Praise for the festive generosity of Rochdale residents

Simon Danczuk at Petrus Hub in Great George Street with Petrus coordinator Denis Skelton

Simon Danczuk paid a visit to a local homelessness charity at its busiest time of year and praised Rochdale residents for their festive generosity.

Mr Danczuk visited the breakfast drop in session at Petrus Hub in Great George Street as staff and volunteers prepared for the increase in demand over the Christmas period.

Petrus have had some help from local schools, businesses and churches which have donated 150 gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Danczuk chatted with some of the dozens of service users who attend the hub’s free breakfast drop in every morning.

Petrus also runs a women’s service for female offenders, issues vouchers for Rochdale foodbank and offers advice and support for Job Centre appointments and housing applications.

Mr Danczuk said: “Rochdale residents have outdone themselves this year with the incredible volume of gifts that have been donated to Petrus.

“Homelessness is a growing problem in our area as more and more people are hit by benefit changes and the bedroom tax.

“This is the busiest time of year for charities like Petrus and I am delighted that the community has been able to dig deep and help out in such a big way.

“I’d like to congratulate staff and volunteers at Petrus whose selflessness and hard work means vulnerable people don’t need to face the Christmas period alone.”

Petrus coordinator Denis Skelton said: “I know Simon is very interested in homelessness and housing issues in Rochdale, and he has consistently shown his support for us here."