Simon Danczuk - New Year message

Rochdale Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk

Despite all the worrying omens around the economy, I remain surprisingly upbeat about 2009. It’s clear that we are facing extraordinary times and our resolve will be tested. But I am convinced that Rochdale is made of strong stuff. In recent months we’ve seen the town’s strong community spirit shine through on Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Millionaire’, witnessed the hard work of our young people bear fruit in the best ever GCSE results for our Borough and seen many of our excellent businesses continue to defy the economic downturn by scooping prestigious awards and setting the standard for others to follow.

But these achievements and others need more support to help our town prosper and provide opportunities for all. In my mind there is no doubt that our local politicians have been dawdling in the slow lane for too long when it comes to delivery. As a result we have a lot of catching up to do on neighbouring towns.

Difficult times often test people’s mettle and it’s important that Rochdale’s leaders rise to the challenges we face. There can be no hiding places. Indecisiveness and weak leadership will see Rochdale punished. We need a strong collective effort to get the town’s regeneration plans back on track after a year of dithering and deferral. Bringing in jobs must be an immediate priority and talk of long term plans should be changed to addressing immediate concerns. The ‘manana’ mentality of our Council - where things will be taken care of at some indefinite point in the future - needs to be abolished.

Over the last 12-months I have criticised our council for paying lip service to social regeneration. In a time of recession we can expect more social problems in the coming year. That’s why it’s important that the Lib Dems renew their focus on providing better housing services for vulnerable people, stronger social care services and offer increased provision for drug and alcohol treatment as well as working harder to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. I spent New Year’s Day volunteering for a Rochdale homeless project and can see there are huge challenges ahead.

If we can rise to these challenges, and with the support of our Government, I believe Rochdale will be able to weather the downturn and come out of the recession stronger.

Away from Rochdale, I am deeply concerned about the terrible loss of life caused by Israeli air strikes in Gaza. I recently visited Palestine and saw for myself how people are suffering there. I support the call of our Prime Minister for an immediate ceasefire and will attended a rally in Manchester on Saturday to demonstrate against this attack.

I would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year.