Retiring Councillors thanked for dedication

The six Councillors who are retiring from Rochdale Council have been thanked for their hard work and dedication by Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert.

The following Councillors have chosen not to stand again in May’s local election:

• Andrew Abbott – Bamford
• Imtiaz Ahmed - Milkstone and Deeplish
• Liz Thirsk – Balderstone and Kirkholt
• Terry Linden – West Middleton
• Greg Couzens – Spotland and Falinge
• Brenda Kerslake – Smallbridge and Firgrove

Councillor Abbott (Liberal Democrat) was praised for fighting for issues and putting local people at the heart of his work.

Fellow Liberal Democrat, Liz Thirsk, is stepping down on "health grounds" and was wished well for the future.

Councillor Ahmed of the Labour group was recognised for “breaking the mould” in the Milkstone and Deeplish ward.

Councillor Linden, also a Labour member, was described as “hard working” and praised for reading every bit of paper he got. Councillor Lambert said: “He is not everybody’s cup of tea, he is not everybody’s cup of coffee – but he will drive you to drink.”

Hairdresser jokes were on the cards for the Leader of the Independent group, Councillor Couzens, who “came in on a wave”.  Councillor Couzens was thanked for the debate he brought to the council.

Finally, Councillor Kerslake, was recognised for being a true “independent independent” who continued to serve her time on the Council after leaving the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Lambert said the six had “served the borough well” and will be missed.