'Town Hall is NOT an advertising hoarding'

Rochdale Town Hall’s balcony with the banners

Liberal Democrat Councillor, Peter Rush (spokesman for the Environment) has hit out at the use of Rochdale Town Hall’s balcony as a “glorified advertising hoarding”.

The latest two banners to be hung from the balcony advertise a bridal fayre and an organ recital.

Commenting on the frequent use of the balcony for such banners, Councillor Rush said: “Rochdale Town Hall is the most iconic building within the Borough, for it to be used so often in this way is tantamount to approved vandalism.

"Such banners take away from the splendour of this magnificent gothic building. The balcony, with its golden lions, should not be denigrated in this way. Imagine visiting the town for the first time, wanting to take a photo of the building as a reminder of your visit, what lasting impression do these tatty banners leave?”

Councillor Rush is raising this matter with the Town Hall authorities to see if an alternative location can be found to advertise such events.

He added: “Whilst I accept events in the Town Hall require publicity, I believe temporary free standing frames could be placed on the grass verges near the Esplanade. This would allow the Town Hall to remain untainted and yet still publicise the events prominently.”