Rush defiant despite criticism of conduct!

10.46.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Aug 2006

Councillor Peter Rush, elected to Rochdale Borough Council in May has apologised for 'sticking two fingers up' at the Conservative and Labour Councillors at a Full Council Meeting.

Peter said, "I regret that I did it in a Full Council Meeting, and I do regret that it happened on such a 'dignified occasion'. My fight is for the people of Heywood, unfortunately the Labour Party are not used to opposition and the last few months I have had to put up with petty bullying and intimidation from Labour, not willing to accept the decision of the Electorate. Readers of this paper will know exactly what I mean - I will not be diverted from my main aim which is to put the people of Heywood first. On a positive note at my first full, functioning Council Meeting I raised many issues that affect people from Heywood. This includes the escalation in crime, the opening hours of the Police Station, the destruction of the cherry trees on Starkey Street and my key policy of 'Home Rule for Heywood. This was in direct contrast to the situation before I was elected - where Heywood was lucky to even merit a mention outside of the Township Report."