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WHAT we want to see in Rochdale ... but not all the pictures are of the town
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It's happening - just not quite yet, says agency
14/ 8/2007
PHOTOS used to advertise Rochdale as a great place for business have been criticised after it was revealed they were actually out-of-town locations.
One resident spotted the pictures on Drake Street, under the headline 'Rochdale, it's happening' and knew he hadn't seen those scenes anywhere in his town.
The businessman said: "Street dining - that's not Rochdale. I've lived here for 25 years and I can tell you it's not like that at all."
However, Rochdale Development Agency, which was in charge of the advertisement, was pushed to defend its use of the pictures and claims they show potential plans for the town centre's regeneration.
Peter Hill, deputy chief executive of RDA, said: "Following a massive consultation exercise with Rochdale residents, the architects who drew up the masterplan used images to illustrate what people said they wanted to see in the future - a vibrant, distinctive, safe, accessible town centre.
"Like other developers we have used images to reflect our aspirations for Rochdale."
RDA says the pictures were not meant to be misleading.
Mr Hill added: "Residents have said they want to see riverside cafes and restaurants, high quality shops, lively shopping streets and a safe, clean environment.
"The pictures represent those ambitions and we are working hard to deliver those changes."
RDA found an ally in MP Paul Rowen, who was leader of Rochdale Council when the advertisements were commissioned.
He said: "Some of the pictures are what we aspire this town centre to be. We are not going to apologise for showing ambition."
But Councillor Allen Brett said: "It should be clearly stated if photos are being used to advertise Rochdale when they are not actually of the town. Otherwise it could be misleading."
Click on the video link to see Channel M's report ...
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
This is exactly the same issue as the GMPTE leaflet: if people don't understand the illustrative purpose of stock photography, it's their own fault. There's no need for some sort of disclaimer, as Allen Brett suggests - how dim does he think we are?
15/08/2007 at 15:50
Got an opinion you want to share?Do you think Rochdale is unfairly portrayed in the national media?
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