United call over Latics stadium

Oldham Council report

A LACK of information about Oldham Athletic’s proposed new stadium in Failsworth could result in increased opposition to the plans, according to Labour leader Jim McMahon.

Questions were raised last night over the extent to which the council was working behind closed doors in relation to the League One side’s controversial move to the bottom of Broadway.

Failsworth West councillor Glenys Butterworth, who is co-ordinating opposition to the stadium plans among Failsworth councillors, raised issues over a lack of public consultation and the effect on Lower Failsworth Memorial Park.

But Councillor McMahon said the new stadium was one of the most important regeneration schemes in the borough.

However, he said there was an unfortunate lack of information in the public domain and conflicting information from Councillor Mohib Uddin, Cabinet member for regeneration.

Councillor McMahon said: “If this is not gotten a grip of very quickly, we will have a whole load of people opposed to what is a very positive thing for the borough.

“This council needs to start showing some leadership.”

Councillor Uddin said the council had engaged with key stakeholders, such as allotment holders and Failsworth Dynamos while confidential discussions with Latics chiefs took place.

Consultation was also taking place with representatives from the allotment society and users of the Lancaster Club.

He said no Failsworth or Chadderton councillors or Oldham MPs had attended the joint council and Latics consultation event, and no Failsworth or Chadderton councillors had spoken to him privately about the matter.

Councillor Philip Rogers said no negotiations seemed to be taking place with Oldham Rugby League Football Club. Council leader Howard Sykes said he and council chief executive Charlie Parker were arranging a meeting with the Roughyeds.

However, he admitted with hindsight, that the council could always have done things better.

He added: “I hope we would all work together to keep professional football and rugby in the borough if we can.

“It is about what works for the club, there is a whole set of issues that need to be worked through.”

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