Blocked grids branded “disgrace” by Liberal Democrats

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has blasted Oldham Council over a rising number of blocked grids across the Borough. 

Sykes, who represents Shaw Ward on Oldham Council, said, “You do not have to go far to find a visibly blocked drain.  I have reported a number that are growing grass and totally blocked, most recently on Milnrow Road between Buckstones Road and the Jubilee area in Shaw (see pic), but the problem is widespread.  There are grids with grass growing out of them on Linney Lane, Oldham Road and George Street plus many more streets.  It is not like they are hard to spot because of all the grass and weeds growing out of them.” 

Councillor Sykes took aim at the Council’s maintenance programme, which he argues is falling well below standard. 

Sykes said, “It’s no good the Council just waiting for residents and councillors to report the worst drains, even then action if often not taken.  There needs to be proactive, year-round maintenance otherwise the Council will never catch up.  Some of the areas in Shaw are a flooding risk and will be danger to highway users and pedestrians as water pools.

“People feel like they’re paying more for less when the Council doesn’t get the basics right.  They see their tax bill rising each year but services getting worse.  It’s not on.”