Councillor castigated for investigation into RoFTRA request

Councillor Elwyn Watkins

Councillor Elwyn Watkins was publicly castigated by his party leader when he called for an investigation into allegations about Rochdale Federation of Tenants and Residents Association (RoFTRA).

Councillor Watkins said allegations of financial impropriety are being made and tenants deserved a full investigation.

An angry Councillor Taylor slapped his colleague down in front of the full council meeting saying he was “very wrong” to ask for an investigation. He said there had been detailed talks about RoFTRA and a solution to the problems had been agreed and was being implemented. He added: “No other investigation is needed.”

The Borough Solicitor ruled that it was inappropriate for the RoFTRA situation to be discussed by the council meeting, but Councillor Watkins refused to be bowed either by his leader’s censure or the Borough Solicitors advice and, lamenting the lack of openness and transparency, reiterated the need for an investigation.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/forum/topic.asp