RENOWNED philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller, whose charitable trust is behind the Mahdlo Youth Zone, says he is "appalled" by Oldham Council's decision to cut support to the organisation in half.

The 86-year-old businessman, who built his fortune with Seton Healthcare - inventor of the tubular bandage - issued a strongly worded statement in the wake of the town hall's move to slash funding to the facility from £400,000 to £200,000 over the next two years.

He said: "The Stoller Charitable Trust is appalled by council's short-sighted decision."

The statement goes on: "The tragedy of loss of life, commercial damage and personal hardship caused by Covid-19 will continue to be felt long after the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic have been lifted.

"High on the list of casualties will be the damage to our young people, whose education, career prospects and well-being have been severely challenged. Minimising these negative effects must surely be given the highest priority.

"Mahdlo Youth Zone has a right to be proud of the very high standard that it achieves in all of the elements of youth services it provides throughout the borough.

"Its effectiveness can be judged in many ways and especially by the reduction of anti-social behaviour orders that are issued.

"The council has announced that due to its own pressures, it has sliced its support to Mahdlo .

"We find this decision to be not only completely reprehensible in view of the resultant damage that any reduction of support would cause, but also totally short-sighted as well."

He said that Mahdlo was "a vital platform for Oldham’s population sectors that are helping to break down barriers, reach isolated young people and foster cohesion within our town".

Sir Norman said that working within the core of Oldham’s communities, Mahdlo provides essential support to help the next generation grow and reach its potential.

He continued: "Mahdlo also gives the borough’s young people the chance to participate in positive, exciting and constructive activities. Having this opportunity has inspired and motivated many to transform their lives, and they deserve the best start in life that Mahdlo can give them.

And he added: "For the past 10 years, since Mahdlo first opened its doors, Oldham’s Council, industry, societies and people have recognized and supported Mahdlo.

"As one of the founding sponsors, The Stoller Charitable Trust has been proud to play a leading part in ensuring that Mahdlo could afford to carry out its essential work, but we are appalled by the threat to further progress that now exists by way of the council’s decision."