Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Paul Rowen MP

Last week we finally saw the thaw after what has been without doubt one of the coldest periods we’ve experienced for many years. Looking after people unable to get out of their homes and making sure they have enough food was therefore an important priority. I was pleased therefore that several Councillors, including Pat Colclough and Dale Mulgrew in Balderstone, spent time visiting old folk in bungalows throughout the ward.

On Thursday, having got back from London, I joined Age Concern’s Paul Gala and Lyndon Price in taking some food parcels out to older people. It was great to see Lyndon again – he is a former Director of Social Services for Rochdale. He told me that he regularly visits 30+ pensioners a week to check that they are well.

On Friday we had an MP's meeting with the Council chaired by the new Leader of the Council Irene Davidson. The top topic for discussion was gritting and refuse collection during the bad weather. I was pleased that Irene has agreed for a full inquiry into what we did right and what we did wrong. I know from the number of phone calls and emails that it is something many people are not happy with!

On Monday, prior to travelling down to London, I visited St Mary’s Primary School in Littleborough at the request of a parent to look at the problems they are experiencing with a school crossing patrol. I know that this is something Councillor Ashley Dearnley has been dealing with and I am in discussions with him. Halifax Road is incredibly busy and the crossing needs to be sited where it is safe for both the children and the Crossing Patrol.

On Tuesday, I had a debate on musculoskeletal conditions, which include arthritis, bone diseases, spine diseases and footcare. I visited the Musculoskeletal Disease Centre in Leeds to meet Professor Paul Emery. This is one of the largest centres in Europe and has been part funded by ARC (of which I am a Trustee) and the NHS. One in four of us during our lives will suffer from an MSK condition and centres like this and the Primary Care centre in Oldham are vital to enable people to live normal lives.

On Tuesday night I met Councillor Keith Whitmore to discuss transport issues, including parking at Rochdale Train Station. I am due to meet him, together with Council Officers, in a couple of weeks time for a more formal meeting. However, I wanted to share with him my ideas for alleviating the problem.

On Thursday having returned from London I spoke at the Rochdale Rotary Club meeting on the last twelve months in Parliament – quite a busy and eventful year!

On Saturday I am due to attend the 60th birthday party of Walter Duchak at the Ukrainian Club. I had visited the club the previous Saturday to for the traditional celebration of Ukrainian Holy Supper.

Finally I would like to finish by paying tribute to Peter Stephenson, the Assistant Borough Commander of our Town’s Fire Service. Peter, along with eight colleagues from across the North West, immediately volunteered to join the international team providing emergency assistance to the people of Haiti. I know that the people of our town will be as proud as I am in the selflessness and bravery of Peter.