Council leader's column: We stand "shoulder to shoulder" with our Ukrainian friends

Neil Emmott is the leader of Rochdale Council and a councillor for West Middleton. This month he dedicates his column to support for Ukraine, the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the recent Heritage Open Days celebration. 

I was very proud to stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian community on 24 August to mark Ukrainian Independence Day.

On a moving and emotional day, I stressed our continued support for and with the people of Ukraine. Back in March 2022, I promised, as leader of the council, that we would always stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends and our Ukrainian community.

Over the last two and a half years we have done that, through a range of support and assistance that I promised to deliver from day one.

Our support will remain steadfast, as Ukraine continues their fight to maintain their independence, liberty and freedom.

The anniversary of Ukrainian independence is an important reminder to the community that we will not buckle in our support, day in day out throughout the year until this important battle is won.

 I was delighted with the news that the household support fund, such an important lifeline for many older and vulnerable residents, has been extended until the spring.

The government’s decision is to be welcomed and, alongside the council’s helping hand cost of living package, will provide vital support for thousands of people across the borough. I am also really pleased the new government is taking action to provide additional help for people struggling financially.

In addition, we will continue to work with the government to find solutions to poverty in the long-term.

 

 

It was wonderful to see thousands of people enjoying Rochdale Feel Good festival in the summer sunshine recently.

The cultural high point of the summer saw thousands visiting Rochdale town centre, with people from across the borough and beyond enjoying brilliant music, food and entertainment. It was our biggest ever line-up and it certainly delivered, with the main stage returning to the town hall square for the first time in five years.

A big thank you to everyone who came along for making this festival a success, our staff and partners who helped us deliver it, our wonderful volunteers who looked after everyone and the security crew who kept everyone safe.  It was a massive team effort and feedback we’ve had so far has been fantastic.

We are very proud of our continued support for our Armed Forces community and, on Thursday 12 September, veterans, councillors and residents will came together at Number One Riverside to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The special flag raising ceremony and service of remembrance, will mark this important event in the Second World War, as the borough comes together to pause, remember and reflect. Lest we forget.

As leader of the council and a Middleton councillor, I am extremely pleased that a new heritage trail celebrating Middleton’s rich history will launch as part of the national Heritage Open Days celebration.

The trail covers sites across the community, with volunteers, architects, councillors and council staff have carefully selected the sites to showcase the best of the area.

The trail has been broken down into three separate walks and guided walks of these smaller trails will be taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September. 

Finally, it is wonderful that Rochdale Town Hall’s Martlet Kitchen restaurant is now open.

Situated on the ground floor of our grade I listed building, the restaurant will be serving food from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. And, in just a few weeks’ time, a fine dining menu will launch for Friday and Saturday evenings.

As I said when the town hall officially reopened, we want to ensure our beautiful town hall, fully restored in all its glory, is providing a wide-ranging offer for people to enjoy the facilities.

In that spirit, I know how popular the restaurant will be with residents across the borough and beyond, showcasing our town hall offer at its very best.

I look forward to seeing visitors from places near and far enjoying this fantastic new addition over the coming the weeks and months.