Local projects get early Christmas present

Fourteen projects throughout Oldham have been granted an early Christmas present in the form of nearly £400,000 in funding. 

The local projects have been handed shares of £391,521 by Oldham Council to help improve quality of life in the area. 

The council say it is investing in innovative projects across the borough through its Local Improvement Fund (LIF) to regenerate and improve facilities for residents. 

Council Leader Sean Fielding said: "We are proud to fund these exciting bids which will benefit residents across Oldham. These incredible projects will make a real difference to local people. We want to empower those who live here to improve their community and to continue to be proud of where they live. 

"Under the old system, it would have been very difficult to deliver many of these projects. It’s fantastic to see the Local Improvement Fund giving councillors and residents the opportunity to really improve their neighbourhoods." 

The successful applicants have projects in every district in Oldham and will consist of:

• Improving the Foxdenton Pavillion in Chadderton
• Creating an Albany Alva ‘pocket park’ in Waterhead
• Creating East Oldham’s first outdoor gym at Beckett Meadows in St Mary’s
• Developing two community hubs in St. James’ Ward
• Funding deployable CCTV in Limeside to help tackle anti-social behaviour
• Enhancing the Hollinwood War Memorial
• Adding a playable feature to Westminster Gardens in Failsworth that blends into the landscape
• Improving the exteriors of existing businesses and start ups on Royton High St.
• Developing a Trim Trail in High Crompton Park
• Improving the Turf Lane footbridge in Royton by improving the width to make it safer and more accessible
• Refurbishing the Satellite Centre in Greenfield
• Improving road safety in Denshaw Road, particularly for parents and children crossing the road when travelling to and from Christchurch school
• Regenerating Lees Village Centre, creating a catalyst for increasing community/business activity and involvement
• Improving the area that bounds Featherstall North to create an area for flora and fauna where local children and families can relax and play.

Of the 19 applications the LIF received, 14 of them have been funded, totalling £391,521 of capital spend out of the £500,000 that was available.

Though five applications did not receive funding at this stage, the council say another round of funding will be available to be bid for in early January for the remaining £108,479.

Under the old District Executive system, districts had up to £20,000 per year each to spend on projects. The LIF has created the opportunity to fund larger, more impactful projects, with eight of the fourteen projects exceeding the old limit.