Draft plans for a better borough released

Roger Ellis, Chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership

The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is asking for feedback on a draft community plan setting out resident priorities for a better borough.

This plan looks at collaborative working across the public (e.g. Council, Police, Fire and Health Services), private, voluntary and community sectors in Rochdale borough. The ultimate target is to improve the quality of life for local people.

Last year residents and businesses from across Rochdale borough were involved in discussions and surveys to create a better borough. The LSP asked people what mattered to them and their families both now and in the future. The feedback was used to create this draft community plan.

Over the last year a great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes. Changes in Government and cuts to public service budgets have meant original plans have needed to be reviewed in line with resources. 

Roger Ellis, Chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership, explained: “Despite cuts to our funding the Rochdale spirit of co-operation and aspiration to create a great place for people to live, visit and invest remain undiminished. It is one of our biggest assets.

“So the focus of the draft community plan is around reducing the impact of Government cuts whilst still looking to promote growth and development where we can. We are asking the public to take a look and see if it matches up with what they told us.”

The draft version of the community plan can be viewed by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/communityplan.

The plan portrays what Rochdale could be like in the future, it reads: “Aaron and Jasmine were born and married in Rochdale, just like their parents. They have two children, Chad 16 and Mia 10. They thought it was a great place to bring up a family.

“It was Saturday afternoon and they had all just come back from a walk along the canal. Chad had gone into Manchester on the Metrolink to meet his friends. Jasmine and Mia were visiting the award-winning museum of co-operation. Aaron was picking up a book from the new library to help with his son’s apprenticeship at one of the new manufacturing companies on Kingsway Business Park.

“Later that afternoon they planned to go and see Rochdale Football Club who were due to play one of the most important matches of the season. Aaron is a lifelong supporter and was thrilled to see his kids and some of the players picking up litter in last month’s community clean up campaign.

“Aaron was especially looking forward to his and Jasmine’s anniversary dinner that evening; they were going to the new Rochdale Centre by the river which had really brought some different, quality shops to Rochdale.” 


Residents have been asked to send their views to pridepartnership@rochdale.gov.uk no later than 4 July 2011.

Printed copies of the plans can also be viewed at libraries and customer service centres across the borough or by using the free computers in these facilities.