Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

The meeting is the final council meeting before Election Day.

The agenda contains quarterly reports from councillors.

Councillor Lambert pushes the importance of the recently launched domestic abuse strategy and asks all councillors to endorse the strategy.

He also thanks police and other partners regarding their work with the raids that took place on Wednesday 2 April.

Councillor Kelly asks for the council to endorse a piece of land for a potential theatre site.

Councillors praise the Metrolink service including Councillor Kelly and Councillor Brett. Councillor Joinson wants to see the Metrolink extended to Heywood and Middleton.

Councillor Wazir states that the CCTV camera car is a good idea and is a good scheme for school safety.

Councillor Lambert adds that response to the mobile CCTV has been outstandingly positive.

Councillor Wazir also praises the change of 0845 numbers within the council and Councillor Lambert adds that since the change, the number of calls to the council has doubled.

There has been a delay regarding the opening of the underpass at Rochdale Railway Station, as Network Rail needs to make sure that the underpass is strong enough for people to walk under.

Councillor Lambert states that there will be a review of all parking strategies across Rochdale.

Councillor Dearnley praises the work of Councillor Hornby and staff within adult care.

Falinge Park High School is the last school to undergo improvements regarding Schools for the Future.

Councillor Martin states that over 9,000 people voted during the youth parliament elections.

Councillor Williams states that there are key potential tenants for the town centre east development.

The Council is currently working to demolish fire-damaged buildings at the Turner Brothers Asbestos site.

Councillor Duckworth is pleased to hear that further discussions regarding the design of the opening of the River Roch will be taking place.

The chairman of each Township now presents their reports.

Councillor Dutton, Chair of Heywood Township addresses the passing of sister Anne Moore from Heywood.

Councillor Kelly sends his condolences to the Hain family after three members of the family were killed in a road traffic accident last week.

Councillor Kelly adds that he would like to see the youth invited to help make decisions within Pennine Township.

Mayor Rush invites party leaders to speak about retiring party members.

Councillor Lambert thanks fellow councillors for their time and public service over the years, as do Councillor Dearnley and Councillor Kelly.

Councillors then thank outgoing Mayor Peter Rush for his time as Mayor.

Councillor Lambert believes that Mayor Rush has had a momentous year as many with many memorable occasions.

Mayor Peter Rush says that it has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as the Mayor of the borough.

Meeting ended.