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Oldham Councillor wins national award for heroic achievements after Shaw gas blast

By Matthew Lees

The Oldham Councillor who led recovery efforts after last year’s gas explosion in Shaw has received a national award for achievement as the council scooped two prizes in a London ceremony.

The C’llr Achievement Awards received a record number of entries this year and were presented by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour in Westminster City Hall.

Out of 11 categories overall Oldham Council claimed two awards filling council leader Jim McMahon with pride.

“I am incredibly proud of these awards – all four are fully justified,” said Cllr McMahon.

Cllr Jean Stretton won Community Champion of the Year for leading recovery work after the Shaw explosion on June 26.

The second award, in the Young Councillor of the Year category, went to the three youngest members of Oldham Council, Amanda Chadderton, Sean Fielding and Arooj Shah.

“Jean showed outstanding community leadership and continues to support those affected by what was a devastating incident,” added Cllr McMahon.

“Amanda, Sean and Arooj have all shown what fantastic impact new and young councillors can have in Local Government. 

”Their enthusiasm for the projects they have undertaken has shone through and they’ve all enjoyed stunning successes in the first year of what I hope will be very long careers in public life.”

Councillors who go over and above what is expected and show dedication are rewarded in the C’llr Achievement Awards.

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