Training centre controversy in Falinge

Date published: 19 January 2006

The former nurses training centre at 71/73 Falinge Road, was bought by the Lovicks of Rochdale 50 years ago, and returned to a family home. Last year, Terri Ann Laws and Nick Lees bought it with the intention to use it as a training school to teach life skills, personal growth, life coaching and therapy. They made a mistake in running the courses without applying for permission for change of use and though they subsequently applied for permission, understandably objections to things being not being done in the right way were raised.

Locals living close by the centre are divided. Some say it is good for the area, and there can be no doubting that it means one of Rochdale’s remaining totally intact beautiful Victorian mansions, gets to remain intact. Others are worried about the possibility of increased traffic on the cul-de-sac road of Clement Royds Street. 

Heather Bowley who works for Terri Ann Laws says:

"The school attracts people who want to improve their lives and help others improve their lives, which can only do good."

Heather is concerned that what she thinks is a vocal minority has managed to shout louder than the silent majority. She observes:

"As it is in life, those many people who approved failed to give their opinions loudly in the appropriate directions because there didn’t seem a need to do so. Those few who objected did so very loudly to all the authorities they could. Not only did they take it upon themselves to write long strong letters, but they also grossly exaggerated the problems they saw, and even added a few for good measure. Because of these letters, it appeared to the council as though there were serious local objections, and so permission was refused. This has created a bit of a stir."

Heather would like to know from more locals what opinions they have about the training centre. In the meantime, Terri Ann and Nick are to appeal.