Oldham residents express concerns over local issues, child abuse inquiries, and council actions.
Shanice, who works in Oldham, feels uneasy and now identifies as being from Manchester due to the child abuse scandal’s impact. She believes earlier action could have helped the situation. Shanice also thinks that working together could solve problems and that the council has room for improvement. She specifically mentions concerns about crime and antisocial behavior while also seeing a wider UK issue of people choosing violence over talking.
Two neighbors in Failsworth expressed concern that the spotlight negatively affects Oldham. One thought the impact is bigger than realized, while the other wanted the issue resolved long ago, feeling that the council has avoided these questions. Oldham has had tense meetings about child abuse, with some advocating for a government inquiry and others defending a local review. Protesters disrupted meetings with insults.
One neighbor felt that racial tensions complicated things, but both neighbors ultimately agreed it wasn’t the main concern. They focused on local issues like trash and potholes, and the older neighbor questioned where tax money goes. Joyce agreed that fly-tipping is a major issue, and also mentioned the declining high street as a concern. She believes residents share some blame, and feels people lack pride in Oldham.
Some residents heard about the child abuse issues, but did not have strong opinions because it did not personally affect them. Ubaid Khan said housing is a bigger problem, and he doubts the council’s affordable housing plan.
Others mentioned a lack of jobs and high crime, but most people did not follow local politics closely. Some people were only concerned with basic services working, such as bin collection. Another person had not seen council news and felt the council seemed to be doing okay. Gbemi likes Oldham because it is peaceful and has no complaints.
However, others have stronger thoughts about the council. A Chadderton resident stopped paying council tax in 2022, citing the closure of pubs and shops and the town getting worse. This resident wants new people on the council and shared conspiracy theories. An older couple thought Oldham failed victims. They said a new inquiry would take too long. Some residents expressed extreme views about immigration and repeated claims about a cover-up, although these claims lack evidence, according to the review.
Council Leader Arooj Shah welcomes feedback and wants to improve services. She thanks those who spoke with the news and urges people to share concerns. She also mentions the work of public servants making Oldham better. Shah is concerned about disinformation online and advises people to find reliable information.
She states that many Oldham residents are proud and wants people to challenge those who talk Oldham down. Shah thinks everyone should challenge misinformation. It is a duty for the council, news, and residents. Showing pride makes Oldham a better place, she believes.