Stand up for Rochdale says Paul Rowen

Date published: 10/10/2006

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is hoping for a big turn out at the Town Hall on Wednesday 11 October to protest against cuts at Rochdale Infirmary by people lobbying local councillors as they arrive for the scheduled full council meeting. The lobby is aimed at letting Councillors know the strength of feeling in the town and is designed to continue the awareness of the ongoing crisis at Rochdale Infirmary.  The event is expected to attract widespread media attention. 

Paul Rowen said: "This is a night where the people of Rochdale can come together and register the fact that we have not given up the fight.  I know that many Councillors have been involved in the fight to retain services at the Infirmary but I hope that by coming together we can show our support for staff at the Infirmary who have been treated disgracefully.  A special motion will then follow at the Council meeting, proposed by myself and seconded by Leader of the Conservatives, Councillor Ashley Dearnley.  I expect Labour to support the motion and this should send a clear message that this campaign is above party politics.  I hope that Councillors, seeing the Rochdale residents together will be persuaded to back the motion.  The people of Rochdale, quite rightly expect their Council to get involved in the campaign.  This is a good opportunity to show the residents of the Borough that we mean business.  I want people to stand up for Rochdale and hope to meet as many people as possible."

People are encouraged to bring placards and banners to show their disgust at the actions of health bosses.