Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

Danczuk urges transport minister not to put interchange at risk

Rochdale’s MP, Simon Danczuk, has led a cross-party meeting with Transport Minister Norman Baker seeking assurances that proposals to build a new £11.5million transport interchange in Rochdale will go ahead. The meeting took place on Wednesday 14th July 2010 in London.

Rochdale’s MP was joined by Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council and Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, and the Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency, John Hudson, in making the case for the interchange, which is due to replace the existing bus station, arguing that it will be a major boost to promote economic development in the town.

Speaking after the meeting, Simon Danczuk said: “It’s good to see political parties working together for a positive outcome for Rochdale. The Minister has agreed to reappraise the interchange on new criteria, which will assess whether it will help Rochdale in the transition to a low carbon economy, generate jobs and promote economic growth. We made a very strong argument to the Minister of why there is a need for better transport infrastructure in Rochdale so that people can access employment opportunities.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley added that the cross-party campaign to secure the interchange would continue right up to the Government’s Spending Review this autumn when a decision will be made.

“I thought the Minister was receptive to the points that we put forward and urged us to meet with him again in the autumn after the Comprehensive Spending Review had taken place,” he said.

The site for the bus and tram interchange is already cleared and is opposite the current bus station.