Find out this weeks news from Oldham Council along with the latest on Covid.

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The return of Access Oldham

Following a brief closure due to the restrictions the pandemic brought about, Access Oldham has now reopened to help you with selected council services – in addition to the assistance on offer at Oldham Library.

Access Oldham is open weekdays from 9am–5pm and will offer face to face support with complex queries about council tax, housing benefits, wellbeing and financial issues and blue badge applications.

The space also offers free computers and Wi-Fi, free telephone access to some council services and meeting rooms for pre-arranged appointments.

For more information, including how to access council services digitally click here. ([link removed])

Success for Operation AVRO

Yesterday more than 200 GMP officers, Oldham Council staff and stakeholders took part in a day of action – Operation AVRO – aimed at cracking down on crime and tackling community issues across the borough.

Police made more than 50 arrests throughout the day after raids were executed on a number of properties, starting at 5am.

A number of people who had failed to appear in court following investigations by council staff were also taken into custody and sentenced – all in one day. These included the former owner of a dirty takeaway and a resident who had dumped waste in his community.

In support of our Don’t Trash Oldham campaign, staff also handed out fines to a number of motorists who were transporting waste without the proper documentation.

Our teams also visited a number of locations to offer reassurance and check on the welfare of residents. The chief constable of Greater Manchester, Stephen Watson, was also in attendance and spoke to members of the Youth Council. The day was rounded off with the Civic tower being lit up in the Operation AVRO colours.

Operation AVRO is a forcewide initiative that delivers a surge of extra resources and specialist police officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month.

The operation targeted crimes and individuals that cause residents the most concern.

Members of the media and key partners, including community representatives, went out with council teams and GMP officers to see results first-hand.

Are you registered to vote?

Don’t forget to register to vote to ensure you can have your say in Oldham’s Elections on 5 May 2022. It’s simple, straight forward and only takes five minutes.

You need to be registered by 11:59pm on 14 April to vote and all you need to do is provide your National Insurance number and date of birth as evidence of identity.

If you’re not going to be in town for Oldham’s Elections, you can apply for a postal vote. The deadline to register is 5pm on 19 April 2022

For more information visit
our website here. ([link removed])

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Moorland fires and Dove Stone – #BeMoorAware

We'll be working with our partners to highlight the dangers of moorland fires and their consequences over the coming months.

We’ll be using hard-hitting images across our communications channels that show the devastation that can be caused by discarded cigarettes, fires and barbecues.

The messages will also warn people that they risk being fined or prosecuted if they ignore the ban on fires.

If you see a fire on the moors you should ring 999.

Please remember that if you are visiting Dove Stone Reservoir park responsibly and respect the local area and the residents.

Find out more about the campaign here ([link removed])

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You could be eligible for £150

You may be eligible for a Council Tax Energy Rebate from today.

This comes as local authorities across the UK are set to give households in Council Tax bands A to D, a one-off payment of £150 to help towards their energy bills as part of the government’s response to the ongoing rise in energy costs.

To find out more on how this will work and what you have to do, along with other support available to you, please
visit our website here ([link removed])

The Easter holidays are approaching

If you're looking for activities for your children over the Easter Holidays, you can now book their places onto our Holiday Activities and Food programme, with free places available to those aged 5-16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

For more information on what activities we have lined up and to book your places, visit our website ([link removed])

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You could win a £250 high street voucher

Simply fill in the Greater Manchester Big Health and Care Conversation survey ([link removed]) about the future of health and care in Greater Manchester, including Oldham, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning one of four £250 high street shopping vouchers.

Feedback collated from the survey will help to shape the future vision of how the NHS and its partners will work together to improve everyone’s health and wellbeing. It will also help to form the health and care strategy which will become a five-year plan.

If you are unable to complete this survey online, phone 0330 120 1763.
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Livng with Covid-19

In line with the government’s plans to live with Covid-19, we no longer offer free universal testing in Oldham.

Our asymptomatic sites have now closed, alongside our home kit collection sites and free testing at local pharmacies. PCR sites for people with symptoms have also closed.

Free COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to help protect specific groups including eligible patients and NHS and care staff and we’re currently awaiting further guidance on how this will be implemented from the Department for Health and Social Care.

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Latest Oldham Covid data - cases continue to rise

Over the last 7 days Oldham has had a rate of 431 per 100,000 population, which is higher than the rate of 396 for the previous 7 days.

77.3% of Oldham residents have had their first vaccine, 72.3% have had their second vaccine and 55.0% of those eligible for a booster jab have had one.
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Check if you're eligible for Pension Credit

According to research carried out by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, 43,000 GM households are not claiming the Pension Credit they are entitled to, could you be one of them?

The benefit is worth on average £63 per week or £3,000 per year, and every year £75m goes unclaimed by GM pensioners.

Many people don’t claim pension credit as they believe they are not eligible so we’re encouraging you to check.

To see if you or a relative is eligible, visit the Government’s website here ([link removed])

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Changes to Arkwright Street Recycling Centre opening times

Recycle for Greater Manchester Recycling Centres' opening times have now changed.

Arkwright Street tip, located in Chadderton, is now opening 8am – 8pm. The Renew shop opening hours will remain the same.

Find out more about your nearest recycling centre on their website here. ([link removed] )

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Cheers!

Make sure you check out the annual Oldham Beer and Cider Festival today and tomorrow, 12noon – 10.30pm, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

There are more than 60 different real ales, ciders, perries, fruit wines and foreign beer to try, with hot food available.

Entry is £2 between 12noon and 5.30pm, and free between 5.30 – 10.30pm and entry is free for all CAMRA members.

In addition to the usual set-up, this year there’s a new cooled cask ale bar. The festival is raising vital funds for the Mayor of Oldham’s Charity Appeal Fund so pop along and show your support.

Find out more here ([link removed])

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Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom