Ring the bell for a book

PEOPLE who want to use the new library service at Turf Lane Community Centre at night will have to ring the front door bell and hope someone answers.

That’s because it will be open from 6.15pm to 8.45pm if evening classes are running — but the door will be closed for security reasons. Readers may also find that books they have ordered have been checked out by another person because reserved books will be placed on a shelf when they arrive, rather than put to one side for collection.

The stock of 1,500 books was introduced at the community centre following the closure of Broadway Library, but the service has attracted a storm of criticism.

Councillor David Jones accepted that library services may have to change, but added: “If this is the first example of ways we are providing different library services in ways people can access them, I am disappointed.

“We are being told the library will be available in the evenings, but you need to turn up and ring the bell to get in or you need to ring up and let someone know you are coming.”

Councillor Jack Hulme accused the Liberal Democrats of closing Broadway so Oldham central library could open on Sundays.

And councillor David Hibbert fumed: “The Turf Lane facility is a poor substitute for Broadway, will never be enough, will never satisfy people’s needs.”

However, Sheena MacFarlane, head of libraries, said: “It was never intended to be a full library service.

“It’s a small service which minimises the impact of Broadway closing.”




Flare-up as meeting branded a farce



TEMPERS flared as people slammed the new Chadderton District partnership meeting as a farce.



Members of the public were angry that they are not allowed to join the debate at the meeting which was introduced by the Liberal Democrats to replace area committees.

They shouted “farce” and “it is not working”, and Councillor Philip Rogers was rebuked for shouting during an angry exchange when he was attacked for voting in favour of the introduction of the new system.

Councillors were also annoyed that decisions could not be made on issues such as handing out grants because the right documents were not available.

Former council leader David Jones criticised committee chairman John Hudson, and said: “This is not the way to run it. You as chairman of the committee need to get a grip.”