Former MP continues campaigning for light rail

Date published: 01 September 2010

The former MP of Rochdale, Paul Rowen has accepted the position of Regional Officer in the Light Rail Transit Association with a remit for Manchester Metrolink.

Mr Rowen has also been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the LRTA.

Born and bred in Rochdale, Mr Rowen pursued a teaching career before his election as MP for Rochdale in 2005. Prior to his election he had been a Rochdale Councillor since 1983 and was Council Leader from 1992 to 1996 and from 2004 to 2005.

Light rail has long been one of Mr Rowen’s interests. He was Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group from 2007 to 2010 and was influential in bringing Manchester Metrolink to Rochdale.

Mr Rowen said: “I am delighted and honoured at being appointed a Regional Officer of the LRTA with specific remit of Manchester Metrolink.

“Metrolink has been instrumental in spearheading Manchester’s revival as a world city and it will play an important role in regenerating the towns like Rochdale which I represented.

“I will be working alongside the Greater Manchester ITA and Rochdale Council to deliver these benefits for the Rochdale area.”