By-election costs borne by Government

THE Government will bear the costs of the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election, residents have been reassured.

The arrangement was revealed in a response to Independent Saddleworth parish councillor Ken Hulme who questioned if Oldham Council will be able to organise the by-election for January 13.

With the council closed over Christmas and the threat of more snow and ice making travelling difficult, he said it was an organisational nightmare and asked how complaints and queries will be handled.

Councillor Hulme submitted a series of questions to the council’s cabinet about arrangements, including if election officers will be available via phone and e-mail between Christmas and New Year and the cost on council taxpayers.

He added: “What measures, if any, does the council propose to take to ensure local resident are not disenfranchised in the event of severe weather conditions leaving many, particularly the elderly, housebound during the election period or in extreme circumstances entire villages cut off by heavy snow?”

In reply, borough solicitor Paul Entwistle said the Elections Office will be open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (December 29-31) to deal with queries.

He added: “The cost of the by-election will be borne by central government. If any elector is concerned about the potential impact of adverse weather on the polling day, an application for a postal vote may be made before 5pm tomorrow or a proxy appointment may be made before 5pm on January 5.”




DELPH residents will get the chance to quiz by-election candidates in the New Year.



The village will host a by-election hustings at the Millgate Arts Centre from 2pm on January 9. Jointly organised by the Delph Traffic Group and Delph Community Association, the main party candidates have been invited to hear the concerns of local residents about traffic, the Delph School Safety Zone and a campaign for a 20mph zone, as well as other issues.

Conservative candidate Kashif Ali and Debbie Abrahams, the Labour candidate, have indicated they will attend.