Roy Oldham's biggest fan: Terry Duckworth

Avid readers of the Glossop Chronicle (yes, there are a few) will have noticed a couple of articles recently that have been incongruent (to say the least) with the current level of outrage at the arrogance of the leader of TMBC, Roy Oldham.

It was this publication that had the first report about the Mottram plaque (featuring Roy's house) , a far from critical effort, published before the furore that started on this blog and was picked up by everyone else.

As if to counter that, and unlike their counterpart the Advertiser, the Chronicle decided not to publish any dissent about the plaque and later on, published an article from Oldham's perspective about the 'fuss'.

The journalist who penned the story was one Nigel Pivaro. Recognise the name? Yes, it's the actor who formerly played the petty crook Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street. Who better then to interview Roy Oldham (far from, ahem, petty in any respect)?

A simple google of his name reveals that Pivaro would appear to like guns, especially those of the illegal variety. But cast aside visions of a portly Travis Bickle for one second - he now has a degree and a career in journalism. So what better place to start than the Glossop Chronicle? - a loyal friend to Oldham who have stuck by him and the council through thick and thin. In this backwater, they are to TMBC what the Telegraph is to the Tories - their house journal.

So last week, we were treated by Pivaro to a fawning, virtual full page-worth of flannel about Oldham's contribution to history. But the best bit of the whole load of drivel is this classic quote about how Oldham would like to remembered by the people of Tameside:

"that I ... protected their open spaces"

Pivaro clearly knows nothing about the area. Either that, or he's lying. For Oldham's history as Council leader has been to preside over the destruction of open spaces around Tameside, most infamously Ashton Moss, a veritable green lung, now a 'retail park'. And he's had his sights on Longdendale for years with this bypass. His kind of 'protection' has more in common with the Cosa Nostra than that of any environmentally conscious individual.

We'll be keeping an eye on Pivaro's articles in future...

Writing yourself into history

Inserting yourself into history before your time is up takes a certain amount of audacity, not to mention arrogance, but it seems Roy Oldham has those qualities in spades. Either that or lickspittles who anticipate his vanity. TMBC's latest wheeze is to erect a plaque next to the Lowry statue which shows important places and landmarks in Mottram-in-Longdendale.

There's quite a selection of places (with the obligatory reference to Lowry's last home) but this monument betrays some interesting concepts.

Firstly, the route of the Longdendale Bypass cannot be traced since it falls outside the frame. Perhaps TMBC are conscious that it may never be built? Perhaps they're embarrassed? Or maybe they thought this would be tempting fate. After all, even the most arrogant know their limits.

And if you didn't know where Oldham lived, you'd think it was on the corner of Back Moor, which it isn't. Perhaps Roy or one of his minions spotted that he wasn't present are ordered the sculpture to be suitably altered, despite the inaccuracy?

Or maybe it indicates that Oldham is about to retire? How sad...

Take heart Roy, we're looking forward to you taking the stand at the Public Inquiry to justify your project to us all!

The plaque - Oldham's house indicated by the white circle