Councillor hits out at columnist's quip

Anger at 'slum' jibe; Councillor Mohammed Sharif

A leading Rochdale Councillor has condemned a 'cheap shot' by a columnist in a national newspaper.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif hit out at the 'unprofessional journalism' of Kelvin MacKenzie after he mentioned the town in his column in the Sun today.

In reference to the Channel 4 property programme 'Location, location, location', MacKenzie comes up with his own property show based on Rochdale, which he calls 'A place in the slum'.

Councillor Sharif was furious with Mackenzie's jibe. "Unfortunately this is just another cheap shot from a man that has probably never even been close enough to see a road sign directing you to Rochdale, let alone been here.

"This is a classic case of lazy, amateurish and down right unprofessional journalism.

“I know that my colleague, Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee and the regeneration team are working hard and there are a number of investment projects that will see lasting regeneration taking place over the next few years.

"These include a new shopping centre at the site of the current bus station, five new Primary Care Trust health centres, the metrolink to our train station, the total redevelopment of our town centre, new businesses and jobs at Kingsway Business Park and £13million investment in improving housing choices across the town.”

Rochdale Online invited a response from Mr Mackenzie justifying his comment but has so far not received a reply.

Mackenzie's reference to the town has also angered Rochdale Online readers.

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