Oldham’s Labour Council has delivered on its promise to residents, announcing nearly £400,000 worth of new investment in projects designed to improve quality of life across the borough.

The fund, created following the removal of the defunct District Executive meetings in May, has enabled councillors to support a wide range of projects of a size and scope that will make a real difference to residents.

The successful applicants have projects in every district in Oldham and will consist of:

• Improving the Foxdenton Pavillion in Chadderton
• Creating an Albany Alva ‘pocket park’ in Waterhead
• Creating East Oldham’s first outdoor gym at Beckett Meadows in St Mary’s
• Developing two community hubs in St. James’ Ward
• Funding deployable CCTV in Limeside to help tackle anti-social behaviour
• Enhancing the Hollinwood War Memorial
• Adding a playable feature to Westminster Gardens in Failsworth that blends into the landscape
• Improving the exteriors of existing businesses and start ups on Royton High St.
• Developing a Trim Trail in High Crompton Park
• Improving the Turf Lane footbridge in Royton by improving the width to make it safer and more accessible
• Refurbishing the Satellite Centre in Greenfield
• Improving road safety in Denshaw Road, particularly for parents and children crossing the road when travelling to and from Christchurch school
• Regenerating Lees Village Centre, creating a catalyst for increasing community/business activity and involvement
• Improving the area that bounds Featherstall North to create an area for flora and fauna where local children and families can relax and play.

Cllr Sean Fielding, leader of Oldham Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support fourteen projects right across the borough, from play equipment in Failsworth to regeneration in Lees village centre.

“When we made the decision to create the Local Improvement Fund we were told by naysayers that it wouldn’t deliver for residents. It’s fantastic to be able to award this funding for projects that will make such a difference to residents.”

The LIF received 19 applications in total and agreed to fund 14 of them, totalling £391,521 of capital spend out of the £500,000 that was available.

Though five applications did not receive funding at this stage, another round of funding will be available to be bid for in early January for the remaining £108,479.