Conservative leader's column: saving Littleborough ticket office, Rochdale cenotaph graffiti and the Chancellor's autumn statement

John Taylor is the leader of the local Conservative party in Rochdale and a councillor for Wardle and West Littleborough.

This month he dedicates his column to discussing the welcome U-turn on ticket office closures, the desecration of Rochdale Cenotaph, the chancellor's autumn statement and what it could mean for the cost-of-living crisis.

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It’s been a very busy month both locally and nationally and there seems to be so many topics I could write about.

However, I have selected just a small number as they seem to reflect life across our borough best and they are the ones that resonate most with me.

Perhaps the first place I should start is with the saving of our train station ticket offices and may I thank everyone who took the time to share their views and concerns as part of the wider consultation process.
 

Read more: Littleborough train station's ticket office to remain open as controversial plans to close nationwide ticket offices scrappedPublished: 03 November 2023

The U-turn we have all seen from the train operators is a great example of community empowerment in action and I am delighted with the outcome. I am a huge advocate of empowering the community voice and believe it should always be heard as part of the decision-making process.

Fortunately, it has been heard loud and clear on this occasion and it is clear how the wider community has spoken and more importantly, has been listened to. With approximately three-quarters of a million responses submitted (including my own) the community voice could not be ignored and our local services will be the better for that.

I am also a strong advocate for reform too and our transport system is no exception to that, we need a system that is fit for purpose in the twenty-first century, one that isn’t restrained by archaic working practices and one that serves the needs of the community, on this occasion, it feels like we have taken a step in the right direction.

I have articulated my views previously on the disgraceful desecration of our cenotaph in Rochdale town centre and I make no apology for doing so again, I utterly condemn the criminal actions of those responsible in the strongest of terms.

The cenotaph is our focal point as a community when remembering all those heroes who fought and gave their lives on our behalf. It is a sacred monument with very special meaning to our veterans, their families, friends and loved ones and to the wider community who stand in solidarity and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

There can be no justification for this utterly appalling, despicable criminality and I place on record my thanks to GMP for their swift action in bringing those responsible to justice and for protecting the cenotaph in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

There are two clear points I wish to make on behalf of the majority of decent respectable members of our community, firstly, that these actions are completely out of step with the genuine feelings of compassion across our community and they have been the most insensitive and disrespectful acts of criminality possible.

Secondly, I do not believe the actions of those responsible are representative of any community group or groups across our borough. 

I recognise how the ongoing troubles in the Middle East are of global concern and I, like every other reasonable-minded person, desperately want to see a peaceful and long-lasting solution to the conflict.

I am proud of the fact that here in Rochdale, unlike some other northern towns, we have a history of strong community cohesion, respect and tolerance and the mindless actions of a minority cannot be allowed to undermine those core values.

There is no place for racism in Rochdale, there is no place for hate in Rochdale and there is no place for discrimination in Rochdale.

In a similar vein, I am disappointed to see so many posts online from those who feel the need to vent their anger about the Middle East conflict and, perhaps unwittingly, undermine community cohesion as they do so.

Does anyone seriously believe boycotting some local businesses in Rochdale will make the slightest difference to the Israeli government?  I honestly believe they must be deluded if they think it will bring about any changes.

Unfortunately, it is far more likely to divide opinion locally and thereby weaken the community cohesion I, like many others am so proud of. I fully understand why people want their voices to be heard, I hear the calls for a ceasefire and I support the actions of religious leaders who stand together behind the power of prayer.

However, those who wish to cause division and usurp our strong cohesive bond ought to reflect on their actions and consider more appropriate ways to ensure their voice can be heard.

Let me turn my attention towards the national picture and I certainly see a mixed bag; on one hand, it’s really good news how inflation has fallen to 4.6% and that is very welcome as we continue to suffer the cost of living crisis.

The autumn statement looms large on the horizon and although it hasn’t been presented as I write, it will have been before this column is published. With that in mind, I would like to think the Chancellor has some wriggle room and is minded to ease the tax burden on us all.

Owing to world events beyond our control the financial restraints have been necessary but perhaps now is the time for that burden to be eased a little.

I’m sure everyone will be aware of the most recent changes at the heart of our national government and quite rightly those changes have been very well publicised via all forms of media.

However, the knock-on effect to local government and the impact it has on the election of local councillors rarely gets a mention. Squabbles at a national level should not impact upon the very hard work local candidates undertake to serve their individual communities.

We have some very hardworking, capable and highly motivated candidates standing in next May’s local elections and it would be a shame if their commitment and abilities were overlooked because of disagreement at a national level.

I do believe a strong opposition is essential to ensure this council delivers the best services possible and I also believe that is what our citizens require too.

I want to finish on a positive note and add my congratulations to Jolly Josh on receiving their King’s Award for Voluntary Service - it is very well deserved.
 

Read more: Jolly Josh and Aspire 2 Inspire Communities amongst first winners of King’s Award for Voluntary ServicePublished: 14 November 2023

The prestigious award is only given to those who deliver outstanding community service and Jolly Josh does that in abundance.

The charity is based on Queensway and provides dedicated peer support and safe spaces for children and young adults, families, and carers of children with profound multiple learning disabilities, and complex, and special needs.

Well done to all those involved and keep up the great work that you do.