Simon Danczuk listens to the voice of Rochdale’s small businesses

Stephanie Hillen and Simon Danczuk at Temptations Sandwich Bar

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s MP, has visited small businesses along Milnrow Road to celebrate the contribution that they make to Rochdale and to raise awareness of some of the many issues that they face.

The parade of shops on Milnrow Road, Newbold is home to a number of businesses, including a Chinese takeaway, a convenience store, a hair salon and a Polish shop, which  has been there for ten years, while Newbold Refrigeration has been trading for nearly a quarter of a century.

Temptations Sandwich Bar is a family-run business. Stephanie Hillen, who owns the business, said: “Fortunately there are no major issues for us on Milnrow Road. We live and work locally and are happy with the strong spirit of community in the area”.

While business people are happy with the area, many raised concerns with business rates and one was concerned with rent levels for their property.

Mr Danczuk said: “I listened to the concerns that were raised, and I am in full agreement that the Government has to do more to support the local economy across Rochdale. In particular, the current business rates system is not fit for the purpose as it is a strain on small businesses and bears no relation to their ability to pay. It is a fact that rates are too high. They must be made fairer, more logical and beneficial to local businesses.

“With support from the Council, businesses in Rochdale have benefited from a number of positive moves including free town-centre parking and a £1 million fund to help business relocate to our town. I intend to help the Council build on these successes.

“I am pleased that businesses along Milnrow Road are doing well, and I will work to ensure that they continue to do so.”