Archive | June 06

Failsworth Pole Opening turns into a great event (14/06/06)

Crowds gathered at Failsworth Pole today to witness history in the making.

The refurbishment of the gardens, and installation of the Ben Brierley Statue had been made possible through the Government's Housing Market Renewal programme and European Regional Development Funding which saw £400,000 invested in Failsworth to bring alive it's historical heart.

The scheme, comprising of raised planting beds and lawns with a central circle and path taking visitors from the Pole to the Ben Brierley Statue, was designed by OMBC Landscape Architect Richard Vink, who has a wealth of experience in designing public open space.

The statue was crafted from a clay model by Artist Denise Dutton, who was present to receive a wonderful bouquet of flowers.

Reverent Adrian Matthews from St. Johns was present to officially bless the gardens and the people of Failsworth.

Local children from Higher Failsworth Primary School and St. Johns School were exceptional and helped plant the raised beds - and they were rewarded with soft drinks, fruit, and goodie bags.

On presenting the statue to the people of Failsworth Councillor Jim McMahon told the crowd of 200 people that this was a sign of the way Failsworth is going on it's journey to Regeneration.

On cutting the ribbon to the gardens Councillor Dean thanked the funder's and the volunteers who made this project happen, including Failsworth Pole Residents Association who helped Richard draw up the plans, and the Failsworth Historical Society who help with the statue and local history.

Councillor Jim McMahon worked with John Crompton to prepare a special booklet on the history of the Failsworth Pole and the Ben Brierley Statue, which you can download free by clicking HERE

Local councillors blast appeal decision (06/06/06)

COUNCILLORS have hit out at a decision to place an advertising billboard on the side of the M60 motorway in Hollinwood.

Initially, Oldham Planning Committee refused permission for the advertising hoarding to be placed at the site of the gasometer on Albert Street.

However, last week members of the planning committee were told that the Planning Inspectorate had overturned the decision.
 
When the original planning application was submitted by JC Decaux there were official objections from local councillors, the Highways Agency and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) because its siting at the exit slip road was expected to distract drivers and lead to accidents.

But land owners Transco argued that an advertising board would detract from the unsightly gasometer.

Despite council officers and an officer from the Highways Agency attending the appeal to defend the refusal, the decision was overturned which now means the billboard will go ahead.

Failsworth East councillor, Jim McMahon, said: “This is a huge mistake. If Transco wanted to improve the impact of the gasometer they could screen it using trees.

“This is just a moneymaking scheme with no thought to road safety or the people of Failsworth and Hollinwood who will have this greeting visitors into the town.”

For the full news story visit http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk

Housing Units to expand (02/06/06)
Housing Units, the high end home furnishing store is planning to increase it's showroom by utilising a former storage building which has become redundant since the new state of the art distribution centre opened over the railway line in Chadderton. The conversion can now go ahead after Oldham's Planning Committee gave it the thumbs up.

Meeting the application with a mixed reaction Jim McMahon who sits on the planning committee said "I am supportive of Housing Units and pleased it is doing so well, but I am concerned that it is becoming far to big for it's location. The site is surrounded by houses and the car park split by public roads. Although I support this application because it is using an existing building, thought needs to be given to the road layout and it's neighbours to make it a good environment to both shoppers, but more so for the people living nearby."

Manchester Cabins show their community spirit (01/06/06)
 
Manchester Cabins owner Frank Rothwell has shown his community spirit by offering to supply cabins for the carnival weekend free of charge.

The carnival uses cabins for it's officials and counters over the weekend and usually pays a hire charge from another supplier which can cost up to £500.

Welcoming this generous support Jim McMahon said "although we raise a lot of money during the carnival our expenses are growing year on year. This support means we can save some of our outgoings which means more money for local groups".

Graffiti arrests made in Failsworth (01/06/06)

Above: Jim McMahon decided to take action to stop the graffiti spate.
Failsworth Police arrested 4 youths in connection with the spate of graffiti which appeared in Higher Failsworth and Wrigley Head over the last few months.

After several complaints from local residents, Jim McMahon catalogued over 150 incidents of graffiti in the area which he passed on to local Police.

The Police then used intelligence to identity the youths, aged between 14-15 years old.

The council have agreed to remove the graffiti free of charge and may pursue to recover the costs should the youths be charged.

Jim said "this is low level crime, but it is crime nether-the-less and it makes an area look run down and makes people feel unsafe. Failsworth is a great place to live - but it takes work to keep it that way and I'm pleased to play my part".

To view the Oldham Chronicle's excellent coverage of the raids CLICK HERE