Remove insulting website from Google search results demands Councillor Farnell

Proposed view along front of the new Kirkholt Community Hub/Retail Block

Rochdale Borough Council leader Richard Farnell has demanded Google remove an 'insulting' spoof website that mocks the Kirkholt area of his ward from its search results.

Whenever you 'Google' the name Kirkholt, the website that comes top of the list of searches is the 'ilivehere' site. It mocks the Kirkholt estate and its residents.

Councillor Farnell blasted the “puerile and nasty” review it has given Kirkholt. He said: “The internet is full of fake, crank and downright offensive websites. The worst thing about this awful site is that it comes up top of the list, and God knows what impression it gives to people who may not know Kirkholt.

“It is a crank site and downright offensive. It should be removed from search results. It’s been sitting there for years and it’s about time Google put it in the world-wide-web dustbin.

“Kirkholt is a fantastic place and the people who live there are among the best you could ever meet. They are so friendly, warm and kind hearted. They are exact opposite of that awful, horrible website.

“What areas don’t have problems?

"For this site to attack an entire estate and all its residents is outrageous. It’s about time Google started doing its job and removing these fake sites stuffed full of bile and insults from search results.

“Kirkholt is undergoing a huge transformation with a multi-million pound improvement programme. Homes are being completely refurbished, hundreds of new houses are being built and the environment and local park are being revamped.

“We have got wonderful community groups, sports clubs, churches, excellent schools and a thriving library. Work has just started in building new shops and a £3M community hub right at the heart of the estate. Later this year we a getting a brand new health centre housing doctors, dentist, community health services and a pharmacy. Kirkholt is on the up, and up."