Preparations for Dame Gracie Fields' statue

Council staff laying town centre paving

Council staff are hard at work getting the town centre paving finished in time for the unveiling of Dame Gracie Fields' statue on Sunday 18 September.

The plinth is set go in next week next to the Town Hall clock tower with the bronze statue - said to be an amazing likeness - erected the day before the official unveiling. The cost of the eight foot statue of the town's most famous daughter has been paid for by donations and commercial sponsorship.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: "Rochdale's tribute to the woman who was once the highest paid entertainer in the world is long overdue. We are going to have a fabulous Gracie Weekend."