'People need help, not criticism' say Falinge residents

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg and Jan Harwood
Date online: 09/12/2008

Residents from Falinge and College Bank have shared their mixed feelings about being branded as the sick note capital of the country.

Rochdale Online reporters Kirsty Rigg and Jan Harwood visited the area today (Tuesday 9 December) to gather views on the recent media storm, which revealed that 42.9% of  residents are claiming incapacity benefit at the taxpayers expense.

This high level of unemployment has landed central Rochdale in the national media as the worst in the country. 

Justin Hamilton, from Underwood tower said the problem is down to mass depression in the area. He said: “There have been a number of suicides in the past year or so and there is a high level of depression. The people here need help, not criticism” 

“I have great friends here and to be honest have never experienced any trouble”.

Nigel Hardwick, from Falinge flats said: “I don’t work because I suffer from depression. A lot of people who live here do because they are struggling to find work. There aren’t enough jobs to go around. It is not our fault and people shouldn’t look down on us.”

John Edwards, a passer by on College Bank said: “There is a disused pub at the side of Falinge flats which is causing everyone trouble.

“One morning I was walking my little boy to school and there must have been ten fully grown men scrapping it out, it is not a pleasant place for an adult or a child.” 

John Ellis, from College Bank said: “I love Rochdale and I am totally happy with where I live on College Bank, once again the national media has made a mountain out of a molehill”. 

Do you live in the Falinge area? What are your views? Please email the newsdesk, news@rochdaleonline.co.uk, or call us on 07538 579786.