Ticket office U-turn great victory for people’s voice

Conservative group leader

IT’S been a very busy month both locally and nationally and there seems to be so many topics I could write about.

However, I have selected just a small number as they seem to reflect life across our borough best and they are the ones that resonate most with me.

Perhaps the first place I should start is the saving of our train station ticket offices and may I thank everyone who took the time to share their views and concerns as part of the wider consultation process.

The U-turn we have all seen from the train operators is a great example of community empowerment in action and I am delighted with the outcome.

I am a huge advocate of empowering the community voice and believe it should always be heard as part of the decision making process.

Fortunately, it has been heard loud and clear on this occasion and it is clear how the wider community has spoken and more importantly has been listened to.

I am also a strong advocate for reform too and our transport system is no exception to that, we need a system that is fit for purpose in the 21st century, one that isn’t restrained by archaic working practices and one that serves the needs of the community.

On this occasion, it feels like we have taken a step in the right direction.

● I have articulated my views previously on the disgraceful desecration of our cenotaph in Rochdale town centre and I make no apology for doing so again, I utterly condemn the criminal actions of those responsible in the strongest of terms.

The cenotaph is our focal point as a community when remembering all those heroes who fought and gave their lives on our behalf. It is a sacred monument with very special meaning to our veterans, their families, friends and loved ones and to the wider community who stand in solidarity and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There can no justification for this utterly appalling, despicable criminality and I place on record my thanks to GMP for their swift action in bringing those responsible to justice and for protecting the Cenotaph in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

There are two clear points I wish to make on behalf of the majority of decent respectable members of our community, firstly, that these actions are completely out of step with the genuine feelings of compassion across our community and they have been the most insensitive and disrespectful acts of criminality possible.

Secondly, I do not believe the actions of those responsible are representative of any community group or groups across our borough.

I recognise how the ongoing troubles in the Middle East are of global concern and I, like every other reasonable minded person, desperately want to see a peaceful and long-lasting solution to the conflict. I am proud of the fact here in Rochdale, unlike some other northern towns, we have a history of strong community cohesion, respect and tolerance and the mindless actions of a minority cannot be allowed to undermine those values.

There is no place for racism in Rochdale, there is no place for hate in Rochdale and there is no place for discrimination in Rochdale.

●●I’m sure everyone will be aware of the most recent changes at the heart of our national Government and quite rightly those changes have been very well publicised via all forms of media. However, the knock on effect to local government and impact it has on the election of local Councillors rarely gets a mention.

Squabbles at a national level should not impact upon the very hard work local candidates undertake to serve their individual communities.

We have some very hardworking, capable and highly motivated candidates standing in next May’s local elections and it would be a shame if their commitment and abilities were overlooked because of disagreement at a national level.

I want to finish on a positive note and add my congratulations to Jolly

Josh on receiving their King’s Award for Voluntary Service - it is very well deserved. The prestigious award is only given to those who deliver outstanding community service and Jolly Josh does that in abundance.

The Charity is based on Queensway and provides dedicated peer support and safe spaces for children and young adults, families, and carers of children with profound multiple learning disabilities, complex, and special needs.

Well done to all those involved and keep up the great work that you do.