Published: Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Oldham is going to get cleaner and greener over the coming months and years.
That’s the pledge of Councillor Arooj Shah, the new Leader of Oldham Council, who is making it her priority to improve the borough through the already successful Don’t Trash Oldham campaign.
Councillor Shah was speaking days before the council’s Don’t Trash Oldham transforming neighbourhoods campaign moved into the St Mary’s ward.
A number of wards have already benefited from improvement work, which has included the removal of fly-tipping, the clearance of waste from back alleys, removal of overgrown bushes to create green areas and bringing pathways back into use.
Work set to be carried out in St Mary’s includes grass cutting, pruning, litter picking, waste removal, strimming, back lining, repairs to fixtures and fitting as well as a host of other horticultural tasks.
After St Mary’s the Don’t Trash Oldham campaign will move on to Shaw and Crompton.
As well as making environmental improvements Councillor Shah, who launched Don’t Trash Oldham in 2021 after listening to the views of residents, said she is determined to make a difference to people’s lives.
She said: “I’m passionate about cleaning up the borough and creating a place where people want to live and say they are proud to come from.
“Over the last year I’ve spoken to a lot of people who have given me their views. Don’t Trash Oldham has been a real success and I’m proud of what we have achieved. But we can do more.
“That’s why one of my pledges as leader was to expand the work Don’t Trash Oldham does, prioritise improving our communities and make long term improvements. We want people to work with us and tell us what they want to see in their areas.
“It could be improving your alleyway to create a space where children can play out safely or making a small space so you can sit with your neighbours and have a brew. We want to hear your ideas and help deliver them.
“One thing I am clear on – we’ll also be continuing to take action against selfish people who bring the borough down by dumping their unwanted furniture and household rubbish.
“Over the coming week we are going to be highlighting a number of ways we are making things easier for residents and our plans to make Oldham greener.
“As ever the council can’t do this on our own – we need your help to make this happen.”