Council looks at investing more in local heritage

Councillors Irene Davidson and Keith Swift get a grip of John Bright's bowls during their recent visit to the Rochdale Link4life Arts and Heritage Service.

Rochdale’s serving Cabinet is looking into increasing the number of art and cultural exhibitions on display throughout the town.

The news follows a recent visit to the Link4Life Arts and Heritage Centre on Fishwick Street by Cabinet Members Irene Davidson and Keith Swift and youth campaigner Andy Kelly.

Councillor Irene Davidson said: “I was truly amazed at the amount of artefacts that we came across on our visit. Everything from ancient Egypt to Rochdale’s visit to Wembley this year was on display. The amount of archives relating to Rochdale’s history that are held is incredible."

Councillor Keith Swift said: “Putting more investment into our arts is one of our priorities. The quality of the exhibits that Link4Lfie put on are always impressive and this is why Touchstones is one of the best and most respected arts venues across the North West. Our council is dedicated to supporting the tremendous work they do. We want to see more public involvement in these projects and that is something that we are looking to expand.”

Julian Jefferson, Arts and Heritage Manager at Link4Life, said: “Our priorities at the moment are to catalogue the vast collection we hold and to get more of the amazing artefacts we have on display for the people of this Borough. We have a dedicated team that work hard but what we really need is more staff and experts to help us with our collection.”

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Leisure Councillor Ted Flynn said: “I will be visiting the collection with Cabinet Member for Finance Greg Couzens next week. I have heard nothing but praise from colleagues and I am looking forward to the tour. I feel that it is important we share our rich and colourful history in Rochdale with everyone and having more displays to promote this in our borough is something that I certainly support.”