The three party leaders at Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council have issued a joint statement to clarify their position on the redevelopment of Rochdale Town Centre.

A press release signed by Councillor Alan Taylor, council leader and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group; Councillor Allen Brett, leader of the Labour Group; and Councillor Ashley Dearnley, leader of the Conservative Group, said that the appointment of Wilson Bowden as preferred developer had their “full support”.

The statement said: “There has been considerable coverage in the media over recent weeks regarding the decision of Rochdale Borough Council to appoint Wilson Bowden Developments as the developer for the Rochdale Town Centre East project.

“Some of these comments have related to the announcement by Sultan Properties Ltd (a member of the Ask/Sultan consortium, who were unsuccessful in their bid to be chosen as the developer) regarding their intention to mount a legal challenge against the council's decision. Much of this coverage has been inaccurate, ill-informed and misleading.

"We wish to place on record that the decision to appoint Wilson Bowden was unanimous, receiving the support of councillors of all three political parties. A subsequent scrutiny of the decision, by a separate committee also unanimously upheld the appointment, again with all party support."

---