Newshound Ken is a real terrier

Ken Bennett

THE Oldham Chronicle’s campaigning reporter Ken Bennett has scooped a coveted award in the prestigious O2 media awards.

Saddleworth-based Ken was described by judges as “a terrier with his teeth firmly buried in the groin of bureaucracy”.

And he was praised for his “tenacity” in tackling the Environment Agency as he battled to get justice for residents whose lives have been blighted by a controversial landfill site.

Ken earned a “highly commended” accolade in the Scoop of the Year section of the inaugural awards which brought together some of the region’s most talented writers, broadcasters and photographers from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

It recognised his two-year support of a battle by families, local businesses, councillors and MP Phil Woolas over noxious smells and pollution-related problems at High Moor tip, Scouthead.

He presented a 10,000-word dossier of his stories from the Oldham Chronicle to the Oldham East and Saddleworth MP, who was then also Environment Minister.

Ken said: “I was delighted the Oldham Chronicle received an award in this important inaugural media event. Our painstaking investigation into the problems facing residents living near High Moor highlighted their long-term problems relating to major odour and noise pollution and other issues at the site.

“Although I have been blacklisted, I am gratified that since publishing our campaign better mutual understanding and co-operation has developed between the tip operators, the gas extraction company, our newspaper and, most importantly, the locals themselves with Robert Knotts appointed as a ‘sleeping policeman’ to monitor the site.

“I would like to thank High Moor residents, in particular Diane and David Bolan for their resolute determination to improve things at High Moor, Phil Woolas MP and local councillor Derek Heffernan who all backed the Chronicle’s campaign.”

Earlier this year, the Environment Agency press office blacklisted Ken, saying they could “no longer work with him” on inquiries relating to High Moor and asked him not to make contact with them with any further.

Guests at the glittering ceremony at Manchester’s Urbis exhibition centre included former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton and Jessica Knight, the schoolgirl who cheated death after being stabbed in a park in Lancashire.

She made an emotional appearance to hand over an award for TV Broadcast Journalist of the Year to BBC North West Tonight’s Dave Guest, for his moving series of interviews with her.