Paul Rowen's New Year Message

Paul Rowen MP

2009 was a difficult year for many folk in Rochdale. The recession has hit hard. This time last year Woolworths was closing its doors with over 600 jobs lost locally. Many other local companies have also been hit hard and unemployment, particularly for young people, has hit record heights.

We have seen the closure of the Rochdale - Oldham Loopline after over 150 years, a start of the new Six Form College, Rochdale AFC at the top of League 2 and the rebirth of Rochdale Hornets.

Also, I would like to make a special mention to Emily Pilling, believed to be Rochdale’s oldest person, who sadly died at the age of 109.

So if 2009 was a mixed bag what can we look forward to in 2010? What does it hold for Rochdale?

I look forward to seeing Rochdale AFC in League 1 - playing and beating Oldham again! Our new Six Form College will open so youngsters will not have to travel to Bury or Oldham for the courses they want to study. Work should start on the new municipal offices and bus station which will ultimately mean that the Black Box can be demolished. I cannot see anyone shedding a tear at that. Work will start on rebuilding our secondary schools like Hollingworth High.

The Council has its first ever female Leader - in Councillor Irene Davidson. I know our interests will be looked after and one of her first jobs will be to oversee the first Council houses being built for a generation here in Rochdale.

The Council’s efforts to support local businesses will continue and strengthen the employment prospects of our town.

I hope that whoever is in government will provide more train carriages on the Rochdale - Manchester line.

I hope that Rochdale companies will emerge from the recession fitter, leaner and best able to take advantage of the growth that must follow.

I hope that I can continue to serve my home town as your MP and whatever the future holds for you all I wish you all the very best for 2010!