Rugby legend Kevin backs fairness scheme

BACKING the plan: Kevin Sinfield and Debbie Abrahams

OLDHAMER and rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has backed the Oldham Fairness Commission as a “huge benefit for the town”.

At a commission conference at Mahdlo on January 29, the commissioners - who have already committed themselves to the OFC report’s recommendations - will discuss a draft action plan to address local inequalities and build a fairer Oldham.

The conference, from 10am-noon, is open to the public - and Kevin is encouraging as many people as possible to take the chance to get involved.

The commission was set up by Mrs Abrahams in July 2013 to identify issues contributing to local inequalities in education, employment and income, and to define action to address them.

Explaining why tackling inequalities in Oldham is so important to him, Kevin said: “Having grown up in the town I understand its history and I’m proud to say I come from Oldham. I understand the difficulties communities have faced, especially over the past 10 to 15 years and I just think it’s really important that the community continues to pull together. I think it’s really important that we try and get the public more involved in all the great work being done to make Oldham a place we can all be proud of.”

Local MP and chair of the Oldham Fairness Commission, Debbie Abrahams, said: “I’m delighted Kevin is backing the OFC and he’s right when he says we must try to get more people involved with all the great work going on to improve our borough.

“That’s why the commissioners and I are really keen that as many members of the public as possible should come along to Mahdlo on January 29.”