Councillor Jim McMahon said "we are pushing this because all these roads have been a problem for many years. We need fresh alternatives to speed humps and we are keen to try these signs which cost so little."

Councillor Glenys Butterworth explains "the current library on Main Street was gifted by local business man Robert Sidlow for the people of Failsworth. At the time this created a new facility to replace the aging Carnegie Library on Oldham Road. Now we are looking forward, and in a way returning to it's historic home. Our attention must now be on ensuring the council does not attempt to sell off Main Street Library and we are actively pushing for a new community use."

Above: Councillor Glenys Butterworth fighting for Failsworth

Jim McMahon said "the large number is reflective of the current military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan and many family members of serving men and women were present. It was very encouraging to see so many young children here to pay their respects and I am sure the service will be as well attended next year. I would thank all those involved in the preparation of the service especially the Mayors Office and Father Matthews for a well lead service."

Jim McMahon (pictured) had received a number of complaints from local residents in Failsworth and Hollinwood after funding expired for barrier planters.

He met council managers onsite and costed a new scheme which was presented to Failsworth and Hollinwood District Partnership.

Jim said "this is a major thoroughfare and the entrance to both Failsworth and Oldham from the M60 motorway. The area looked gloomy when the planters were removed and now funding is in place I am confident we will give our area the first impression it deserves."

At the closure, the parade will move off to the Saluting Base at Sisson Street opposite Tesco Filling Station. You are welcome to join local officials and volunteers in Failsworth Community Centre for refreshments after the event.

Cllr. McMahon emphasised that Oldham’s Labour Group recognises the importance of the development of a new stadium for Oldham Athletic. He said: “Although the logical solution would be to build one at Boundary Park, we accept that it may not be feasible in the current economic climate. We will look at what is being proposed with an open mind; and we hope that our call for less secrecy, more transparency and better consultation is accepted, and acted upon, by this Administration.”

Councillor Jim McMahon explained "the problems at Failsworth Cemetery are many, from footpaths to security and the consideration for burial extensions in the future. Before we can seek funding we need a plan in place which is fully costed and realistic. By putting this on the table we hope to have an improvement plan in place within the coming months."

Failsworth Labour Councillors are backing residents call for a pedestrian crossing to allow safe crossing to Westminster Park.

You can sign the online petition at; http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WesminsterPelican/?e 

The plans, expected to be submitted before the end of the year, will mean the loss of Lower Memorial Park, Broadway Allotments as well as the sports facilities at the club including a bowling green and pitches. The future of Failsworth Lodge is also in doubt.

Local Councillor Jim McMahon writes in an open letter to the Oldham Chronicle;

Latics move to Failsworth may bring many benefits, but the way it has been handled to date is poor at best.

On such a major development, the biggest to impact on the district for decades, perhaps some consultation might have taken place with local councillors representing the area, or even, god forbid, residents living next to the site.

Whilst we do need to move forward, and a new stadium would be attractive, it will be difficult to sell the benefits to the people of Failsworth.

Failsworth is a proud town, and it has right to be proud. Part of the land they are proposing to build on was paid for by public subscription in memory of over 200 lives lost in WW1. The land was held in safe keeping with Failsworth UD Council and recently with Oldham Council. Although the council consider it ‘council owned’ I would say it is ‘entrusted’ with the council and not to be given away easily.

The historic Failsworth Lodge, built by Captain John Birch in 1770 will be affected, even if it is not earmarked for demolition. A well used allotment will be lost, as well as sporting facilities used by local groups.

Although it is early days little consideration has been given to the impact of match day traffic and the impact of the surrounding residential streets – no doubt those living in the shadows of the current stadium will be glad to see the back of it. Drinking on the streets and the madness that already hits the town from the pubs on Oldham Road will only get worse on match days.

Until we can be certain that traffic and public order issues can be managed, and until we see solid plans for allotment users to be accommodated, and that any loss of public space is provided elsewhere in Failsworth, local people will not get behind the scheme.

If Latics bosses and the council want the people of Failsworth behind them then they have a lot of ground to make up - Let’s hope this is the last ‘own goal’.

And finally, and possibly a cardinal sin in Failsworth, is to question the football dominance of public open space in the town (braced for the self interested outburst that will no doubt follow). In the past it has presented some conflict, but it has been managed. Now clubs are moving to securing exclusive use of fields. Football is important, and it reaches many young people, without which some would have little positive focus, but we need to remember that the community has wider needs which should be taken in to account.

I would welcome a public meeting to get these issues addressed, and where the wider community can have its voice heard.

Cllr Jim McMahon

Failsworth East Ward Councillor