COUNCILLOR Howard Sykes is continuing the ‘great honour’ of serving Shaw for more than 30 years after being re-elected.
Lib Dem Cllr Sykes came out top of the polls in the local elections in May, receiving 1,191 votes to continue as the ward’s representative on Oldham Council. Marc Hince (Proud of Oldham and Saddleworth) came second with 574 votes.
Thanking those who voted for him, he said: “I will continue to serve you, and all residents of Shaw Ward, regardless of who you voted for or if you voted at all.
“Shaw is in my blood. I have lived most life here and still live in the heart of the area I represent.
“For more than 30 years, I have had the great honour of serving Shaw as a local councillor and for some of that time as a local parish councillor.
“While other parties continue to be more interested in personal attacks and mudslinging, I will instead direct my energy into speaking out and standing up for the town and its people on the issues that matter to you.
“I am fighting for a new Health Centre for Shaw and Crompton, to protect our green spaces and Green Belt from unwanted housing development, for our roads and footways to be repaired, to keep our town and neighbourhoods clean and tidy, for a thriving Market and town centre, and to support Shaw’s businesses and voluntary organisations.
“We all want a vibrant town centre offering access to community facilities, retail and leisure outlets that meet the needs of all our residents.
“If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it is that ‘local’ matters. Shaw people want a place they can be proud of and increasingly they want to shop and socialise locally.
“Three of my personal priorities will be working to bring the empty town centre buildings back into use, supporting and improving our market, and working for more quality retail and leisure businesses to come to Shaw to make it even more special.”
Shaw ward results:
- Syed Maruf Ali (Lab): 400
- Marc Hince (Proud of Oldham and Saddleworth): 574
- Tom Lord (Con): 305
- Howard Sykes (Lib Dem): 1,191 – elected