Landmarks help shine a light to mark events
LANDMARKS across Rochdale have been lit up in different colours to mark two major events.
They were bathed in yellow light to mark the UK’S Day of Reflection, one year on from the first UK lockdown, on March 23.
The day reflected on our collective loss, supporting those who have been bereaved, and hoped for a brighter future.
Additionally, a few days earlier, landmarks were lit up in purple to highlight the Census 2021.
Grade I listed St Leonard’s Parish Church in
Middleton, the historic bridge over the Tiver Roch, the Grade I listed Rochdale Cenotaph and the John Bright statue in Broadfield Park in Rochdale joined more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple and yellow to celebrate the census and its importance to local communities.
The event was organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of the census, a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
The census helps inform the allocation of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds needed to properly serve their communities.
Council leader Allen Brett said: “The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform vital services we all rely on every day within our communities.
“It was good to see some of our magnificent landmarks lit up purple, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.
“We’re encouraging residents to fill out their census questionnaire online but there is plenty of support available for anyone who needs help filling it in, including guidance over the phone, help in different languages and formats, local drop in locations and paper questionnaires.”
In the coming days, the census field operation will begin contacting households who have not completed their census.
They will never enter a house, they will always be socially distanced, be equipped with PPE and work in line with all government guidance. »
QUESTIONS UNANSWERED
I HAVE been following the horrendous story of the Rochdale child grooming gang, the story of which, your paper ran from 2011.
I have tried to obtain answers from Priti Patel (no answer) her predecessor (no answer) and now the man in charge, Mr Robert Buckland QC. M.P. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State.
Mr Buckland is (apart from the Prime Minister) the highest authority to find out these very simple questions - he initially stated he could not answer, as he is also an MP and there would be a conflict of interest ! Questions WHY were those who have been released and had their British Citizenship removed from them, NOT immediately deported when they left jail?
WHEN are these child abusers going to be deported?
These people are wandering around Rochdale with impunity, probably laughing at the UK “justice” system.
I have involved my local MP Mr Jake Berry MP, twice to chase a reply from Mr Buckland but have been awaiting an answer now since October 2020. Mr Chris Henry via email
VACCINE VERSES
Some countries are now being wary
They find Astrazeneca scary This vaccine they learn Is cause for concern But advice on this jab seems to vary
The stats on the jab are enlightening
A risk so low shouldn’t be frightening Blood clots are so rare I think to be fair There’s more chance of being struck by lightning!
CLOCK ON!
Tonight keep your timing on track
Change clocks before hitting the sack And if you don’t know Which way they should go
Remember: Spring forward - Fall back!
Ian Aitchison Stonehill Road Rooley Moor Rochdale