Oldham Council has vowed to work to bring empty units in the town centre back into use, after a number have become empty during the pandemic.

Around the centre of the area more than ten buildings are currently boarded up and not in use.

And while not all of these are owned by the local authority, it has said it will work with private property owners to bring them back into use.

But a Conservative councillor has warned these buildings are “unattractive” and could remain out of use for a long time.

Councillor Arooj Shah, council leader and cabinet member of economic and social reform, also highlighted recent plans as evidence improvement was on the way.

She said: “Our exciting plans for Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre revealed earlier this week will see our retail offer improved and condensed.

"The former TJ Hughes site will be redeveloped as part of our brand new Tommyfield Market and other empty units will be filled with new businesses or new uses including office space for entrepreneurs.

"The pandemic has accelerated the changing face of our town centres and sadly many well-known high street brands have been lost from the high street nationally. The future of town centres is no longer just retail-based, so it’s more important than ever that we take action, invest in our town, and deliver a more diverse offer. This is exactly what we are doing in Oldham.

"While we can influence what happens on council-owned sites like the units in Spindles, we are limited with what we can do when a building is in private ownership – unless it is dangerous to the public.

“By breathing new life into Oldham we will attract more people to choose it as a place to launch and grow their business - new initiatives like the entrepreneurs hub in Spindles will complement our existing business support service. We are also keen to work in collaboration with private property owners to improve the look of empty units and support them to bring them back into use."

Conservative councillor Dave Arnott urged the council to make use of funding from central government.

He said: “Like all major towns and cities, especially those with an industrial heritage, Oldham has a significant number of derelict and empty buildings.

"When viewed against the total number , the percentage is very low, but because they become very unattractive, and often remain in a dilapidated state for a long time, the image becomes concerning.

"The Conservative government has made hundreds of millions of pounds available to local authorities to improve town centres, and Oldham has received very generous grant funding.

"I hope that the council will make the best use of this significant windfall and address the issue of derelict buildings within the the town centre in its plans and strategy."