[link removed]

 

[Cllr Arooj Shah and Cllr Hobin with the Elm Arts Company]([link removed])

Community spirit in motion – Dance school gets council backing
 
A Failsworth dance school has been given a boost with a visit from Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah and Deputy Mayor Cllr Brian Hobin.
 
Elm Arts Company, a family-run school, is home to talented young dancers chosen to represent England at the Dance World Cup Finals in Spain this summer.
 
Despite limited rehearsal space, the children - many from working-class families and receiving free school meals - continue to train with passion and determination.
 
The school is urgently seeking a larger rehearsal space, fundraising support to reach their £51,000 goal, and a long-term home.
 
Cllr Shah said: "This is about more than dance; it’s about giving young people purpose and real chances in life."

 
If you can help, please email [email protected]
 
To read the full story click [here.]([link removed])

 

[Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah and the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores with fellow councillors and representatives from the Royal British Legion branches in Oldham, Royton, and Saddleworth]

Oldham marks Armed Forces Day with flag-raising ceremony
 
Residents, councillors, and veterans gathered at Oldham Civic Centre to mark Armed Forces Day with a special flag-raising ceremony.
 
Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah and the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores, were joined by fellow councillors and representatives from the Royal British Legion branches in Oldham, Royton, and Saddleworth.
 
The event was a heartfelt show of support and gratitude for the Armed Forces community—past and present.
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us in proudly paying tribute.

 

[ the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores, Councillor Rustidge, Major Eddy Hardaker and Kash from the Oldham Chamber of Commerce met local businesses pledging support to the Armed Forces community ]

Oldham businesses show support for our Armed Forces
 
A big thank you goes out to a number of local businesses who have proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging their support to Oldham’s Armed Forces community.
 
Businesses including ClearWatch Security, VPS Group, World-Class Security, VTA Recruitment, DJ Civil Engineering, Heyrod Communications, Positive Steps, and Pegasus have all made the commitment to stand behind current and former service members and their families.
 
To mark the occasion, representatives came together with the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores, Councillor Rustidge, Major Eddy Hardaker, and Kash from the Oldham Chamber of Commerce.
 
Their pledges mean better support for veterans, reservists, and their loved ones—right here in our borough.
 
Interested in getting your business involved? Email [email protected]

 

[Cllr Arooj Shah visiting Get Oldham Working]([link removed])

Council leader visits Get Oldham Working to see support in action 
 
Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah recently paid a visit to Get Oldham Working to see how the service is helping local residents find jobs, access training, and take steps toward long-term careers.
 
Since its launch in 2013, Get Oldham Working has created more than 20,500 opportunities, helping over 15,800 people move into employment, apprenticeships or further training. Every year, the team supports around 6,000 to 7,000 Oldhamers from all walks of life.
 
During her visit, Cllr Shah spoke with staff and residents to learn more about the wide range of support on offer—from help with writing CVs and preparing for interviews to boosting mental wellbeing. The service also has a Working Wardrobe, which gives people free clothes for interviews to help boost their confidence.
 
Cllr Shah said: “Get Oldham Working is an essential service for our residents. It’s about so much more than just finding a job, it’s about building confidence, learning new skills and giving people the right support to move forward."
 
Find out how Get Oldham Working can help you by clicking[here.]([link removed])
 
And read the full story [here.]([link removed])

 

[Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, the Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Eddie Moores and Kath Moores and Cllr Mohon Ali at the celebration ]

Celebrating the progress of young people in Oldham 
 
Oldham Council was proud to attend the Empower Oldham Celebration Event – a special occasion recognising the achievements and progress of young people who have taken part in this vital project since its launch in December 2023.
 
Empower Oldham supports young people aged 15–19 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk. The project works to break down the barriers that prevent young people from accessing opportunities in education, training, or employment.
 
Delivered by Positive Steps in partnership with Oldham Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the project reflects our shared commitment to supporting the future of Oldham’s young people.
 
Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Oldham Council, said:
“Empower Oldham is a powerful example of how partnership working can make a real difference in the lives of our young people.
 
"We know that too many face barriers that can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and guidance, they can overcome those challenges and thrive.
 
"Today’s event is about celebrating their hard work, resilience, and the positive steps they’ve taken towards a brighter future. We’re incredibly proud of them.”

 

Get ready for the Great Gift Card giveaway
 
Going live next Saturday (5th July), this is your chance to shop local and win an awesome Oldham Gift Card
 
With the gift card, you can enjoy all that the town has to offer, from the big brands you know at the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre to the local businesses you love at Tommyfield Market and beyond.
 
It's a one-stop shop for everything from shopping to activities and eating out, and keeps spending right here in Oldham so you can show your love for local too.
 
For more info and to buy a gift card [click here.]([link removed])

 

[Oldham Council Chief Executive Shelley Kipling and Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah with ]([link removed])

Shaping the future of our town: Exciting regeneration plans unveiled
 
As part of the Building a Better Oldham programme, major new plans to transform the town centre have been revealed—offering a glimpse into a bold and vibrant future for Oldham.
 
At the recent Oldham Town Centre Forum, Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah shared the latest updates with local businesses, including the exciting announcement of brand-new names for three key regeneration zones.
 
Cllr Shah said: “As someone who knows and loves this town, I’m really proud to share these next steps in our journey.”
 
To read the full story click [here.]([link removed])

 

Festival Oldham returns – A day of free family fun
 
Mark your calendars, because Festival Oldham is back on Saturday 5 July, bringing a full day of free family fun to the heart of Oldham.
 
From 10am to 7pm, the streets will come alive with outdoor performances, interactive shows, live music from Oldham Music Service, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.
 
Whether you're after laughter, music, or just a great day out with the kids, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
 
Don't miss this brilliant celebration of local talent, creativity, and community spirit – right here in Oldham town centre.

 

Changes to renewing your postal vote
 
Changes to postal voting mean you must now reapply every three years, replacing the the current 5-year signature and date of birth refresh.
 
So if you applied before 30 January 2024, you must reapply by 31 January 2026 to continue voting by post.
 
We’ll contact voters due for renewal between June and December, and you’ll receive either an email (from [email protected]) or a letter with instructions.
 
Key changes are:

- Postal votes are now valid for three years
- ID checks are required 
- Postal vote applications must include the applicant's name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and signature

If you don’t renew by the deadline, your postal vote will be cancelled.
 
Please help us to minimise costs by responding to your email promptly.
 
If you no longer wish to vote by post, email your name and address to [email protected], requesting removal.

 

Changes to out of hours Registrar Services
 
We are improving how residents access the Registrars service to complete the paperwork legally required to allow for urgent funeral arrangements to take place locally. This is part of our commitment to work with a resident focus by meeting the needs of the local community in particular where the burial is time critical.
 
Access to the Registrars’ service is available via the usual telephone number, 0161 770 8963 Monday- Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9.30am-12.15pm.
 
From 5 July, residents will be able to contact the service to arrange the paperwork required for time critical burials on Sundays and Bank Holidays by calling 07483 951901 from 9.30am-12.15pm. The service is not available Christmas Day and New Years Day.

 

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