Letter from Parliament

Paul Rowen MP

This last couple of weeks I have been at home and have been able to use the time to visit many groups that are so important to our community.

Parliamentary recess as they call it is also a good opportunity to catch up on casework... and catch up we have done.  Sue and Ann in the office work wonders and I am eternally grateful for their hard work work and commitment.

The local Elections are now in full swing and I welcome the debate on the future of what we do in our Town.   However I don't intend to use my column to score party political points. I'll leave that to others.

On Monday, I met a local doctor to discuss his concerns about the NHS - It is important in my job to talk to professionals about a variety issues and I have written to all GPs in the area offering to meet them individually. The news that the Fitton family have been granted an oral hearing in the High Court in London  about the downgrading of our A&E is excellent. I will be attending together with Councillor Jean Ashworth.

I've also looked at the state of the subway from College Bank just off Spotland Road leading into the market with Mr Davies of Shawclough Road. I've asked Roger Ellis the Council Chief Executive for some funds to be allocated to upgrade the area.

I've  attended the Milkstone and Deeplish area Forum, chaired by Sohail Ahmed.  This is an extremely proactive group, like many similar ones in Rochdale.  It is made up of Council Officers, Ward Councillors and interested members of the community. It was a lively meeting but the good news for residents was that ½ million pounds has been allocated for block schemes in the area with more to come in future years.

Good Friday saw the traditional Christian Walk of Witness around the town centre excellently organized by the Town centre churches of all denominations. It was the last such Walk attended by Superintendent Ian and Irene Kerrison  of the Salvation Army. They are both off to Jersey shortly and I wish them well in their new job. They have done a superb job for Rochdale.

A meeting with Council Officers in the Town Hall brought good news about a possible solution to the flooding in Calderbrook Avenue in Littleborough. Councillor Peter Evans has done an excellent job fighting the residents corner.

On Monday I watched Hornets play Leigh with Councillor Peter Rush. The two Karens who now play a major role in running the club do an excellent job. I'm delighted that the Council is granting both the Rugby and Football Clubs
the Freedom of the Borough - something I suggested to Alan Taylor last year.

In addition to this I've attended a Youth Project on Kirkholt, met residents, Wilson Bowden and Councillors Swift and Davidson about the mound on Ashworth Lane  Milnrow  and attended a residents meeting at St Ann's, Milnrow Road organised by Councillor Mark Birkett.

Next week Parliament resumes and the Reconfiguration Panel will be meeting the Council Health Scrutiny committee to get their views about the proposed loss of services at the Infirmary. We need as many people to write in putting the case to keep services at the Infirmary. I've produced a pack setting out the arguments. If you would like one please ring my office  on 712186 or email paul@paulrowen.org.uk. Your support in the campaign is very much appreciated. We would have lost the argument long ago but for it.