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
New Council Leader Appointed
Councillor Jean Stretton
Oldham Council has confirmed the appointment of Jean Stretton as the local authority’s first ever female leader.
The Hollinwood councillor’s selection was approved at an ‘extraordinary’ meeting of Full Council on January 27. Cllr Stretton had been provisionally selected for the role by the ruling Labour group earlier this month. She replaces Jim McMahon who is stepping aside to focus on his duties as the new MP for Oldham West and Royton following a parliamentary by-election in December. Cllr Stretton, 57, had served as Deputy Leader to Cllr McMahon since June 2014.
She was raised on Alt Estate and educated at Alt Primary and Hathershaw Comprehensive schools. She has lived in Hollinwood since 1989 and was first elected as a ward councillor for the area in 2003. She has held several Cabinet Member posts covering a wide range of areas that include housing, co-operatives and neighbourhoods, health and wellbeing, town centres, culture and tourism. She will now assume responsibility for regeneration, taking over this crucial brief from Councillor McMahon.
In 2013, Cllr Stretton was named ‘Community Champion of the Year’ at the C’llr Achievement Awards organised by the LGiU for what judges called her “inspiring work to help her community in Oldham recover following a gas explosion” in Shaw. Married to John, she has two step-children, five grandchildren and a great granddaughter but describes herself as “a very, very young great granny”.
Amongst her other commitments. Jean is also chair of Oldham Credit Union, serves on the governing bodies of Oasis Academy Oldham and Limehurst primary and has been on the Contour Estate Board since 2003. She is also a keen supporter of Oldham Foodbank.
Accepting the nominations, Jean Stretton praised the work of Jim McMahon’s administration and pledged that Oldham Council’s improvement journey would continue under her leadership – delivering a firm message that “the work goes on”. She highlighted the regeneration projects underway – like the transformation of the Old Town Hall into a cinema and family entertainment venue – as symbolising “so much about how we are moving and getting our priorities right”.
Cllr Stretton also talked about the need to focus more on “social regeneration”, pledging to do whatever is needed to implement the recommendations of the recent Oldham Education and Skills Commission report, saying that “better life prospects and fair and sustainable employment will be key to our prospects and wellbeing”. She added that being Oldham Council’s first female leader would not define her leadership and she would represent every district and deserving cause in the borough. She says, “I am an Oldhamer born and bred. I want what’s best for this town, for its people and for our young people growing up. I am not afraid of hard work and I’m not afraid of a challenge.
“I will represent every Oldhamer – regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, race, creed, class or background. And I will do it because we all share the same aspirations. From Chadderton to Royton, and Failsworth to Saddleworth, we all want this place to succeed. No problem is insurmountable. With courage, determination and teamwork – with all of us doing our bit – Oldham can overcome anything that is thrown at us.”
Cllr Stretton will start a Leader’s Blog online next week which will be updated every Wednesday and can be found via the Oldham Council website at www.oldham.gov.uk
Councillor Abdul Jabbar
Councillor Abdul Jabbar’s appointment as Oldham Council’s new Deputy Leader was also confirmed tonight. A Labour ward councillor who has represented Coldhurst for 21 years, he retains his portfolio as Cabinet Member for Finance and HR. Under his stewardship, the local authority has established itself as a leader in public sector finance and became the quickest local government body to publish its accounts in half a century in 2015.
Cllr Jabbar has also led on the low carbon and energy saving agenda with invest-to-save schemes designed to reduce emissions and create savings for the local authority and communities through strong partnerships. Cllr Jabbar said: “I am honoured that colleagues have put their trust in me to serve as Deputy Leader and am looking forward to getting started. These are crucial times for the borough and I will be working very closely with Jean Stretton to continue the great work that began under Jim McMahon.”
Former leader Jim McMahon OBE retains his Oldham Council seat as one of three ward members for Failsworth East.
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Gallery Oldham Listings: February 2015
Exhibitions
Purring – Sport of the People (Until 9 April)
Anna FC Smith brings her art works and research into the forgotten sport of clog fighting to Gallery Oldham. Smith examines this local sport in which colliers and mill workers would engage in combat, kicking unprotected shins with their metal-soled clogs. These brutal and occasionally lethal matches were only loosely documented by history and Smith is the first person to bring this isolated and new information together. Purring, and its links to Oldham, is exhumed through archival investigation, interviews, art film, drawings, and objects from the archives.
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Sculpting stories! (Until Summer 2016)
This exhibition highlights the sculptural delights nestling in the collections of Greater Manchester Museums. The show includes significant names from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including works by Elizabeth Frink, Jacob Epstein, Laura Ford and Arthur Dooley from Gallery Oldham’s own collections. Go Figure explores the many and varied ways in which artists have responded to and represented the human form over the past 100 years.
After Life: Portraits of Taxidermy (Until 20 February)
We share this planet with millions of other species and depend on them for our survival, but so often we take nature for granted. This touring exhibition created by Sean Dooley explores the undesired impact of our actions and inactions through poignant photographic portraits of extinct and endangered animals from museum collections. These images bring stories of lost and fading species to life – including splendid portraits of the endangered Kakapo, native of New Zealand and the skeleton of the endangered Chimpanzee. Our exhibition includes taxidermy specimens from Gallery Oldham’s collection including the Great Bustard extinct in the UK since 1832, the endangered Capercaillie and Blacktailed Godwit.
The Fragile Moorland (Until 20 February)
At the heart of this exhibition is the ‘Mor’ series of artworks by Margaret Uttley, focusing on man’s relationship with our unique and highly important peat moorland. Her work is amplified through a selection of items from Gallery Oldham’s own collections of fine art, natural history and archaeology with their own links to the moors. The starting point for Margaret Uttley’s work are two ‘Grouse-Butts’ poems by Ted Hughes. Margaret has also taken inspiration from the Gallery’s collections – incorporating archaeology found on the moors into some of her work. Examples of wildlife from our natural history collections will also be on display.
‘Oldham Stories: Encounters with our collections’ (permanent exhibition)
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.
Community Gallery
The Community Gallery features work by groups or individuals who live or work in Oldham, or anyone whose subject matter relates to Oldham. Do you have an exhibition proposal? Please contact Joy Thorpe on 0161 770 4663 or email joy.thorpe@oldham.gov.uk
David Skinner: Photographs for the Soul (Until 12 March)
Photographer David Skinner believes that looking at landscape photographs triggers a part of the human brain that has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Take a look at this exhibition of his work to experience the photographic feel-good factor
Gallery Talks
Our monthly talks are free, informal and last around 40 minutes with time for discussion afterwards. There is no need to book. If you are bringing a group of more than five please contact the Gallery on 0161 770 4742 beforehand.
Wednesday 17 February, 2pm
Explore the world of Purring with artist Anna FC Smith.
Children and Families
Gallery Oldham is full of fun activities and events for families and children of all ages.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all family sessions. If you are bringing a group of 10 or more please book in advance on 0161 770 4742. Arts and crafts at each session are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years.
Holiday fun at Gallery Oldham
Free family activities take place in and around all school holidays. Sessions are linked to our exhibitions so please take a look around the galleries before you come along.
Half-term: Monday 15, Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 February
Free – no need to book, just drop in from 1–4pm
Face painting £2 per child. Activities are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years.
Super Saturdays
Be inspired by our exhibitions! We’ve artist led craft activities, painting, drawing and creative fun for all the family on the first Saturday of the month.
Free – no need to book, just drop in from 12noon–4pm
Activities are most suitable for children aged 4–10 years.
Saturday 8 February
The Small Cinema
Bringing cinema back to Oldham – Every month we hosts a children’s classic in The Performance Space.
Visit www.thesmallcinema.com for bookings and full listings.
Tickets cost £3.50 and include a goodie bag for children. You can reserve tickets at the welcome desk or call 0161 770 4742
For more information call 0161 770 4653 or log onto www.galleryoldham.org.uk or www.gooldham.com
E-mail: galleryoldham@oldham.gov.uk
Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL.
Gallery Oldham is part of the Library and Lifelong Learning building.
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One Way Traffic on New Street
OLDHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984, SECTION 14(2)
THE OLDHAM – NEW STREET & SMITHY LANE UPPERMILL
TEMPORARY ONE WAY TRAFFIC NOTICE 2016
The Oldham Borough Council hereby gives Notice of One way traffic restrictions will be in place on:-
New Street from its junction with High Street to its junction with Boltons Yard the permitted direction is in an easterly direction only and
Smithy Lane from Boltons Yard to High Street the permitted direction is in a westerly direction only
The restrictions are required because of a sewer collapse and will be in force for a period of 21 days from the date of this notice or until the works are completed whichever is the lesser period. It is anticipated that the works will be carried out over 3 days.
The alternative route for those affected by the restriction shall be via Church Road/New Street/Boltons Yard/Smithy Lane
Dated 1st February 2016
Paul Entwistle, Director of Legal Services, Oldham Council
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Only a few days remaining to get your voice heard
The statutory consultation period for the proposed new Saddleworth School ends on the 31st January 2016. If you have an opinion or view, for or against the project, you must get your letters in before the deadline for them to be taken into considerederation by Oldham Council.
The public consultation examines four planning applications which together make up the Saddleworth School project.
These are:
- PA/337301/15: Construction of a new Saddleworth School (for ages 11 to 16) with associated sports fields and pitches, external recreation and teaching space together with parking landscaping and associated works.
- PA/337931/15: Demolition of 5 no. buildings.
- LB/337929/15: Demolition of the link bridge connected to the listed office building.
- PA/337930/15: New car park drop-off facility, residents’ parking area and associated highway works.
It is important to note that previous objections submitted under PA/337301/15 as part of the 1st public consultation WILL NOT apply to the three new planning applications. If you have commented previously and you want to ensure that your voice is heard then the only way to do this is to submit further comments to the other three planning applications. (Two for the demolition and one for the highway works.)
A special meeting of the Oldham Council Planning Committee will be held just to decide these applications on Thursday 25th February 2016 at 6.00pm. The public are welcome to attend and observe proceedings.
The statutory consultation date has been extended to the 31st January 2016 and Oldham Planning Department have said that objections can be sent in up to the 24th February 2016.
The Planning Officer will produce his report and recommendation to the Planning Committee about two weeks before the committee date, so to be sure that your objections are taken into account by the Planning Officer they will need to be received by 10th February 2016.
Letters should be sent to: Planning.Admin@oldham.gov.uk
or OMBC Planning, Planning Team, Oldham Council, Civic Centre, PO Box 30, West Street, Oldham OL1 1UQ
Further information is available at: http://www.oldham.gov.uk/new_saddleworth_school
Template objection letters are available at: http://www.savediggle.org.uk
A public meeting to discuss Saddleworth School has been arranged at the Civic Centre, Lee Street, Uppermill on Tuesday 2nd February 2016 at 7.00pm
Saddleworth Parish Council has announced a Special Extraordinary Public Meeting for the 2nd February 2016 at 7.00pm, to discuss the Saddleworth School Planning Applications.
Mr Stephen Irvine, OMBC Head of Planning & Infrastructure, will give a presentation and then will open the meeting for public questions.
For anyone interested in the outcome of this project, this will be a chance to directly get your views across in person, to a senior member of OMBC. Stephen Irvine wants to hear your views before the plans go for determination at Oldham Council’s Special Planning Committee meeting on the 25th February 2016. See Diggle News
For or against the project, it’s a real opportunity to get your voice heard.
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Saddleworth Players present ‘The Cracked Pot’
The Cracked Pot | by Blake Morrison
January 30–February 6, 7.30pm (no Monday performance)
Sponsored by Morris Gregory
Set in Skipton in 1810 this funny, earthy and satirical play concerns Judge Adam who is far from happy to be visited by the investigating magistrate seeking out signs of malpractice.
The trial he oversees seems uncomplicated at first: the formidable Martha is suing her daughter’s fiancé for breaking her jug. However the plot thickens as family grievances are unearthed, and discovering the identity of a mysterious man seen with the daughter, become crucial to the case.
Booking can be made online via our Ticketsource booking site. Payment can be made using all major credit and debit cards, and there are no booking fees. Alternatively call the box office on 01457 874644 (Tuesdays 2pm–5pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm–7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30am–1pm).
Full details of all shows in the season are on the Saddleworth Players’ website, or our new season brochure which is available through local libraries, the tourist information centre and other local outlets.
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Views sought for legal highs survey
Oldham Council is carrying out a survey on substances known as legal highs – and we need residents to take part.
Little is known about how these substances are being used, what legal highs people are taking and their effects.
We’d like to know what makes people start and continue to use the substances, which may also be known as, ‘bath salts’, ‘research chemicals’, ‘plant food’, ‘herbal highs’ or new psychoactive substances (NPS).
Some mimic the psychoactive effects of illegal drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, and amphetamines.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader (Elect) of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are hoping residents will take part in this confidential survey.
“By completing the questionnaire you will help provide accurate information needed in order to better understand the use and experience of taking legal highs by young people and adults in the borough.
“We would appreciate people taking just a little bit of their time to tell us about their experiences with legal highs, because they will ultimately be giving young people and adults who take these substances, or are curious about taking them, better information on which to base their decisions.”
The survey will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You do not have to provide any personal information unless you want to take part in other aspects of the research.
You will be asked about your knowledge and perceptions of legal highs; if you have ever taken any; and about the good and bad effects you have experienced.’
If you have not used legal highs we are still interested in hearing from you.
All your answers will be kept strictly confidential and this study is solely focused on finding out information to provide a better understanding of the use of legal highs in the borough.
The survey’s findings will also be used to gather information to support local service provision for the community and to assist harm reduction campaigns.
To take part in the survey visit www.oldham.gov.uk/legalhighsconsultation
The survey will close on March 11.
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Saddleworth Parish Council severs links to Mike Buckley
Saddleworth Parish Council
In view of Councillor Mike Buckley’s recent conviction and sentence for downloading indecent images of children. At last night’s ordinary meeting of Saddleworth Parish Council, held at the Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill. In front of both press and public, members overwhelmingly voted to remove him from all sub-committees and other bodies on which the Parish Council has delegated representatives.
Following two motions tabled by Councillor Paul Fryer he was removed from the Planning, Estates, Finance, Environment, Strategic Planning and Conservation Areas Advisory Committees and from the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.
Although the law prevents the Council from removing Mike Buckley from office, members of the Parish Council undertook this course of action to send a strong and unequivocable message to Councillor Buckley and the people of Saddleworth that they wish to disassociate themselves from him as far as possible.
Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Neil Allsopp said: “It is now clearer than ever that Saddleworth Parish Council and the people of Saddleworth do not wish Mike Buckley to continue to remain on Saddleworth Parish Council.”
“I say again, it is in the interests of all concerned that he resign immediately. He should go, and go now.”
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Special Meeting To Elect New Council Leader
Councillor Jean Stretton
Oldham Council is to hold a special meeting of Full Council to consider the appointment of the next Council Leader.
Jim McMahon officially stepped down from the post on January 15 , having held it since May 2011. The Labour Group has since selected Councillor Jean Stretton, as their new leader.
An ‘extraordinary’ meeting of Full Council will then take place on Wednesday, January 27 at 6.30pm asking members to consider nominations for Council Leader. The Leader can then appoint a Deputy Leader.
As this is a special meeting there will be no ‘Open Council’ session enabling residents to submit questions on this occasion. Members of the public can attend to observe proceedings in the Council Chamber and there is no need to book or signal your intention to attend beforehand.
The meeting will also be streamed live on our website at www.oldham.gov.uk
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Diggle Dandelions Judged to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
Mel Buckley, Sue Rushworth and Jenna Evans with the children at Diggle Dandelions
One of the top pre-schools in Saddleworth is celebrating once again after its latest inspection by Ofsted.
Diggle Dandelions has kept its ‘outstanding’ judgement from the education watchdog – but has now become even better by achieving the highest possible rating in every category.
The setting was praised by Ofsted for its “consistently outstanding” quality of teaching, for ensuring children are “extremely well supported” and because children make “excellent progress”. The report adds that there is a “warm, welcoming environment” with excellent resources and staff who are “exceptional role models”.
Diggle Dandelions, which is in the grounds of the popular Diggle Primary School, was also hailed for developing children’s confidence and self-esteem and making sure parents are fully involved in their child’s learning.
Manager Jenna Evans, who is described by Ofsted as “inspirational”, said, “I’m delighted to achieve a clean sweep of ‘outstanding’ judgements. It’s fantastic news for the children, their families and our brilliant staff. The children who attend Diggle Dandelions have a wonderful and exciting time at this vital stage in their young lives.”
“We were very pleased to be judged as outstanding at our last inspection in 2010, but we continued to strive for improvements and to aim even higher. Ofsted’s new report reflects all our hard work in delivering high quality learning and care.”
“Diggle Dandelions is a genuine team effort involving staff, families, Diggle Primary School and the local community. We truly value our relationships with parents. Our ethos is to nurture each individual child in a fun and stimulating environment, giving them the best possible start in life.”
Diggle Dandelions, on Sam Road, has places for children aged two to five and offers a choice of session times throughout the week. Close links with the primary school mean children are helped to make an easy transition when it is time for them to move into reception class.
Families are welcome to contact Jenna and arrange a visit – please call 07827 917734 or 0161 770 5597, or email jenna.evansdd@yahoo.com
For more information please go to diggledandelions.org. You can the full Ofsted report here.
Diggle Dandelions is a community interest, not-for-profit pre-school and playgroup.
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Parish Councillors Call for Mike Buckley to Resign
After the sentencing of Saddleworth Parish Councillor Mike Buckley after being found guilty of downloading indecent pictures of young boys to his computer, within a matter of hours, Saddleworth Parish Council’s Chairman issued a request asking him to resign
Parish Chairman Councillor Allsopp wrote:
Following the conviction of Councillor Buckley in December 2015, and the sentence passed on him today, it is my personal opinion that it would be inappropriate for Councillor Buckley to continue to serve as a councillor on Saddleworth Parish Council. I have subsequently invited him to tender his resignation.
I believe this is in the best interests of all concerned. Furthermore, it is my intention to refer the matter to the Borough Solicitor for investigation under the Members’ Code of Conduct.
Following on from that, every other group from the Parish Council also issued a statement:
Alan Belmore, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the Parish Council wrote:
Mike Buckley must resign as a councillor for the good of Saddleworth. He has put his own ego before the needs of the people he was elected by by remaining as a councillor even after being found guilty.
If Buckley refuses to do the honourable thing we will move a motion of no confidence in him at the next Parish Council meeting and demand that Buckley’s Independent Group finally disowns him.
Anyone found guilty of the offences Mike Buckley was convicted for is not fit to be a councillor
John Hudson, Conservative Parish Councillor wrote:
I agree with action taken by the Chairman
Robert Knotts, Independent Parish Councillor wrote:
Councillor Buckley’s conviction is a sad episode in his long standing contribution to public service.
Throughout his long term service as both a Borough and a Parish Councillor with the Liberal Democrats and recently as an Independent, Councillor Buckley has been noted for his dedication to his work within the Borough and the Parish. However his conviction could seriously undermine his position with the Parish Council, his colleagues and those he represents.
As a result of his conviction Councillor Buckley, in our opinion, has violated a Councillor’s Code of Conduct.
Therefore our position is that as Independent councillors we disassociate ourselves from Councillor Buckley.
Parish Councillor R Knotts
Borough and Parish Councillor N Kirkham
Parish Councillor K Lucas MBE
Parish Councillor K Roman
Parish Councillor G Bayley
Parish Councillor L Brown
Paul Fryer, Labour Parish Councillor wrote:
The two Labour Parish Councillors deplore in the strongest possible terms the actions of Cllr Mike Buckley. Indeed since the beginning of the year Cllr Steve Hewitt has refused to attend meetings at which Cllr Buckley has participated. We believe that it would be in the best interests of the Council and of Mike himself if he was to resign his seat. The nature of his offences make this not only desirable, but in our view inevitable. If Cllr Buckley does not resign, then we believe that he should at least be removed from all committees and posts that he has on the council, and will consider putting a motion to the next full council to that effect.
Saddleworth Parish Council Labour Group
Even though councillor Buckley has now been found guilty and each of these Parish councillors have called for him to resign, he is under no obligation to do so and could remain in office until he is up for re-election in 2019
Mike Buckley released a statement today saying,
“I do not wish to comment on the sentence. Individuals’ views on whether I should stand down from the parish council are just that – their views. I do not intent to enter into a sparing match with other members of the Parish Council, Oldham Council or other politicians, who may choose to express their opinions on my conviction. My responsibility is to those who elected me to the Council. I intend to carrying on doing that to the best of my abilities. I intend to continue my work on the Parish Council defending and promoting the best interest of Saddleworth, commenting and helping on heritage and planning issues and working on the many improvement projects that I am presently engaged in.”
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Special meeting to consider Saddleworth School Planning Application
Oldham Council’s Planning Committee is set to consider all four applications relating to the proposed new Saddleworth School at a special meeting next month. This so-called ‘extraordinary’ meeting will consider only these matters and will take place in the Council Chambers on Thursday, February 25 at 6pm.
Three separate and one revised planning applications were all submitted in week commencing December 21 – triggering a statutory 21-day public consultation that ended on January 13. However, because of the confirmed Committee date, it has now been decided that the deadline to submit comments and feedback on these applications can be extended until Sunday, January 31.
The cross-party Planning Committee members will consider the applications which are to:
A) Build the new Saddleworth School on the WH Shaw Pallets site in Diggle;
B) Demolish existing buildings on the WH Shaw site, excluding the listed building;
C) Demolish the link bridge attached to the Grade II listed building on the WH Shaw site;
D) Provide a parental drop off area plus residential car parking as part of the wider highways scheme in Diggle.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, said: “We understand these applications are complex and have attracted a lot of public interest so it is good common sense to deal with them all together at a special ‘one-off’ meeting of the Planning Committee. This will allow members the proper attention, time and focus to deal with these matters.
“In line with all the normal procedures for the planning committee, the four applications will be heard separately with a vote taken at the end of the discussion on each. That will enable the committee to hear from one speaker for and one against each application. Those speakers will get three minutes each to put their case before committee members then publicly debate and cast their votes.
“As usual, members of the public can attend to observe proceedings and there is no need to book or signal your intention to attend this meeting beforehand.”
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Mike Buckley Asked To Resign
Councillor Mike Buckley
Saddleworth Parish councillor, Mike Buckley, was today sentenced by Judge Jonathan Foster at Manchester Crown Court for downloading indecent pictures of young boys to his computer.
He was told by the judge that his loss of good character and standing was punishment enough.
Buckley has been ordered to participate, for 35 sessions, in the Internet Sexual Offenders Treatment Programme and will be subject to supervision by the Probation Service for two years. In addition, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years and will be on a strict curfew, starting next week, between 8am and 4pm for 28 days.
In response to Buckley’s sentencing the Chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, Councillor Neil Allsopp released the following statement:
Re: sentence passed today on Councillor Mike Buckley at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester
Following the conviction of Councillor Buckley in December 2015, and the sentence passed on him today, it is my personal opinion that it would be inappropriate for Councillor Buckley to continue to serve as a councillor on Saddleworth Parish Council. I have subsequently invited him to tender his resignation.
I believe this is in the best interests of all concerned. Furthermore, it is my intention to refer the matter to the Borough Solicitor for investigation under the Members’ Code of Conduct.
Councillor Neil Allsopp
Chairman
Saddleworth Parish Council
13th January 2016
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Flooding in Saddleworth
Garden Centre, Dobcross
Brownhills Picnic Area
Canal Lock, Brownhills
Footpath, Brownhills
Memorial Park, Uppermill
Stepping Stones, Uppermill
High Street, Uppermill
High Street, Uppermill
Clean up, School Street, Uppermill
School Street, Uppermill
Greenfield
Greenfield
Greenfield
Churchill Playing Fields, Uppermill
Tennis Courts, Uppermill
Churchill Playing Fields, Uppermill
Delph
Delph New Road
Delph New Road
Delph New Road
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21-day public consultation period begins today
Statutory consultation on the final Saddleworth School Plans in Diggle begins today – the public are invited to look at the plans and submit their comments.
Oldham Council has received planning applications for the demolition of the buildings at the W.H. Shaw Pallet site and for highways works associated with the existing planning application for the new Saddleworth School.
Amended plans have now been received in respect of the current planning application for the school.
In addition, the listed building consent application for the demolition of the link bridge between the Clock Tower and the old industrial buildings has been withdrawn and resubmitted.
A new/amended Environmental Statement has been received that applies to all of the applications relating to this proposed development and updates the one previously submitted in support of the school planning application.
A statutory 21-day public consultation period begins today (December 23, 2015).
Residents and interested parties will be able to view the applications, the Environmental Statement and other supporting documents at:
http://planningpa.oldham.gov.uk/online-applications/
The public can submit comments online or by writing to:
Neighbourhoods Directorate, Planning and Infrastructure, Development Management, PO Box 30, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham. OL1 1UQ.
If you have already commented on the school application, there is no need to re-submit but you can make additional comments.
Copies of the plans can also be viewed at the Saddleworth Parish Council offices during normal hours of opening and at the Civic Centre.
Please note some council services will be restricted over the festive period. To find out more information visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/christmas_closures
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Man found dead in Chew Valley
Police are trying to identify a man who was found dead near Dovestones reservoir in Saddleworth.
On Saturday 12 December 2015, the body of the man was found on the Chew track leading from Dovestones Reservoir boating lake to Indians Head.
He is described as being white, of slim build, had a receding hairline with grey hair to the side and back, had a large nose which may have been previously broken and was clean shaven. The man wore a brown heavy jacket, blue jumper, white long sleeve shirt, blue corduroy trousers and black slip on shoes.
There were no apparent injuries or marks on the body and at this moment in time, do not believe the death is suspicious.
Officers are now appealing to people who use the area for information.
Detective Sergeant John Coleman said: “The area where the man was found is extremely remote and is used by walkers, engineers and rangers for the park. What we know is he was last seen at around 4.30pm on Friday 11 December 2015 on the track near to where he was found and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us.
“We are trying to find out who he is so we can tell his family but unfortunately he did not hold any ID. When he was searched, the man had money and three train tickets. One was from Ealing train station to Euston which was bought at 9.10am on Friday 11 December 2015. The other tickets were return from Euston to Piccadilly bought at 9.50am the same day.
“At this moment in time, we do not know whether the man is local or is visiting the area. I would appeal to owners of hotels or guest houses to call us if they believe personal belongings have been left in their room and no one has come back to claim them.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8972 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Proposed highway works for Diggle – or does it?
The post Proposed highway works for Diggle – or does it? appeared first on Diggle News.
Saddleworth Musical Society Christmas Concert
Extra Drop-In Event for Diggle Highway Plans
Oldham Council is holding an extra drop-in event where people can view the proposed highways scheme for the new Saddleworth School next week.
A first event is being held tomorrow (December 10) at Kiln Green Church, Diggle, on Thursday, December 10 between 3pm and 7.30pm.
An additional drop-in event is now scheduled to take place at Diggle Band Club on Tuesday, December 15 from 3pm to 8.30pm.
Officers will again be on hand to explain the highways scheme and answer any questions.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, said: “We have been contacted by members of the local community asking for an additional opportunity to view the highways plans. We were happy to arrange this so that we can give residents another chance to do this – and also have an event that runs later into the evening for people’s convenience.”
The applicant is likely to submit the full planning application for the highways scheme during week commencing December 21. Under planning law this will then automatically trigger a statutory 21-day consultation period.
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Diggle’s Christmas Lights Switch-On
Woman pushed to the ground by thieves in Delph
Four men broke into a house in Saddleworth and knocked a woman to the ground.
At around 2.30pm on Tuesday 1 December 2015, the 63-year-old woman was watching television in her home on Delph Lane when the men opened the back door of her house. They claimed they were police officers and were checking houses to make sure they were okay. They searched the house and when the victim realised they were taking personal property, she tried to intervene and was knocked over.
All four men then left, taking jewellery, a Territorial Army medal, wedding rings and a gold St Christopher chain and pendant. One man is described as being dark skinned, clean shaven, dark eyes, 5ft 8in tall, thin faced, wore dark clothing, black leather style cap, spoke English but addressed the other men in an unknown language. Another male was dark skinned, 5ft 8in tall, had dark greasy hair that was combed across to the side, dark eyes and of thin build. A third man was white, 6ft tall, in his early 20s, of broad build, had chubby cheeks, blue eyes, wore light blue jeans and a light grey puffer jacket.
Detective Constable Kelly Bragg said: “The woman is understandably distressed by what happened, these men walked into her home uninvited and she was completely powerless to stop them from stealing her personal property. I would ask anyone who may have information as to who these males are or where her possessions are to contact us. The items are not worth much in monetary value but to the victim, they are priceless mementos of her life.
“It is also essential to remind people to always ensure all of their doors and windows are locked at all times, even if you are in the house at the time. In addition, please do not let anyone into your house whose identity you are unsure of.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8850 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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