Woodbine Street residents furious

Residents on Woodbine Street are furious that a special meeting of Rochdale Council Cabinet ratified the decision to sell land on Woodbine Street to a housing developer for £1.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Sharon Taylor said: "I hope the people of Rochdale repay the favour at elections and get rid of the weak and vote in somebody who cares about people and has the guts to stand up for them.

"They have said we will get some sort of open space and try and look at how to improve parking and traffic, all will be a waste of time, as they once again try and fob us off with some stupid ideas."

The decision to sell had been taken under what is know as ‘delegated power’, the Lib Dem Council Cabinet agreed to allow a senior Council officer to take the decision. However, following an outcry from residents it was agreed that the final decision would be made by members of the Lib Dem Cabinet.

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director, Rochdale Borough Council said: “The cabinet has approved the sale of land at Woodbine Street to Great Places Housing Group. This will enable significant investment to be made into the development of 27 high quality homes on the site that will meet local needs.”

“We understand the reservations of some local residents about further house building. The council has agreed to meet and work closely with residents to consider solutions to their concerns, including ways to overcome issues of parking and access in the area and options for making open space in the area more attractive and user friendly. We have listened to their concerns and are confident that by working with residents and Great Places we ensure that the new housing and green space will make a positive contribution to the neighbourhood.”