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
A message from the Community Safety Team
There have been a number of serious incidents in the last couple of weeks due to young people jumping into lakes, quarries and canals. There have been a number of deaths and one incident has involved a 14 year old boy being seriously injured at Dove Stone. We do not want to spoil summer fun but we need to work together with parents to keep our young people safe. Please can you discourage young people from jumping into, or swimming, in open water.
For further safety advice visit safe4summer.com
GMP and partners are aiming to keep children Safe4Summer
The Safe4Summer initiative will run throughout the school summer holidays, and will see police working closely with the fire and rescue service and local authorities to help ensure that everyone has a safe and stress-free summer.
Pupils across Greater Manchester have been made aware of the consequences of antisocial behaviour, and told about the website www.safe4summer.com which gives information on a host of fun activities happening in their area over the holidays. If they take part in a survey on the website, they can enter a competition to win an iPad; closes 31 August.
Police and partners will be directing young people towards the activities listed on the site, as well as maintaining a strong presence in antisocial behaviour hotspots and closely monitoring those with a history of causing disruption to communities. Details of young people causing trouble will be passed on to the councils’ neighbourhood teams, so that youth workers can intervene if necessary.
Underage drinking is one of the main factors causing antisocial behaviour, and so officers will seize illegally purchased alcohol, work with Trading Standards teams to target premises who sell to under 18s, and take firm action against adults who buy drink for young people. Police will also crack down on the illegal use of off-road motorbikes, which tends to be more of a problem over summer, and offenders risk having bikes seized or even crushed.
Chief Inspector Jo Marshall of Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham Division said: “Safe4Summer aims to provide young people with enough activities to banish boredom completely, and offers advice about personal safety on the street, in the countryside and near open water. It also promotes messages about social responsibility, as during the long summer break there are times when what may appear to be a bit of harmless fun can be seen differently by other people, and could carry some quite serious consequences if it gets out of hand.
“The vast majority of young people are law abiding and socially responsible, but I would remind them that it’s not only their summer holiday, as others may also be off enjoying activities or chilling in parks. Finally, I would appeal to parents and guardians to take an active interest in where their children are and what they are doing. Everyone should be able to enjoy the summer break in peace, and this initiative will help to ensure that they can.”
To report any instances of antisocial behaviour or criminal damage, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
Caring for those with Alzheimer’s Disease
Changes to Oldham’s town centre streets
Permanent changes to one-way streets in Oldham town centre will start to come into effect next week.
As part of the works to bring Metrolink to Oldham town centre, the direction of traffic flow on Greaves Street, Queen Street, Retiro Street and Waterloo Street is being reversed.
The changes are being made in stages, with the first phase – Greaves Street and Waterloo Street – coming into effect from Tuesday 16 July. Changes to Queen Street and Retiro Street will follow on 6 August. The alterations, which support Oldham Council’s aspirations for the area, will be clearly signposted and pedestrian access will not be affected.
For more information on these changes, contact the Future Metrolink engagement team by calling 0161 244 1555 or by emailing future.metrolink@tfgm.com.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing and the Environment, said: “Oldham Council is committed to regenerating the Town Centre and reversing the flow of traffic on these four streets fits into our overall plan.The transformation of the Old Town Hall into a cinema and family entertainment complex is a vital piece of the jigsaw and to ensure this plan is successful the land around Clegg Street is required, meaning traffic will no longer be able to travel up it. This will have a knock-on effect on the neighbouring roads so this is why the measures also need to be implemented on them.
“Three of the four roads are currently closed to traffic so this is a good time to implement the plan, rather than cause even more disruption at a later date. We understand this new traffic system will get some getting used to but it is the best approach to keep traffic moving and for the long-term future of our Town Centre.”
Take part in the Oldham Way Challenge
Photo: Courtesy of Pennine Prospects
Oldham Council is encouraging residents to get some healthy exercise and enjoy the Borough’s beautiful scenery.
The Oldham Way Challenge takes place on Friday and Saturday 26 and 27 of July and there is still time to take part as an individual or as part of a team. This annual event is a 40-mile hike that starts and finishes at Daisy Nook Country Park, taking in Saddleworth along the way. Entry is just £6 per person and you can join for all or part of the two days. It is a non-competitive event for all the family, groups and individuals.
Oldham Youth Councillors take part in the Oldham Way Challenge every year as it is a fantastic way for young people to experience Oldham’s green spaces, while undertaking an adventurous and gruelling hike. This year 20 members will be participating and raising money via sponsorship for the Dovestone Rangers conservation project and the Mayor’s appeal.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Environment and Housing, said: “The Oldham Way Challenge has become a really popular event on the Borough’s events calendar because it caters for walkers of all abilities. It is a good way to get out and about with friends and family and also offers the opportunity to raise some money for charity if you want to get sponsored.”
Up for the challenge? For more information and an application form call 0161 770 8595; email castleshaw.centre@oldham.gov.uk or logon onto http://www.oldham.gov.uk/oldhamwaychallenge
A ‘What’s On’ at Diggle Band Club
Diggle Band Club Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
13th July – Classic Bike Auto Jumble 8.30am onwards.
21st July – Diggle Band Club: Marches & Waltzes
10th August – Classic Bike Auto Jumble 8.30am onwards.
8th September – Classic Bike Auto Jumble 8.30am
September – Fashion Show Sale (date still to be confirmed)
28th September – DIGFEST, a fundraising celebration day for the end of the festival season. In aid of for Junior Diabetes & Autism. Live Bands and BBQ
Free cycle maintenance courses in Openshaw
Two new free cycle maintenance course are taking place in Openshaw soon for cyclists who want to learn how to keep their bike in tip-top condition.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is holding more of the popular courses on Monday 29 July and Tuesday 6 August from 5.30pm-7.30pm. The 2-hour long sessions will help adults (over 16 years old) learn skills including how to keep their bikes clean, mend punctures and safely adjust brakes and gears for a smooth ride.
Places are expected to fill up quickly and should be booked soon to avoid disappointment. Book online at http://betterbycycle.eventbrite.com or by phoning 0300 123 1675. Both courses take place at Bikeright! Headquarters at 877 Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NL. Cycling experts will lead the sessions and people are advised to bring their own bikes, although demonstration bikes can be made available on request.
The Openshaw dates are just two of many other cycling courses taking place at venues across Greater Manchester, including ‘Learn to Ride’ courses for novice adult cyclists. TfGM is aiming to make Greater Manchester the most cycle-friendly British region outside London.
In April, a major 12 year cycling strategy – called ‘Vélocity 2025’ – was submitted by TfGM to central government in a bid to secure £20million of national investment in Greater Manchester cycling, education and infrastructure.
You can learn more about TfGM’s ambitions for cycling in Greater Manchester by visiting www.tfgm.com/cycling
Summer fun at Diggle School’s Fete
Men in Sheds in Greenfield
Debbie Abrahams calls for action to save NHS on its 65th anniversary
To mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of the NHS, Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, is calling on Oldhamers to campaign to ensure it is protected for future generations.
Debbie said: “Labour created the NHS in 1948 and it is one of our proudest achievements. Its 65th birthday is an opportunity to celebrate but if we’re going to commemorate further milestones then we need to make sure our NHS is strengthened and protected for the future.
“The NHS is suffering from an A&E crisis which is why I’m asking people in Oldham to visit labour.org.uk/nhs-crisis and join our campaign calling on David Cameron to keep his election promise to protect our health service.
“The Royal Oldham Hospital and other hospitals across the North West are bound to be overstretched as the region has already lost 1,119 nurses since the general election in 2010 and experts are warning that services across the country could fail by the winter if urgent action isn’t taken.
“As part of my role in the shadow health team I’ve spoken to both patients and health workers up and down the country and they’ve all told me they are worried about the future of the NHS. I know first-hand how amazing our NHS is but it needs protecting so that future generations are able to benefit from our health service.”
Related stories:
Debbie Abrahams MP launches Oldham Fairness Commission
Debbie Abrahams interviewed on the Today programme about late payments to small businesses
Chief Executive Charlie Parker to leave Oldham Council
Oldham’s councillor Jim McMahon wins ‘Leader of the Year’ award
Debbie Abrahams MP signs up to be a ‘Dementia Friend’
Don’t let 4G ruin your Freeview
Saddleworth North: Monthly Crime Figures
JUNE 2013 update
| CRIME | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June |
| Burglary (Of homes) | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Burglary Other(Shed, Garage, Business) | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Theft from a Vehicle | 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Theft from a Motor Vehicle | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Criminal Damage | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling
Two burglaries on Denshaw Road, Delph. Both of these burglaries have the same MO whereby the offenders smashed a glass door panel at the rear of the property. Having gained access, they made an untidy search and stole several items.
Burglary on Delph New Road. A ground floor bedroom window was prised open and an untidy search was conducted. A number of items were removed. A shed in the rear garden was also broken into and numerous items, including a foldaway bike, were removed.
Clydesdale Rise, Diggle. Offender knocked on the front door of the property and was observed by the next door neighbour. He made his way to the rear of the house via an insecure gate. He smashed two ground floor conservatory door windows and then using a foot or bodily pressure forced entry into the property. A neighbour’s dog alerted its owner. He pursued the offender who escaped over the rear the garden fence onto Sam Road. The offender made off in a dark vehicle.
Burglary Other
Sandy Lane, Dobcross Offender/s approached a secure detached garage and forced a sliding bolt. Items were taken from the garage.
Crib Fold, Dobcross Offender entered the garden and forced a padlock on the shed, Items were removed.
Dobcross Band Club Offenders broke through a ground floor cellar door causing the alarm to sound. They attempted, unsuccessfully, to break into the safe.
Huddersfield Road, Austerlands Entry was gained via the front door. The property was searched but nothing was taken.
Thorpe Lane, Austerlands Offenders entered the yard adjacent to the property, made their way round to an area which was not covered by the security system. They gained access to the property and several items were taken.
Two Acre Lane, Moorside Offender/s entered the farm yard area and smashed a front door lock off with an unknown implement. Several items were taken from the property.
Vehicle crime (Theft from A Vehicle)
Rochdale Road, Denshaw Unknown offender(s) removed four alloy wheels from a vehicle and replaced them with steel rims.
Huddersfield Road, Diggle Unknown offenders removed both near and offside wing mirrors from a vehicle.
Vehicle crime (Theft of a Motor Vehicle / vehicle interference)
Millgate, Delph A car thief was disturbed trying to break into a car on the Millgate car park. He fled the scene.
Criminal Damage
Church Street, Delph – Paint was applied to the tyres of a vehicle
Oakdale Court, Delph – Various plants were taken from the garden.
Wool Road, Dobcross – Horse manure was put into the petrol tank of a farm vehicle.
Violent thieves use a machete to threaten a pregnant woman in Oldham
Police have stepped up patrols in Oldham following a number of violent robberies.
Eighteen robberies have taken place in and around the town since 15 June 2013 and officers believe that two different groups of offenders may be responsible for a number of them.
Operation Manila has been set up to combat the problem, and residents are encouraged to share any concerns they may have with officers on patrol in the affected areas.
One group appears to be responsible for four robberies in the Alexandra area, where the offenders are using knives or machetes to target vulnerable people. The victims here have said that they were attacked by young white men.
One of the victims was a pregnant woman. She was walking with a friend on Furniss Avenue about 5pm on Friday 21 June 2013, both of whom were pushing their children in prams. A man came from behind the pair and tried to put something over their faces. His accomplice pointed a machete at the stomach of the pregnant woman. The pair then searched through the prams, stealing cash and the victims’ mobile phones.
There have also been four robberies in the St Mary’s district. A number of young Asian men have on some occasions used violence to steal.
As part of the operation, two boys have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and bailed pending further enquiries. Inspector Jim Troisi said: “First and foremost, we would like to reassure our communities that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice. The operation we have launched includes thoroughly investigating the robberies that have taken place.
“While some of these robberies may be linked, and indeed there may be more than one group carrying out offences, we are committed to delivering justice for each person who has recently been a victim of robbery in or around Oldham. However, we have also stepped up patrols and lots of work is happening on the ground to help people feel safe as they go about their daily business.
“We are appealing for witnesses and would urge anyone with any information to call us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8927 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Nominate a blooming garden in Saddleworth
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
The judging of the Annual Saddleworth in Bloom competition will take place on Thursday 25th July 2013. The panel of judges will include the Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Graham Sheldon and Gardening Expert Frank Ashton.
The garden competition has five categories: large, medium, small, container & community. Residents are asked to nominate their own garden or a garden in the area that they think should be seen by the judges.
Prizes are also awarded for the Best Blooming Pub.
If anyone would like to enter their garden or nominate a garden in the competition, please contact Barbara or Hazel at the Parish
Council Offices on 01457 876665 or by e-mail
Pupils support walk to school campaign
Pupils and Parents walking to Diggle primary School (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Pupils have been putting their best foot forward and stepping out in support of Oldham Council’s campaign to get more pupils walking to school.
Recently the Local Authority ran a campaign encouraging parents to leave their cars at home instead of driving their children to class. The objective was to reduce congestion on our roads by encouraging children to think about the consequences of using transport.
As part of the initiative Oldham Council ran a competition asking young people across the Borough to design a poster illustrating the benefits of making the journey ‘in’ on foot. After hundreds of entries the winner and runner ups all came from the same school, Royton Hall Primary.
Winner Kai Steele, six, wowed the judges with his vibrant and colourful design which met the brief and encouraged healthy lifestyles. Speaking about his design the six-year-old said: “This is me and my mum going to school, I go to school on my scooter every day and its lots of fun.” He wins an exclusive pair of customised Converse boots with the winning design painted on the side.
Runners up were Carter Shuttleworth-Parkisson whose poster said: “Every time you take a step, another car gets a rest”, and Jack Lever with a poster which was titled: “Not everything is white and black, some things are green.” They were awarded ipod shuffles.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “I would like to thank all the youngsters who took part in this competition for coming up with such good entries. In the end we chose Kai as our winner because we felt his design was the most appropriate, walking to school can be fun and keeps you active and healthy.
“This was a fun competition with a serious message, if you leave your car at home you are cutting congestion on the Borough’s roads and helping to improve the environment, and ultimately the health of your children and yourself by being more active.”
Help stop flooding in Saddleworth
A62 near Standedge (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2012)
A message from Councillor Garth Harkness regarding flooding in Saddleworth.
Dear Resident
Following the flooding in Dobcross last year I have had several meetings and have been working to get a collaborative approach to the problem. United Utilities have already carried out some work in the area.
I am writing to tell you that we have agreement for a large scale project to be planned. This will be led by the Environment Agency in partnership with United Utilities and Oldham Council. An assessment of the River Tame flooding issues (Uppermill, Dobcross and Delph) and solutions to reduce the impact is to take place.
I am conscious that many people will be interested and want to ask questions relating to the flooding in Saddleworth. I am arranging a public meeting where representatives will be there from United Utilities, Environment Agency and Oldham Council to answer questions and provide an update. The meeting will be:
Thursday 20th June 2013 at 7.00pm at the Civic Hall in Uppermill
If you have them please bring with you any photos or information relating to flooding instances that have had a serious impact. If you have any other issues or concerns that I may be able to help with then please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Kind Regards
Garth Harkness
Liberal Democrat Councillor Saddleworth North Ward
http://garthharkness.mycouncillor.org.uk/ Twitter: @garthharkness
Stronger Economy Fairer Society
Diggle based Hay Tarn Willwriting Services backs measures to protect consumers
Ray Withnall (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Diggle based Hay Tarn Willwriting Services has become one of the first firms to sign up to a new scheme with hard-hitting measures to clamp down on poor practices in the Willwriting sector.
The scheme which is officially launched today comes hot on the heels of the recent Ministry of Justice’s decision not to formally regulate the provision of Willwriting services, preferring instead self-regulatory schemes which could provide adequate protection and redress for people making their Will. It has been given the Government’s official backing by Consumer Minister Jo Swinson, who said it will boost consumer confidence and encourage economic growth.
The scheme covers a wide range of sectors, not just Willwriting, and is designed to give consumers greater confidence in the firms that they use who display the new TSI Approved Codes logo. Consumers will be able to look for the TSI Approved Code logo, or search a dedicated database at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk, for a firm in their area which complies with an approved code.
TSI Chief Executive Leon Livermore said: “The Government recognises the importance of the new scheme, because any Willwriting firm who says that they comply with the code of practice, but doesn’t, or falsely claims that they do comply will be committing a criminal offence for which they could face fines or imprisonment.”
Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, who is the chair of the independent board that will evaluate the codes of practice which will be part of the scheme said: “Industry is well placed to understand the demands and expectations of their customers, but those consumers need the added confidence that industry codes have been verified as fit for purpose by an independent body.”
The Institute of Professional Willwriters Code of Practice contains hard-hitting measures to clamp down on poor practices in the Willwriting sector, which have typically been a problem for customers, such as: low levels of skills of advisers; poor quality of work; loss of money paid in advance; high pressure sales including failure to honour ‘cooling off’ cancellation rights and opaque options to complain and obtain redress when things do go wrong.
Hay Tarn Wills proprietor Ray Withnall is the IPW’s Willwriter of the Year 2013 and said: ‘As a condition of our membership of the Institute of Professional Willwriters, Hay Tarn have consistently operated to high standards and I am delighted to be an early adopter of the new standard. It’s great news that consumers in the Oldham area will now easily be able to spot a trusted Willwriting service simply by looking out for the new TSI Approved Codes logo, or by visiting the Trading Standards Institute website’.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said, “We deal with over a million consumer problems each year and know how difficult it is for people to find a seller they can trust, the Approved Codes Scheme will help to combat this.”
To contact Hay Tarn Wills click here.
The ‘I Dig Diggle’ Summer Fete 2013
The big finale at the Diggle Blues Festival
Big Jo Bone at the Hanging Gate (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Big Jo Bone at the Hanging Gate (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Babajack (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Babajack (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Babajack (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Babajack (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Dave Wood (Stuart Coleman©2013)
Day Three: Diggle Blues Festival 2013
Arthur Cale, Mick Spag (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Arthur Cale, Mick Spag at the Hanging Gate (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Arthur Cale, Mick Spag (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox at the Diggle band Club (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bluzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Bkuzebox (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Bourbon Street Preachers at Kilngreen Hall (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Charlie White at Kilngreen Hall (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)