Paul Rowen encouraging residents to take campaign to save vital services to 10 Downing Street

Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen, is encouraging as many Rochdale residents to go to London to take the campaign to save vital services at Rochdale Infirmary to 10 Downing Street.  A coach will leave Rochdale Town Hall at 8.30am on 12 April.  The coach will be carrying Members of the Friends of our Hospital, health professionals, many people who have signed the petitions and local dignitaries including local MP, Paul Rowen.
 
Paul said, "The first coach is filling up fast with people from across Rochdale giving up their day for this vital cause.  We've even had to book a couple of seats for the vast number of petitions that have been filled in by thousands upon thousands of local people.  We already have nearly 20 people who have committed to the journey and the more the merrier.  We have booked a room at Portcullis House at Parliament where we will be meeting to discuss the campaign and the plan of action for the final month of consultations.  I have invited some very senior MP's to this meeting and it is hoped that we can use this as an opportunity to tell senior figures in the Government what we think of these proposals."
 
The group will then head to 10 Downing Street where they will present the thousands of petitions.  Cllr. Jean Ashworth, who will be attending as a Member of The Friends of our Hospital said, "We owe it to the future generations of our town to make this trip. We must do everything possible to strike at Parliament, the heart of democracy.  I can assure everyone in Rochdale that this will be a trip worth making.  Health Bosses seem to assure us that this is a 'consultation', we aim to deliver the clear message to Parliament that - YES there has been a consultation and the clear message from the people of Rochdale is NO to losing our vital Child-Care, Maternity and any reduction in our Accident and Emergency Services."
 
Sir Cyril Smith MBE said, "I would hope that as many residents as possible go to London in April.  I am proud of the fight that we are putting up as a Town and although my heart says to go, unfortunately my head says that I can't. I wish the delegation the best of luck in London and I am delighted to see this vital trip going ahead."
 
The coach is being financed by local Rochdale Businessman Chris Grieves - who wants to help the campaign after the death of his mother.  Chris lost his mother recently and is sponsoring the trip as a tribute to her. 

Anyone who is on a low income or who could not afford the trip otherwise is encouraged to call 01706 712 186 to book their place.