New Saddleworth Parish Council chairman takes the reins

NEW SADDLEWORTH Parish Council chairman Neil Allsopp admits he has some ‘very big footsteps’ to fill as he takes the reins for 2015/16.

Cllr Allsopp, who was born and bred in Greenfield, was unanimously voted into the role by the 20-strong Council at their Annual General Meeting last month.

He was presented with the Chain of Office by outgoing chairman Cllr Enid Firth before reading the Declaration of Office.

In his inaugural speech, he said: “I went into the council chamber and looked at the board listing the past chairmen. There are some very big footsteps to follow.

“They have each done their best for Saddleworth and made their own mark and served the area well. I hope I can do the same.

“I will do my absolute best with my son Richard and my truly wonderful wife Carol by my side.”

Cllr Allsopp, who began his political involvement while living in Mossley, continued: “Thank you for giving me the honour and privilege of being chairman.

“I promise to do my utmost to help this wonderful, unique and precious place where we live.”

With help from the Chairman’s Charity Committee he will raise funds throughout the year for local organisations and his main chosen charities Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, Francis House, Grace’s Place and Ball Boys.

Four-time chairman Cllr John Hudson, who proposed Cllr Allsopp as chairman, said: “Neil will be a person who goes out the role with confidence and ability.”

Cllr Rob Knotts, who seconded the nomination, added: “Neil will be a tremendous asset to Saddleworth, the Parish Council and all the people it represents.”

Cllr Allsopp will be supported by new vice-chair Cllr Pam Byrne, who is taking on a second stint on the Parish Council after being elected in May.

Cllr Barbara Beeley, who seconded Cllr Hudson’s nomination, said: “Pam is a very positive and hard-working character and she will be a worthy deputy.”

Cllr Byrne was invested with her Chain of Office while her daughter Helen Harrison received the vice-chair’s consort’s chain.

A vote of thanks was given to retiring chairman Cllr Firth and medallions were presented to her and her consort Cllr Bill Cullen.

Cllr Firth said: “I have really enjoyed my time as Chairman. It has been a hard year as my eldest daughter has been very ill but I hope I have been a good ambassador for the Saddleworth.”

Over the last 12 months, Cllr Firth has raised £15,250 for her chosen charities as well as attending well over 100 events, including Civic Balls, concerts, coffee mornings, school events and the opening of the Saddleworth Hydro.

She added: “Personally, I was delighted to have managed to kickstart work at the Parish Cemetery and it is now a lot better.

“I would just say to Neil, work for the whole of Saddleworth not just two or three of the villages as they are all just as wonderful.”

Cllr Derek Heffernan, who has been chairman twice, added: “Enid took on the role with gusto and over the 12 months kept up the pace.

“With Bill by her side, she has shown the world what Saddleworth is all about with passion and determination.”

Cllr Hudson added: “Enid always had the right hat and represented Saddleworth in style as well as with ability. She has done a great job.”

There were votes of thanks to outgoing councillors Alan Roughley, Sharon McGladdery, Royce Franklin, Bill Cullen, Enid Firth, Garth Harkness, Rob McCann, David Caddick, Lesley Schofield.

New Parish Clerk Pam Bailey, who took over in February, was officially welcomed to her role while thanks were given to Tony Marlor for his work over eight years.

Then councillors voted to adopt the standing orders and financial regulations for the Parish Council for the coming year.

They also voted to appoint chairmen and vice-chairs for the committees, with a recorded vote for the Planning Committee, and representatives on outside bodies.