‘We need to fight together to take Oldham forward’

Cllr Jim McMahon

RETURNING Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said he remains devoted to the regeneration of the town as he officially resumed his role.

At the first council meeting since this month’s local elections, Councillor McMahon pledged to pick up exactly where he left off last term but fears more cuts from central government are likely to be on their way.

Councillor McMahon, who was convincingly re-elected in Failsworth East, introduced Oldham’s Corporate Plan for the next five years to councillors at the full council meeting.

The plan aims to make Oldham a productive place where business and enterprise thrive, deliver confident communities where everyone does their bit and ensure there is a co-operative council delivering good services to create a co-operative borough.

Councillor McMahon said: “I think people have developed a confidence in the reputation and regeneration of the town. People are beginning to see projects take shape.

“In Oldham people put their confidence in Labour and my fear is that people in Oldham will be the ones at the receiving end of some of the negative decisions to be made by a Conservative government.

“We are heading into five years of difficult times for our town but we need to fight together to take Oldham forward. We can not afford for Oldham to give up on Oldham.

“We love our town but it will face significant challenges that we must tackle together.

“Don’t wait for somebody else to do what’s needed and we won’t either.

“Oldham is first among equals.”