The fight goes on

Jean Ashworth

A councillor who lost her seat in last week's local elections, following her defection from the Liberal Democrats to the Conservatives, has thanked the people of Smallbridge & Firgrove ward that she has represented over the last 8 year and vowed to continue her fight against cuts at Rochdale Infirmary.

Jean Ashworth said: "I am no longer a councillor after last week's elections and yes I am sad at the result and very poor turnout, but I believe things happen for a reason and the future now for me personally looks a lot brighter than the last 18 months when I had to make some difficult decisions.

"I know in my heart I made the right move to a party that cares and works hard locally for this borough.

"Nationally none of them have got it right and it will be a long time before Britain recovers the dreadful debt that was left behind, but it should not be at the expense of the most vulnerable of people, our elderly, homeless, community centres and front line staff. which sadly what is happening in this borough and it is disgraceful.

"I hope other areas can be explored and some of these decisions turned round with more help given to those suffering the most horrendous cutbacks which are vitally needed services and I will continue to be vocal on this.

"I actually feel a sense of freedom because until all councillors can sit down and agree to working towards a better future for this borough, Rochdale will continue to sink. We know that won't happen as some people will oppose just for the sake of it and others will continue to make decisions without looking at the loss of much need vital services.

"This is why we lost our valuable services at Rochdale Infirmary. Management continues to grow whilst vital services are lost. We have been cheated and conned in this Borough, which has been proven, yet rather than action taken against the proof we are expected to sit back and accept an apology which is not acceptable for the many thousands of you who signed my petitions and are suffering through these cutbacks.

"An apology to the Council from the Pennine Acute is not enough and I will continue to fight for the return of a safer healthcare service at Rochdale Infirmary and a better transport system which we were promised and now we hear Staff on Outpatients at the Infirmary are on 90 days notice. What next?

"I might have lost an election but I have won a lifetime of true friends and genuine voters.

"Thank you."