Homelessness hits hard in town centre

Outside the empty former HQ of Oldham Council’s civic council tower building, homeless people are now seen camping and sheltering outside its very doors.  

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North and Shadow Cabinet Member for Decent Homes Garth Harkness has asked in a previous council meeting why the administration could not use the empty parts of the building for temporary accommodation to keep people warm and away from the harsh elements, yet the response has been a flat ‘no’ and an officer has written a complex reason as to why they couldn’t do it.

Cllr Harkness said: “This flies in the face of tax payers who are effectively paying to heat an empty space that could be put to good use and yet they are also being hit in the pocket twice, paying for hotels for temporary accommodation. This could help save money and put the resources there are to good use; the showers we have and the catering equipment.”

Fellow Liberal Democrat and Crompton Ward Cllr Louie Hamblett said: “As Shadow Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing I have concerns for rough sleepers wellbeing and hope that any help is being offered. A real and sensible solution would to use the parts of the civic building that is empty and teams can look after them and check up on their welfare."