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
Saddleworth Ruchcart Festival 2013
Areas in Saddleworth affected by the Rushcart Festival on Saturday 24th August 2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Help Make a Museum
Saddleworth North: Monthly Crime Figures
| Crime | March | April | May | June | July |
| Burglary Dwelling | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Burglary Other (shed, garage, business) | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Theft from a vehicle | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Theft of a motor vehicle | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Criminal damage | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling
Delph New Road, Dobcross – Offenders used a house brick to smash a rear ground floor window. They failed to gain entry,
Denshaw Road , Delph – Offenders climbed onto a balcony and smashed a kitchen window. They made an untidy search.
Burglary Other
Oldham Road, Denshaw – Three offenders entered a farm via an unlocked gate and broke into an outbuilding. They used a plank to prise open a roller shutter door and then smashed off an internal lock. They tried to remove a scrambler bike but were disturbed and fled the scene.
Lower Wrigley Green, Diggle – 2 pedal cycles were stolen from a detached garage
New Bank Garden Centre, Dobcross New Road – Offenders broke into an external building using a wooden yard brush to break a pad lock. They severed phone lines and then smashed a window to gain access to the main building. They removed items of clothing from shelves which activated the alarm. They fled the scene.
Vehicle crime – Theft from a vehicle
Old Lane, Austerlands – Wing mirrors were stolen.
Huddersfield Road , Denshaw – Offenders smashed the rear off-side window of a parked vehicle and stole property.
Oldham Road, Delph – Offenders removed the rear windscreen from a vehicle and stole property.
Thorpe Lane, Austerlands – Wheel trim stolen from a vehicle.
Vehicle crime – Theft of a motor vehicle
Springwood Estate, Delph – Offenders failed to start a dumper truck after pushing it down a lane.
Criminal damage
The Wharf, Wool Road , Dobcross – Damage to a vehicle.
Denshaw Road, Delph – Damage to motorcycle cover.
The Wharf , Wool Road , Dobcross – Damage to property.
Good News
A male was recalled to prison after local residents reported him for loitering in an area where burglaries had recently been committed. He was a known offender.
Drop in on Paddy’s Jam Night at the Diggle Hotel
‘No more lamps’ plea
Cllr Franklin near one of Harrop Green’s lamps.
by Saddleworth Indepenedent Editor Aimee Howarth
A Saddleworth Parish councillor is standing firm against a giant energy company seeking to install new lights in a picturesque hamlet near Diggle.
E.ON visited Harrop Green, a conservation zone, to check street lighting, but Cllr Royce Franklin, who lives in a cottage in the pretty copse of houses, was alerted to the visit
He contacted Parish Council and OMBC colleagues to raise issues about the lighting, which features original metal standards topped by old-style lamp heads.
He said: “Harrop Green residents take considerable pride in the conservation area.
“They do not want that spoilt by unnecessary additional lamps being erected which will not match the ones currently in use.
“Let us preserve the countryside as it is rather than contaminating it with yet more street lighting.”
And John McCann, an OMBC councillor who lives in Dobcross, is backing Cllr Franklin’s request to keep the original lamps.
He said: “Harrop Green is a lovely place. There is no need for modern lamp standards to prevail.
“This is a chance to make conservation communities even nicer. We need to press for these meetings to take place with villagers who have issues over their street lamps.”
This is the latest upset identified by residents since E.ON began to replace and install new street lighting in a joint Private Finance Initiative (PFI) between Oldham and Rochdale councils.
This will lead to a safer lighting environment and see a large proportion of the 23,000 street lights, 3,500 illuminated traffic signs, bollards and subway lights replaced over a five year period.
But many residents have complained about old lamp standards outside their homes being removed completely or new lights appearing in different positions on streets.
And, despite reassurances from Oldham Council, some villages with conservation property are concerned the new lamps may destroy the character of their rural community.
A spokesperson for E.ON in London said: “We have been in discussion with the Oldham and Rochdale councils regarding the plans for the new street lights in conservation areas.
“We understand the councils are in the process of consulting with the local community and local councillors to agree the new street light plans.
“We’re currently awaiting a decision from these discussions and at this time no columns are being replaced in conservation areas.”
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for Environment and Housing, said: “This work by EON is part of a huge project to transform street lighting across the borough – giving people a safer, lighter and more energy-efficient system.
“Officers regularly meet E.ON to look at the next areas involved in the programme. Part of this is to identify work due to take place in conservation areas and ensure this is handled correctly.
“Under the contract terms, each area must be lit to a specific standard and that may sometimes mean extra lights need to be installed.
“However, before any work takes place in conservation area all parties will be consulted prior to any work being carried out – including Ward members, for example, and local historical societies.
“If local residents have concerns about this officers and E.ON will be are happy to meet with them and discuss the plans.”
Yellow Jersey for Greater Manchester
Transport bosses are celebrating success as cycling in Greater Manchester is given a £20 million boost as part of a national bid to get more people on bikes.
Approval of the investment, the largest award from the Government’s Cycle City Ambition Grant, comes as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is already investing more than £50 million in a series of measures to improve transport choices, including cycling.
TfGM is spearheading the region’s cycling ambition and has partnered with the districts and key cycling organisations, such as Manchester-based British Cycling, Sustrans and the CTC, to set out a 12-year vision for transforming levels of cycling and increasing the number of people on bikes by 300 per cent.
Nearly 8,000 people backed the bid to the Department for Transport’s Cycle City Ambition Grant in an online poll, demonstrating the community’s support for the proposals.
Chair of the TfGM Committee, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “With the success of our bid, we will be able to turn our ambition into action and realise our vision for 2025 in full.
“This funding award signals the confidence that Government has in that vision. On top of what we’ve already started and what we can now unlock locally, we will completely transform cycling in Greater Manchester.”
Chris Boardman MBE, British Cycling’s Policy Advisor, said: “As the home of British Cycling, Manchester has played a huge part in the success that our organisation has enjoyed in recent years in both increasing participation and medal winning performances. What we now need is for that success to filter down and make cycling a sustainable and attractive form of transport in our cities through introducing a robust cycle proofing process into all modern transport developments.
“This funding sets Greater Manchester apart and can go a long way to making that happen. British Cycling is committed to supporting Velocity 2025 to achieving its aims and further establishing Manchester as a world class venue for cycling.”
The immediate release of the £20 million grant means work can start on delivering specific projects over the next two years.
Projects now possible:
• A major new network of strategic, integrated and – where possible – segregated cycle routes to employment centres, schools and leisure facilities.
• Locally funded work to ‘mainstream’ cycling – promoting it to young and old to create a cultural shift in attitudes.
• ‘Cycle and Ride’ stations will be developed for Gatley, Irlam, Flixton and Guide Bridge railway stations and at Prestwich, Hollinwood and East Didsbury Metrolink stops.
• Work with a number of partner schools and colleges to improve cycle facilities so as to encourage cycling as a travel option for younger people.
Councillor Matthew Colledge, Transport Lead for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of the vision we have for cycling in Greater Manchester.
“This announcement means Velocity 2025 – our vision for making Greater Manchester the most prominent British region for cycling facilities, infrastructure and education outside London – can now become a reality.
“That means an integrated and strategic network of high-quality cycle routes having pride of place in Greater Manchester’s transport network, providing sustainable, healthy and ‘green’ connections to employment centres, schools and leisure opportunities.”
Greater Manchester authorities are currently investing more than £50 million in a series of schemes to encourage people to make more sustainable transport choices for their commute, including cycling.
Measures have included one-to-one road skills tuition for cycling commuters and new, super-secure parking for bikes at key locations in Cycle Hubs.
The Velocity 2025 cycling strategy aims to double the number of daily cyclists by 2015 – and then double it again by 2025. Greater Manchester’s vision is for up to 10% of all journeys to be made by bike by 2025.
Beyond this two-year grant, TfGM and the district councils are committed to continue to deliver the Velocity 2025 strategy by rolling out further major investment in cycling across Greater Manchester over the following 10 years.
Velocity 2025 and the bid
Key to Greater Manchester’s Velocity 2025 plan is a series of high quality cycle routes, called ‘spokes’ which will, wherever possible, be segregated from other traffic.
The bid set out our initial proposals for this network of spokes, these being:
• Prestwich ‘City View’ Cycleway will link Manchester City Centre from Prestwich and Heaton Park through Crumpsall and Irk Valley. A link to Alan Turing Way will feed into a traffic free orbital cycle route.
• Ashton Canal Cycleway will be an off-highway route from Ashton to Manchester City Centre with links into Ashton town centre, Guide Bridge railway station and the National Cycling Centre.
• Mersey Valley & Stockport Cycleway will see a fully segregated cycle track linking Cheadle to the Corridor Super Cycleway and into Stockport Town Centre.
• Corridor SuperCycleway will be an improved on-highway, and largely segregated, cycle route from Wilmslow Road to East Didsbury with further links to the Trans Pennine Trail and Mersey Valley cycle paths.
• Airport City Enterprise Cycleway will be a new series of improved cycle links at Manchester Airport, adjacent to residential areas with links to Wythenshawe Hospital and the town centre.
• Bridgewater Cycleway will complete the final 4km of cycle route from Bridgewater Canal Towpath into Manchester City Centre. A link to Salford Quays will also be provided.
• MediaCity and Quays Cycleway will expand cycle routes to better link the Lower Broughton area via Salford University to MediaCityUK and Salford Quays.
All of this will be alongside an ambitious programme of cycling promotion and education inspired by the success achieved in northern Europe and augmented by strong partnerships with organisations such as British Cycling, Sustrans and CTC.
Related stories:
Debbie Abrahams interviewed on the Today programme about late payments to small businesses
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth was interviewed on the Today programme today regarding late payments to small and medium sized businesses. To listen go to the BBC iPLayer.
A cross-party parliamentary inquiry, convened and chaired by Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has published 11 recommendations* about how to tackle the issue of late payment to small and medium sized businesses.
Debbie said: “A recurring theme in the evidence our panel was given is that, ultimately, the issue is one of leadership.
“Until top CEOs, and their executive board members, make a decision to act ethically in business, and treat our small and medium sized businesses fairly, this problem will persist.
“The public has grown tired of hearing about huge, greed driven, pay packets, pay-offs for failure and tax evasion; but allowing a culture of late payment to persist unchallenged is another board-level decision that directly effects ordinary, hardworking, people across the country.
“Incidentally, shareholders also have a responsibility to hold their executives to account.
“Appearing at the inquiry took courage from our contributors. The top FTSE companies have been under scrutiny in recent years and those we invited could have chosen to ignore our request to give evidence but they did appear and we are grateful for their candour.
“But special thanks should go to the SME owners who really demonstrated the damaging impact late payment has on our businesses not to mention the emotional impact on the owners and employees themselves.
“I am also grateful to my colleagues from across the political spectrum for their participation on the Inquiry panel and demonstrating that, although we may have different political views, we can work together to find a solution to this persistent problem.”
The other members of the MPs’ panel were: Mike Crockart, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West; Alex Cunningham Labour MP for Stockton North; Caroline Dineage, Conservative MP for Gosport; Rt Hon Michael Meacher Labour MP for Oldham West and Royton; Toby Perkins Labour MP for Chesterfield; and Robin Walker Conservative MP for Worcester.
Mike Cherry, National Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “This research clearly highlights the ongoing problems faced by small firms when they are paid late. The Be Fair, Pay on Time campaign has done a good job in getting big businesses to sign up to the prompt payment code but there is still more to be done.
“We have said for some time that the Government and local authorities should include terms in contracts for prompt payment to be passed down the supply chain.
“This report provides a good starting point to open up the discussion on what can be done to make sure small firms are paid promptly for the work they have done.”
CEO at the Forum of Private Business (FPB), Phil Orford MBE, said: “The government needs to give serious consideration to refusing any public sector contract to big businesses who don’t pay suppliers in an acceptable time frame. Or indeed only work with those companies who’ve signed the Prompt Payment Code.
“With more than £300b of capital spending announced in the recent spending review, this would have maximum effect at no cost to the government, but really help in the battle against poor payment practices so widespread in the UK economy these days.”
Steve Sutherland, Chairman of Dortech Architectural Systems Limited, who appeared before the inquiry on the SME panel, says: “The last twelve months have been the worst in my 45 working years.
“I have watched in disbelief as a tough market has driven major companies’ boards of directors to turn a blind eye to malpractice within their businesses and the resultant destruction of essential supply chain support, skills and entrepreneurialism on which the UK depends.
“This excellent broad based, balanced research, and investigation now provides the basis and opportunity to bring about the critical first steps of change, if Government and the directors of companies have the courage to embrace and implement the recommendations.
“The recommendations and the spirit of the recommendations could be implemented with minimal cost and legislation and reflect a sensible first step to bringing some ethical common sense back to the market.
“I shudder to think what will happen to the UK construction industry and build quality if the proposals in this report are not implemented in the undiluted form presented in this report.”
Steve Paul, Managing Director of SDP Screeds Limited, who also contributed to the inquiry as an business owner who has suffered from late payments – and who told the MP’s that the late payment culture is ‘organised crime’ – said of the report: “I’m really hopeful that this report will give big business leaders the push they need to change the way the use of late payment to SMEs is considered the norm in ours and other industries.
“It’s wrong that SMEs are expected to continue to provide services and complete the work they are contracted to do and then have to wait as the larger, more powerful, companies use every tactic in the book to avoid paying in the agreed timeframe.
“Having said that, as a result of the inquiry, I have been having very positive discussions with some of my larger clients and we are talking about how we can address, and avoid, some of the issues raised.”
The Specialist Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group, which represents 60,000 firms employing over 300,000 people through six trade associations**, the largest element (by value) of UK construction, has also come out in support of the inquiry’s report.
Professor Rudi Klein, Chief Executive of the SEC Group, said he was very impressed by Debbie Abrahams: “She is clearly committed to addressing this cancer of payment abuse that is currently pushing thousands of firms in the construction industry towards insolvency.
“Small construction firms in her constituency and throughout the UK will take heart from her Be Fair – Pay on Time campaign and the lead she has taken in driving forward this late payment inquiry into the issue.”
*Full report attached as a pdf
Report recommendations:
4.1 The recommendations to address the issues associated with late payments are as follows:
4.1.1 Developing ethical business practice to stop late payments
There was evidence from witnesses and from the literature that paying supplier late reflected the culture and ethos of a company. Stopping this poor practice requires a change in corporate behaviour and this needs to be driven from the top. The leadership and culture of large businesses determines the relationship with suppliers, including contract terms and payment. Evidence was also presented to suggest advantages to large organisations engaging with suppliers rather than just monitoring and auditing them. Key elements of ‘good practice’ were also defined.
Recommendation 1: The Government should promote the adoption of ‘good practice’ guidance for large companies in managing supply chains, including publishing performance data relating to payment-on-time to suppliers in audited annual accounts.
Recommendation 2: The Government should encourage businesses to publish information for investors and shareholders defining their support of, and compliance with, ethical business practice, for example, signatories of FTSE4Good Index Series or Ethical Trading Initiative
4.1.2 Helping SMEs avoid late payments
Evidence from the literature identified financial practice issues, for example, invoices being incorrectly completed, as a contributory factor to paying their suppliers late. SMEs need to develop robust financial management systems and skills which reduce the risk of invoices being delayed or rejected by their contractors. To help redress the power imbalance between individual SMEs and their contractors they also need to develop new or strengthen existing trade associations to liaise across, and negotiate on behalf of, the industry.
Recommendation 3: The Government should support SMEs avoid late payments through free, high-quality financial management advice and/or training, for example, through trade associations, SME organisations, or local SME advisors.
Recommendation 4: The Government should work with SMEs and support the establishment or development of trade associations to negotiate, e.g., a Fair Treatment Charter, on behalf of member organisations.
4.1.3 Strengthening voluntary codes to reduce late payments
Evidence from witnesses indicated that the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) was seen as a useful starting point for developing commitment to paying suppliers promptly. However in recent months it had fallen into disrepute as some signatories had signed up to the PPC after changing the terms and conditions of their contracts with their suppliers without negotiation. The lack of monitoring, for example, of whether signatories and their supply chain paid promptly, was also seen as an issue.
Recommendation 5: The Institute of Credit Management should review and amend the PPC to reflect the issues identified.
4.1.4 Preventing late payments through legislation
Although it was acknowledged that late payments happen in all sectors, there is evidence that the manufacturing and construction sectors are the worst offenders. In view of the evidence presented concerning the issues in the construction industry, it was felt that there should be urgent action to address the late payments issue in this sector:
Recommendation 6: The Government should establish a Construction Code of Conduct, similar to the Grocery Code, with an independent adjudicator for mediation.
To ensure that large companies are not intentionally delaying payments to suppliers for their own financial purposes, the contractually agreed payment should be held in an independent trust. Once all the conditions for that contract have been met, the payment can be made to the supplier. A Credit Ombudsman will arbitrate in disputed cases. This will require legislation:
Recommendation 7: The Government should introduce a Retentions Monies Bill with money retained by a customer for a supplier to be held in a trust.
4.1.5 Preventing late payments by the public sector
Although the public sector as a whole has made great strides to improve their payment performance, this does not currently flow down the supply chain. To address this, the following recommendations are proposed as part of the public sector procurement process:
Recommendation 8: The Government should require all new Government contracts to include Pre Qualification Questions on past payment performance, and should consider the payment history as part of the bidding process.
Recommendation 9: The Government should make fair payment a contractual requirement for new Government contracts, with Tier 1 contractors paid within 14 days, Tier 2 within 19 days and Tier 3 within 23 days.
4.1.6 Gaining redress for late payments through legislation
There is evidence that there has been reluctance from SMEs to use past legislation, e.g., to claim interest on late payments, because of the fear of ‘blacklisting’. The new EU Directive on Late Payments (2011/7/EU) which came into effect in the UK in March 2013 may alleviate this. It requires business-business invoices to be paid in 60 days and public authority-business invoices in 30 days, with debtors forced to pay interest with and an administration fee. However through article 7.4 it allows an intermediary to act on behalf of the supplier.
Recommendation 10: The Government should support intermediary agencies, e.g., SME organisations or trade associations, to act on behalf of suppliers seeking recompense through Late Payments Directive.
4.1.7 Reducing the effects of late payments
The late payments issues facing SMEs are brought into sharp focus because of the state of the economy. Shrunken order books are exacerbating cash flow issues, which in turn are affected by difficulties accessing finance and getting paid on time.
Recommendation 11: The Government are urged to implement a growth strategy that recognises the importance of SMEs and to commission research to assess the macroeconomic effects of late payments on SME suppliers.
Councillor criticises Transport for Greater Manchester over slow show on bus stop
Garth Harkness, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North has criticised Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for their handling of the re-siting of a bus stop in Dobcross.
He contacted TfGM with his concerns five months ago when the bus stop and shelter was moved from its original site in response to safety fears, it was felt to be too close to a bend on Delph New Road. The new location for the bus stop means that, due to limited space, a shelter can not be accommodated.
Councillor Harkness said, “This site is completely inadequate, the old position was set back from the road but where it is now, is far too narrow. It creates a potentially dangerous problem as there is not enough room for people to wait for buses and use the footpath at the same time. As a school governor I know that mothers with prams sometimes have to walk in the road and this is not acceptable. TfGM have already acknowledged that the stop was placed in this position in error and have proposed to move it, up the road, to a safer site.
He added, “ I am very disappointed with the whole process and the lack of updates from TfGM. It seems quite straightforward, a new site has been identified and the stop should be moved as soon as possible. It should not take so long for this problem to be resolved. I can’t understand why what seems a simple error cannot be rectified quickly. The one across the road has been done but this one has not. I hope this is resolved soon.”
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester said, “Before we install bus stops in a residential area we always consult locally over a 28 day period to give people the opportunity to comment on the proposed location. We apologise to local bus users and residents that due to an initial mistake in siting the bus stop, this process has taken longer than normal on this occasion.
“TfGM wrote to local residents as part of the consultation process for moving this stop again and received no formal objections. The stop will be moved to opposite the gable end of 2 Oakdale Court as soon as possible.”
Oldham resident charged for not clearing rubbish properly
‘The Reality of Litter’ (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Oldham Council has successfully prosecuted an Oldham resident after her household waste was found dumped in another part of the Borough.
On the morning of December 6, 2012 Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers discovered a number of bin liners that had been discarded in an alleyway off Edward Street, Werneth. Correspondence found at the scene led the officers to a woman living on Fittonhill.
When interviewed the 33-year-old admitted that she placed numerous items, including doors and bags of household waste, at the side of her house. An unknown male approached her and said he would remove all the items for £20 to which she agreed and paid.
At Oldham Magistrates’ Court, the woman pleaded guilty to failing in her duty of care to ensure that waste was transferred by an authorised person. She was given a 12-month Conditional Discharge and ordered to pay costs to the Council of £525 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Environment and Housing, said: “The vast majority of our residents take pride in their communities and keep them clean and tidy but a small minority will always let the side down It is the responsibility of residents to ensure their waste is cleared up properly – we will take action against those who think they can just dump waste and leave others to clear up the mess. Fly-tipping blights neighbourhoods and is a health hazard. I would urge anyone who spots people dumping waste to report them to the Council.”
To report an incident of fly-tipping call 0161 770 2244 or via www.oldham.gov.uk
Saddleworth Community Hydro is given the go-ahead
Dovestone Reservoir
Saddleworth Community Hydro Ltd has made another step forward in its drive to use local renewable and sustainable resources to create electricity.
This environmentally friendly energy project has been ‘given the green light’ by Oldham Borough Council. Planning permission has been granted for the scheme to be constructed at Dovestone Reservoir, in Greenfield, Saddleworth.
The company’s innovative hydro- electric turbine is to be housed in a small unit adjacent to United Utility’s existing pumping installations. The building, about the size of a domestic garage, will be faced with Ashlar stone and topped with a ‘living green’ roof. Actual construction is ready to start and they hope to be producing electricity by the end of the year.
Saddleworth Community Hydro Ltd is the first community-owned hydro scheme in England that uses the water from a reservoir to generate hydro electricity.
The Society has been established as an Industrial and Provident Society with the specific purpose of owning and running a hydro-electric scheme for the benefit of the community. It aims to generate sufficient revenue by selling ‘green’ hydro-electricity to allow it to contribute to other environmental projects within the Saddleworth area.
Diggle Digg-Fest 2013
Saddleworth In Bloom 2013 – Results
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman Councillor Graham Sheldon and other Parish Councillors accompanied by local gardening expert Frank Ashton visited gardens all across Saddleworth to seek out winners of the Saddleworth in Bloom competition. The presentation to the winners will be held at the Civic Hall in Uppermill on Tuesday 17th September, followed by a question and answer session hosted by Mr. Frank Ashton.
Container Garden
1st Mrs. Ann Smith 47 Platt Lane, Dobcross
2nd Mr. Tony & Mrs. Carol Higgins 13 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield
Small Garden
1st Mr. Edward Butterworth Lowood 2 Wimberry Close, Greenfield
2nd Mrs. Irene Chorlton 61 Nudger Green, Dobcross
3rd Mr. Horace & Mrs. Betty Howarth 19 Southgate, Dobcross
Medium Garden
1st Mr. John & Mrs Margery Hall 11 Claytons Close, Springhead
2nd Dr. Eamon & Mrs. Pauline O’Daly 22 Church Road, Uppermill
3rd Mr. Thomas Adamson 46 Burnedge Lane, Grasscroft
Large Garden
1st Mr. Norman Jolly Upper Gatehead Farm, Gatehead Road, Delph
Best Large Community Garden
1st Mrs. Sheila Cronley 85 Beech Avenue, Greenfield
2nd Mrs. Myra Shiel 9 Grove Street, Greenfield
Best Small Community Garden
1st Love Lydgate Stockport Road, Lydgate
2nd Kath Lomas & Rachael Beadsworth 64 & 66 Burnedge Lane, Grasscroft
Best Blooming Pub
1st The Three Crowns Huddersfield Road, Austerlands
2nd The Swan The Square, Dobcross
3rd The Old Original Thurston Clough Road, Scouthead
For any further information, please contact Tony Marlor, Clerk of the Council on 01457 876665 or e-mail tony@saddleworthparishcouncil.org.uk.
Yanks are back in Saddleworth
Gallery Oldham Listings: August 2013
Dinner Carriers Parade by Sam Fitton
Exhibitions
‘Spindleopolis! When Cotton was King (Until November)
In 1913 Oldham boasted more cotton spindles than any other town in the world and the town brimmed with confidence and certainty about its future. A century on, Spindleopolis revisits this time of economic boom using contemporary paintings,
photographs and objects to explore the lives of ordinary Oldhamers. Cotton helped to create a prosperous working class whose cash fuelled a market for seaside holidays, football, music hall and fish and chips. The display uses the cartoons and words of local man Sam Fitton to recreate this lost world. This dialect writer and entertainer chronicled the lives of the working men and women of the town in the pages of the Cotton Factory Times, the operatives’ own weekly newspaper). This exhibition is curated by historians Alan Fowler and Terry Wyke and includes objects from Gallery Oldham’s collections alongside loans from various North West institutions.
‘Oldham Stories: Encounters with our collections’
In response to feedback from our visitors we launch a new permanent exhibition packed full of Oldham stories. This is your chance to see some of our most treasured artefacts alongside items that might just surprise you. We bring together objects from our Natural History, Social History and Art collections to look again at Oldham’s past and present. We tell the stories of a range of local figures such as suffragette Annie Kenney, the pioneering natural history collector James Nield and popular artist Helen Bradley. Oldham Stories features the breadth of our extensive collections. From birds and shells to archaeology and embroidered samplers, every object has a tale to tell. Artwork on show includes important British paintings from the Charles Lees Collection as well as paintings by artists that illustrate local scenes and characters.
Brian Clarke: Born Oldham 1953 (until 14 September)
Brian Clarke is the world’s best-known stained glass and architectural artist, but his works on paper are a well-guarded secret. He draws every day, and his drawings are the foundation of his practice. The first exhibition of his works on paper for 40 years was held at the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2011. This exhibition builds on that
acclaimed show, including recent drawings and paintings which reveal his exploration of line and colour, and provide an insight into his wider architectural work. Brian Clarke was born and educated in Oldham and designed the stained glass roof of The Spindles Shopping Centre in 1991. He has gone on to design major stained glass schemes such as the Royal Mosque, KKIA Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Victoria Quarter, Leeds. Clarke still has links with Oldham and the show includes recent drawings of its landscape and architectural heritage.
The Wonderful World of Rodney Peppé (until 14 September)
Rodney Peppé has been making enchanting handcrafted toys since the late 1970s. He is the author of over 80 children’s books and created the TV characters ‘Huxley the (daydreaming) Pig’ and ‘Anglemouse’. This exhibition includes toys, models and automata from throughout his career, alongside original artwork and films of his works in action. There are two working automata for visitors to operate and fun activities inspired by Peppé’s work. In the accompanying catalogue well-known Antiques Roadshow expert, Hilary Kay, writes ‘Peppé has developed a rare knack of preserving the joy of invention, making each of his creations appear spontaneous and fresh.’ There is much here to delight adults and children alike, and inspire the next generation of children’s artists. Meet the Artist! Rodney Peppé will be at the opening event on 25 May. Contact us for details.
Community Gallery
The Community Gallery features work by groups or individuals who live or work in the Borough of Oldham. Do you have an exhibition proposal for the Gallery? Please contact Joy Thorpe on 0161 770 4663 or joy.thorpe@oldham.gov.uk
Realising Potential (Until 17 August)
Young artists from Kingsland School showcase their talents and potential in this exhibition. Paintings, prints, graphic design and 3D installations come together to create an exciting and inspirational display.
Positive Light (24 August – 19 October)
Take another look at Oldham through the lens of photographer Mina Ahmed. Taken at night, these images show the beauty, vibrancy and colour of our town, encouraging us to explore a little further and think a little deeper.
Children and Families
Activities are most suitable for children aged 4-10 yrs. Children must be accompanied byan adult for all family activities.
Holiday fun at Gallery Oldham
Free family activities take place during all school holidays. These are linked to our exhibitions so please take a look around the galleries before you come along.
Face painting and craft activities at each session. Free – no need to book, just drop in from 1– 4pm
Super Saturdays
Craft activities, painting, drawing and creative fun for all the family on the first Saturday of the month. New for 2013 – explore our collections through inspiring iPad
Creativity! You will be able to discover, create and play on a range of Apps, resulting in a masterpiece which you can access online!
August 3 – Discover our Owl Trail and then make your own Oldham Owl to take home.
The Small Cinema – Bringing cinema back to Oldham
Every month The Small Cinema hosts a children’s classic in The Performance Space. Tickets cost £3 and include a goodie bag for all kids, and the chance to win a copy of the film on DVD. You can reserve tickets in advance at The Welcome Desk. The next feature film is Saturday, August 17.
Get creative
Have fun with film-related arts and crafts session before each movie from 12noon–2pm in the Foyer. In association with Oldham Arts Development. Visit www.thesmallcinema.com for full film listings and more details.
Oldham Local Studies and Archives
Oldham Local Studies and Archives is dedicated to the collection and preservation of the archives, history and heritage of Oldham Borough, including the districts of Chadderton, Crompton, Failsworth, Lees, Royton and Saddleworth. The service holds a large collection of books, pamphlets, photographs, maps and archives relating to every aspect of the history of Oldham, from the 16th century to the present day. Whether you are interested in family or local history, undertaking a college course or school essay, Oldham Local Studies and Archives is here to help.
William Cobbett – Until September
A display celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Oldham’s first MP. For more information please contact: Oldham Local Studies and Archives, 84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN. T: 0161 770 4654 E: archives@oldham.gov.uk
Call 0161 770 4653
E-mail galleryoldham@oldham.gov.uk
Visit www.galleryoldham.org.uk and www.gooldham.com
Golf to the fore at Bishop’s Park
Mark Cumiskey with Councillor Shoab Akhtar
Oldham Council has given the green light for a new and improved golf facility at Grains Bar where golfers can go to improve their game.
The Local Authority has granted an initial licence to allow the Bishop Park facility to re-open immediately and conclude a 25-year lease of the course in the forthcoming months for its continued use as a pitch and putt venue. The Council sought rental bids for the nine-acre land through the Unity Partnership earlier this year and received five offers.
The accepted offer came from Pennine Golf Ltd, a company that has previous experience in tending to golf courses throughout the UK. Their exciting plans include introducing a café at the booking office and the former changing rooms – plus upgrading the adjoining former cricket pitch to form a new driving range facility for golfers across the Borough.
The lease will retain the right to use part of the existing car park for the benefit of walkers, local residents and visitors to Bishops Park, located close the junction of the A672 Ripponden Road and the B1697 Grains Road, about four miles the north east of Oldham town centre. Golfers from novice to expert level can enjoy the nine-hole, par three pitch and putt course with holes ranging from 89 to 119 yards. In recent years it has only operated seasonally from April to October, but the new tenant intends to open the facility all year round for the keen golfer to practice their short game. The site is tended with moorland grass fairways and small greens, landscaped with trees and shrubs. In addition to the land to be leased, there is also an 18-hole putting green.
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, said: “This pitch and putt facility was making year on year losses and as a Council we decided, with the support of the Bishop Park Trust Committee, to advertise it on the open market earlier this year and try to revive its fortunes.
“We’ve had considerable interest from parties to rent it with plans to maximise the site’s potential and attract the general public. [This new and improved golf facility] is great news for the Borough and we’re delighted to grant this initial licence to the new tenant who has previous experience in tending golf courses across the country. Under the provisions of the lease, open access will continue to be provided to the site and the existing rights of way through the site will be unaffected.”
Mark Cumiskey, Director of Pennine Golf Ltd, said: “The Bishop Park facility is an eye-catching site which has wonderful potential and our plans will keep the popular sport of golf in this area with a local hub for golfers to hone their skills and enjoy themselves. We also intend to offer the facility to local schools and local clubs, plus attract local businesses in the area for mini corporate days in conjunction with our neighbours at The Kings Arms. However, we would not have been able to reach this stage without the co-operative partnership working with Oldham Council and the Bishop Park Trust Committee.”
Letter to the Editor
Shaw’s Pallet Works (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
This letter explores the issues surrounding the replacement of Saddleworth Secondary School and responds to an article in the Oldham Chronicle on Tuesday 16/07/13 ‘Excitement over plans for new school.’
Please leave a comment as we value your thoughts and opinions.
Concerns over Saddleworth School’s Future
by
Saddleworth Parish Councillor Rob Knotts
Replacing the 100-year-old Secondary School in Saddleworth is causing concern in the community. The best information currently available is that the budget for the school totals £15 million which will only cover the cost of the building. Furnishing and equipment will have to be transferred from the existing school to the new one. The £15 million does not cover the cost of installing the infrastructure needed to access the new school. Land for building is not readily available in Saddleworth so the choice of a suitable site seems to be extremely limited with one very strong candidate being that of the former pallet works site in Diggle.
Access to Diggle is limited to one narrow street, Huddersfield Road, feeding off the A670 followed by a 90 degree turn into an equally narrow road to reach the pallet works site.
Currently Saddleworth School houses about 1350 pupils albeit that it appears that the new school is expected to accommodate 1500 pupils. Between 14 and 18 buses are currently required to transport children to the school; that equates to transporting about 900 pupils. For the remaining 450 pupils some will probably walk while others will be transported by car. Let’s assume that 300 are ferried to school and back by car. In addition, the school houses about 150 parking spaces for staff. Thus the transport logistics requires the arrival and departure of up to 18 buses, 300 cars delivering children and 150 staff cars, all possibly along a narrow street in Diggle; all the movements will take place in a very short time period in the morning and afternoon on a road which I suspect was not designed for such a volume of traffic. In addition, the road has to accommodate existing public and private transport used by in the order of 2,000 Diggle residents. Safety together with the impact of noise and fumes on the environment are of concern to Diggle residents. It would be interesting to witness a computerised simulation predicting the traffic flow to gauge if the infrastructure will adequately cope with the problem.
An additional concern is the possible impact of the move on the educational standards of the children. One would have hoped that a new school would also be equipped with new and up to date equipment. Other new schools in Oldham have been fortunate in receiving new equipment; in a number of the schools that have been replaced equipment and furnishings have been disposed of at very opportune prices to buyers. However, it looks as though the new Saddleworth School will not be so fortunate and will have to make do with what it already has. Thus the pupils and potential educational standards will be placed at a disadvantage to the other new schools recently built in the Oldham Borough
Residents are also annoyed and frustrated that they have been subject to little, if any, consultation. The cynical view expressed is that any decision on the school’s future will be made without any reference to the parents or pupils. Granted a public discussion appears to have been promised but only after the school’s location has been decided. Thus consultation will be perceived to be purely a decorative feature and will not be allowed to influence decision making. Such is the sad evolution of the modern democratic process.
Some residents also need convincing that the existing school cannot be further developed and modernised thus removing the need to move. Sadly the lack of transparency surrounding the issues outlined above has fuelled dissatisfaction with the way the future of a Saddleworth School has been addressed.
The views and comments expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the editor. Letters may be edited.
Related stories:
EFA say that the location of Saddleworth School is entirely Oldham Council’s decision
Debbie Abrahams will not oppose moving Saddleworth School to Diggle
OMBC’s review of the Site Allocations Plan – deadline extended
The fight will continue say Saddleworth residents
Nominate a blooming garden in Saddleworth
North West upgraded to level 3 heatwave…phew!
Greater Manchester is experiencing heatwave conditions which mean you should take action to protect yourself, family, friends and neighbours from the possible health effects.
The Met Office has today advised there is a 90 per cent probability of heatwave conditions between now and Saturday evening – and further hot weather is forecast. The North West region has now been upgraded to Level 3 – Heatwave Action – for the first time in 2013.
Alan Higgins, Oldham’s Director of Public Health, said: “The hot weather looks set to continue and it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous – especially for people who may be vulnerable, such as older people, pregnant women, young children, and those with serious illnesses. Public Health England has issued some simple advice to help people to keep safe and be aware of the risks. We are encouraging people to take note of these and also to please take a few minutes to check on your family and neighbours to ensure they have everything they need during this hot spell.”
Public Health England’s advice is to:
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
• If you have to go out in the heat, wear sunscreen, walk in the shade and wear a hat.
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Avoid physical exertion.
• Drink lots of cold drinks and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
• Eat cold foods, especially salads and fruit with high water content.
• To cool yourself down, take a cool shower or bath, sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
People at risk:
Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as:
• Older people, especially older women and those over 75.
• Babies and young children.
• People with serious mental health problems.
• People on certain medication.
• People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems.
• People who already have a high temperature from an infection.
• People who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs.
• People with mobility problems.
• People who are physically active, like manual workers and sportsmen and women.
Dr Ian Wilkinson, NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Clinical Officer, added: “During very hot weather, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes, may also experience particular discomfort and should stay out of the direct heat wherever possible. It’s also advisable to keep any medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator. The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health messages on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk.
“This is the month of Ramadan and many members of the Muslim community are fasting during daylight hours. Dehydration is a common and serious risk during hot weather and it’s important to balance food and drink intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water. If you start to feel unwell, disorientated or confused, or collapse or faint, our advice is to stop fasting and have a drink of water or other fluid. This is especially important for older adults, those with poorly-controlled medical conditions such as low/high blood pressure, diabetes and those who are receiving dialysis treatment. The Muslim Council of Britain has confirmed that braking fast in such conditions is allowable under Islamic law. Also, make sure to check on others in the community who may be at greater risk and keep an eye on children to ensure they are having a safe and healthy Ramadan.”
New Premises for Uppermill Therapies
Karen Atkinson, the proprietor of Uppermill Therapies, would like to welcome clients old and new to her new premises! Still conveniently located on Uppermill High Street, (but at the opposite end to previously) the new premises are much more spacious. In addition to the treatment rooms, there is a welcoming reception at the new practice where you can drop in for information and advice or to book.
Following their successful Open Day at the beginning of June Uppermill Therapies is now fully open and has an extended range of treatments. Please visit the website for all details and special offers. The practice is open every day apart from Monday and the entrance in opposite Ryder & Dutton, behind Kryshia.
Karen Atkinson
Debbie Abrahams MP launches Oldham Fairness Commission
Debbie Abrahams (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has launched her Oldham Fairness Commission (OFC) and is being backed by a wide range of influential leaders from the town’s public, private and voluntary sectors.
Launching the Commission, on 18/7/13 at the Oldham Link Centre for Independent Living, Debbie said: “Many inequalities persist across Oldham. One shocking example of the socio-economic inequalities that exist here is that there is more than an 11 year life expectancy gap between men who live in the most and least deprived parts of the borough[1].
“We have to ask ourselves why it is that people in the most deprived parts of our town are dying so much younger than those in the more affluent parts. Why there are around 14,000 children in Oldham living in poverty. Why, in Oldham, there are around 16% of people with no qualifications whereas the average is 10% nationally.
“There is strong evidence that fairer, more equal, societies benefit us all, and that many of these inequalities are not fixed or inevitable. That’s why our Oldham Fairness Commission is coming together and aiming to identify and address what may be contributing to local inequalities in education, employment and income, and to define action to address these issues through our local partners and beyond.
“We will seek to complement and enhance the existing work that is being undertaken by our partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors. It’s only by working together that all our agencies will be able to pinpoint the best use of our scare resources to tackle some of the most ingrained inequalities in our town.”
Norman K Stoller CBE, who has donated £1M to help young people get appropriate vocational training and qualifications leading to a proper job and career prospects in Oldham, supports the aims of the Commission. Norman said: “I welcome Debbie’s initiative to so publicly pull Oldham’s leaders together to identify real actions to deliver positive results for the benefit of the community in general and the disadvantaged in particular.
“It’s quite clear that progress in Oldham is made by doers and it takes more than just talking to make a difference to people’s lives and there are many examples, including the highly successful Mahdlo Youth Zone. This is a great example of where hard working people with a variety of skills, who are willing to accept the challenge of change, have come together to find new and better ways to make progress. It’s initiatives like Mahdlo, the New Youth Guarantee and the Oldham Fairness Commission that will help achieve the vision of a more confident and revitalised working community.”
Rob Berkeley, Director of Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading independent race equality think tank, said: “Our research has shown that Oldham experiences high levels of inequality in education, employment, housing, income and health. We welcome Debbie’s efforts to understand the drivers of such inequality and to work with Oldham residents and organisations to identify solutions through the Oldham Fairness Commission. If others up and down the country do the same we will be better placed to create a society where all have the opportunity to contribute and to fulfil their potential.”
Related stories:
Debbie Abrahams interviewed on the Today programme about late payments to small businesses
Oldham’s councillor Jim McMahon wins ‘Leader of the Year’ award
Candidates for Elections – Thursday, May 7
Debbie Abrahams says Diggle is the ‘least worst option’ for locating a new school
Exciting new opportunities for pupils at Saddleworth school
Looking for something different to do with the children this summer?
The Castleshaw Centre is holding exciting ‘Family and Friends’ activity sessions in the great outdoors for children aged eight and above.
Take your own children or grandchildren with a group of their friends to enjoy sessions such as canoeing, high ropes course, climbing tower, pond dipping and caving.
Contact the centre to discuss the best options for your group. Sessions are available on: July 22 and 25 and August 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 27, 29, 30. Activities cost from £25 per individual based on a group of eight.
Don’t miss out! To find out more and to book places, please email castleshaw.centre@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 8595.
The centre is on Waterworks Road, Delph, OL3 5LZ.