Council Chief Executive responds to criticism

Roger Ellis

Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, Roger Ellis, has responded to the accusation that the council is ignoring the plight of independent traders in town. Mr Ellis said: "We are taking this matter very seriously and will be meeting with traders, the police and our community safety officers on 3 January at the Town Hall. 

The traders criticism followed a meeting, orgainised by MP Paul Rowen, that the relevant council 'safer communities' officers did not attend.

Lead thefts have been causing considerable damage to roofs and those affected who were at the meeting are angry that a promised second meeting had not taken place.

A further meeting was planned but has not taken place and it the traders had been told the reason was that the 'safer communities' officers from the council refuse to attend.

Mr Ellis responded: "The ongoing problem of damage and vandalism obviously needs to be addressed, but we need to ensure the next meeting is held at a time when all relevant parties and local traders are available to attend.  The meeting is a priority and something which I personally have ensured will happen early in the New Year.  After listening to feedback from local businesses it was decided to hold an evening meeting, when it was much easier for many of the eighty or so businesses to attend. Our Community Safety Officers always have been fully supportive of this and will be there, together with the police."

Paul Rowen said: "It is true that I have been frustrated with the Council but I am pleased that my pressure has led to this meeting."

A Drake Street trader said: "Thanks for the Rochdale Online article letting me know when the next meeting will be! We haven't been told yet!"

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/news.asp?ID=5300

The meeting will be held with Drake Street Traders on Thursday 3 January at 5.15pm - 6.30pm Committee Room 1 at the Town Hall.