Row over the future of Milnrow and Newhey car parks

Andy Kelly

Andy Kelly, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Milnrow and Newhey in the upcoming local election, has started a petition opposing the leasing or selling of council car parks in Milnrow and Newhey. However, Councillor Allen Brett and Councillor Martin Rodgers have condemned Mr Kelly’s claims saying there is no such sell off plan.

The row comes after a decision was made at the last Pennines Township Committee meeting at which councillors decided that Edmund Street Car Park should be considered for disposal or re-letting.

The petition has so far gathered over 100 signatures with Mr Kelly focusing on the leasing aspect of the council’s decision.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, he said: “If councillors are considering leasing or selling car park space that is currently free to the public, what is the criteria? Who can apply to lease space? What are the priorities? Is it a bidding war? Can individuals apply for space? Is one business preferred to another? Are charities receiving a discount? If one organisation or company can lease space then surely all can? This means a reduction in overall free parking for the public. Councillors need to remember that this has been an issue brought up by the public and they need to listen to what local residents are saying.”

Councillor Brett said: “We condemn, in the strongest terms, the Liberal rumour mongering about the car parks in Milnrow and Newhey, especially Edmund Street.

“Martin Rodgers has said that Labour councillors and the Labour Council have pledged no sell off.

“This is a typical Kelly campaign where no problem exists, then he starts a petition to stop it and when nothing happens, claims credit. All his campaign does is raise worries and bring politics into disrepute.”