New team takes the reins at Saddleworth Parish Council

COUNCILLOR NEIL Allsopp took his seat as vice-chair of the Saddleworth Parish Council after officially being invested with his Insignia of Office.

Cllr Allsopp, from Greenfield, missed the Annual General Meeting in May when new roles were assumed so was welcomed into his new position last month by new chair Enid Firth.

He will be supported by his wife Carol, who attended the meeting along with friends to watch him receive his insignia of office for the first time.

Cllr Allsopp, who was elected as a councillor for the Greenfield ward in 2011, commented: “It was very touching and humbling that people would take the time to come and give us their support on this special evening.

“Three were from the Clarence in Greenfield. The others were from Mossley. They were largely responsible for setting me on this political path.

“In the early 80s I was living in Mossley when I became active in the Conservative party. I was at the forefront of making what became known as Mossley Conservatives, a fighting force in the area.

“Those people supported me to the hilt in everything I did. Whatever I’ve achieved in local politics I would never have done without their hard work and support.”

He added: “After being a member for such a relatively short period, I was genuinely surprised to be elected as vice chair. There is a huge wealth of experience on the Parish Council and many talented people who could have been chosen.

“I’d like to thank my wife Carol for supporting me in this new role. She’s not one for the limelight but is happy to play her part as Vice Chairman’s Lady. My only regret is that my mother and father didn’t live to see this.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Firth, 80, has been a parish councillor for three years but takes on the role of chair for the first time, previously serving as chairman’s consort to her partner Cllr Bill Cullen in 2011-12.

She has named the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Oldham Mountain Rescue and the Multiple Sclerosis Society – a condition two of her daughters suffer from – as her main chosen charities.