Sir Cyril Smith abuse claims: Blue plaque taken down
Date published: 15 November 2012
A blue plaque honouring the late Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith has been taken down following allegations that he indecently assaulted young boys.
The council said removing the plaque from Rochdale Town Hall was a "neutral act" to prevent vandalism.
On Tuesday, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk called for a "full investigation" into allegations that Sir Cyril indecently assaulted boys in care.
Sir Cyril's brother said the former MP had denied the allegations.
The plaque was unveiled last year by former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell.
Councillor Colin Lambert (Labour), the leader of Rochdale Council, said: "This is not a judgement on either Sir Cyril Smith or anyone else."
He added: "We discussed this at a meeting last night and had decided to leave it up but we received information that it could be damaged overnight and took it down because this would be a danger to the town hall."
On Wednesday Barry Fitton, one of three alleged victims from a Rochdale care home, claimed that the former MP smacked him and stroked his buttocks.
'Historic abuse'
Mr Danczuk (Labour) told the Commons that claims against the late MP had "circulated for years".
Lancashire Police said an investigation was "believed" to have taken place in the 1960s, but "no records are held".
Mr Danczuk said police "should consider reopening the case".
Manchester-based solicitors Pannone confirmed they were currently dealing with an allegation of abuse against Sir Cyril, who died in 2010.
Comments
Maybe this is a good time to look in further depth about his involvement with asbestos and advising the people of Rochdale that there was no danger. Even at the time there evidence that this was not so.
The initial investigations found no truth to the claims and I'm not sure what Mr Danczuk hopes to achieve? He may as well put a banner up saying everybody who lives in Rochdale is a pervert, and by the way if you feel like making a few grand say you were abused by Cyril. There's no justice to be gained as he's dead but our MP wants to drag the town's already filthy name through the mud once again. What a waste of time and effort. Mr Danczuk, stick to getting some funding to fix a few potholes.
Thank goodness councillors ignored Councillor Dale Mulgrew's ridiculous idea to name one of the councils new buildings after his "Great Uncle Cyril". It wouldn't have been easy to take down No 1 Riverside or the new leisure centre would it!
Really can't understand why everyone is surprised, anyone in their right mind thought he was bloody odd. Ask some ex policemen for their views.
These are shocking allegations. Thanks to Rochdale Online we can have our say and the matter debated. Rochdale Observer blocks comment on any subject it does not want discussed (40 to 60% of all articles), including this one.
Isn't it about time we had a publicstatement from the local Liberal Democrats on this fast escalating scandal in order to dispel the "rumour mill"?
This is far too important an issue for our town's public image for the usual Rochdale Council whitewash and cover up.
We saw CEO Ellis exposed to the full glare of public scrutiny in front of MPs on BBC Parliament where the usual Rochdale Council incompetence was shown for what it was for 12 years - not tolerated by other towns and councils.
Have Your Say
I am shocked and disappointed, I always had high regard for Sir Cyril Smith.
By k009 @ 15/11/2012 12:56:37