THE independent inquiry into the Oldham riots is to consider the benefit of forging greater links between the town and Manchester city centre.

It is believed that a renewed association with Manchester might help Oldham's economy and bring the race-torn community closer together.

Chairman of the Oldham Independent Review Panel, David Ritchie, said: ''It does seem to require quite a will for people in Oldham to decide to go and work in Manchester.

''We are looking at whether there is something more that could be done to reinforce the link and enable people to feel closer to Manchester.

''It would be good to see the prosperity wash up the Oldham Road. We will need to consider whether enough has been done in the past to link the two.''

Mr Ritchie made the comments at a briefing held at the town's Business Centre to give an update on his panel's progress.

Action

The independent panel was set up by the Home Office to consider the causes of the riots and set out a programme of action for the future.

It will present its report to Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Police Authority by the end of December.

Mr Ritchie said the report will examine events leading up to the disturbances, the disturbances themselves and events since.

The final draft will contain individual chapters looking at community issues such as the economy and education.

And it is understood there will be some focus on the role young people can play in the town's renaissance.

Mr Ritchie said it was then likely that a 'twin track' strategy of 'pluralism' and 'integration' would be used to rebuild the town.