Rochdale Liberal Democrats head for conference

Date published: 26 February 2007

Liberal Democrats in Rochdale, led by Paul Rowen MP will be heading to Harrogate this coming weekend for the party’s spring conference.  Paul Rowen MP said: "The conference will be a boost for our local campaigning in Rochdale as we move towards the vital local elections to be held here in May. And I am looking forward to reporting back to local members on the debates we will be holding.  The main conference debates will include tackling crime, providing more housing for local people whilst cutting pollution from homes, the future of Britain’s nuclear deterrent, Britain’s waterways and more."

Paul Rowen is intending to speak on a debate about British Waterways, and will talk of the campaign he waged before Christmas to get vital funding for maintenance for Rochdale Canal.  Mr Rowen said: "The motion is aimed at continuing to raise the importance of funding essential maintenance work to our canals.  It is also to ensure a strong future for Rochdale Canal and the canal network in general.  Here in Rochdale, tourism is vital for jobs and prosperity, Rochdale Canal is a vital waterway bringing tourists here to use local pubs, restaurants and other businesses.  That is why we are determined that it just doesn’t get essential work carried out but also quality investment that will see activity and regeneration so that Rochdalians for future generations enjoy it." 

Other events at the Conference include a Transport discussion - congestion charging is likely to come up.  Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson – Paul Rowen MP will be leading this debate.  Councillor Dale Mulgrew will be joined by Council Leader, Councillor Alan Taylor, Councillor  Wera Hohouse and Mohammad Shafiq in representing Rochdale.  Councillor Mulgrew said: "This is my third Conference and I find them very useful in terms of networking with Lib Dems across the country.  It is good to hear what they are doing well but also more importantly the mistakes they have made and the lesson learned. 

"I will hopefully be speaking in the debate on crime, making it quite clear the the funding crisis in Greater Manchester Police is unacceptable. 

"Conferences are a good way of getting your key messages across nationally and this conference is one in which we’ll be championing the key Lib Dem themes on the fight against crime, climate change and others."