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SURVEYING the scene ... Euro MP Chris Davies, visiting the site with Jason Addy and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen.
SURVEYING the scene ... Euro MP Chris Davies, visiting the site with Jason Addy and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen.

International support from Valley campaigners


20/ 9/2005

THE CAMPAIGN against the development of the old Turner's site is fast gaining international support.

Euro MP Chris Davies has pledged his support to the Save Spodden Valley group after visiting the controversial Rooley Moor Road site on Friday.

He viewed the plot - where over 200 trees were felled last year by developers who wish to build 600 homes and a business park - with Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and councillors Wera Hobhouse and Alan Taylor.

Mr Davies, the former Littleborough and Saddleworth MP, also saw piles of crushed rubble which have recently been confirmed to contain traces of asbestos by the Health and Safety Executive.

"The future of the former Turner Brothers' Asbestos site is an important one," he said.

"Any development needs to be handled sensitively and if I can offer any help as the Lib Dem spokesman on the environment and public health in Europe, I will do."

The visit was welcomed by SSV spokesman Jason Addy, as the group prepares to take its case to the European parliament this week.

Mr Addy said: "Mr Davies has taken a keen interest in the Spodden Valley for some time.

"His questions and comments displayed a clear command of the hard facts and important issues raised by asbestos and contamination.

"He has pledged help for research into a range of environmental issues that could affect the Spodden Valley. Immediate assistance is to be given to liaise with the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen regarding soil contamination."

He added: "Given its history and potential contamination issues, the Spodden Valley is a site of international significance."

Mr Rowen has vowed to persist in asking questions in Westminster at the 'highest level.'

He has written to the environment minister, Elliot Morley, demanding a meeting to discuss the issues associated with the Spodden Valley site.

He said: "We need answers to some very serious questions. We owe it to future generations to investigate any potential problems fully."


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   First things first- I voted for Paul Rowen at the last election. It was the first time that I have ever voted Lib Dem. There were several reasons for my choice of MP but what I will say here is that one of the reasons for him getting my vote is what I have read about him and seen at a local meeting held about Turners. Since he has been elected he has kept to his word. Now don't get me wrong what is going on at Turners isn't and shouldn't be political- but I just have to say it as I see it. Paul Rowen made a stand- he didn't make a song and dance about it- he just turned up to a meeting, listened, then acted on what people said. What more could you ask of a politician? Now, there are others, from other parties doing the same- more power to their elbow too. Well done- those who have spoken out about this have more to lose than those keeping conveniently quiet. Anyway, enough of that sort of talk-all I really wanted to say is that voters have long memories and aren't stupid. The Turners issue has really got people talking and I for one remember Paul Rowen making a stand well before the general election. Keep it up Paul.
John Jackson, Rochdale
28/09/2005 at 23:55
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