Council leader's column: "We should check in on loved ones at this time of year"

Neil Emmott is the leader of Rochdale Council and a councillor for West Middleton. This month he dedicates his column to the revamp of Heywood Civic Centre, other investments for the borough, and the importance of looking out for each other at this time of year...

I want to start my latest column with the good news that the transformation of Heywood Civic Centre is set to get under way before Christmas.

Our investment, in partnership with Arts Council England, will modernise and extend this important community facility, which has delivered fantastic events in the heart of Heywood since the 1960s.

A new glazed frontage, new café and bar area are just some of the many improvements being made to this popular venue. I am particularly proud that the firm delivering the work, Conlon Construction, has committed to employing local apprentices and staff.

I have always spoken of my vision to ensure our high-quality, value for money services are delivered through local recruitment, so it’s great that residents of the borough will help deliver this project.

This substantial investment for Heywood, set to be completed next autumn, will change the face of the area, with further plans to redevelop Peine Square, just in front of the civic centre, to complement the renovation.

In a further boost for Heywood, improvement work to Queen’s Park Bridge continues to progress well. Work on the east side of the bridge is now largely complete, with the team currently constructing and treating the new parapets on the west side.

I am delighted that the contractors, Heywood based BDB Special Projects Ltd, have worked hard to recreate the original look and heritage features of the bridge.

I also want to thank residents for their patience during this important work, which is scheduled for completion in the spring of next year. It is another example of a local company delivering an important project for Heywood, as part of our ambitious investment plans.

This vital investment for Heywood underlines that this is a council that means business - ensuring Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and the Pennines township areas continue to grow through new infrastructure projects, and job opportunities.

Our remembrance commemorations always provide heartening stories of people coming together, showcasing our borough at its best.

This included local schools, raising over £6,000 for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal thanks to the amazing efforts of young people.

I would like to thank everyone who played their part in this success story, underlining how remembrance brings together all ages, spanning the generations to ensure the fallen will always have a place in our hearts. Lest we forget.

Next year will be a particular poignant one for our Armed Forces community, as we come together to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

We will be marking this important date with special services and commemorations. Please keep an eye out for further information in the new year.

On the theme of community spirit and togetherness, I would like to end my column with a reminder to keep looking out for older and vulnerable people, especially in the run up to Christmas.

It’s important we all do our bit to check in on loved ones, neighbours and friends, so please remember a knock on the door or a simple ‘how are you?’ really can go a long way.

Details of the range of support that is in place this winter can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/wintersupport let’s all do our bit to keep each other safe and well, not only during the festive period but throughout the year.

Thank you.