Tribute for Sir Cyril given the go ahead

Sir Cyril Smith

A tribute planned for Sir Cyril Smith has been given the go ahead.

A commemorative plaque in his memory will be placed in the Rochdale Town Hall.

The plans were approved at the Rochdale Township Action and Resources Committee meeting held last night (Tuesday 29 March 2011).

A sum of £300 was granted to pay for the plaque.

The location for the plaque within the Town Hall is yet to be decided.

Suggestions include the reception area of the Town Hall or the reception room on the ground floor.

The reception room, now used for functions, was the Council Chamber in the 60s and 70s and a place where Sir Cyril would have spent a lot of time.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew requested that the plaque was installed as he, along with others, felt it necessary to have something to remember Sir Cyril.

Councillor Mulgrew said: “I’m very pleased with the decision.

“Rochdale needed to pay some kind of tribute to a great ambassador to the town, a political heavy weight.”

Councillor Mulgrew said he thinks the approval will “set the ball rolling” for other lasting tributes.