More power for Middleton!

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Oct 2006

Councillor Irene Cooper announces devolution to Lib Dem President Simon Hughes MP.

Middleton Township will have much more power as a result of the new Council Policy of devolving as much responsibility as possible. The devolution, part of the Liberal Democrat Manifesto will now start to make a real difference on how this Council is run. 1st April 1974 was the date when Middleton ceased to be an independent Borough. Much of their dwindling powers were taken over by Rochdale, previous the former County Council called most of the shots. Middleton is now set to have its own 'Town Hall', which will be a vocal point for accessing Council Services. Indeed, the Middleton Township is set to have MORE power than the previous Middleton Borough Council.

Power that is being devolved includes more control over parks, greater powers over roads, streets lights, pavements etc, Community Centres, Leisure projects, libraries and others. The MiddletonTownship will also have more of a say on housing, development, refuse collection including recycling, schools and revenues and benefits. It is also planned to build Middleton a new 'Town Hall', - a focal point for access to Council Services.

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council - Alan Taylor said, "We are delighted to be keeping a clear Manifesto Commitment, in our successful election campaign we made promises and this is clear evidence of us doing so. It is high time we put trust in the local people of Middleton, I am asking them to get involved. These are really exciting proposals for Middleton which will really change the way Council Services are delivered. We have put trust in local decision making at the top of our agenda. As many decisions that affect Middleton as possible will be delegated to Township Level, making them stronger and more vibrant"

Local Lib Dem Councillor Irene Cooper said, "I am absolutely delighted that we have kept the clear manifesto commitment of Home-rule for Middleton. This is a brave decision that shows that the Liberal Democrats are committed to Middleton. We are a forward thinking Council, who are learning from mistakes of the past. There is much that needs to be done but this a decisive step forward that will really localise decision making."