Lib Dem President to launch Community Safety Campaign

Date published: 21/01/2005

Liberal Democrat Party President Simon Hughes MP is coming to Rochdale on Saturday 22nd January, to launch a new campaign initiative to beat crime in our community. Simon will join forces with Leader of Rochdale Council - Cllr. Paul Rowen and Sir Cyril Smith MBE to continue the Liberal Democrat crusade for a safer Rochdale.
 
Cllr. Paul Rowen has this week outlined his five-point plan for a "Safer Rochdale" which includes improved street lighting and alley gating.  He said, "We are delighted that Simon is coming to launch our community safety campaign, tackling crime and the fear of crime is the number one priority for the Liberal Democrats in 2005 and this is just one of the initiatives that we are leading on.  Bogus Callers, also known as distraction burglars, are criminals who adopt a number of guises: plumbers, high-pressure sales people, gardeners, and builders to gain entry to people's homes.  We are determined to do our bit to stamp this out in Rochdale."
 
As part of the campaign over 5,000 special cards for the elderly in Rochdale to clearly display in their windows will be issued across Rochdale. The card will warn callers that they cannot buy or sell at people's doors, and tells them that residents require identification that has to be verified. 
 
Simon will launch the campaign, with Cllr. Paul Rowen and Sir Cyril Smith MBE in Alice Ingham Court on Ings Lane, Spotland, and Rochdale on Saturday January 22 at 2.30pm.