Freedom of the Borough to be bestowed on our sporting icons!

12.04.57am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Apr 2007

Peter Rush is looking to propsose the Hornet's honour!

Two of our Town's leading sport's clubs will be officially recognised by the Council in 2 weeks time - when the Council bestows the Freedom of the Borough on Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets Rugby League Teams. This is in recognition of their outstanding contribution to our Town.

Council Leader Alan Taylor said, "The football and rugby clubs are one of our most recognisable exports. With these clubs , Rochdale will always be nationally recognised. It is not just for that reason, it it is for the huge amount of community work that both clubs do - especially for the younger people of our Borough. It is especially poignant in the football club's centenary year."

This Council should be about supporting organisations that do good things for this Borough and recognising their achievement.s Especially in these 2 circumstances they have both been great ambassadors for us over such a long period of time. Sport plays a huge role in the lives of our Town and we are happy to officially recognise that. Whenever I am discussing Rochdale nationally they invariably mention the football and rugby teams and Sir Cyril Smith, so we are delighted to be passing this resolution."

The motions will be moved at the next Council Meeting on 25th April and it is expected that they will get all party support.

Conferment of the Freedom of the Borough on Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets RLFC

"That the Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Rochdale Association Football Club and Rochdale Hornets Rugby Football League Club in recognition of their being organisations which have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Chief Executive be authorised to make the necessary ceremonial arrangements".

With regard to the Notice of Motion for conferment of the Freedom of the Borough on Mrs Margaret Geoghegan, the Leader has suggested that this be done at the meeting of Council in July - so as not to be overshadowed by the NoM in relation to the Football/Rugby Clubs - are you in agreement with this course of action?