Date published: 30/06/2006

Paul Rowen MP is demanding an explanation from Guinness Trust, after residents of Guinness House were written to confirming plans to demolish Guinness House, despite the fact that Guinness Trust does not yet have permission from Rochdale Council to do so.  The letter was written to residents by new Resident Liaison Officer Helen Partington. Paul Rowen is now calling for the Council to compulsory purchase the property.
 
Paul Rowen said: "I am disgusted by the continued attitude of Guinness Trust, they are in charge of the worst managed estate in Rochdale and continue to let the people of our town down.  I will be asking the Council to investigate whether they can CPO Guinness House as I have lost all confidence in the Guinness Trust's ability to act in the interests of some very elderly residents.  By compulsory purchasing Guinness House, we can avoid the land being sold off for huge profits and keep it in social ownership.  I will be asking for a meeting with the Managing Director of Guinness trust and I will demand an explanation."
 
Local Kingsway Ward Councillor, David Clayton said: "I am shocked to have received yet more complaints from residents in Guinness House.  The fact that a new Liaison Officer has ignored the previous debacles at the House doesn't bode well for the future.  The people who lose out here are the elderly residents who only want an assurance that they will not be uprooted and can continue to live the rest of their days in dignity."