Politicians defend town against population decline

Date published: 28/08/2008

The population of Rochdale has shown the biggest decline in the whole of Greater Manchester according to latest population figures from the Office of National Statistics.

The most recent figures show that only Bolton, Oldham and Rochdale experienced a population decrease between 2006 and 2007, with Manchester, in contrast, showing a single year population increase of more than 6,000 people. The population of Rochdale decreased by around 400 people in the same period.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and Labour Parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk have both backed the town, claiming that the figures are insignificant and that there are plenty of incentives to keep people in the town.

Paul Rowen MP said: "These figures are a drop in the ocean compared to well over 157,176 currently on the Electoral Register (At the 2001 Census there were 205,357 including children) in the Borough.

"The fact of the matter is that our Borough is on the crest of a wave with many regeneration projects imminent. We are of course not complacent and when you look at beauty spots like Hollingworth Lake and Healey Dell, it’s clear that we have a lot to be proud about. The amount of planning applications is rising as well which just goes to show that people have faith in the future of our Borough.

Simon Danczuk said: "“Rochdale has an awful lot going for it. Aside from the people, who are second to none, it has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful surrounding countryside and is home to some of the region’s most thriving businesses.

“That said it is worrying to see the second largest of Greater Manchester’s ten metropolitan boroughs experiencing a population decline.

“Rochdale has the potential to experience a renaissance and start to really thrive but to do this we need to address the social divisions and ensure that nowhere and no-one is left behind or neglected. I have been critical of the Council’s failure to deliver a strong social regeneration programme in the past and I believe that it is only by investing in people first and foremost - as well as delivering the right infrastructure and jobs – that we can be seen as a progressive Borough that is an attractive place for people to come and live and work.”