Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Paul Rowen, new MP for Rochdale

It is September, the school holidays are over and for many a new start. Though after the August that we have just had, many of you will no doubt be thinking what summer?

For many students returning to our schools they will still not have had their SAT results - two months after they should have been published. At least 1 in 20 students are affected and many local schools are still waiting for some results. This is a disgrace and something for which the blame can well and truly be laid at the government.

This week also sees the start of our new Chief Constable Peter Fahy who has a reputation for being a straight talker. I am looking forward to meeting him. I am sure that he will welcome the fact that this week, the new police officers that our council are paying for have starting their jobs. This is a fresh approach to policing and shows that the council are working closely with the police in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour.

For Gordon Brown the next couple of months are also critical. First, there is the party conference season. The Liberal Democrats are first next week in Bournemouth, followed immediately by Labour in Manchester, then the resumption of Parliament. I am pleased to be joined at this year’s Conference by people like Derek Wiggett, the former headteacher at Balderstone Technology College, alongside Councillors Elwyn Watkins, Peter Rush and Wera Hobhouse. I shall be speaking up for our town, especially on transport and education issues.

It was Gordon Brown’s poor performance at their conference last year, followed by his dithering on whether to call the election that precipitated Labour’s fall in the polls. With the chancellor now admitting that we face the worst downturn in sixty years, people are looking for leadership and answers. This particularly applies to energy bills and home repossessions.

Rochdale saw one of the first affects of the credit crisis last week with the closure of the Broadfield Hotel. My office and particularly Dave Hennigan have been very proactive in finding alternative venues for those whose weddings or celebrations have been affected. Thanks must especially go to all the hotels and venues is are helping out, including Dave Sinclair from Twist Nightclub in town and the popular Town Hall Events Manager Dorothy Johnstone amongst others who have been helpful and agreed to take on some of the bookings. If you have a problem and need advice then please get in touch with my office on 01706 712186.

I am pleased to see the progress made at our new health centre on Maclure Road. I would encourage people to make suggestions for its new name and I hope health bosses choose a name that reflects our town. This impressive new building will really improve healthcare and with the metrolink set to be stop next door – this will mean better access for residents to much needed healthcare. I have been pleased with the progress and it is a credit to John Peirce and his team.

This week also sees the start of Ramadan, when Muslims fast for 40 days. Less well known is that are also expected to give to charity. I am therefore delighted that my good friend and colleague Councillor Mohammed Sharif is donating his fiver to the Springhill Hospice Appeal. I hope many other Muslims follow his example and donate to the campaign.

Next week I am due to meet the Ukrianian Ambassador at celebrations to mark their independence. In view of what has happened in Georgia, it is vital that the West support Ukraine’s independence. I was privileged to be able to visit Lviv in Western Ukraine a couple of years after they got independence from Russia with Anna Kecyk and the dear now departed Arnold Bagnall, so I know what a struggle they had to achieve independence.

Like many I've been able to get a few weeks away; in my case with my mum visiting my Uncle Tim in Australia, who she has not seen for 15 years. I've also been able to engage in family celebrations as well as getting about the constituency. This has included my Aunt Mary's 70th birthday, she looks at least 10 year’s younger, my sister Sheena’s 50th birthday and the christening of George Patrick, my niece Shelley’s first baby.

By the time you read my next letter, we will be preparing for the annual ‘International Day of Peace’ on 21st September. This is organised by John Farrington, Steve Cooke and their team. If you would like to get involved in the many activities including the parade itself, the poetry competition and the other activities then please contact Steve on 07870 951 530. Talking of the football, my office will be entering a team and have asked me to manage them. Bearing in mind, my football knowledge extends to advertising at Spotland and going to the odd match I may give it a miss. Adam from the office tells me though that they play to win so it should be interesting.