Councillors refute allegation of 'walk out'

Councillor Andy Kelly, Councillor Richard Farnell and Councillor Ashley Dearnley offer support to Mark Birkett of the Dale Co-operative

Councillors accused of “walking out” of a meeting of the Pennines Township Committee on Tuesday (24 November) during a presentation about the Dale Co-Operative initiative have strongly refuted the allegation.

Mark Birkett, the Dale Co-Operative chairman, alleged Councillor Allen Brett and Councillor Rina Paolucci were "disruptive" during his presentation and "walked out".

Councillor Brett denied walking out. Commenting to Rochdale Online, he said: “I did not walk out, Mr Birkett suggested I leave."

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who has previously offered his support to the group behind the initiative, backed up Councillor Brett, stating: “No one walked out, the chairman terminated the meeting.”

In an email sent to Mr Birkett following the meeting, Councillor Neil Butterworth explained to Mr Birkett that he supports the principle of co-operation but that Mr Birkett's "manner and arrogance were not conducive to a good business proposition".

Mr Birkett refuted the suggestion. He told Rochdale Online: "I did get frustrated but only after the meeting descended into an attack on my personal integrity". He added that the majority of councillors have not answered emails he has sent them about the initiative. He said: "I am not demanding they support us but as a local resident I do at least expect a reply to my emails."

Councillor Brett was one of the councillors who did reply. He said: "I am fully in support of the idea and what it is trying to achieve, but feel that the leader of the idea [Mr Birkett] seems to have issues with certain people.

“I have a lot of commitments, not only as a councillor but in other areas of life, not least my family. So whilst I did reply, I did not commit money or time to the venture, which seems to have provoked some of the vitriol to certain councillors.”

Mr Birkett said: "I do accept at times I can be a little blunt. However, my good intentions have been misconstrued, all I want is to try and help Rochdale.

"I wish to draw a line under the misunderstanding."

Following the meeting, Councillor Robert Clegg pledged his support. Mr Birkett told him: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome you on board with Dale Co-operative Ltd. Thank you for listening to our case and deciding to help us."

The Dale Co-Operative has had the backing of the three party leaders, Councillor Richard Farnell, Councillor Ashley Dearnley and Councillor Andy Kelly and Councillor Kelly and Councillor Kieran Heakin are members of the Dale Co-operative committee.

Councillor Brett concluded: "Like the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Conservative group, I wish it [the initiative] well.

To find out more about the Dale Co-operative and/or pledge your support, visit:

http://www.getyourshare.co.uk/