Oldham Council Leader, Sean Fielding, is pledging that local independent businesses remain a major priority and will play a key role in regenerating the town centre.

Cllr Fielding, who took office on May 23, was immediately keen to speak to businesses in Oldham town centre’s Independent Quarter to hear their ideas on how to build upon the council’s work in the area.

Cllr Fielding said: “What we have in Oldham’s Independent Quarter is unique and it remains a major priority for us. We have a dedicated space here for Oldham’s independent traders to thrive together and to create a great shopping experience for residents.

“That’s why I wanted to start by having honest and open conversations with the businesses who are the spine of this great initiative and talk to them about how we move forward together. They are the people who have invested their own hard-earned money into our town and they are the key to making this work.

“We’re going to ensure that the Independent Quarter and our overall town centre offer remains focused on what we want to achieve.

“As a council we’re committed to supporting the businesses already in the Independent Quarter and we want more to come, whether they are looking at occupying a council or privately-owned building, and we’ll help them every step of the way.

“A thriving town centre is the responsibility of everyone and for this to work we all need to get behind it. Please visit the Independent Quarter and buy locally.”