Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett braves the rain for a Rochdale tour

The Leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett with local party members outside the Co-operative Museum on Toad Lane

The Leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett made a special trip to Rochdale yesterday (Tuesday 9 February) to take a tour of the borough’s landmarks and talk to local people.

Members of the party welcomed their leader at the Flying Horse Hotel, where she set out her plans for visiting the famous Rochdale Pioneer’s Museum and homeless charity Petrus, along with a walk through the town centre to look at where the floods had caused the most damage.

In an interview with Rochdale Online News, Ms Bennett spoke of her hopes of more Green Party recognition ahead of the up and coming May local elections. She said: “Rochdale needs a new force, someone who will ask those serious questions that need to be asked. At the moment what we are dealing with here is a one-party state, and that is no healthy state to be in.

“On a positive note, I am very happy to be here today to see the Co-operative Museum, it is a great part of local history and the Green Party is very supportive of everything is represents, it is a real economic foundation that is needed. We should focus on local manufacturing and local shopping, not just for the economy but for the health and community of Rochdale as a borough.

Speaking ahead of her visit to Rochdale’s homeless charity, Petrus, Ms Bennett added: “Homelessness is a big issue and is worsening because of the threats of the housing bill, and the benefit cuts which are happening. There is going to be a massive impact that isn’t yet being fully acknowledged.

“The elections are coming up in May, and I think that we need a different kind of voice in Rochdale”.

Chairman of Rochdale Green Party, Mark Hollinrake said: “It’s great to have our leader visit Rochdale, she really enjoyed the museum and is very much into the history of the cooperative movement which is fantastic.

“She is genuinely interested in Rochdale and the people of Rochdale, and has really taken an interest in local landmarks. It’s great to be able to show her around and get her meeting local people.”