Letter from Parliament - Tony Lloyd MP

Tony Lloyd MP

I have now taken up position in my office in the Wheatsheaf Centre in Rochdale town centre, which will be officially opened in the next week or so.

This week I met the postal work union in Rochdale and talked through their disputes with the Royal Mail. Lots of their proposals affect their pension rights, and they deserve more than to have their rights ripped up.

I went to the Sixth Form College, one of Rochdale’s greatest success stories, which has been breaking records both in Greater Manchester and nationally.

I met with Highways England about the work on the M62 taking a long time. I have been reassured that the works are moving to the final stage around Rochdale and the junction of the M60. We should see the restrictions lifted very soon, which is good news.

I met with Chris Boardman, a champion cyclist who is now commissioner of cycling and walking in Greater Manchester, to raise issues and how we can encourage more cycling and walking in Rochdale. Both are healthy forms of transport, but we need to make cycling safe and introduce cycling routes where people are not afraid of being run over.

There are too many vehicles on the road which are a huge form of pollution, but this not about being anti-motorist. This is about practicality and being safe.

There is also the ‘walking bus’ for parents. It is a safe form of transport where responsible adults pick up your children and walk them to school, which helps them get in their exercise and reduce traffic congestion.

I met with the Council to raise issues on travellers. I will debating this in Parliament next week and will raise a number of points. We need to strike the right balance as Rochdale sometimes has problems with travellers.

I paid a visit to John Bright’s grave to ensure it was spick and span ahead of a ceremony on Saturday.

I visited Meanwood Community Primary School after the children wrote to me asking me to visit. We talked about issues that is concern to them. I was impressed with the school and the good behaviour of the children.

This weekend, I am taking part in Macmillan’s Coffee Morning at Smithy Bridge Library, attending the ceremony at John Bright’s grave and visiting the library named in his honour. On Saturday night I will be at the MP’s dinner for the Mayor’s Charity. On Sunday, I will be taking on the Fun Run with Councillor Janet Emsley in Broadfield Park.