DISMAY GREETS DANCZUK'S SWIPE AT THE TOWN CENTRE

Senior politicians have hit back at Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk's recent comments after he severely criticised Rochdale Council's decision to support the extension of Metrolink into Rochdale town centre with an additional grant.

Mr Danczuk slammed the decision of Rochdale Council to back the Metrolink extension with an additional £2.5million because of concerns surrounding Rochdale council's financial position.

In response Rochdale Council's lead on Development - Cllr Dale Mulgrew said, "I found the comments from the MP very surprising on this because he seems to have got muddled. He blames the council, when in fact it is the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive who are in charge of the project's budget."

"But more troubling is the fact that all of sudden Mr Danczuk seems to be shifting away from his election priority of the town centre."

"I did not think he would be so unsupportive of the Metrolink coming to the town centre, and he seems to have quickly forgotten how important the regeneration of Drake Street is to the town."

"This is all very puzzling for someone who made such a stand on the town centre during the election. Although I have noticed that he has still not opened his much publicised town centre office, so maybe his previous claims have all been talk?"

"However, I am pleased the Council instead have recognised the significance of this project. We have also appreciated that the Passenger Transport Excutive have sought to split the costs of the additional £5.2million needed for the Drake Street extension, which is down to the delay."

Vice Chair of the GMPTIA - Cllr Keith Whitmore added, "We have been particularly pleased to receive the overwhelming support from Greater Manchester MP's for our campaign to extend Metrolink additional Greater Manchester towns such as Rochdale and Oldham. We would be extremely disappointed if the Member of Parliament for Rochdale was not in support of our objectives particularly as previously we have enjoyed all party support from both the MP and Rochdale Council. I am more than happy to discuss our proposals further with Mr Danczuk.

He added: "It would be extremely disappointing if that unanimous support did not continue. Metrolink coming directly into Rochdale Town Centre is vital for both the local economy of the town centre and better transport links into the heart of Rochdale. WE NEED EVERYONE ON BOARD TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN'.