Tensions running high at Middleton Township

Tensions were running high as local residents felt unheard at the latest Middleton Township Committee on 7 June.

The tense atmosphere also reportedly extended to the committee itself, which has recently appointed a new chairwoman, Councillor Donna Williams, and vice chairwoman, Councillor Sue Smith.

In 2018, just three meetings in every Township will have taken place in February, June and October, just half the number of those in previous years, sparking concern that meetings will be removed altogether, and held centrally in Rochdale much like the Planning and Licensing Committee.

Keeley O’Mara, who stood as an independent candidate in the recent elections, said: “I’m furious the next meeting is in October and then January. It is ridiculous that we have to wait four months as when we do go, there is only 30 minutes to ask questions. It is soul destroying to see so much tension between the ranks.”

“Three townships a year just is not good enough.”

John Rooney, Assistant Director for Information, Customers & Communities, at Rochdale Council said: “In the 2017/18 municipal year there were five township committees in each township, and in the 2018/19 municipal year there are now four. This calendar was agreed at the full council meeting in February.

“Any specific issues residents have can be raised to ward members or to relevant council directorates at any time. There are a number of other ways that members of the community can raise issues, including direct to the township team, through local area forums or partnership meetings or through the contact centre.

“We can reassure residents that there are no plans for township meetings to cease or to be centralised. The council continues to be committed to working within townships.”

The next Middleton Township Committee will take place on Thursday 11 October.