Freedom of the Borough for pie manufacturers!

Date published: 26/04/2007

Pies were the talk of the town after a furious Council Meeting during which Conservative Councillor Robert Clegg said he would rather give the Freedom of the Borough to Rochdale's pie manufacturers than the town's professional sports clubs - Rochdale AFC and Hornets Rugby Club.

Councillor Robert Clegg told the meeting that he would rather give the award to Rochdale's pie manufacturers as a means of explaining that he believed there are "many more deserving recipients such as the Friends of the Hospital and the Co-op Movement."  He added that current "financial irregularities" barred him from voting to confirm the honour be bestowed on the sports clubs and the clubs were "non-achievers". Councillor Clegg did make the point that he wasn't against the sports clubs being recognised but there was more deserving recipients.

His Conservative colleague Councillor Ian Duckworth disagreed saying: "I was at the League Cup Final in the 1960's and I'd disagree with my colleague.  This is a free vote and I'll be voting for the resolution."

Councillor Paul Rowen, at his last Council Meeting said: "I am ashamed of Robert Clegg's comments as will be many people across the Borough.  To say that pie manufacturers are as deserved as our sporting institutions is highly insulting.  Insulting to me as MP as it is insulting to all fans, previous players and anyone else who has an affiliation to our clubs."