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Junkhousedog Blues Band live at Diggle Band Club
Diggle Granny does it again!
Computers for Khelghar
by Jackie Barrow
Readers of the Diggle News may remember an article I wrote last year about my trip to Pune in India. I was taken out there by the BBC’s One Show to meet and film with a group of children I speak to every week via Skype. This is as part of a project , affectionately known as the ‘Granny Cloud’, set up by Professor Sugata Mitra of Newcastle University.
The children live in Laxminagar, one of Pune’s slum districts. I have been connecting with them via a computer in the office of an after school club they attend. This club is run by a charity, Khelghar Palakneeti, which works with the children and their families.
I was so impressed by the work done by this charity that on my return I set about raising some money to buy an extra computer for the sole use of the children. In February of this year I held a Curry Night at Saddleworth Museum. Proceeds from this, from the sale of some of my felted work and from donations from friends and family totalled £2,300. This was way beyond what I had hoped and I was overwhelmed by people’s generosity.
There have been many hurdles and frustrations involved in getting the money to Khelghar, but I am happy to report that on Thursday 14th November, Children’s Day in India, two computers were officially handed over, set up and ready to use. One has been installed in the after school club and another in one of two rooms in the slum used for groups of girls and younger children, not usually allowed to attend the club. There was sufficient money left over to pay for locking cupboards to house the computers, some redecoration of the rooms, and to set up a high interest account to ensure the sustainability of the computers and broadband connection. On Thursday, I was Skyped in so that I could speak to the charity’s founder, Shubhada Joshi, to the co-ordinator of the ‘Granny Cloud’, Suneeta Kulkarni and to a group of very excited children and volunteers.
So, once again, many thanks to everyone who supported my fund-raising!
Anyone interested in the work of Professor Mitra might like to know that he was the winner of the 2013 TED prize. As such, he has been awarded $1,000,000 to help fulfill his dream of a School in the Clouds.
For further information go to:
http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_build_a_school_in_the_cloud.html
Don’t get bitten by Ice Bandits
Saddleworth School produces a Q & A re: the proposed new Saddleworth School
Funding
How is the School being funded?
The new School would be delivered as part of the Coalition Government Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) which is a Government‐managed programme set up to address the needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair. Through the PSBP, 261 schools will be rebuilt or have their needs met. The first school will be completed in 2014 and all schools will be delivered by 2017. Saddleworth School is one of seven schools included within ‘North West 3 capital batch’
What properties are included in the North West Batch 3?
Interserve Projects Services have been appointed as the selected construction panel member for the £52 million contract for the North West 3 capital batch which includes 7 schools located at: Flowery Field Primary, Tameside; Saddleworth School, Oldham; Elton High School, Bury; Gorton Mount Primary, Manchester; Stanley Grove Primary, Manchester; Mesne Lea Primary, Salford; Broadoak Primary, Tameside.
With the exception of Saddleworth School and Gorton Mount School, all replacement Schools would be developed on the sites of the existing Schools.
How is the construction of the building being managed?
The construction of the School is being managed by the Education Funding Agency (EFA). A project team for each batch has been appointed by the EFA.
Why and how have Interserve been chosen as the contractor on this scheme?
Delivering works through the PSPB Capital Programme is undertaken by the ‘batching’ of schools as a package of works. Generally, schools within the batch will be in different local authorities and a batch will typically contain between 5 and 7 schools. The batching of schools limits the number of individual procurement exercises that need to take place, thus making the programme more cost effective and with a quicker build programme. Batches of schools are procured using the EFA managed Contractors Framework. This is a Framework Contract procured by the Department for Education under the EU Procurement Regulations. All contractors on the Framework are invited to tender for each batch of schools and, after an initial submission, are shortlisted to two contractors. Those shortlisted contractors then develop detailed proposals for one of the schemes in the batch, chosen as the ‘Sample Scheme’. In the case of the North West 3 Capital Batch, the Sample Scheme was Flowery Field Primary School.
A Contractor is selected for the entire batch based on the following criteria;
- Design (60%)
- Delivery (20%)
- Handover (10%)
- Price (10%)
What is being funded by the Education Funding Agency and how much funding is available?
The EFA manage the £52m contract across the whole North West batch of schools. Consequently, whilst the exact funding for Saddleworth School is not fixed, it is likely that a budget in the region of £17m would be available. The details of the works to be completed at each school and the associated funding will be determined as part of a feasibility study undertaken by the EFA. The EFA will work with applicants and schools to develop the proposals to address the condition need. This will require searches to be undertaken (for example to determine whether there are any planning constraints on the site), surveys to be undertaken (for example to determine ground conditions), plans to be drawn up and specification for works to be prepared. The EFA will be seeking to determine the option offering the best value for money to the public purse. In the case of Saddleworth School, this feasibility work is currently underway. The EFA will fund the construction of the new school on the site. Additional works that might be required outside of the site (i.e. highway improvements etc.) would be the Council’s responsibility, along with any costs associated with land acquisition, etc.
Site Location
Would a replacement school on the Saddleworth School site be considered?
Under the BSF programme, Halliday Meecham, the Council’s Technical Advisors, sketched two options for 1350 pupils that did fit on the site. However, in 2008 Halliday Meecham recommended not reusing the existing site due to the constrained nature of the existing access road and the likely operational disruption to the School during the construction works. As a result, the Council’s preferred location for the BSF School was on the frontage of the WH Shaws site. Under the PSPB, whilst 15 sites were considered, the Council and School preferred the land at the rear part of the former WH Shaw site. After appraising this area, the EFA advised that the rear of the site would incur additional costs compared with the frontage plot and therefore, the frontage was chosen as the preferred option on the basis that it represented the most affordable and deliverable option Nevertheless, as part of its Feasibility Review, the EFA has considered the development of the school on the existing site and have confirmed that this option would exceed the EFA funding envelope and would lead to significant and sustained disruption to the school during the construction process.
Have alternative sites been considered?
Since being advised that funding under the PSBP programme had been secured in January 2013, the Council considered 15 sites which included the existing Saddleworth School site and the former WH Shaw Pallet site which was the preferred site under the 2008 Building Schools for the Future scheme. Whilst the EFA does not determine which site should be chosen, with matters of Saddleworth school location being determined by the Local Authority in consultation with the school themselves, the EFA has a finite amount of funding available, which is a strong factor that must be considered as part of any site selection process, as it may limit the number of sites that are available. The preferred site also has to be approved by the EFA at the feasibility stage and is assessed against strict deliverability criteria. In 2008, when the Council initially looked at developing a replacement Saddleworth School under the Building Schools for the Future initiative, its advisors under this scheme – Halliday Meecham – concluded that re‐using the existing site was not deliverable. The EFA have confirmed that it is not uncommon for projects in the PSPB to; ‐ Be built on the existing site.‐ Be built on the existing playing fields and for the sports facilities to be rebuilt after the demolition of the current school building.‐ Utilise temporary accommodation while the work is being delivered. However, all schools are assessed on an individual basis and the constrained nature of the Uppermill site means that this approach is not considered to be a cost effective and deliverable solution in the case of Saddleworth School.
Would a replacement school fit on the Saddleworth School site?
A new 1500 place school would fit on the existing School site, indeed the initial Halliday Meecham work sketched two options that did fit on the site. However, in 2008 the option of reusing the site was dismissed by the Council’s advisors due to the constrained nature of the existing access road and the likely disruption to the School during the construction works. Work carried out subsequently by the EFA has confirmed that the development of the existing site would be above the EFA funding envelope and, in addition, would lead to significant and sustained disruption to the School.
Is it true that the Council have received a plan from local residents showing how the existing site could be developed?
The Council have received a plan from a local architect showing a potential option of how the existing site could be re‐used in support of the new school. The School’s Technical Group are considering this and whether or not this presents a more affordable scheme in comparison with that previously prepared and costed by the EFA’s Technical Advisors. Both the Council and School are committed to delivering the best solution for the area within the EFA’s affordability envelope.
What is the size of the existing and proposed Saddleworth School sites?
The existing Saddleworth School site measures 11 acres. This includes the area either side of the existing School drive, i.e. Pickhill Brook which is largely unusable due to its challenging topography. The site at the former WH Shaw site would provide a minimum of 13.31 acres.
Is it an EFA requirement that a school of this size is built on a site of at least 13 acres?
The EFA has not specified a minimum size for an overall site area.
Why weren’t the public consulted on the choice of the Diggle site?
The Council considered a total of 15 sites which were all appraised based on timescales, deliverability, cost, legal, planning, highways and engineering risk. Having completed this process, the only option was part of the former WH Shaw site. If the Council have advised that there was essentially one option, this would have impacted on the Council’s negotiating position and the Authority were keen to obtain the best commercial deal. Heads of terms were finally agreed on 16 October 2013, the same day that the site was officially announced at a public meeting.
Why is the School being developed on the frontage plot at the former WH Shaw Pallet site and not at the rear in order to mitigate its impact?
Building the school at the rear of the site will incur additional costs compared to developing on the frontage. The EFA has therefore adopted the most affordable and deliverable option within the funding available.
Are buildings being developed in the Green Belt?
At a public event on the 16 October 2013 when the Council initially presented the “EFA Control Option”, it was made clear that this was not a final design and does not necessarily represent what would ultimately be built on the site. A Control Option is used by the EFA to determine whether it is feasible to build a school on a particular site, taking account results of surveys and searches and site constraints. The final and detailed design of the school however, will be developed by the appointed contractor, Interserve. The current “Control Option” sites a Sports Hall / sports pitches on the Green Belt land. This is not contrary to Green Belt planning policy. Residents who are concerned at the current proposals would have the opportunity to comment accordingly once a planning application has been made, but the EFA is hopeful that the final plans will allay the majority of known concerns. The whole of the WH Shaw Pallet site, which includes the land that would be retained by the developer, measures 25.42 acres of which, 9.53 acres (or 38%) is located within the Green Belt.
Are the two plots of land which front Huddersfield Road (and located either side of the access road to the former WH Shaw Pallet site) located within the Green Belt?
No. Whilst informally used for grazing purposes, the areas of land are zoned for industrial and business development in the Local Development Framework. The plots are not within the Green Belt and therefore, if the School was not developed on this area of land, there would be little to prevent the land being developed for industrial sheds for example, which would only compound the highway and visual issues raised by residents.
Access
Questions have been raised as to whether the highway infrastructure can support a School in Diggle.
The Control Option scheme has been prepared by the EFA to illustrate how a 1500 place school could be accommodated on the preferred site and therefore does not show all the works that would be carried out in the area and does not necessarily represent the final design solution. In suggesting the use of part of the former WH Shaw Pallet site, it is recognised that there is a need to improve accessibility. Officers have met with representatives from the Highways Authority and a series of works have been suggested that will help mitigate the impact of the School and improve traffic flow for all Diggle residents. Details of these works will be announced once consultation with key stakeholders has taken place but could involve, introducing parking restrictions, the expansion of existing parking laybys on Standedge Road to provide an early drop off, widening the carriageway along parts of Huddersfield Road, widening pedestrian footpaths along parts of Huddersfield Road to ensure that pupils can continue to walk safely from the neighbouring villages and early drop off points and the introduction of a School Zone to ensure that the carriageway widening does not result in traffic increasing their speed. This would be in addition to the parent drop off, bus turnaround etc., which would be included within the site curtilage.
What traffic surveys have been carried out?
The Council currently holds slightly historic information which was obtained in 2008 when the Council originally considered the use of the site under the Building Schools for the Future programme. The planning applicant would have to update this information prior to the submission. This updated survey work would also take into account the planned highway improvement works that would be carried out by the Council in advance of the School becoming operational. In addition to a Traffic Survey, it is likely that a planning applicant would also need to include a Travel Plan which shows how children would access the School. The Travel Plan would also look at ways in which green and sustainable travel methods could be encouraged to mitigate the amount of traffic generated from the development proposal.
If the Council can fund the cost of the highway works for the Diggle site, why can’t it fund the additional costs of the School remaining on the existing Saddleworth School?
It is anticipated that the Council will need to invest an additional contribution to deliver the School proposals on any site. However, in respect to the costs of funding works for the School to stay on the existing site, this is likely to be significant. Even if the funding of temporary accommodation etc. was to be resolved, traffic disruption during the build and potential health and safety issues of trying to balance construction traffic, school traffic and pupil access along a lengthy but narrow school drive would be challenging. The Council is looking to acquire part of the former WH Shaw Pallet site by way of a landswap using the existing Saddleworth School site. The terms are in the process of being independently verified by the District Valuer but, due to the inequality of value in the Council’s favour, by proceeding with the swap, the Council would receive a capital receipt that would be used to help fund the highway improvement works at Diggle.
What is proposed for the existing school in Uppermill if the replacement school is developed in Diggle?
The existing owner of the former WH Shaw site would acquire the existing Saddleworth School site once it is vacated. The developer would be responsible for demolishing the property and then hopes, subject to obtaining planning approval, to build a scheme of aspirational, family sized houses on the site. This is consistent with how the Council would want to see the site developed.
Design
Who is responsible for the design of the building?
The EFA has prepared a ‘Control Option’. This detailed design would then be submitted by Interserve as planning applicant on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Can the Council / School influence the design?
Interserve have not yet commenced the detailed design of the school. However, both parties can hold discussions with the build contractor following the feasibility review to provide their views on the current proposals and seek alterations that do not increase the overall cost or reduce the specification. A Technical Group has been setup which comprises Ward and Parish Councillors, Council officers, representatives from the School and members of the public who have offered to provide professional input and assistance. This group will look to work with the build contractor and Council to ensure that the best solution is delivered.
How many storeys will the School building be?
The final design solution isn’t known although, the Control Option does show a building which takes account of the topography of the site, with a two storey building at the frontage, with a three storey building to the rear of the site (nearest the Brook).
Will the building be detrimental to the setting of the Grade II listed clock tower?
The impact of the new building on the setting of the Listed Building will be a planning consideration and something that the applicant would need to address through effective discussions with English Heritage who are likely to be a consultee to the application.
Will the Sports Pitches have floodlights
The School are keen to allow the local community to use the facilities onsite. In order to allow this, it is likely that any sports pitches would need to have floodlighting. If this is the case, it is likely that a planning condition would limit the opening hours of the pitches to protect the nearby houses against any noise and light pollution. The EFA are unlikely to pay for floodlights and therefore, if appropriate, it is likely that the Council would have to contribute to this cost.
Flood Risk
Is there a risk of flooding from either Diggle Brook or the nearby Huddersfield Canal?
In January 2010, Oldham Council commissioned JBA Consulting to produce a Hybrid Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. The report advises that, “the Diggle Brook flows through the Diggle School site; however, the risk from this small watercourse is estimated to be low. The sequential approach to development layout should be applied within the site so that the most vulnerable development is located away from the watercourse. Flood depths are predicted to be shallow and flood hazard is considered to be low. Where flood depths are up to 0.6m, this risk can be managed by appropriate access, egress, flood warning and emergency planning procedures.” The report continues to say that “whilst the actual risk to Diggle School from Diggle Brook is low, the residual risk from the Huddersfield Canal is more significant, as it lies on higher ground to the east of the site. This residual risk could potentially cause the greater flood hazard to the school, which is in the Canal Hazard Zone. Subject to the findings of more detailed Flood Risk Assessments, these development sites should manage this residual risk by appropriate access, egress, emergency planning procedures and finished floor levels which incorporate a freeboard allowance for the risk from the canal.” A Flood Risk Assessment will therefore be completed and submitted as part of any future planning application. This may mean that further flood protection or remedial measures are needed to mitigate the impact on the School.
Will the development and hardstanding result in increased risk of flooding downstream in Uppermill?
In respect to the development and associated hardstanding, the impact of run off can be effectively managed through appropriate drainage systems. The Hybrid SFRA report itself acknowledged that “all development proposals should look at opportunities to incorporate SUDS to reduce the risk of surface water flooding (Sustainability Appraisal indicator). Surface water run‐off from these sites should not increase as a result of development and not discharge into the combined sewer system.”
What will happen if the Council or School refuse the money available under the PSPB scheme?
If it is agreed that the offer of funding is rejected, then the School will have to remain in its current dated and poor condition facilities. Options would be limited and on a worst case scenario, if the property continues to deteriorate, the school could be closed, with pupils travelling to nearby Schools inside and outside of the Borough instead.
The Council and School are not aware of other funding schemes that might become available in future years.
For further information relating Saddleworth School go to: http://www.saddleworth.oldham.sch.uk/
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Saddleworth Group of Artists to exhibit at Brownhill
Saddleworth Group of Artists Annual Winter Exhibition at the Brownhill Centre, Uppermill.
The group will again hold their very popular show between Saturday November 23rd and Saturday December 21st with up to fifty works on display including oil, watercolour, pastel and textiles.
Saddleworth Artists subscribe to a wide range of styles from photorealism to expressionistic and include well known local artists such as John McCombes, Sheila Dewsbury and Janice Bowie. Most of the work being exhibited will be for sale.
Having started in 1950, the society is now in it’s 63rd year and is comprised of enthusiastic local artists wishing to exhibit their work.
The Brownhill Centre is an ideal venue for viewing and studying art work and the excellent Limekiln cafe, downstairs, is well known for its coffee and homemade cakes. With Christmas not far away, it might be a chance to find that special, unique gift.
Avoid winter energy hikes and switch to a better deal
Oldham residents who are worried about rising energy bills are being urged to switch to a better deal using a new comparison website.
The www.betterenergydeals.org.uk site has been launched by the Greater Manchester authorities, including Oldham Council, after many of the big energy companies announced they will be increasing their rates over the winter, leaving some families struggling to pay their bills.
Residents are being urged to visit the site, being launched today (November 13), before the first price rises come into effect, to find out how much they could save by changing to another supplier. Just enter your post code and information about how much you are currently paying to find suggestions for alternative suppliers offering cheaper contracts. You’ll also be given information about how long those contracts have been ‘fixed’ for – meaning if you decide to switch suppliers will know exactly how long you will be paying the new price without having to worry about unexpected increases. Households using a similar comparison website have saved an average of £141 from their energy bills, while some people have saved as much as £344.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communications and Campaigns, said: “With many of the big energy firms announcing they will be putting their prices up, households across the Borough could soon be struggling to pay their bills. I’d urge anyone who is worried about their finances to visit this site and find out how much money they can save or to find a deal which means they won’t face any big price hikes.”
To help residents get a better deal over heating, Oldham Council has been involved in three energy switching schemes, the first attracted more than 8,000 sign-ups from across the Borough. The Greater Manchester authorities have since organised a further two schemes for residents across the region. People were invited to join ‘reverse auctions’ before being offered new deals on their gas and electricity bills which they could either accept or reject.
More than 50,000 took part in both auctions – making them the most successful scheme of its kind in the country, with the vast majority of those who applied reducing their bills. The average saving was £122 per household, but some residents were able to shave as much as £900 from their annual bills. Another auction will be held early next year for people who miss the chance to find new suppliers on the new comparison site.
Cllr Shah added: “As part of our cooperative agenda Oldham will be taking part in another energy auction in the new year for people who missed their chance to switch now, but this site has been set up to help those residents who are worried they can’t wait that long.”
Parish Council asks OMBC to consider an alternative scheme for Saddleworth School
On Monday evening at an extraordinary meeting organised by Saddleworth Parish Council a decision was made to write a letter to Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) asking them reconsider their plans and consider an alternative proposal to develop the current Saddleworth School site in Uppermill.
Councillor Mike Buckley presented the proposal to the Parish Council showing, via a series of slides, how, in his opinion, this could be achieved. He said: “There is strong feeling in Saddleworth that the new school should be rebuilt on the existing site in Uppermill. We have produced a number of schemes and proposals of how this might be achieved with a minimum of disruption to school activities and at reasonable cost, possibly less than the cost of preparing a suitable site in Diggle.”
Three Parish Councillors questioned the validity of Councillor Buckley’s proposal and pointed out that the Diggle proposal is the only one currently being considered by OMBC. They went on to point out that not supporting the Diggle proposal could result in Saddleworth not getting a new school.
At the start of the meeting, members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask the council questions. All of those who spoke raised concerns about the proposed scheme for Diggle.
The Parish Council have agreed to write a letter to OMBC, regarding Cllr Buckley’s proposals, asking Cllr McMahon, Cllr Chadderton and Council officers whether they are workable or not? Cllr Buckley said: “As time scales are short, it would be useful to hold this meeting very soon.”
Proposed location for Saddleworth school at the Uppermill site
Current location of Saddleworth School, Uppermill
Below is SDAG’s summary of the proposed scheme for rebuilding the school on the existing Uppermill site.
Area of the Site
Area of the existing school site 11.5 acres. 8.75 acres is usable – this includes the playing fields and bus turnaround. The usable area of the proposed Diggle site 7.75 acres, including playing fields and bus turn round. For comparison the area of the Waterhead Academy, including playing fields 6.47 acres. So in principle the existing site is plenty big enough to accommodate the new school.
The Proposal
Proposal is to site the new school at the rear of the site. If the school is built on two levels (two storey at the rear and three storey at the front) as is proposed at Diggle, the site can be used without any alteraion to existing levels. However if this is not desirable and a three storey building is required the football pitch can be lowered by 3 metres to the 178m contour. This will reduce the perceived height of a three storey block and make for a much better relationship within the site. It also considerably increases the available site and gives plenty of working space. We have taken a typical design for 1200 pupils from the EFA website, and increased it by 20% to allow for 1500 pupils. The E shape favoured at present by the School can also be fitted on the site.
Building the New School alongside the Existing School
One block would be demolished (the most northerly on the site) to enable the new access road to be constructed. This would require the relocation of 6-8 classrooms in temporary accommodation until the new built was complete. After the building is completed the school can be moved into the new building and the rest of the buildings on site demolished to allow the construction of new playing fields.
Sports Block
One option is to retain and renovate the existing sports hall (built in 1980’s/early 1990’s), this would enable the money saved to be spent on improving facilities in the main school block. This could be upwards of upwards of £1,000,000
Health and Safety
The construction site would be screened off from the rest of the school site during construction. Care would be needed however in the use of the existing vehicular access to the school site during the construction period. Pedestrians should be required to use other entrances to the site.
Car Parking
There are 102 car parking spaces on the existing site which will be unaffected by the proposals (there are actually more). The proposed Diggle site shows 97 car spaces. 9 car spaces on the drive would have to go temporarily during the construction period, but there are considerably more than 9 spaces elsewhere on the site, which will ultimately be moved to make way for the new playing field arrangements. At no time will there be fewer car spaces on the site than are proposed for Diggle.
Gradients
The existing driveway has an average gradient of 1 in 11.5. By comparison Huddersfield Road up to Austerlands is 1 in 12 and Lydgate is about 1 in 14. The proposed construction access will be 1 in 12 if it is taken from the back of the existing car park immediately on the left, and it will be 1 in 20 if it goes from the front of the car park (assuming 178 build level).
Temporary Accommodation
The proposal shown for the construction access will involve the relocation of about 6 classrooms on a temporary basis. These could go on the hard surface court adjacent to the all weather pitch.
Costs
The identified costs, over and above the building of the new school and reinstatement of the playing fields (which it is understood will be borne by the EFA), are shown below.
Temporary Accommodation ~ £140,000, but in reality could be less.
The cost for lowering the site to the 178m contour and constructing the new road is ~ £200,000
The cost of demolition of the school after construction of the new one is ~ £150,000.
Possible retaining wall at the rear of the site ~ £80.000, this would be less if gabions were used.
Total ~ £570K
Sports Pitches
Existing all-weather pitch retained. New pitch is the same size as that proposed at Diggle. The other sports pitches shown are as Waterhead Academy sizes.
The new recreational facilities will all be constructed on a site which will be level, unlike the proposals for Diggle, so the cost of providing the pitches will be considerably less.
Conclusion
The proposal above is a workable scheme. However, more detailed information about the site and the operational needs of the school is required to produce a detailed plan. The proposed scheme has been done on the basis of OS plans, as we haven’t been given any drawings of the school, or seen the business plan. With more information, a better operational solution and one that has been more accurately costed can be achieved.
Related stories:
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
Debbie Abrahams will not oppose moving Saddleworth School to Diggle
Saddleworth’s Independent Councillors say consider the views of 3000 residents
Improbable Fiction at the Millgate Theatre, Delph
The second production in the Saddleworth Players current season open this Saturday 16th November at 7:30pm with Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy ‘Improbable Fiction’, at the Millgate Theatre in Delph. The run finishes the following Saturday 23rd November.
When the local amateur writing group has their weekly meeting, their collective writer’s block is causing all sorts of problems. But when the meeting seems to have ended, a young woman’s imagination brings everything to life. Can everyone really write the endings they are looking for ?
The production features a number of popular regular performers to the Saddleworth stage. It is directed Nita Bennett who is well known for directing plays and musicals throughout Oldham and Tameside. Tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £5 for students. They can be booked online at www.saddleworthplayers.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01457 874644 between 7:30pm and 9pm Tuesday – Friday.
Diggle Primary School celebrates a ‘good’ from Ofsted
Diggle School (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Diggle Primary School received a Good from Ofsted following their recent inspection on the 10th and 11th October 2013.
Mrs. Covey, heateacher at the school said: “We are delighted with our recent Ofsted judgement of Good! We have worked really hard as a school community to improve the quality of provision.
“I am really pleased for the school and the pupils; I know that this judgement is well deserved.”
Ofsted said:
Pupils’ achievement is good. In all keys stages they make good progress in their learning.
Standards in reading are very high. Pupils read widely and often and with real enjoyment. This enables pupils to learn well in other subjects.
The school is a happy secure and welcoming place for pupils to learn well, where they feel safe and well cared for by everyone in the school.
Behaviour of pupils is generally very good in and around the school. Older pupils take on responsibility roles which they take very seriously. Pupils are very proud of their school.
A rich curriculum provides a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge and a love of learning and practice their key skills in a range of subjects.
School leaders have a strong commitment, shared by all staff, to the continued raising of standards, improving the rate of pupils’ progress and the quality of teaching.
Robust systems of monitoring pupils’ progress and quality of teaching are bringing about continued school improvement.
Governance is much improved since the last inspection. Governors are well informed, provide challenge to school leaders and staff and hold the school to account for its performance.
To view the full report go to: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/105665
Mrs. Covey is leaving the school at the end of term and in reference to this she said: “I am pleased I can leave the school in a good position. I know our excellent staff team, Phil Williams, our deputy headteacher and the new headteacher, Nigel Fowler will do a fantastic job. I wish them the very best in the future and on their journey to becoming an outstanding school.”
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Hundreds make the climb up to Pots and Pans to remember and pay their respects
Hundreds of people, young and old, gathered to pay their respects to the fallen and to support servicemen and woman from across the generations in Saddleworth’s annual remembrance day service at the Pots and Pans war memorial on Alderman Hill above Greenfield.
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Debbie Abrahams will not oppose moving Saddleworth School to Diggle
Shaw’s Pallet Works (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Debbie Abrahams says she will keep an open mind but will not oppose moving Saddleworth School to Diggle.
At a teleconference on Wednesday 6th November Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, talked with members of the Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG) about the future for Saddleworth School.
During the teleconference, organised by Debbie Abrahams, SDAG asked if she would consider opposing the move of Saddleworth School to Diggle.
The teleconference followed a 15 minute meeting between Debbie Abrahams; the Rt. Hon. David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools; a representative of the Educational Funding Agency (EFA); and Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills.
Mr Buckley said: “Mrs Abrahams reported that they had had a wide ranging discussion on the concerns regarding the proposed new school in Diggle, but there was no discussion about the potential re-use of the existing site.
“She felt unable at this stage to commit to the SDAG campaign in opposing the school being rebuilt in Diggle and admitted that she was taking Oldham Council (OMBC) plans for the re-siting of a new school ‘on trust’. But after further questioning from SDAG she did agree to assist in gaining speedy access to the pertinent documents relating to why the existing site has been ruled out by OMBC and facilitate a meeting with Cllr Jim McMahon and OMBC to address the group’s urgent concerns.”
Keith Lucas, a member of the action group said: “I don’t think Mrs Abrahams appreciates the strength of local opinion on this issue. She referred in our conversation to the views of the silent majority. The silent majority we feel has been kept in the dark, but now the cat is out of the bag opposition is growing by the hour.”
In response to theses comments, Debbie Abrahams said: “This is a distortion of what I said in the telephone conference call with the SDAG last night.
Debbie Abrahams (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
“As I said, I’m keeping an open mind about the siting of the school in Diggle or elsewhere and have agreed to facilitate a meeting between SDAG and the Council so that both sides can get a clear understanding of the issues surrounding this important project.”
Diggle News has canvassed residents who are not connected to SDAG to ascertain what they feel about the proposal to build a new school in Diggle and, in the main, the overwhelming view is that they feel they are excluded from any decision making and the current proposal is a disaster for Diggle. One resident said: “If they involved ‘us’ or just listened to ‘us’ this could be so much better.”
Earlier this week, one of the country’s leading planning lawyers, Robert McCracken Q.C. of Francis Taylor Buildings, London, pledged his support for SDAG and their campaign. He has offered to provide the group with pro bono legal advice on issues surrounding the case.
His support for the Group comes from a desire to stop the development of green belt fields in the Diggle Valley and, the land in Uppermill being given over to housing developers
He has an affinity with Saddleworth having been brought up in Greenfield and cares passionately for its landscape and heritage.
McCracken said of the present scheme: “the proposals are unacceptable. This Green Belt land should not be sacrificed.”
Mike Buckley
Robert McCracken is one of the country’s foremost environmental and planning lawyer. He appeared at the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry, the Stonehenge Inquiry and successfully opposed the scheme for 27 wind turbines in Cumbria at the Whinash Inquiry. Locally, he served as counsel for Derker residents who opposed the compulsory purchase of their homes in the face of Oldham Council and the Housing Market Renewal Scheme.
Related stories:
The fight will continue say Saddleworth residents
EFA will consider the views of local people when deciding on site for Saddleworth School
Debbie Abrahams says Diggle is the ‘least worst option’ for locating a new school
Saddleworth’s Independent Councillors say consider the views of 3000 residents
OMBC Approves School Plans
Armed robbery in Greenfield
On Tuesday the 5th November, two armed men robbed the post office on Chew Valley Road in Greenfield.
The armed robbery happened at 4.10pm. The men went into the post office and threatened staff with a handgun demanding money.
They stole a quantity of cash and then fled on a red and black Ninja Kawasaki motorbike along Shaw Hall Bank Road. The staff were left shaken and shocked but no one was injured during the robbery.
Police are currently searching for the two two men who were both wearing black clothing and black motorbike helmets with the visors down.
Detective Sergeant John Coleman, based at Oldham police station said: “Staff at this post office have been left extremely distressed following this robbery and we have a number of officers working to identify the two men responsible. Just after 4pm would have been quite a busy time in this area as people would have been making their way back home after the school run. I would encourage anyone who saw this motorbike and the two men either before the robbery, or after it, to please get in touch and tell us what you saw. You may think your information is not important, but it could be vital to our investigation. Please get in touch”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Oldham police station on 0161 856 8985 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Launch of the Reservoir Trails Project with New Mobile Phone App
Hollingworth Lake
A new mobile phone ‘app’ will bring the history, culture and wildlife of the South Pennines landscape to a new audience.
The new phone ‘app’ is part of the Reservoir Trails project, which includes eight walking routes around the reservoir landscape in the moors between Littleborough and Saddleworth. The trails aim to open up the South Pennines landscape to new audiences through the latest technology and, as well as a new ‘app’ for mobile devices, there are audio trails and walk guides available to download at www.watershedlandscape.co.uk
Part of the Watershed Landscape project, which is managed by Pennine Prospects, also includes:
- A new exhibition, with interactive materials, at Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre
- Leaflets, available from Hollingworth Lake Visitors’ Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, Saddleworth Museum, and the Brownhills Countryside Centre, in Uppermills.
- A booklet, which celebrates this fascinating landscape as seen through its history, water, wildlife and wide variety of recreation opportunities, available to buy at Hollingworth Lake Visitors’ Centre.
Councillor Aftab Hussain, Pennine Prospects Board Member and Chair of the Pennine Township Committee, which part-funded the project, said the trails are a great way to encourage people to explore the beautiful South Pennines landscape. He said: “The moorland and reservoirs in this area offer a stunning backdrop to our daily lives but we don’t necessarily go out into the landscape to enjoy them.
“These Reservoir Trails offer everyone a chance to find out more about and explore this wonderful resource. With this new app we’re hoping to reach a different audience and encourage even more people to go out into the landscape to experience for themselves the beauty of the South Pennines,” Coun Hussain added.
The Reservoir Trails bring together new walking routes, based on existing rights of way, in the uplands of Rochdale and Oldham and currently include the upland reservoir network stretching from Warland and Light Hazzles through Blackstone Edge and Hollingworth Lake to the Piethorne Valley and beyond, to include Denshaw and Castleshaw Valleys in Saddleworth. Each of the eight circular trails, around or near reservoirs, can be walked as an independent route or linked together via the Pennine Bridleway for more challenging long distance walking.
“The new resources have been developed to help people explore just a handful of the huge number of reservoirs in the South Pennines,” explained Pam Warhurst, Chair of Pennine Prospects. “People in Greater Manchester have a direct connection to the moorland landscape through their tap and water supply, yet the story of the construction of these reservoirs, which were incredible feats of engineering, remains largely untold.
“The leaflet guides visitors around the trails whilst the booklet includes more information about the history and development of the reservoir network. This brings the story of the local reservoir landscape right up-to-date alongside information about the activities which keep our water supply clean and flowing and protect the moorland landscape as well,” Pam added.
The Reservoir Trails project is a joint initiative with Rochdale and Oldham councils and United Utilities, generously funded by Pennines Township. The Watershed Landscape project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the South Pennines LEADER programme, (the Rural Development Programme for England), which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union.
Training opportunities at Oldham Council
Opportunities for training update!
These are new or on-going opportunities available to apply for within Oldham council:
(Click each link for details on how to apply)
Traineeships
· Oldham Council Traineeship Programme
To apply for any of the above vacancies, follow the link below to complete an online application form.
These are new or on-going opportunities available to apply for with external businesses in the Oldham area:
Apprenticeships
· Apprentice Administration Assistant (Level 2)
· Apprentice Catering Assistant (Level 2)
· Apprentice Front of House (Level 2)
· Apprentice Kitchen Front of House Assistant (Level 2)
· Apprentice Warehouse Assistant (Level 2)
· Sustainability Sales Assistant Apprentice (Level 2)
· Apprentice Butcher (Level 2)
Jobs
· Manual centre lathe steel turner
Check out the job boards on their website www.oldham.gov.uk/jobs
What’s On….
‘What’s on’ in and around Diggle in November and December.
5th November – Memories of a Grammar School Boy. A talk by John Fidler on his days at Counthill School. St Chad’s Parish Centre on Station Road, Uppermill at 2pm.
6th November – Saddleworth WI Christmas Market. Saddleworth Hotel at 7:30pm.
9th November – Parish Christmas Fair at Kilngreen Church, Leeside, Diggle, 2pm ’til 4pm
Diggle’s annual Christmas fair – raffle, tombola, Santa’s grotto, tea-room and wide variety of stalls. There’s something for everyone.
14th November – Diggle Community Association Open Meeting. Diggle Band Club at 8pm.
16th to 23rd November – Improbable Fiction. Saddleworth Players at the Millgate Theatre Delph. Doors open 7:30pm.
19th November – ‘Stained Glass’ a talk by Diana Terry. Diana is an expert on late Victorian and early 20th century stained glass windows and their conservation. Diana says, “The churches of Saddleworth have some great examples of windows from this period”. St Chad’s Parish Centre on Station Road, Uppermill at 2pm.
23rd November – ‘Brassed Off’ Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Uppermill Civic Hall. Tickets £14 from Uppermill post office. Doors open 7:30pm.
30th November – The Junkhouse Dog Blues Band. Diggle Band Club. Pie and pea’s supper, £5 on the door. Doors open 7.30pm.
30th November – Coffee Morning, St Chad Parish Centre, Station Road, Uppermill at 10.30am. Entry fee: £1 includes coffee and cake. In aid of the Saddleworth Special Needs Group.
3rd December – Carols by children from St.Chad’s Primary School. St Chad’s Parish Centre on Station Road, Uppermill at 2pm.
7th December –
8th December – Christingle and Diggle lights switch on. Diggle Village Green, opposite Diggle chip shop at 4pm.
17th December – Christmas party. St Chad’s Parish Centre on Station Road, Uppermill at 2pm.
Debbie Abrahams MP set to meet Education Minister about Saddleworth School
Debbie Abrahams (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has arranged a meeting with Education Minister David Laws to discuss the future of Saddleworth School.
Debbie said: “I was in Diggle last week talking to residents about the proposed new Saddleworth School. The overwhelming response from those I spoke to was support for the new school.
“They recognised, as I do, the need for a new school fit for the 21st century. But they have genuine concerns, particularly about the traffic impacts, but other issues too including the positioning of the school and a lack of engagement with local people.
“I have also received correspondence from several local residents about the proposal. I wrote to David Laws the Education Minister responsible for these decisions on 17th October, the day after the public meeting, and have arranged a meeting with him on 5th November. I will be raising residents concerns with him and looking to see how these can be mitigated. But we need a new school for our young people and our discussions will be in that context.”
Diggle Community Association chairperson, Stuart Coleman said: “Before deciding wether you are for or against proposals to build a new school in Diggle, key concerns have to be addressed and resolved: Is the budget sufficient? If not, how much extra is needed and how will it be found? With opposition growing to building in Diggle should the current Saddleworth School site be re-assessed? Is the identified position of the school on the proposed site in Diggle the best position considering expandability, future usefulness and the historical value of the clock tower? Should the use of green belt be tolerated and does this set a precedent for future development in Saddleworth? Is the problem with the ‘traffic pinch point’ at the entrance to Diggle being properly considered?
“In relation to the latter, adding to problems on this already grid-locked section of road without proper consideration is not acceptable. Drivers entering and leaving Diggle face queuing on a daily basis and residents and pedestrians have to suffer pollution, noise and traffic. Currently there are 2300 people in Diggle, a primary school, a nursery and two industrial sites. Add to this; a secondary school, twelve new houses on Ward Lane and two opposite the chip shop, further development of the Pallet Works, and you begin to see the enormity of the problem.”
Please leave a comment below. It will help readers gauge public opinion.
The views expressed in comments relating to posts do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the editor.
Final arrangements in place for the ‘Big Bang’
Oldham Council has revealed the final arrangements and running order for when Oldham Edge hosts ‘The Big Bang’ on Bonfire Night.
Local residents are invited to enjoy a spectacular evening of free family entertainment at the grassed parkland site – near to Oldham town centre – on Tuesday, November 5. Gates will open at 5pm and the public are advised to wear appropriate footwear, wrap up warm, arrive early and use public transport to avoid high demand on town centre car parking.
The event is sponsored by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) – which has many tenants neighbouring the site – and is also being compered by another close neighbour: 96.2FM The Revolution’s ‘Big Al’. The popular Shaw-based DJ will make the short walk from the radio station’s headquarters to officially start proceedings on-stage at 6pm.
Big Al said: “It’s going to be a real buzz to host ‘The Big Bang’ – we’re expecting a big crowd and a brilliant atmosphere at Oldham Edge. This is a fantastic free event that brings families together from across the Borough and it’s all about fire safety and fun. Why bother with the expense and risk of having your own bonfire and fireworks? Get along to Oldham Edge and come to enjoy the experts doing it all for free.”
The highlights of this year’s fun-packed show (in chronological order from 6pm) include the lighting of the bonfire followed by rhythms and dance from Brazilian band Juba de Leao. Juggling Inferno will then deliver a breath-taking showcase of fire juggling, eating and dancing all set to a funky soundtrack. Big Al will then be serving up a ‘Made in Oldham’ treat before starting the fireworks countdown at around 7pm.
This year’s pyrotechnics have ‘The Big Bang’ theme of ‘Sci-Fireworks’. The dazzling display will feature stunning combinations of stars, bombettes, candles, cakes, mines, shells, sky fillers, flares and comets – all choreographed to blockbuster favourite themes including Doctor Who, X Files, ET, Star Trek, Star Wars, Independence Day, War of the Worlds and others. Small children’s funfair rides and activities and food stalls will be available from 5pm.
All Oldham Council-owned town centre car parks are free to use from 3pm onwards on November 5 – but demand is likely to be high. Residents are reminded to arrive early. The pay and display machines at these car parks will be ‘bagged over’ so you do not need to take a ticket on this occasion. Charging for parking at these sites will restart on Wednesday, November 6 at 8am. Motorists should also be aware that the Hobson Street car park is locked at 9.30pm and reopens at 7am on November 6. The Council’s on-street parking bays in the town centre are also free during the same period (3pm onwards on November 5). These will not be bagged over but – again – motorists do not need to take and display a ticket.
New maps showing the layout of the Oldham Edge site – and one showing the location of all Council-owned car parks – can be viewed online now at 
www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, said: “Almost everything is ready for The Big Bang but there are a few very important reminders for everyone planning to attend. Although Oldham Council’s car parks and on-street parking bays will be free – and other pay and display sites are available – demand is likely to outstrip supply. We are urging people to plan ahead and to please use public transport where possible. The Council-owned car parks closest to Oldham Edge – such as the Civic Centre and Bradshaw Street, off St Mary’s Way – will obviously fill up quickly on the day, so you should consider using others, like Hobson Street, if you are travelling by car. You need to be fully aware that there is no parking at the Oldham Edge site itself.
“We’ll have a team of volunteers in green bibs around the town centre who – along with street signs – are there to help pedestrians get to Oldham Edge. The site is just a few minutes’ from the bus station at a moderate pace and the best walking routes to take from the town centre are via Henshaw Street, opposite the rear of Tommyfield Market, and Horsedge Street, going past Blue Coat school.
“We’d also like to remind everyone that this event is about public safety on Bonfire Night, which means that no alcohol, sparklers, fireworks, fires or barbecues can be permitted on the site. Finally, the weather is always an unknown factor. It’s important to remember that Oldham Edge is a grassed playing field site, so you should plan ahead to wear appropriate footwear and clothing – not your best shoes – and wrap up warm! We are monitoring weather forecast information around the clock and will quickly publicise any important further advice from Monday onwards using local newspapers, radio, Facebook, Twitter and our website.”
Oldham Council’s response to issues raised by Diggle Action Group
Councillor Amanda Chadderton
(See the article below to read the statement made by the Diggle Action Group.)
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “Oldham Council met the EFA today to discuss progress on the Saddleworth School project.”
“The Save Diggle Action Group says the EFA confirmed that many schools in the Priority School Building Programme will be built on their original sites, often on existing playing fields, and that they have no objections to that happening. It also says the EFA has no objections to temporary accommodation being used where appropriate.
“This is absolutely correct. All that is theoretically possible, but not in the case of Saddleworth due to its layout, size and the costs of doing this.
“The EFA advised Oldham Council there is a finite budget for this scheme and they are committed to delivering the most cost efficient solution within this budget.
“Building on the existing site would require us to transport pupils to other sites on a daily basis for two years – potentially far away – and we would need to make changes to highways and utilities. The option of building a new school on the site with the finances available is not therefore considered the most cost effective solution.
“As part of this process the EFA requires Oldham Council to put forward a deliverable school site.
As promised at the recent public meeting, we continue to work in close partnership with the EFA to do this and will be issuing further information to consult Diggle residents very soon.
“Clearly there are issues, such as highways concerns, with the proposed site and we want to work actively with the local community to find the best solution.
“It’s also important to note that the proposed Diggle site is designated for industrial use. Green Belt land would only be used for sports facilities, which does not alter its current status.
“Saddleworth needs a new school. We must focus on the children and their education needs to find answers that work as best as they possibly can for all parties.
“There’s no perfect solution here – planning is never simple. But future generations are depending on us all to unite and work together to find a way forward.”
The views expressed in comments relating to posts do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the editor.
Please leave a comment below. It will help me, as editor of Diggle News, gauge public opinion.
EFA say that the location of Saddleworth School is entirely Oldham Council’s decision
Suggested plan for Saddleworth School in Diggle
The Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG), this week, asked the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to support building the new Saddleworth School on the existing Uppermill site.
According to Parish Councillor, Mike Buckley, enquiries by Save Diggle Action Group (SDAG) have revealed that the EFA are surprised that they are being made out to be the key decision makers behind the unpopular move of the Saddleworth School to the Diggle green belt site and have indicated this is entirely a decision for Oldham Council and the School Governors.
The EFA have informed SDAG that:-
1. Many of the new schools built under the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP) have been built on their original sites.
2. The choice of sites is not the responsibility of the EFA and in principal they have no objection to schools being built on the original sites.
3. In fact under the PSBP programme many of the new schools have been built in this way. Furthermore it is quite common for a new school to be built on the existing playing fields and for the sports facilities to be recreated after the demolition of the old school buildings.
4. EFA have no objection to temporary accommodation being used on site while school building proceeds. In fact this is the norm in such situations.
SDAG are now informing the EFA of the local concerns and growing opposition to the proposals to build on the green belt in Diggle. They are also indicating to them that their role is being misrepresented in the decision making process.
The action group are now urgently asking for a fuller examination of the obstacles involved in rebuilding the school on the existing Uppermill site before any further action is taken by OMBC.
They are also urging concerned parties to write directly to Jane Brighouse, the officer in charge of the project at the EFA, expressing their concerns. Her email address is: jane.brighouse@education.gsi.gov.uk.
On Monday 28th October, Saddleworth Parish Council voted to support residents campaigning against the siting of a secondary school in Diggle. In addition, they agreed to; support the group’s direct contact with the EFA and to call for the new school to be built on the current site.
Melanie Koen, a resident of Diggle, addressed the Parish Council at the start of their meeting saying, “Saddleworth children are being short changed. They are the ones losing out in this deal. The decision is too quick, too sudden and too cheap and above all, a disaster for Diggle.”
The views expressed in comments relating to posts do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the editor.
Please leave a comment below. It will help me, as editor of Diggle News, gauge public opinion.
Related stories:
Bogus workmen targeting Saddleworth
It is believed that bogus workmen may be targeting the Saddleworth area under the guise of a legitimate business. They generally cold call at a victim’s home, pretending to be trades people offering repairs, services and maintenance to homes or gardens.
They carry out unnecessary or substandard work, and sometimes no work at all, and charge hugely inflated fees.
These criminals can be extremely intimidating, often demanding more money than the price that was originally agreed. They often disappear once you have paid them without starting or finishing a job
How to protect yourself from doorstop traders:
Take advice from friends and family to see if the work really needs doing.
If you do decide you need some work doing, obtain several quotes from recommended firms. Make sure the quote is accepted in writing.
By Law the quotation must include the name and address of the trader so you can contact them if something goes wrong.
Ask for details of previous satisfied customers and contact them.
If you can’t find a reputable tradesperson contact Oldham Councils Trading Standards team on 0161 770 3470 and ask about the Buy With Confidence Scheme.
Don’t sign on the spot. Consider carefully whether you want the goods or service.
Don’t hand over a cash deposit.
Take your time to make a decision; don’t feel pressured into committing to anything.
The police would ask that you be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police, with a description of the person/s / vehicles involved if possible. .
If you have any information or are a witness to any person/s seen in the area possibly committing these offences please do not hesitate to phone Greater Manchester Police (non emergency) on 101.