Local election 2021: Labour retains hold on Rochdale Council as it wins back Balderstone and Kirkholt Date published: 07 May 2021
Number One Riverside
Thursday s local election resulted in a good night for the Labour party, as it retained its significant majority on Rochdale Borough Council, and regained a seat in Balderstone and Kirkholt.
The biggest changes in Rochdale this year are the election of Labour’s Iram Faisal and Phil Massey to Spotland and Falinge, and Balderstone and Kirkholt, plus new Labour councillor Terrance Smith in East Middleton.
All three wards have been held by Labour for some time – with the exception of Richard Farnell becoming non-aligned in recent years – but the sitting councillors have now changed.
58mph in a 30 zone - Speed sting catches reckless drivers Date published: 05 March 2021
A speed sting caught several drivers exceeding the speed limit
Officers from GMP s Neighbourhood police team were joined by Spotland & Falinge ward councillor Rachel Massey on Thursday evening (4 March) as a speed sting caught several drivers exceeding the speed limit.
The worst offender in the 90 minute operation was the driver of a silver Suzuki clocked at 58mph, 28mph over the legal limit of 30mph on Edenfield Road.
Five more motorists were stopped and issued with a Traffic Offence Report, and several more will receive contact in the coming days.
A community Christmas tree has been installed in Spotland for the first time.
Initially planned for December 2021, Councillor Rachel Massey requested that the installation of the tree be brought forward to bring some cheer to this festive season.
She said: “2020 has been a dark year and I’m hoping that this tree can spread some light and Christmas joy to our community here in Spotland & Falinge ward, and for the thousands of residents that pass by the bridge every day.”
The Nordmann fir Christmas tree has been funded by the Spotland & Falinge Area Forum, Rochdale Township and ward councillors. The installation includes a tree sleeve and electrical connection that can be used each year, and it is hoped that local businesses will get involved to sponsor the tree and lights.