Cllr. Wera Hobhouse, Rochdale Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability has demanded an investigation after the River Spodden was polluted over the weekend. The Environment Agency are currently investigating the cause of the pollution. An Ecologist is expected today and the source is not known and all the drains are being checked.
Senior Liberal Democrat Councillor, Mohammad Sharif has expressed his concern regrading the insensitivity of the date of the Mela to be held at Springfield Park next week.
Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen has slammed the recommendation of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to withdraw a vital drug in the fight against mesothelioma. Alimta can extend and improve the quality of mesothelioma sufferers lives, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer and is caused by exposure to asbestos. The reason for the refusal of NICE is purely financial and has led to widespread condemnation.
Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen has raised some of the most pressing health issues in Greater Manchester during a meeting with Health Minister - Rosie Winterton. Paul was joined by 4 other Greater Manchester MP's - Michael Meacher MP, Jim Dobbin MP, David Chaytor MP and Dayid Heyes MP in a session to raise critical health issues in Greater Manchester. The meeting also had the new Head of the North-West Strategic Health Authority - Mike Fararr CBE, who takes over on July 1st.
Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson and Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen is calling for the Government to claim back money from the Northern Rail, the operators of the Rochdale / Oldham Loopline. Paul said, "The reduced service is completely unacceptable and I am asking the Government to investigate whether they can penalise the train operator in proportion to the services that they are failing to provide. Yet again, Rochdale commuters are faced with another miserable autumn - the Government should show that they are committed to public transport and send a clear message to rail operators that a reduction in service means a reduction in funding. It cannot be right that operators can get with a 50% reduction in services, they are breaking their commitment to the people in Rochdale."
Paul Rowen the MP for Rochdale is demanding an explanation from Guinness Trust, after residents of Guinness House were written to confirming their plans to demolish it. This is despite the fact that they haven't got permission from Rochdale Council, they also confirm their plan to demolish it - although they do not give a date. The letter (available on request) was written to residents by new Resident Liaison Officer - Helen Partington. Paul is now calling for the Council to Compulsory Purchase the property.