Local residents contacted Labour's Jim McMahon to help protect this piece of the village, Jim explains "the proposal would have seen a large property demolished and the site crammed in with 6 houses, allowing two driveway spaces per property, and the loss of 7 protected trees and the mature hedgerow which lines Failsworth Road. The entrance to Woodhouses would have changed completely to resemble a new housing estate - not what we need and not something to be encouraged."

Both Jim and local resident Sara Todd spoke against the scheme and after a debate lasting over an hour councillors were split on the application. Eventually common sense prevailed at the committee voted 7/5 against the plan.

The applicant has the right of appeal.

Local campaigner Barbara Dawson said "the plan is flawed because it does not acknowledge the loss of parking spaces adequately. I am amazed at such arrogant comments from local Tory Cllr Martin would makes a throw away comment about parking on the nearby Streetbridge pub car park - when only a few months ago he acknowledged it was earmarked for development, so it is not a long term option."

Cllr Jim McMahon said "it would make sense to put double yellow lines on the junction to improve visibility as planned, that makes sense and you have to put pedestrian safety first. But for balance they should then remove the double yellow lines further down Roman Road near to the loading bay, this would free up parking in the day, and provide parking for residents in the evening. You can not dismiss the need for people to be able to park, especially when there is such an easy solution."

For more information CLICK HERE

The site was earmarked for housing but the depressed market may mean the site will sit empty for some time.

Councillor Jim McMahon said "this couldn't be described as a dream scheme, but it does at least provide some certain plans. We have worked hard to make sure Failsworth is not forgotten and we continue to move forward the district centre development".

Part of the proposals will see Failsworth Community Centre relocate to Failsworth Town Hall.

We will update once the application shows up on the councils system.

Dave had a long history of running local pubs and more recently was credited with renovating the historic Walmsleys Mill on Oldham Road into a modern wine bar The Lock.

Councillor Jim McMahon, who met Dave through his work on the Key Restaurant said "Dave was an ambitious, thoughtful and well respected man, he was still in his prime and had lots to give, but he achieved such a lot in his life he was quite inspirational."

Our thoughts are with Dave's friends and family at this time.

Above: Broadway Library in Chadderton prior to it being boarded up and left empty.

Unfortunately for the people of Chadderton Lib Dem Oldham Council has decided to close the library to save money.

Labour campaigners fought tirelessly to save the library facility but were defeated by the the controlling Lib Dems. Now the building, which was built in 1952 to commemorate the Queens Coronation, faces almost certain demolition.

Luckily the people of Chadderton, like Failsworth, don't give in to bullies - the local historical society have launched a campaign to get the building listed to prevent demolition.

The lack of financial control or awareness shown by the weak administration only give more concern that Failsworth - or anywhere else - could be next. One thing is sure, there won't be any libraries closed in Shaw or Saddleworth!!!

Remember - this is AS WELL as the closure of the Mobile Library serving Failsworth which ends in October 2009!

Both schools went head to head against a new school in Forest Green and Police Station in Kent in the event held to recognise good practice in the Private Finance Industy.

Well done to both Failsworth and Radclyffe Schools.

For more information CLICK HERE

For more information CLICK HERE

Article by
Cllr Glenys Butterworth
Failsworth West

Residents were being kept awake by traffic noise, properties vibrating, windows rattling and plaster cracking.   During that year they continued to press Highways Department for action and eventually an inspection was carried out.  

After this campaigning the road was added to the council's Capital Programme for funding for this current year.

Councillor Glenys Butterworth explained "In February this year, we took Charlie Parker, Chief Executive, to view the dangerous state of the roads in the area, including Stott Street and it was this that lead to the road being prioritised. Finally the roads are now being re-surfaced - and not before time."

So, despite Tory Councillor, Ian Barker’s claims that he has achieved this it wasn’t his sole effort – it began long before he was elected and wouldn't have happened at all hadn't Labour Councillors actually got the scheme funded.

The site has seen a number of applications over the past few years, which have either been refused or withdrawn. Complaints received from residents range from inappropriate development of an overlooked and constrained site, to claims that access land is being reduced for local residents.

Residents on Claremont Street claim they are entitled to 10ft of clear access, shown on the deeds of each property, however the development proposes to leave around half that at 1.2metres.

Whilst the land ownership issues are not reasons for refusal the impact on local amenity can be considered. A number of residents and organisations, including the Failsworth Historical Society are currently being consulted on the plans.

For more information CLICK HERE
 

It is claimed the current disused public and car park is used for fly tipping and anti social behaviour and the change of use, they say, will reduce this.

For more information CLICK HERE
 

The scheme is intended to deal with the escaping methane produced from the former landfill which lays under the site. Currently methane can leak into the sewer network if uncontrolled.

For more information go to; CLICK HERE
 

Although there are no firm plans for the site, it is envisaged it may form an extension to the District Centre development.

It has been hoped Failsworth Mill could be redeveloped but clearly in the current economic climate it is unlikely to come anytime soon.

Report back by
Cllr Jim McMahon
Failsworth East

Usually speaking these meetings are more of a civic occasion, with little politics being discussed. Today though there was discontent from Labour members over plans to merge Area Committees and replace with District Partnerships.

Area Committees

District partnerships have no co-opted members and in Failsworth we have seen a forced merger with nearby Hollinwood. The meetings would be held in public but you do have to wonder how they will work... certainly when we had the old Failsworth and Hollinwood Area Committee attendance was extremely poor.

Although most councillors agreed that we need to change and make the council more accountable, our view was that to do this you need people on your side. Without undergoing consultation with the public - or even the existing Area Committees we failed to see how they could bring people with them. For that reason we were not able to support the move. Unfortunately the Conservative councillors voted FOR the scheme.

This flies in the face of local opinion in Failsworth which wants to remain independent.

Chairs and Community Champions

As if pushing through this change without any consultation wasn't bad enough... worse still a Lib Dem imposed as chair. This was despite Labour having a clear majority of councillors in the area. Perhaps the most interesting result was the support of fellow Conservative councillors who supported Labour's Glenys Butterworth for chair.

With a split vote the Mayor had to decide whether or not to use his casting vote. Usually the Mayor will only use the casting vote to support the status quo (that's the current situation, not the rock band). Unfortunately the Mayor thought it was 'in the public interest' to impose a Lib Dem chair - from Moorside! And why would a Lib Dem want to reside over Failsworth..... obviously the love of the job and not the £7,000 allowance attached to the position.

So where from here?

We believe the council was wrong to impose these District Partnerships and force areas together. But the vote has passed and we need to move on.

It is not in anyone's interest to sabotage these new committees, we all have to work to make sure they perform.

As for whether they work or not, it isn't a good start but the jury is out.

The move has been attacked by the Chief Executive of Age Concern who said "The mobile library service provides an invaluable service for older people who cannot access a library locally or find travel difficult. It is a vital connection to the outside world for many of them." Unfortunately this fell on deaf ears.

Councillor Jim McMahon said "the mobile library provide an essential service to some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom live miles away from the main library. To vote for this cut is to vote against the very people who have elected them".

FACT use of the mobile library had increased from 12,500 in 2003 to almost 17,000 in 2008 and currently issues over 45,000 books!

Oldham Primary Care Trust is to build a new GP practice; this will be located on Cardiff Close at the bottom of Hollins Road.

The practice will by run by Hope Critical and will be able to provide service for 4000 people.  It is anticipated the practice will open by late summer and will initially be located in high quality temporary accommodation whilst the new GP centre is constructed, which is due to be completed in July 2010.

Councillor Peter Dean said “This will give residents, particularly in Failsworth East, more choice of doctors and other health provision”.

Councillor Jim McMahon said "this is excellent news and finally draws a line under this whole episode. The council has committed to taking enforcement action to have the site cleared and I have voiced my support for this to happen as a matter of urgency".

Together we're stronger

We will keep you posted!

The above reductions don’t take account of the many new schemes recently introduced and it is anticipated further reduction will take place.

We will keep you posted!

Report back by
Barbara Dawson,
Chair, Failsworth Grassroots

The site has seen a number of applications over the past few years, which have either been refused or withdrawn. Complaints received from residents range from inappropriate development of an overlooked and constrained site, to claims that access land is being reduced for local residents.

Residents on Claremont Street claim they are entitled to 10ft of clear access, shown on the deeds of each property, however the development proposes to leave around half that at 1.2metres.

Whilst the land ownership issues are not reasons for refusal the impact on local amenity can be considered. A number of residents and organisations, including the Failsworth Historical Society are currently being consulted on the plans.

For more information CLICK HERE
 

It is claimed the current disused public and car park is used for fly tipping and anti social behaviour and the change of use, they say, will reduce this.

For more information CLICK HERE
 

The scheme is intended to deal with the escaping methane produced from the former landfill which lays under the site. Currently methane can leak into the sewer network if uncontrolled.

For more information go to; CLICK HERE
 

Although there are no firm plans for the site, it is envisaged it may form an extension to the District Centre development.

It has been hoped Failsworth Mill could be redeveloped but clearly in the current economic climate it is unlikely to come anytime soon.

Report back by
Cllr Jim McMahon
Failsworth East

Usually speaking these meetings are more of a civic occasion, with little politics being discussed. Today though there was discontent from Labour members over plans to merge Area Committees and replace with District Partnerships.

Area Committees

District partnerships have no co-opted members and in Failsworth we have seen a forced merger with nearby Hollinwood. The meetings would be held in public but you do have to wonder how they will work... certainly when we had the old Failsworth and Hollinwood Area Committee attendance was extremely poor.

Although most councillors agreed that we need to change and make the council more accountable, our view was that to do this you need people on your side. Without undergoing consultation with the public - or even the existing Area Committees we failed to see how they could bring people with them. For that reason we were not able to support the move. Unfortunately the Conservative councillors voted FOR the scheme.

This flies in the face of local opinion in Failsworth which wants to remain independent.

Chairs and Community Champions

As if pushing through this change without any consultation wasn't bad enough... worse still a Lib Dem imposed as chair. This was despite Labour having a clear majority of councillors in the area. Perhaps the most interesting result was the support of fellow Conservative councillors who supported Labour's Glenys Butterworth for chair.

With a split vote the Mayor had to decide whether or not to use his casting vote. Usually the Mayor will only use the casting vote to support the status quo (that's the current situation, not the rock band). Unfortunately the Mayor thought it was 'in the public interest' to impose a Lib Dem chair - from Moorside! And why would a Lib Dem want to reside over Failsworth..... obviously the love of the job and not the £7,000 allowance attached to the position.

So where from here?

We believe the council was wrong to impose these District Partnerships and force areas together. But the vote has passed and we need to move on.

It is not in anyone's interest to sabotage these new committees, we all have to work to make sure they perform.

As for whether they work or not, it isn't a good start but the jury is out.

Report back by
Cllr Jim McMahon
Failsworth East

The appeal date is set for 27th May and we will keep you posted!

We have also reported the unsafe fencing and dangerous retaining wall, so watch this space....

The matter has been referred to OMBC Chief Executive for action.

Update: Planning permission has now been submitted for the town hall.
 

An action plan has been agreed to include; parking steward, new signs to car park extension, residential area parking signs, and police enforcement of pavement parking.

The deadline for submissions has now passed and formal objections have gone in from Oldham Labour Group and both MP's.

The funding was made available through the Area Committee councillors ward budget allocation.