Invite for MP to see integration in Rochdale

Councillor Zulf Ali

Central Rochdale Councillor Zulfiqar Ali has extended an open invitation to Birkenhead MP Frank Field to come and look at integration in Rochdale first hand.

Councillor Ali was responding to comments made by Mr Field on national television last night (Wednesday 28 January) in which he was particularly critical of the town after it emerged that Heybrook Primary School is one of ten schools across the country where not a single pupil speaks English as a first language.

Councillor Ali said: “I am disgusted that this excellent primary school has been criticised nationally. I am extending an open invitation to the Labour MP Frank Field who was especially critical of our school on National TV. I would like the opportunity to show Mr Field the excellent community integration we have here in Rochdale.

"I hope that this doesn’t put off the excellent work that headteacher Kevan Crowther and all his staff are doing.”

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “I am disgusted at the comments from senior MPs who should know better. Anyone who has been to Heybrook Primary School knows the excellent work of the staff and the excellent atmosphere at the school. This is a happy school that achieves results and no amount of negative publicity should distract from that.

"I am proud that our Council has Beacon Status for Community Cohesion and this type of headline doesn’t do Rochdale or community relations any good.”