Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

The Rochdale Observer’s campaign to encourage people to shop locally and invest in the future of our town has received the backing of the Prime Minister.

Local independent retailer Paul Turner-Mitchell told Gordon Brown about Rochdale’s ‘shop local’ campaign this week after being introduced to the Prime Minister at a special reception for people doing good work in their community. The Prime Minister said such campaigns were especially important in a time of recession as they generated civic pride and strengthened local communities.

Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk, who had recommended Paul be invited to the reception, said he was delighted that local people’s efforts to improve the town centre were being recognised at the heart of Government. “People care passionately about their community in Rochdale and they want to do everything they can to support their town centre,” he said. “Gordon Brown knows that strong communities are so important because they build a sense of belonging and help people pull through difficult times. That’s why he was impressed at what people like Paul were doing to protect the town’s identity and keep shops in business.”

Speaking after the reception, Paul Turner-Mitchell, who owns a fashion boutique in Rochdale, said: “It was such an honour and privilege to be invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and his wife Sarah. The Observer have been fantastic with their support launching the campaign to encourage people to ‘shop local’ where they can in a bid to boost trade and help rejuvenate the town’s shopping centre. I know this is really appreciated by local businesses. It was just great to be able to take the campaign all the way to Downing Street and highlight the good work that so many people are doing. It was a very memorable day and I am eternally grateful to Simon for arranging it.”

Mr Danczuk added that he hoped the Observer’s campaign would continue to gather momentum and that ‘people power’ would force the Council to make the support of local traders and the filling of empty shops an immediate priority.

“The Government are doing their bit,” he said. “Funding has been given to Rochdale to help fill empty shops, millions of pounds of public money has been earmarked for the regeneration of our town centre and the introduction of new special planning waivers and standard interim use leases means it’s easier for the council to let the community take over empty premises to maintain the vitality of the high street. Now the Council has to stop dithering and act swiftly to make sure traders are still in business in the New Year and that our town centre remains competitive. We can’t wait until 2020 before the Council’s regeneration plans are completed. We need action now. I am also calling on the Council to do more to promote independent traders in our town so people know what hidden gems we have.”

He added that the support received by traders since the campaign started had been really encouraging and that the message of supporting your shops was really resonating with local people. “If every adult in Rochdale spent an extra £5 a week shopping locally then this would bring in over £40million a year into our Borough to support local jobs and keep our town centre vibrant.”