Link on brink

The Link Centre faces the possibility of closure due to Oldham Council cutbacks.

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A POPULAR community centre used by thousands of Oldhamers could be axed in the face of further budget cuts.

The Link Centre, in Union Street, used by support groups and charities such as Age UK, First Stop, Oldham Carers and U3A, could be shut down next year.

As Oldham Council looks to save more than £20m it has warned of cuts to sexual health services and of changes to the way that services are delivered across the borough.

They have called on residents to engage in their annual budget consultation following the reduction in funding from central government.

Oldham and District U3A, who help the retired and semi-retired were informed about the proposal to close the Link Centre by the Chronicle.

Chairman James Royales said: "It has come as a huge shock. More than 25 per cent of our groups meet there so this would hit around 200 people.

"It would cause massive problems for us. For it to be taken away would be a major concern.

"The Link Centre has been fantastic with us and there is a new yoga group which hopes to start there at the end of this month.

"If we do not find new venues these people are going to be put on the scrapheap.

"We should be a society looking after everyone.

"The centre was originally opened for the disadvantaged and to take this away from them is criminal."

The Link Centre was opened on March 23, 2000, with further work carried out, under the direction of the late councillor Phil Harrison, with the aim to help those with disabilities access advice and support to live independently.

U3A holds 13 groups at the centre, including bridge groups, craft sessions, language discussion groups and meditation groups.

Age UK, Sight Support Oldham, First Stop ­- who provide advice for older residents ­- and Oldham Carers also function from the centre, which is staffed by more than 100 volunteers.

Other plans to save funds include reducing the top-funding to parish councils, introducing charges to cover the cost of residents' parking permits and enforcing fines on drivers who disregard bus lane restrictions.

The council also proposes transforming internal processes and working with other public bodies, such as the NHS and Oldham CCG, to deliver services.

They warn that further savings must be found and more proposals could follow in the months ahead as the authority faces its eighth consecutive fall in funding.

Deputy council leader Abdul Jabbar said: "The financial year 2017/18 will be the eighth consecutive year in which we've had to make significant savings.

"That saving will now amount to more than £212m which has directly been taken away from the people of Oldham by budget savings requirements and the Government's funding reductions.

"It is simply impossible to remove such a huge amount of money without negatively impacting on public services.

"For 2017/18 we must save more than £20m which has led to some incredibly difficult decisions being taken as to what we put forward to the public for consultation.

"We have no doubt the proposals will concern people, so we are now looking for views on them.

"I hope people will understand the difficult position we face in trying to continue to improve the town while seeing our funding reduced by tens of millions each year.

"We would particularly welcome feedback on potential alternative savings or ways in which we could mitigate the impact of the proposed measures."

To take part in the consultation, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/budget.