Heywood ‘not policed for up to 14 hours a week’, says Councillor Peter Rush

Heywood is “not policed for up to 14 hours a week”, according to Councillor Peter Rush.

Councillor Rush, the only Liberal Democrat Councillor on Rochdale Council, stated to the Council yesterday (Wednesday 15 October) that he was “disgusted” and that “Heywood is neglected”.

Councillor Rush questioned Councillor Daalat Ali, the Cabinet Member for Community, Culture and Tourism, regarding a visit by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd. It is understood that the Commissioner is due to visit Rochdale on Thursday 23 October to meet with councillors to address their concerns.

Councillor Rush asked Councillor Ali if he thought that the visit should be held in a different Township rather than being held in central Rochdale and added that Mr Lloyd has been invited by himself and members of Heywood Township to address the concerns of Heywood residents over the closure of the police station.

He added: “We are neglected. We go for up to 14 hours a week without being policed. We are not manned.

"The Police and Crime Commissioner needs to come to Heywood and face the public and face the people of Heywood so they can get answers. If this was happening anywhere else, I tell you, there would be an uprising.”

Councillor Ali responded by saying: “I will do what is in my power but you should not be disgusted with me and this council. You should be disgusted with central government for making the cuts. I will speak to the commissioner and see what I can do.”