Archive | July 06

Long awaited traffic scheme planned (27/07/06)

Plans are proposed in resolve a long standing traffic issue on Oldham Road.

Engineers are suggesting widening the stretch of Oldham nr to the old bus turning cicle in order to create a right turn lane onto Wickentree Lane to Housing Units.

The bus shelter is also planned to be moved further along Oldham Road past the Natwest Bank.

The scheme is designed to stop traffic backing up when vehicles are turning right, or if a bus is stopped, so that traffic can flow freely.

If you have any comments, let me know and I'll pass them on at jim@failsworth.info

 

Failsworth comes out to support Carnival (17/07/06)

Failsworth Carnival took to the streets with one of it's biggest parades in it's 43 year history.

Over carnival weekend over 6,500 people came onto the field to enjoy the entertainment and funfair.

Greater Manchester Celtic Pipe Band lead the parade through the streets of Failsworth collecting money as they went by.

Over 30 groups benefited from grants last year, as well as the committees smaller projects. This year we expect to have raised around £11,000.

If you are part of a local community group and would like to apply for grant funding to pay for day to day expenses or a special project please contact jim@failsworth.info

The Failsworth in Bloom competition is to be held towards the end of summer and prizes will be presented by Daisy Nook Garden Centre.


Man found unconscious (17/07/06)

Police are investigating after a man was found in a collapsed state on Ashton Road West early on Sunday Morning.

Residents reported the man, in his early twenties hitting parked cars with a baseball bat when two of them went out to detain him.

It is reported the man had already collapsed when the residents came out and they waited until police arrived.

The man was taken to Oldham Hospital where he was announced dead on arrival.

Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious and that they believe the man to have collapsed before residents arrived to detain him.

Investigations are ongoing.
 

Jim urges Failsworth to show it's giving spirit (09/07/06)

Failsworth Carnival is soon upon us and for months planning and preparation has been taking place.

Being the Treasurer of the Carnival you might say I have an interest in making sure we raise more money this year, and that's true. Every penny raised during the event goes to local groups, many of which would not be able to continue without our support.

Each year the cost of putting on the carnival goes up, so we are grateful to local businesses for their support in providing services and good free. This means we have more left over to help local groups.

This year we have designed a magazine which will go through every door in Failsworth and gives detailed information about the carnival, you can also download it here. I'll be there over the weekend, I hope you can make it too.


Above: Jim McMahon, Treasurer of the Carnival

Work Starts at Failsworth School (08/07/06)

Work has begun on the new 30million pound secondary school on Brierley Avenue.

Building the new school is expected to take almost two years. Once the new school is built the existing building will then be demolished and landscaped.

Both the school and Failsworth Leisure Centre will be open for business as usual during the work although car parking spaces will be limited.

Gypsy Camp at Albert Street (05/07/06)

The former Danni Mac mill site on Albert Street, Hollinwood is now a temporary home to a group of Gypsies who have taken up unofficial residence.

The group removed large concrete barriers from the entrance to gain access to the old mill site which has a large hard standing. The site has become an eyesore since with large qualities of old settees and suites being illegally dumped.

Councillor Jim McMahon said "it is clear they are selling three piece suites and offering to customers to remove their old suite. Once removed they illegally dump them on the site and experience tells us they will be left for the council (and council tax payer) to pick them up."

"whilst you accept they may have difficultly accessing legal sites, it is another thing entirely to fly-tip old suites which they collect in the course of their work, they should take them to the tip and build the cost into the suites they are selling".

If you are approached on the door step to buy a new three piece suite please remember where your old one will end up, and who will be left to clear up the mess. You should also remember that in a few weeks the camp will be gone, which will mean you will not have any comeback should something go wrong with your purchase.

The council has served notice to the illegal camp for the occupants to vacant the site.

Westminster Gardens almost complete (05/07/06)

The ambitious scheme to build a new park on Westminster Road, Higher Failsworth is almost complete with an opening date scheduled.

The final touches to the garden are now being done and the seeding has taken well. The official opening is scheduled for 29th July at 12.00noon.

Residents around Westminster Rd will received an invitation by post to attend.


Councillor Jim McMahon, who successfully fundraised for the project told us "the new garden will be a huge boost for the people around Westminster Road and should be a valuable asset. When designing the scheme I have ensured the highest quality throughout, which fits in well with the area".

If you would like more information on the opening, or are interested in joining the 'Friends of Westminster Gardens' group please contact Jim on 0161 681 6448.

Flower Power Comes to Failsworth (05/07/06)

The annual summer planting has taken place across locations in Failsworth following the area committees decision to continue funding the scheme.

Hanging baskets and planters have been placed at Ashton Road East shops, Lord Lane shops and Poplar Street near Morrisons.

Jim McMahon, chair of the Environmental Sub Group said "we choose these locations for maximum impact, and because we knew vandalism would be minimal. Next year we hope to continue to the scheme and look at further locations such as Woodhouses and Failsworth Pole, subject to funding.