Theatre hope splits committee

Councillors from the Rochdale Township Committee engaged in a heated debate at this week's meeting after hopes for a town centre theatre were brought up again.

Rochdale resident Gemma Singleton asked the committee, as part of the open forum, for a theatre in Rochdale to allow students to perform on more stages as well as boosting the economy of Rochdale.

Councillors Dale Mulgrew and Pat Sullivan welcomed the idea and both supported Gemma’s plans but Councillor Richard Farnell was quick to remind Councillors that money is a big issue with more financial cuts to the council looming.

Councillor Sullivan said: “This is the time for a theatre. We are about to knock down the black box and have a flat piece of land, why not put it there? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune?”

Councillor Mulgrew added: “Rochdale has talent and it struggles to present itself in the town. The night time economy is struggling and this type of facility could help that.”

Councillor Billy Sheerin also supported the plans and said: “This is something the committee is focused on.”

Gemma, who runs her a dance academy, brought the question to the open forum after she struggled to cover costs of hiring the Gracie Fields theatre. To hire the theatre for six hours, Gemma paid £2,000.

But Councillor Richard Farnell was quick to remind the committee that there currently is no money available for a theatre as Rochdale Council is set to cut up to £62m over the next two years.

He said: “We have suffered more cuts than any other council and are one of the poorest councils in the country. We are struggling to look after the elderly and make adaptations to disabled homes. As much as we would like a theatre, it is simply misleading to tell members of the public that we can have one.”

Councillor Farooq Ahmed who is the cabinet member for finance added: “As much as we would like a theatre, we have to be realistic.”