Gemma Singleton starts petition for a theatre in Rochdale

Gemma Singleton, who made a plea at a recent Rochdale Township Committee meeting for a theatre in Rochdale town centre, has started a petition in hopes of getting the idea moved forward.

Gemma, who started a heated debate between councillors at the township meeting on Wednesday 8 January, is now looking to the general public for support.

Gemma said: “I haven’t had one person say that they don’t want to sign the petition.”

Gemma is asking members of the public in Rochdale to sign the petition and is hoping to present the petition to people in attendance at the upcoming Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society show at the Gracie Fields theatre for further support.

As well as starting the petition, Gemma has started a committee of local people from a variety of backgrounds to help with the plans. The aim of the committee is to ensure that their ideas are put forward.

“The council is good at putting money towards projects but I sometimes feel that they aren’t as good at following through with things so that is where the committee would come in,” said Gemma.

Gemma has had support from local councillors as well as members of the public. During the township meeting, Gemma’s ideas were supported by councillors Ian Duckworth, Dale Mulgrew and Pat Sullivan, with further support coming from Councillor Wera Hobhouse.

Gemma added: “They have all been actively involved with me and have all been in contact about my ideas. There is also cross party support so it shows that it is something everyone wants.”

Councillor Ian Duckworth, who has supported Gemma and her plans from the get go, said: “I understand the plans are at the very beginning but Gemma is a very strong young woman who is really moving with this idea. I am glad she has taken it and is moving forward with it.

“I don’t think the council would have a problem with facilitating and supporting something like this but at the minute money is tight and that is an issue.

“My own feeling is that we could have something that puts on high quality shows that brings people into the town. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the town centre either. If we could have something near Kingsway Business Park and the trams then people could utilise restaurants and things around that area.”

By bringing a theatre to Rochdale, Gemma feels it will help Rochdale’s economy as well as different community aspects throughout the town.

“People who go to the theatre would usually go out for a meal and drinks as well so that would be great for Rochdale and would bring people in,” said Gemma. “There is a huge community aspect as well that I think was missed at Township because councillors were more focused on the money side of things.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/84732/theatre-hope-splits-committee