Mystery surrounds Innes Township question

Date published: 19/03/2008

Mystery surrounds what has happened to a question emailed to Rochdale Council Township Office to be asked at the public forum at the beginning of last week's Township meeting.

The question was sent by local resident Christine Arrowsmith regarding the disposal of Rochdale Council's former Innes Centre School site. The question to the Township was as a result of being told by a Township officer at the Spotland Area Forum that the site was being sold for housing. It appears this was the first that local people knew about such proposals.

When questioned, Chairman of Rochdale Township Committee Councillor Elwyn Watkins, confirmed that he had not been informed of the question put by Ms Arrowsmith.
A copy of the email, sent to the Rochdale Township office on 10 March 10 is reproduced below:

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Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:29:34
To: <rochdale.township@rochdale.gov.uk>
Subject: Re Former Innes Centre school site, Ings Lane:

The manner of this school site's disposal appears furtive and rushed (e.g. to offer it for auction before the Secretary of State has given a decision on its release).

What public consultation has there been regarding the best use for this site?

(When I asked about this at last week's Spotland Area Forum the reply was the site was being sold for private housing development).

What asset management provision has there been to achieve Best Value?

Have other public projects been considered for this council owned site? Was this site not earmarked for a PCT "LIFT" Centre for the Spotland Area?

Was this area not given to the people of Rochdale for their benefit? (Hence why we have school playing fields, schools, library, etc).

In the past 10 years or so have any development projects been considered for the wider area of council owned land surrounding the Innes Centre? (Phoenix Street to Edenfield Road).

Please could I have an answer that explains the management and decision-making process for the Innes Centre site's disposal. Which council departments have been involved? When were these decisions made?

Christine Arrowsmith