Christmas message from the leader of Rochdale council

A Christmas message from Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Council.

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I would like to start with my thanks to everyone across the community. It has, once again, been a tough and challenging year for the borough but, by working together, there have been many success stories and achievements to celebrate. Once again our Rochdalian spirit has shone brightly throughout and, as leader of the council, I am proud of the high quality, value for money services we have delivered for our residents.

Before moving on to local issues, I must raise a sombre note from 2022, which was the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away in September. How the borough came together, following Her Majesty’s sad passing, showed our community at its very best, as all ages united to pause, reflect and remember. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

Once again, throughout the year everyone has pulled together to keep an eye out for loved ones, neighbours and friends. A wonderful community spirit, was underlined during the recent cold snap, when people were delivering food parcels, checking in on neighbours, and ensuring older and vulnerable residents were staying warm and safe. 

Highlights of the year have included a wonderful haul of gold awards for our excellent ‘In Bloom’ teams. Rochdale triumphed in this year’s most prestigious horticultural competition in the country, taking the top spot at Britain in Bloom, defeating strong contenders from Bath, Burton and Canterbury. The borough’s blooming beautiful floral displays and gardens also earned Rochdale a gold award and the honourable title of ‘best ‘small city’. Just a few of the many successes across our Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood and Pennine Townships.

Our borough led the way and our parks, green spaces and displays really are a joy to behold. This success doesn’t happen by accident, so a huge thanks and well done to everyone who contributes to our success. Our townships look clean and green throughout the year. This is down to hard working staff and volunteers who keep our town centres, streets and parks, clean, safe and tidy day in day out.

In the autumn, it was wonderful to see the new Heywood link road opening, improving connectivity, creating jobs, boosting business and helping to regenerate the community. This £20m project underlines our road to progress and shows the council meaning business when it comes to driving forward growth in the community.

Across Middleton, we also saw our £150k Hub at Alkrington open, which is a pioneering project that will boost wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. I was delighted to speak at the opening of The Hub and it will be a real asset for the town and wider community.

As always, I want to pay tribute to council staff, health workers, carers, the voluntary sector and countless others. You have all done a brilliant job to look after older residents, children and young people, ensuring the most vulnerable in our community have been supported, protected and cared for.

So, a lot of achievements to look back on, some poignant moments to reflect on but, as always, a community united in a common goal to build a better borough. I know how tough things are. That’s why our Helping Hand cost of living campaign has reached out to people of all ages, providing warm spaces, discounts off energy bills, food vouchers and much more. That support will remain in place in 2023, as we ensure our most vulnerable residents get a helping hand with their cost of living.

Please enjoy a peaceful and safe Christmas with your loved ones. Cherish those precious moments together. As always, please continue to look out for your loved ones, neighbours and friends. That phone call, knock on the door or a simple ‘how are you?’ really can make all the difference.

There has been a lot we can look back on with pride, a lot to look forward to with the hope of a better tomorrow. Our spirit will continue to shine bright and I am confident that 2023 will see our borough an even better place to live, work and grow up in.

A Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you all. 

Councillor Neil Emmott
Leader of Rochdale Borough Council