Council Pays Tribute to Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Council has paid tribute to Rochdale Hornet's Rugby League Club after its future was recently secured.

A notice of motion, which was passed unanimously by all parties at council, also promised Rochdale Football Club a victory parade if they are promoted from League Two this season.

In an emotional statement, Councillor Peter Rush, who proposed the motion said: "I've been involved in rugby league and the Hornets for the last 40 years in many capacities from player to board member and it gives me great pleasure to bring this motion to council tonight."

He added: "I would like to thank my fellow councillors in the chamber for their support over these last few difficult few months. I would also like to pay special tribute to Councillors Alan Taylor, Irene Davidson and Ashley Dearnley for their support. A special mention must also be made to the new President of Rochdale Hornets, Paul Ormerod, who has already made a great start in his bid to bring rugby league back to the heart of our community."

Councillor David Clayton, who seconded the motion, said: "I would like to take the time to thank everyone involved in saving the Hornets, especially Councillor Rush who I know was involved heavily with the negotiations that secured the club's future."

Councillor Clayton added: "I'm an avid Rochdale Football fan myself but unfortunately I wasn't able to make the last home game against Darlington as I was on holiday in the Algarve. I did manage to catch it on tv however and I was proud when I heard the commentator pay tribute to our football club for being a small but well ran club that has managed to stay clear of financial trouble over the years. I believe that a victory parade throughout the streets of Rochdale will be a fitting way for our town to celebrate our club hopefully winning at Wembley this time around."

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: "As Rochdalians we all should all be proud to support the Hornets and I am delighted that their future has been secured. I would like to pay personal tribute to Councillor Peter Rush for all his hard work with the Hornets. Everyone in this chamber knows that he is passionate about his Rugby League and has worked tirelessly over many years to help keep the club going. Let's all look forward to the future know and hopefully

Councillor Peter Williams, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, gave Labour's support to the motion.