Rochdale Council supporting markets in … Todmorden and Hebden Bridge!

In the midst of the worst recession since the 1930s with the town centre in serious decline, businesses closing down at an alarming rate of knots and Rochdale market decimated and in dire need of help, Rochdale Borough Council is advertising rival markets on council employees payslips.

Speaking exclusively to Rochdale Online, Labour Leader Colin Lambert revealed the council is helping to promote Todmorden and Hebden Bridge markets by advertising them to its 10,000+ employees.

Councillor Lambert said: "External advertising on this month's council pay checks leaves a bad taste and a loss of confidence in the intentions of the borough leadership, lets support local business first."

MP for Heywood and Middleton, Jim Dobbin, was aghast and said if the council is promoting markets it should promote the very successful Heywood market.

Conservative Leader Ashley Dearnley was incredulous when asked by Rochdale Online for his response, he said: “This is unbelievable; the council should be promoting the markets in this borough not those in nearby towns.

“The council is clearly completely out of control, council officers are doing as they please and the Lib Dem cabinet, who should be keeping them in check, do not have a clue what is going on. This is the worst I have ever known the council.”

Lib Dem portfolio holder for finance, Councillor Greg Couzens, said: "It is totally wrong and I will take this up with council officers."

Rochdale Council Communications Manager Kate Lindley said: “The council and its partners are committed to supporting residents and local businesses – particularly during the economic downturn and I would like to thank Rochdale Online for drawing this to my attention. I will be discussing this issue with colleagues on Monday to ensure that together we do what we can to ensure we support local business at this time.”