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6 August 2001
"HAVE YOUR SAY" MESSAGE TO OLDHAM RESIDENTS AS REVIEW DROP-IN
CENTRE OPENS
Oldham residents were today urged to have their
say in the action plan being prepared by the town's independent review.
David Ritchie, chair of the Oldham Independent Review, was speaking at the opening of a drop-in centre in the town's Spindles shopping centre. Mr Ritchie also confirmed the appointment of the final panel member, Dr Zubaida Haque.
Mr Ritchie said that he hoped that as many residents as possible would visit the drop-in centre to spell out their views on the way forward for Oldham. The centre will be open Monday to Saturday.
Mr Ritchie said:
"The panel members and myself will be visiting many community groups, organisations and individuals in order to gain their views. However, we want as many residents as possible to give us their opinions as well, to help us prepare our programme of action for the way ahead.
"Residents can talk to our staff in private if they prefer, and they can also call us on 0161 785 9347.
"Our aim is to create a programme of action to ensure a strong, positive future for Oldham, and in order to do that we want the views of as many people as possible."
Dr Zubaida Haque, who is currently working on a project to widen participation in education, training and employment for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, was also confirmed as the final panel member. With a background in education issues, Dr Haque prepared chapters on education and social policy issues for the Commission on the Future of Multi-Ethnic Britain, and has worked in Bangladesh for both the World Bank and the UN.
Dr Haque joins former headteacher Jan Atkinson; Maqsood Ahmad, Assistant Inspector HMI Constabulary; Waqar Azmi, chief executive of Worcestershire Racial Equality Council; Clive Dutton, director of regeneration for Gallagher Estates; and Jim Sharples, former Chief Constable of Merseyside.
Mr Ritchie said:
"We have assembled a top class team with the knowledge and expertise which we require. The panel members are all very eager to get started in their work."
Prior to the opening of the drop-in centre, the panel members took a familiarisation tour of the town, and agreed their areas of responsibility during the review.