Council Leader Puts Pressure on Transport Minister over Interchange

Leader of Rochdale Council Irene Davidson has met with Transport Minister Norman Baker to raise the Council's concerns over the Government's decision to delay the approval of the Rochdale Transport Interchange.

The decision was taken by the new Government after it announced they would be reviewing all spending decisions that the previous Government had made between 1 January and the General Election.

The building of the new interchange is expected to cost £11.5 million and will replace the current bus station. However, the Government are looking to make savings of around £1.6m in the transports sector.

Councillor Irene Davidson stressed the importance of the new interchange in Rochdale's Town Centre Development Plan.

Councillor Davidson said: "I would like to thank the Minister for taking the time to listen to my concerns. The meeting was very positive and I explained to him the significance of the Transport Interchange, not only for Rochdale, but for Greater Manchester as well.

"The Minister assured me that they are seriously considering Rochdale's case and a final decision will be made by the autumn.

"We recently signed the contract for our new Customer service centre, library and Council Office Building which demonstrates that things are happening in our town centre. However, as I stressed to the Minister, the Interchange has been the centre point for our town centre plans and to lose the funding would be a real set back for our town."