I live in rochdale ( to reinforce the local connection) . Whilst the piece is , as usual, well written it does not really tell the full picture. yes there is poverty ( like every other nw town) yes we have a substantial Muslim population that concentrates its energies on gaza; yes we had a local grooming gang( like many northern towns). But where is the mention of the thriving arts scene( home to the M6 and Cartwheel Arts and a weekly classical music concert. as well as our ( admittedly currently closed for refurbishment) award winning art gallery that is well regarded by the Arts council . Where is the mention of the wild landscapes right next door to the town with its large reservoirs and wild birds ( Wheat ears / buzzards/dippers and unlike stockport we dont need to encourage swifts ; they are a common sight. And though you can , and people do, criticise the council a recent survey using readily available data showed that it was a more efficient council than any of the others in GM( Look up manchester 257 out of 259). so please mill writers dont just focus on the bad news. Your recent wonderful article about the purple line got the message ; more like that
I visited the newly refurbished town hall in Rochdale and can recommend the guided tour to all readers.I was however struck by the £20m in grant aid to this project and the relative poverty of the Town.Are we allocating public funds to the right priorities if Rochdale hasn't got a maternity care unit? I am glad anyway that Ian Dunt has finally been chosen as Labour candidate for his home town and will be a more worthy MP than the galloping Galloway.
I live in rochdale ( to reinforce the local connection) . Whilst the piece is , as usual, well written it does not really tell the full picture. yes there is poverty ( like every other nw town) yes we have a substantial Muslim population that concentrates its energies on gaza; yes we had a local grooming gang( like many northern towns). But where is the mention of the thriving arts scene( home to the M6 and Cartwheel Arts and a weekly classical music concert. as well as our ( admittedly currently closed for refurbishment) award winning art gallery that is well regarded by the Arts council . Where is the mention of the wild landscapes right next door to the town with its large reservoirs and wild birds ( Wheat ears / buzzards/dippers and unlike stockport we dont need to encourage swifts ; they are a common sight. And though you can , and people do, criticise the council a recent survey using readily available data showed that it was a more efficient council than any of the others in GM( Look up manchester 257 out of 259). so please mill writers dont just focus on the bad news. Your recent wonderful article about the purple line got the message ; more like that
I visited the newly refurbished town hall in Rochdale and can recommend the guided tour to all readers.I was however struck by the £20m in grant aid to this project and the relative poverty of the Town.Are we allocating public funds to the right priorities if Rochdale hasn't got a maternity care unit? I am glad anyway that Ian Dunt has finally been chosen as Labour candidate for his home town and will be a more worthy MP than the galloping Galloway.
Paul Waugh not Ian Dunt…
That would be an interesting prospect 😁