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Gaza Attack Deeply Distressing

Posted by: Alan Taylor


On behalf of the Rochdale Liberal Democrat Group, I would like to acknowledge the many people in our Borough that feel saddened and distressed by the unfolding events in Gaza.
Gaza is one of the poorest and most populated places on Earth and has suffered a blockade over the past two years which...

Date posted: 07/01/2009

Government help for pensioners and mothers

Posted by: Ibrar Khan


With many people uncertain about their future in 2009, I want to let Rochdale Online readers know of some of the measures being offered by a Labour Government to help them through difficult times.
From this week (January 5th) child benefit will go up to £20 a week. Child tax credit will also...

Date posted: 06/01/2009

First Class Care.

Posted by: Dale Mulgrew


Recently I was fortunate to have supported my wife during the birth of our baby son at Rochdale Infirmary's maternity Unit. As you can imagine, for a first time mother it was a nerve racking time for her, but all the staff that she and I encountered at the unit gave her the highest standard of...

Date posted: 06/01/2009

Deep Concerns

Posted by: Jean Ashworth



“We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine but less wellness” quote ;( George Carlin)! This was in an email I recently received and made me think of today’s many problems!
I have deep concern regarding...

Date posted: 02/01/2009

Government waste – you couldn’t make this up!

Posted by: Malcolm Bruce


There have been some unbelievable examples of Government waste recently. At a time when everyone else is belt-tightening, we see Labour ministers pouring our money down the drain.
After all the lectures Gordon Brown gave us over the years about being prudent, his own government is wasting massive...

Date posted: 29/12/2008

Peace prospects look bleak

Posted by: Ibrar Khan


Only a few days ago I wrote of my wish that people in Palestine would be able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas. The events of the last few days have cruelly trampled over this wish, replacing it with a vision of horror and despair, as the Israelis launched the biggest air assault on Gaza since 1967....

Date posted: 28/12/2008

Spare a Thought for Our Brave Service Men and Women This Christmas.

Posted by: Malcolm Bruce


This Christmas, as we gather together with our families, it is important to spare a thought for the thousands of service personnel that are stationed abroad.
From the horrific war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq to Kenya and Kosovo there will be around 15,800 of our brave troops spending Christmas...

Date posted: 23/12/2008

Wishing you all a merry Christmas

Posted by: Ibrar Khan


Ibrar Khan and Simon Danczuk meeting the Mayor of Nazareth


I would like to wish everyone in Rochdale a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
At this time of year my thoughts are with those who have lost their jobs or are separated from their loved ones. I hope 2009 brings you better fortunes and fresh opportunities.
For me, 2008 has been an...

Date posted: 23/12/2008

That Was The Year That Was.

Posted by: Peter Rush


This year has seen many ups and downs but I fear that 2008 has set its place in history as the year of the economic meltdown. Debt, job losses, pay cuts, fuel price hikes etc... seem to have dominated the headlines for much of the year.
However, 2008 did have its happier and more memorable...

Date posted: 23/12/2008

“Bin these crazy proposals” says Paul Rowen.

Posted by: Wera Hobhouse


Rochdale’s Paul Rowen has officially objected to the Council’s plan for a driving range in Springfield Park. Paul has written to Council Leader Alan Taylor explaining his reasons. Paul said, “The cost of this is excessive and will take over a decade to pay back and rob us of much...

Date posted: 16/12/2008

Another night of shame for the Lib Dems

Posted by: Ibrar Khan


Last night saw the Lib Dems once again drive a coach and horses through the notion that they are supporters of democracy. To railroad proposals through for a golf driving range at Springfield Park simply beggars belief.
Let’s briefly look at the facts. The portfolio holder for the...

Date posted: 16/12/2008

A Primary Example of A Good School!

Posted by: Peter Rush


Last week I had the privilege of visiting All Souls Primary School in Heywood along with Councillors Doreen Brophy-Lee and Malcolm Bruce.
Recently I and my fellow North Ward Councillors had set the school the task of designing our Christmas card to be delivered to over 4,000 households in our...

Date posted: 15/12/2008

2008, an interesting year!

Posted by: Zulfiqar Ali


As we hurtle towards 2009, it’s important to reflect on 2008. When placed in history, not many people will see 2008 as a ‘good year’. I have every sympathy for anybody who is losing their jobs or seeing their business struggle as the credit crunch ‘bites’. I...

Date posted: 15/12/2008

Sh-h-h-h-h-h! Don't mention local politics

Posted by: Ibrar Khan


I am not surprised that Malcolm Bruce and Zulfiqar Ali want to talk about Gordon Brown, the Queen’s Speech and anything else but the failed local policies for which the Liberal Democrats are responsible for in Rochdale.
They are, after all, local politicians, so why not talk about local...

Date posted: 14/12/2008

Political Opportunism Of The Very Worst Kind

Posted by: Alan Taylor


As the Leader of Rochdale Council I would like to state my disbelief at the political opportunism that Simon Danczuk, Colin Lambert and Jim Dobbin MP have decided to take regarding the pay and grading review.
I do not want to get into a political slogging match, as this is not going to help those...

Date posted: 12/12/2008

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