Council told "Stop wasting taxpayers' money"

Oldham Council has been told that it should stop lighting up the civic tower with immediate effect, after the Liberal Democrats identified the thousands of pounds being spent on it each time. 

Shadow Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, and Saddleworth West and Lees Liberal Democrat Councillor Alicia Marland  found that the cost of lighting up of the Council’s civic tower block costs over £1,600 each time. 

She said: "This is an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money. The most recent occasion earlier this month was to highlight the start of the Greater Manchester Police Operation Avro. Whilst I fully support GMPs work, it does not need the civic centre to be lit up for the occasion.  

"In fact, in these times of financial hardship this Labour Administration should be doing more to cut back and save money, not waste it on such frivolous things.  Previously the Council Leader councillor Arooj Shah did promise that the tower wouldn’t be lit up again but she has clearly forgotten this promise and gone back on her word.

“I can think of many better ways to spend that money and I’m certain residents would also agree."

Fellow Liberal Democrat Crompton Councillor Louie Hamblett added: “I know through Oldham Pride that they were discouraged about lighting up due to costs and the last round of attention it caused I do feel it should either be all or nothing approach."