Simon Hughes MP launches Lib Dem Manifesto!

President of the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes MP, has taken time out to officially launch Rochdale Borough Liberal Democrat's manifesto for 2008 alongside Rochdale MP Paul Rowen. Mr Hughes came to Littleborough and talked to local residents over a cup of tea at Littleborough Coach House.

He said: "As Party President I was delighted to visit Rochdale yet again. Rochdale is a traditionally Liberal Borough and it was nice to see it returning to its roots at last year's local elections. The amount of work they are doing is phenomenal and it really encourages me to see it. They have done a great job in their first full year of majority control and I am extremely hopeful of another great story for the Liberal Democrats here on 1 May. I know that they have the polices and the political will to keep Rochdale going forward.

"The manifesto will help to build on the great start that the Lib Dems have made in bringing more success to the Borough. I was especially impressed with the continuation of pushing more power down to the different communities in Rochdale and letting residents decide what is best for their community. Also, I was glad to see that the Lib Dems have again introduced the lowest council tax increase for 11 years."

The Liberal Democrat Party President also visited Roeacre Court in Heywood for a second time, alongside the Borough's Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Alan Taylor. He met a number of Heywood Pensioners, where he gave a brief speech talking about issues affecting pensioners including Council Tax, Crime and Disorder and Post Office closures. Heywood's Lib Dem candidates were also present to have their say on the issues affecting Heywood as well.

Heywood North Councillor Peter Rush said: "I am absolutely delighted that Simon chose to come and see the residents at Roeacre Court yet again. I know that issues involving the helping of the more vulnerable of our society are extremely important to him. I was particularly glad to see that he gave his full backing to our bid to get Heywood Train Station linked back up to the National Rail Network."

After this, Mr Hughes also made a visit to Bamford Shopping Precinct and along with Lib Dem Candidate Mohammed Shafiq, they talked to local shop owners about the issues that are affecting them.