Letter from Parliament

The weeks that lead up to Christmas are always very busy. The Government wants to get out all its announcements, etc. and there are several carol concerts and Christmas parties organised that are an absolute pleasure to attend. 

Last week, Prime Minister Tony Blair was interviewed by police about the cash for peerages investigation – on that day no fewer than 22 government statements were issued. Talk about trying to bury bad news!

These statements brought mixed news for Rochdale. The announcement that the Council had been successful in getting #8356;150 million for new secondary schools was good news. Well done to Terry Piggott and his staff for working so hard. Hardworking Kingsway Councillors David Clayton and Mark Birkett, with myself, met the school council at Springhill High just after the announcement. While they were undoubtedly concerned for their school there is no doubt taken as a whole, as the building of the five new primary schools like Sandbrook Park has shown, this brings enormous benefits for our young people. 

I also met the Principal of Hopwood Hall College, Derek O Toole, last week to discuss plans for the new Six Form College at St. Mary’s Gate. I was delighted to hear that the College Governors, now ably chaired by Councillor Robert Clegg, have approved the plan.

The news about the Rochdale Infirmary has not been so good. The committee of Joint PCTs has taken the decision to close maternity and childcare facilities at both Bury and Rochdale, which is madness. The reason given for Rochdale – cost #8356;40 million - is a made up figure that does not stack up. I’m due to meet the Chief Executive of the Strategic Health Authority Mike Farrar today to discuss this. Still we fight on. An application for a judicial review has been lodged about A&E facilities and we are looking to do something similar. I’m also working with the Bury North MP David Chaytor to ask the Secretary of State to review the decision. I will not however be supporting the transfer of facilities to Fairfield! There is also a lobby of parliament planned for January to which members of the Friends group have been invited. The cancelled meeting that is expected to ratify the loss of A&E at Rochdale Infirmary has now been changed to Friday 5 January at 4.00pm at Rochdale Town Hall.  I ask that every who can attends this meeting.  I will be very interested to see what happens.  Also on the health front I’m delighted that John Pierce former Chief Executive of Rochdale Council has been appointed Chairman of the Rochdale Primary Care Trust. At last we have someone local with a bit of clout!

I also enjoyed an early start on Friday, I visited the Royal Mail Delivery and Sorting Office on Ainsworth Street.  What a job they do, as Cyril said, they are up at the crack of dawn – the middle of the night for many.  They are a credit to Rochdale and never complain, well done to Managers Andrew Corr, Tracy Reece, Anthony Woods, my own Postman Alan Calow and all the staff – keep up the good work.

Last weekend among the many events I attended was the Liberal Democrat’s Annual Dinner with Chris Huhne MP as guest speaker. It was ably organised by Sue Etchells in my office, Ann Ashworth and Ann Bradley. The food was also first class with Dorothy Johnstone at the Town Hall doing a fantastic job. I also attended my Parish Carol concert at St John's and the Civic Carol Service.

Parliament rose this Tuesday until the 8 January and my office closes on Friday until the 3 January.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.