Claims have been made the Metrolink has made Oldham WORSE. A new study analysing how levelling up can be implemented successfully has suggested the town may suffer "specific challenges" because of its connection to the region's tram system.
The research from Onward UK, a centre-right think tank, alleges the move has ‘undermined’ Oldham’s town centre, with participants saying they would rather go into Manchester or Rochdale to eat and drink.
The report also found that Oldham residents associated intimidation and crime with the tram line, with most saying they did not use services at night.
“You take your life into your hands for a £3.60 return,” one participant told researchers. “As a lady I wouldn’t go on my own into Ashton, into Oldham.”
Another person blamed the Metrolink line for what participants termed Oldham’s 'dying' town centre, saying: “The town centre was on the edge and when the tram came, it pushed it over.”
Oldham council said the Metrolink offers a 'more frequent, greener and fully accessible alternative to trains' and that the tram brings people in as well as taking them out.
But the report claims there was a 'wider feeling' that the tram had been a 'negative development' for Oldham. It suggests that the installation of the Metrolink line in January 2014 meant that more residents would leave Oldham to shop and work, which residents said was 'undermining' the town centre.
However, the research also recommended extending the line to places such as Ashton, which they said would allow people to visit Oldham easily from neighbouring suburbs, rather than going into Manchester.
It also noted that the public transport network in its current state has neglected eastern parts of Oldham, leaving them relatively isolated from both Oldham town centre and Manchester. One finding shows that the town of Shaw in north Oldham takes 90 minutes to travel to from central Manchester, but is only 10 miles away by distance. By contrast, in London, 90 minutes on public transport can get a commuter as far south as Crawley, despite being 30 miles from central London.
But problems of antisocial behaviour and crime were pervasive in the conversations that informed the report, with researchers noting that crime featured in every single conversation they had with Oldham residents.
“Every individual, from senior public leaders to members of the public, made references to not feeling safe,” it says. “In one of our focus groups, one mother said 'there is not a chance you walk round Oldham town centre on your own'.
“'I have a daughter and I’d rather let her walk round the Arndale [Centre]. I don’t think it’s safe. My lad is 16 in two weeks, and I’m still uncomfortable'.”
A spokesperson for Oldham council said bosses were 'committed' to ensuring communities feel safe when they use public transport.
Research from the same think tank shows that, despite the problems raised, Oldhamers have a strong sense of belonging. Frequently cited as reasons to be proud of Oldham were Oldham Athletic FC or Oldham Rugby League FC - although these statements were often followed by expressions of frustration at the teams’ current performances.
The report also took note of what they called a 'reserve army' built in the form of voluntary and community groups, of which Oldham has over 1,000.
What do you think? Have your say in our comments below.
Conclusions researchers drew included recommendations for more parish councils in the town, the introduction of a civil society board, widening of the Metrolink into more remote parts of Oldham, and the introduction of more youth hubs to quell antisocial behaviour.
Researchers concluded their key finding from the town was one of Oldham’s 'latent potential', with one participant telling them: “We have a Ferrari shell, but by god have we had our engine ripped out”.
An Oldham council spokesperson said: “We agree that Oldham is an area in need of levelling up and as a local authority we are working hard to explore every opportunity to achieve this.
“Oldham is not an island, and we want our town and our residents to be as well connected as possible. While the tram of course takes people out, it also brings people in.
“We are committed to ensuring our communities feel safe when they are out and about, including when they use public transport.
“Our Youth Service have partnered up with Oldham Street Angels to launch a new initiative called Trusted People to help residents feel safe and confident when using the local tram network.
“Our officers have engaged with more than 720 young people as part of this, with staff and volunteers riding on the Metrolink, visiting local tram stops and the areas around them, to provide a friendly face in case residents felt uneasy. Our Detached Youth Work team also run regular youth work sessions along local Metrolink stops and we have more investment coming into the Youth Service to deliver similar work across the borough.
“In addition to this, we’re currently in the process of installing 51 CCTV cameras at locations around five Metrolink stops near the town centre to help passengers and residents feel safer and more confident. In the meantime, we would urge anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to report this immediately to Transport for Greater Manchester or Greater Manchester Police.”
Chief Executive of TfGM and GMCA, Eamonn Boylan, said: “We firmly believe that bringing Metrolink to Oldham has been a success and to suggest otherwise is simply untrue.
“As highlighted by the council, Metrolink – the UK’s largest light rail network – provides fast and frequent services across Oldham and the wider city-region, connecting residents with education, retail, leisure, and job opportunities both inside and outside of the town – with usage of the line more than four times that of the old rail service.
“With regards to crime and antisocial behaviour, as the report highlights this is not an issue confined to the transport network, but is something we are working proactively with the police and other partners to tackle. We take a zero-tolerance approach and police and transport staff spend more than 5,000 hours a week patrolling our networks, which are also monitored by TfGM and Metrolink 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, using thousands of CCTV cameras. In addition, we are working with partners on a number of specific initiatives to tackle crime and ASB in the area.
“As this is an interim report – that Onward has not asked us to be involved with – we plan to look at it in detail with a view to speaking to the authors to highlight the benefits we believe Metrolink has delivered and to address any other points as necessary.”
