Blair wants a Safer Rochdale

Date published: 21/04/2005

The heat may be on between what is said to be a ‘three party election’; however Prime Minister Tony Blair appeared very confident about his Labour position when he visited Rochdale this week. Mr Blair travelled from Manchester Airport to Rochdale on his Labour election bus, and was interviewed by Rochdale Online while on the road.

Asked about Rochdale’s Asian Community, and how the controversial war in Iraq may affect the Rochdale Asian vote. Mr. Blair replied: “I think that people will obviously have their disagreements over Iraq, but in the end, for the Asian community and for the rest of the community, it will be more about the economy, the health services and schools, and law and order”.

With law and order in mind, the Prime Minister was asked: “What do you think Lorna Fitzsimons could do as Rochdale’s MP to help reduce the levels of crime?” to which he replied: “Lorna is an amazing, first class member of Parliament. She’s tremendously committed on anti-social behaviour, she wants more police out on the streets with community support officers to crack down on anti-social behaviour and drug use. She is going to do very well and we will be doing it with her.”

The emphasis on anti-social behaviour remained throughout the day, as Mr. Blair arrived at Turf Hill Community Centre, where he was greeted by Lorna and local residents.

In a speech to Turf Hill residents about Labours anti-social behaviour policies, and plans for a ‘better and safer Rochdale’ Mr. Blair said, “I was just walking down the street today and talking to people, and I was able to see both what we’ve done and what we’ve still got to do, and not just in terms of re-generating local communities.”

He continued, “I grew up in the north of the country, and we had a local police officer that everybody knew – it’s just the way it was. Yes, times will change, but we still need someone who will walk around the streets and will be approachable. Therefore, when people have a problem, they’re able then to feel that there is someone to go to.”

So what will Labour do to make this happen? Mr. Blair stated that as a result of an extra investment, there won’t just be a record number of police on the streets, but a further 20,000 community support officers who will work alongside them.

Mr Blair continued, “It is only the Labour Government that is prepared to take the tough measures on anti-social behaviour, and back it up with police and community support officers in every single community in this country.

In order for these things to be successful in Rochdale, local people need to come out and support candidates like Lorna, so that she can do her share of delivering these promises.”

Lorna Fitzsimons was extremely enthusiastic about the Prime Ministers visit. She said, “I am very proud and privileged to introduce the people of Rochdale to our Prime Minister. Mr Blair has worked so hard and we should show gratitude for all that he has delivered to us.”

Mr Blair greeted the locals at the community centre, and left with a final message: “There is a lot at stake here in this election. There’s only one of two things that’s going to happen on May 6; people will wake up to a Conservative Government under Michael Howard, or this Labour Government under me. They are the only two alternatives.”