the forthcoming months. This will be done if and when Interserve, the construction partner selected by Government, obtains planning permission for the proposed development this summer.
The next steps will now see detailed design meetings taking place between Oldham Council, Saddleworth School, the Education Funding Agency, which manages the project for the Department for Education, and Interserve.
The discussions aim to draw up a series of vital works that would be needed in the Diggle area. These include carriageway and footpath widening works, the introduction of a School Safety Zone, the development of a residents’ car park and fencing work.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, visited the site today to discuss the plans with Matthew Milburn, Headteacher at Saddleworth School.
She said, “It’s excellent news that we now have the necessary legal agreements in place to deliver a new Saddleworth School in Diggle. The meetings that will be held next will take around eight weeks to complete and they will be absolutely vital to this project. We know that some people in the local community have expressed concerns about the plans. It’s now our challenge to come up with a scheme of associated works that can deliver the best possible solution on these matters, and we are passionate about succeeding in that task.
“We know we must work hard to get the detail right in order to deliver a modern new secondary school that works for Saddleworth. Once the proposed works and designs are drawn up we will, as we have always promised, share these with the public for feedback before any planning application is submitted by Interserve.”
Matthew Milburn added: “Saddleworth School is an important institution but the local community is equally important to us. Our technical group is looking forward to playing a full part in these discussions and helping to ensure the proposed improvements and designs offer the best possible outcome.This will be a very challenging phase of the project and one that we are all committed to getting right.”
The public are advised that contractors will be at the WH Shaw Pallets site this week dealing with a dangerous structure on the area of land not being acquired by the council to the rear of the site. Surveyors advised the current landowners that part of the building is unstable and needs urgent action.
Full demolition of the building is not necessary but some parts of the upper storey, three elevations and the roof, will need to be removed.
Cllr Chadderton said, “The landowners informed us that engineers fear there could be a partial collapse within the building. This work is needed to prevent any potential danger to members of the public who use the canal tow path. Public safety is paramount, of course and, although this minor demolition work is totally unrelated to the Saddleworth School proposals, it is a reminder of the industrial nature of some of the existing site and its current state.”
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Mike Buckley, speaking on behalf of those who oppose the building of a school in Diggle, said in response to the above press release, ‘It contains no new information and reiterates OMBC’s determination to press ahead against all odds with building the new school in Diggle. In the absence of the promised capital receipt from the land swap deal, OMBC have now committed a substantial sum of ratepayer’s money to embark on the necessary infrastructure work that the council are liable for under their agreement with the government’s funding agency.
“Despite repeated requests for information, the Council have resolutely refused to publish the extent of their financial liability or details of the works they will have to undertake. Recent press reports have highlighted the access difficulties with the Diggle site and the likely threat to pedestrian safety. It is alarming that no detailed survey of highway conditions or pedestrian access has yet been carried out and that this seems unlikely to take place in advance of planning permission being applied for.
‘We have been informed that Interserve, the contracter, will be responsible for this survey and analysis. If highway work goes ahead in advance of these technical surveys and planning permission being secured there is a great deal of scope for abortive work and wasted money. Widening the road at one point is futile when passing problems remain elsewhere and footpath difficulties and pedestrian safety issues remain unresolved.
“The whole issue of sports pitches is still up in he air, with no statement as to what will be provided at Diggle and where the pitches will be located. Flood defenses and the destruction of the nesting sites of protected species also remain unresolved problems. There are many risks and bridges to cross in achieving planning permission and therefore, it cannot be a 100% certainty as has been claimed.
“As the difficulties and complexities of the planned move are becoming apparent timescales have slipped twelve months since the announcements last October. Recent information is that the school will not now be ready until 2016 and it is unlikely that Interserve will be in position to submit planning permission before the end of this year, twelve months later than initially promised by OMBC.
“Diggle is a high risk strategy, and a totally unnecessary high risk. It has now been accepted that the only substantive reason why the new school cannot be built on the existing site in Uppermill, is value for money – i.e cost. But no detailed costings of either proposal have yet been carried out and OMBC refuse to publish any information on the costs of building on either site.
“Opposition to the Diggle proposals is growing by the day, not just from Diggle residents, but also from residents and businesses in Uppermill, Greenfield and all over Saddleworth. All parts of the district will be negatively impacted by the relocation. The present numbers who have signed our paper and on-line petitions now stands at 2500 and the total is growing by the hour. In contrast, only 160 signatures have been collected by the on-line petition, launched several months ago, to support the move of the school to Diggle.
“The campaign to build in Uppermill will go on and we still hope that reason and common sense will prevail within the ranks of Oldham Council. Saddleworth can have a new school without all the problems that its relocation to Diggle entails. All it takes is an open mind on the part of OMBC and the school governors and the will to make it happen.”
Major sewer upgrade in Uppermill expected to cause serious disruption
Rushcart Festival, Church Rd, Uppermill (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
A major sewer upgrade is set to take place later this year in June on Church Road in Uppermill. Although this necessary work has to take place to alleviate flooding in the area, it is expected to cause major problems for people moving around Uppermill and surrounding areas.
The work will start in early June 2014 and will continue until August 2014.
The main area affected is New Street/Church Road between Bolton’s Yard and Brook Avenue. There will be temporary signals and diversions affecting Church Road, Running Hill Gate, Running Hill Lane, Ward Lane, Huddersfield Road, Wool Road and High Street.
A spokesperson for United Utilities said, “On Church Road, the sewers are struggling to cope with the demand being put on them particularly during heavy periods of rainfall, resulting in sewer flooding to some properties. We intend, with this sewer upgrade, to alleviate this problem and are aiming to get the work completed as quickly as possible.’
Several residents, attending a presentation made by United Utilities last September, voiced concerns about access to sites beyond the closure. They pointed out that once Church Road is closed, it will not be possible to reach the area beyond the closure by car, without following lengthy diversions, over narrow lanes, via Ward Lane in Diggle and Kinders Lane in Greenfield.
Saddleworth events taking place in and around this time may be affected by the closure.
For more information visit Oldham Council at http://www.oldham.gov.uk/directory_record/15659/new_streetchurch_road_uppermill or call United Utilities on 0845 746 2200
An evening of music at Kilngreen Church
New walk guide includes Diggle
Dr Jenny Lunn: Discovering Britain Project Manager
Diggle features in a new walk created by the Royal Geographical Society. ‘Discovering Britain’ is a prestigious collection of walks around the country, each with a geographical theme.
The Discovering Britain project is managed by Dr Jenny Lunn, who grew up in Delph. She wanted to ensure that Saddleworth was included in the series.
The walk, entitled “Crossing point: Discover routeways over and under the Pennines”, looks at how people have created ways to cross the physical barrier of the Pennines throughout history from Roman roads and packhorse trails to turnpike roads and the Standedge tunnels.
The 6 mile route starts in Delph, goes up the Castleshaw Valley to Standedge then down Boat Lane to Diggle, along the canal and finishes at the Brownhill Centre.
The walk is self-guided with a detailed commentary available in both audio format and written format. Both can be downloaded for free from the Discovering Britain website: www.discoveringbritain.org/walks/region/north-west-england/saddleworth.html
Full colour versions of the walk booklet, ideal for taking out on the walk, are also on sale locally in the Tourist Information Centre at Saddleworth Museum, in the Gallery Oldham shop at Oldham Library, and at Delph Post Office.
For more information visit www.discoveringbritain.org or email discoveringbritain@rgs.org
Turn growing your own fruit and veg into a business opportunity
Focus of the day – The local Food Economy – growing food, the food supply chain, education and training, social enterprise and business
The aims of the day
It is expected that participants will leave the event:
• Having been introduced to Get Oldham Growing identity and website
• Being well informed about current activities relating to food – growing, sourcing and cooking, skills development and business opportunities
• Having shared their ideas for future development of Get Oldham Growing
• Being inspired to get involved in activities related to the Get Oldham Growing themes
Programme content
The day will include:
A speaker who will provide an overview of the vision for Get Oldham Growing
A presentation to launch the Get Oldham Growing Brand and website
A speaker who will introduce the social entrepreneurship aspect of the GOG programme
A presentation of a Healthier Catering Award to a local Cafe
Bookable 1:1 appointments with business adviser
Bookable workshops – Setting up Food businesses / Social enterprises – sign up on the day
Show case of local activities already underway or being planned by groups and communities
Local food market – see what fresh, local produce is available from Oldham and nearby
Marketplace of training, jobs, land and information
The day will also provide opportunities to:
• map the current local food growing activity
• join a network for Get Oldham Growing
• gain members of a wide advisory group for Get Oldham Growing
• promote future events being planned across Oldham
• obtain Get Oldham Growing promotional materials
For more information please contact Julie Holt on 0161 770 8489 or Nayan Joshi at Voluntary Action Oldham on 0161 633 6222.
A Most Popular Murder Mystery
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
Saddleworth Players present a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery ‘And Then There Were None’ at the Millgate Arts Centre from 5 – 12 April 2014.
In this superb murder mystery comedy, eight strangers are lured to a house by their apparently absent host, marooned there along with two house servants. They are all separately accused of having committed murder in the past and then one guest is poisoned. One down and nine to go ……
A true Agatha Christie classic, originally published under a different title in 1939 with over 100 million book sales making it the world’s best-selling mystery novel. It has been made into several films and radio play as well as this well-known stage production, with its ingenious plot and surprise ending – it’s set to be an entertaining evening.
Subscriber booking opens Tuesday 18 March 2014 – call the box office on 01457 874644. Telephone booking opens Tuesday to Friday 7:30pm–9.00pm. First Tuesday also 2.00pm–4.00pm.
Online booking opens 2pm on 18 March 2014 and 24 hours a day thereafter – follow the link at www.saddleworthplayers.org.uk We no longer open to personal callers in the evenings but continue to operate telephone and online booking facilities as usual.
Payment can now be made using most credit and debit cards. Subscriber enquiry number – 01457 871736.
Armed Robbery at Diggle Post Office
Diggle Post Office
At approx 17:25 hrs today there was an armed robbery at Diggle Post office. The robbery was committed by two males who arrived at the scene on a motorbike which was later found abandoned at Warth Mill, Huddersfield Road.
Descriptions:
1. Male white, dark eyes, 5’10”, average build wearing a black motorcycle helmet with a face covering underneath, dark rainproof jacket with a 1″ light coloured stripe across the shoulders and a green zip on the right side of the jacket.
2. Male white, 5’8″, average build, wearing a black motorcycle helmet with a dark covering underneath, dark waterproof coat with a small light coloured square on the left side of the chest.
If you were in the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously or have CCTV on your property, which may have captured the offence, please ring the police on 101 quoting FWIN 1656T 25/03/14
Cinema deal for Oldham
Oldham Council and ODEON have agreed an exciting deal to open a seven-screen cinema in the town centre.
The local authority has been in discussion with Europe’s largest cinema operator for several months about plans to transform the Old Town Hall into a first-class family entertainment venue. This landmark development will restore the Grade-II listed building as a civic ‘jewel’ in a scheme that will re-use and extend it to include a new 805-seat family cinema boasting seven screens, plus six restaurants* and a branded café franchise.
The plans are designed to capitalise on the Old Town Hall’s town centre location – sympathetically conserving as much of the existing building as possible whilst also adding a modern glazed ‘light box’ extension. There will also be a new public square adjacent to the venue in Clegg Street which will feature restaurants and play host to arts and cultural events.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “This is box office news for us in every respect – and a real coup for Oldham. ODEON is the largest cinema operator in the UK and synonymous with great film experiences, so we were absolutely determined to get them on-board this project. Their commitment to us is a huge vote of confidence in our exciting plans. Oldham has lacked a cinema and family entertainment venue for far too long and this is brilliant news for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“A thriving town centre isn’t just about retail any more – it’s about other complimentary uses that make it a place that people want to spend time in. That means combining a wide range of high street retailers with varied markets, thriving independent businesses and a leisure offer with a range of cultural venues, attractions and events, new open public spaces and a more attractive environment.
“The redevelopment of the Old Town Hall is absolutely central to this vision. By using this historic building as its shell we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver a cinema in a unique venue and backdrop that will put it in a different class from out-of-town retail centres. Our vision has always been to restore the Old Town Hall as a symbol of civic pride. Today is an important step and we can’t wait to get started on work with ODEON to make this happen.”
Roger Harris, Chief Operating Officer ODEON, said: “We have been delighted to work with Oldham Council to achieve an attractive and innovative cinema design. This is a further example of the close strategic partnership we have been developing with a number of local authorities who are seeking similar exciting redevelopment opportunities.”
Initial work is already progressing on the historic Old Town Hall building in preparation for the start of major works later this year.
This Spring a specially-designed hoarding featuring photographs of local people and their memories of the Old Town Hall will be put in place as the building works take place.
Diggle Blues Festival 2014
Victor Brox at the 2013 Diggle Blues Festival (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
The line-up for the Diggle Blues Festival 2014:
Thursday 5th June – Kent Duchaine, Hanging Gate, 8pm.
Friday 6th June – Sons of the Delta, Hanging Gate, 7pm.
Friday 6th June – Mudcats Blues Trio, Diggle Band Club, 8.30pm.
Saturday 7th June – Garron Frith, Diggle Hotel, 2pm.
Saturday 7th June – Backwater Blues Band, Kilngreen Hall, 3.30pm.
Saturday 7th June – Dani Wilde & Todd Sharpville, Diggle Band Club, 6pm.
Saturday 7th June – Mojo Rising, Hanging Gate, 8.30pm.
Sunday 8th – Angelo Palladino, Woolyknit Café, 12.30pm.
Sunday 8th June – Half Deaf Clatch, Hanging Gate, 2pm.
Sunday 8th June – Blue Swamp, Diggle Band Club, 4.30pm.
Sunday 8th June – John Otway, Kilngreen Hall, 7pm.
(Closing ceremony; sing song & Diggle National Anthem. 8pm).
Free entry to all venues.
To see photographs from last years line-up go to: http://www.stuartcolemanphotography.co.uk/client-area/diggle-blues-festival/
Giant projections to light up Oldham Gallery
Oldham Council and Lets Go Global are inviting residents to help light up Oldham Gallery as part of the Big Digital Project.
The local authority’s Arts Development team and local artist Jonathan Lewis have been working with members of the public and with groups including Young Oldham Dance, Oldham’s Institute of Public Information, Oldham Theatre Workshop, Actors House, To Do and a Hoo-Ha, Peshkar Productions and The Rainy City Roller Girls. Together they have created thought provoking short films which, combined with recently digitised archival footage of Oldham from The North West Film Archive, will reveal how the town looked and felt in the 50s through to the modern day.
‘So This Is How It Feels to be Oldham’ will explore the borough’s sense of identity through an hour long performance featuring four projections outside the gallery running simultaneously, enabling the public to interact with unique large scale art. Oldham’s show takes place at 7.30pm on Friday, March 21.
Councillor Jean Stretton Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Neighbourhoods, said: “I’m pleased so many residents from across the borough have got involved in this project and Gallery Oldham will provide a fitting backdrop for what should be a colourful and entertaining night.”
The Big Digital Project is a community-led project produced by Lets Go Global, working with artists Andy McKeown, Peter Walker and David Harper from externalGalleries. Communities across Greater Manchester have produced pieces of work that will be performed in the places they live. Using custom designed, open source software and multiple projectors, the Big Digital Project has been capturing unique stories, local pride and the strong, individual voices that bring to life the distinctive spirit of Greater Manchester
The initiative will culminate in a spectacular, large-scale lightshow in and around Manchester’s Albert Square on Saturday, March 29 at 7.30pm.
The Big Digital Project is supported by Greater Manchester Strategic Arts Fund, funded by AGMA and Arts Council England.
Saddleworth North Monthly Crime Figures: February 2014 update
| Crime | Dec | Jan | Feb |
| Burglary (Of homes) | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Burglary Other (Shed, Garage, Business) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Theft from a Vehicle | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Theft of a Motor Vehicle | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Criminal Damage | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling
Rivington Road , Springhead – Offenders used a garden rock to smash a patio door window to gain access to the property.
Heywood Fold Road – Offenders attempted to smash two windows with a brick but were unsuccessful.
Woodbrook Avenue , Springhead – Offenders entered the property via an insecure kitchen window and stole property.
Old Lane, Austerlands – Offenders gained access to the property via an insecure patio door and stole property. They were disturbed by the home owner and fled.
Dobcross New Road, Dobcross – Offenders forced the rear kitchen door and made an untidy search. Several items were stolen.
Delph Lane, Delph – Offenders attempted to enter the property via an insecure kitchen door. They were disturbed by the home owner and fled.
Burglary Other
Delph Lane, Delph – Offenders forced a garden shed lock and stole several items.
Vehicle crime – Theft from a motor vehicle and theft of a vehicle
Standedge Road, Diggle – Offenders smashed the window of an unattended vehicle. Nothing was stolen.
Oldham Road ,Dobcross – Offenders approached two insecure vehicles parked inside the grounds and removed items.
Ward Lane , Diggle – Offenders smashed the window of a vehicle and removed a handbag.
Ripponden Road, Denshaw – Offenders removed the front, rear offside and nearside doors, the rear windscreen and bonnet from a Land Rover Defender.
Oldham Road, Denshaw – Offenders stole a locked Land Rover Defender.
Clydesdale Rise, Diggle – Offenders stole a locked Land Rover Defender.
Rochdale Road , Denshaw – Offenders stole a locked vehicle. It was later recovered.
Vehicle Interference
Ripponden Road, Denshaw – Offenders gained access to the car park of a public house and cut the battery on a Land Rover Defender. They activated the alarm and fled.
Criminal Damage
Gloucester Drive , Diggle – Offenders damaged the window of a stationary unattended caravan.
PCSO Monica Seville says, “As you can tell from the figures, burglary of dwelling and vehicle crime has increased in Saddleworth North. If you own a Land Rover Defender and have a garage please consider using it especially overnight when most of the thefts are taking place. Can we also ask that if you witness any suspicious activity or persons in the area that you report them to the police as soon as possible.”
PCSO Monica Seville and PCSO Kath Crompton can be contacted at: oldhamborough@gmp.police.uk or on 0161 856 8825.
New school plans may add to flooding risk in Saddleworth
Flooding adjacent to the proposed sports fields in Diggle in 2012. (Photo: A. Hulme)
Following recent national flooding problems Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG) have raised concerns that the plans to relocate Saddleworth School to Diggle may add to the flooding risk in Saddleworth. The proposals for the new school involve building two sports pitches in the green belt valley below the Pallet Works site, much of which is designated as a flood plane. A recent (2010) strategic flood risk assessment conducted for the Diggle site1 warned that the valley suffered a “primary risk from surface water and the River Tame and a secondary risk from the Huddersfield Narrow Canal”.
Building Sports fields in the valley will involve levelling and raising the land next to Diggle Brook. Published plans for the positioning of the sports fields show them encroaching into the flood plane and this seems inevitable due to the constrained nature of the site. Culverting the river has been proposed by the school’s technical committee to make levelling easier and avoid the risk of the pitches flooding. However, this would interfere with the flood plane and would almost certainly not be permitted.
Cllr. Mike Buckley of SDAG said, “The risk assessment carried out in 2010 indicated that the site is susceptible to flooding. Measures such as those that have been proposed to safeguard the sports fields from inundation would inevitably interfere with the flood plane and increase the risk of flooding further down the Diggle and River Tame Valleys. With climate change, environmental experts believe that extreme events of this kind will become more prevalent in the future and in the light the recent floods central government has warned against development on flood planes. As recently as 2012 severe flooding took place in the valley and a large lake was formed on the proposed site (See attached photograph).
“OMBC and the Government’s Educational Funding Agency should review the present decision to locate the school’s sports facilities in this vulnerable location.”
For further information on flooding in Oldham see: Oldham Council Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Vol. 3, January 2010.
http://www.oldham.gov.uk/downloads/download/499/hybrid_strategic_flood_risk_assessment_downloads.