Your local Lib Dem Team has re-launched their bid to saveRochdale Infirmary from Government cuts after renewedwarnings from senior healthcare workers that emergencyservices are at breaking point.Rochdale’s MP Paul Rowen is calling for an urgent review of the‘crazy’ proposals to downgrade the Infirmary’s Accident andEmergency department.

He said: “It is clear from my meetings with staff that services are atbreaking point. I warned the government when they made thedecision to downgrade both our accident & emergency andmaternity units that this would lead to services across GreaterManchester being stretched so far that it would have a detrimentaleffect on patient care. We have to put the needs of local peoplefirst. I am calling for the government to urgently review its decisionand not downgrade our hospital."

Local Councillor Peter Clegg said:“I am delighted that thecampaign has been given a new lease of life. For me, like the axing ofour Post Offices, this is yet another heartless decision by the LabourGovernment that is going to affect many communities not only inSpotland & Falinge but across the whole of Rochdale. Please signthe petition overleaf. Your support is vital!”

Save Our Hospital* MP Calls for an urgentreview of ‘crazy’ decision

Lowest Council TaxIncrease in 12 Years!

Rochdale’s MP Paul Rowen at DowningStreet with members of the Friend’s ofOur Hospital Campaign - presenting tothe government their signed petitions.

Your local team: CouncillorsPeter Clegg, Greg Couzens andBarbara Todd - PuttingSpotland & Falinge FIRST!

Focus is delighted to announce that thisyear’s council tax rise is set to be thelowest since 1996/1997!Local Councillor Peter Clegg said: “Your LibDem Team proposed a council tax increase of3.7%, the LOWEST FOR 12 YEARS, which Ibelieve represents the careful balance betweeninvesting in maintaining our services andaffordability. Gone are the days when Rochdalewas led by the Labour Party and we wouldregularly have to suffer council tax rises of 6, 7

or even 8%!

Rochdale’s Finance Boss, Councillor GregCouzens added: “In Conservative led Traffordthey have hiked up their council tax by well over5% and in Labour led Salford they are cutting over300 jobs. Our budget contains the lowest counciltax increase for over a decade, no cuts to servicesand no cuts to jobs. It is a sensible budget and onethat will put Rochdale, during these hardeconomic times, in good stead for the next year .”

Save Our ServicesI/We, the undersigned, call on the Labour Government to stop the downgrading ofour Maternity and A&E services. Rochdale needs these services, not more cuts.

Name(s)Email/PhoneAddressPlease Return to: Spotland & Falinge Lib Dems, FREEPOST OL5575, Rochdale, OL16 1ZZ

KeeptheFaith!

Printed by RLDPS Published and Promoted by A.Power, on behalf of Spotland & Falinge Liberal Democrats (ALL Liberal Democrats) all at 144, Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1PS

Paul Rowen MP142A, Drake Street,

Rochdale, OL16 1PST: (01706) 712186

paul@paulrowen.co.uk www.paulrowen.co.uk

Your Lib Dem Team for our areaCouncillor Barbara Todd

Flat 24 St Gabriel’s CourtAtkinson St, Rochdale, OL11 3ED

Tel: 648314barbara.todd@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Greg CouzensThe Old Vicarage, St Clements

Willbutts Lane Rochdale, OL11 5BETel: 07768593157

greg.couzens@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Peter Clegg51 Marland Hill RoadRochdale, OL11 4PQ

Tel: 658750peter.clegg@rochdale.gov.uk

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has been busyspeaking out about the terrible conflict inGaza.Paul recently gave a speech to well over 100,000people in Hyde Park about the issue, has beenworking with Leader of the Liberal Democrats, NickClegg MP, on forming national policy and has also put

forward an EDM calling on the BBC to air the Gazaappeal.Paul said: “Hundreds of people have been killedover the last few weeks and I want to see justice forPalestine. I want to stop the massacre that is takingplace and I have called for a full inquiry of WarCrimes by the International Criminal Court.

Spotland & Falinge Liberal Democrats are backing TheDale for promotion in what promises to be a tight endto the season.Spotland Councillor Peter Clegg, who went to the LeagueTwo Play Off Final last season, said: “I was absolutely gutted tosee the boys lose to Stockport after the hard work they hadput in all season. However, I was delighted to see the clubreceive the Freedom of the Borough only a few days later.Peter added: “There are only a few games left and it is goingto be a tough end to the season but I have every confidencethat our lads will do it this year!”

SuccessforEdenFieldRoadFocus is delighted to report that action has been takento close Edenfield Road after residents expressedconcerns for their safety.Local Councillor Barbara Todd said: “I’ve had manyresidents from the area telling my about the huge problemsthey were having with speeding cars and heavy lorries using it asa rat run onto Rooley Moor Road. The safety of local residentshas to come first and it was essential that we took action. I amdelighted that our appeal to the Highways Department workedand the funding was found to close the road. Residents,especially those with children, will feel a lot safer now.”