Observer readers and town centre business owners got the chance to grill politicians about the future of Rochdale town centre at a pre-election debate on Monday night.
Lib Dem MP Paul Rowen, Labour Party parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk and Conservative candidate Mudasir Dean were put though their paces at the Big Debate, organised by the Observer and the Voice of Rochdale Independents retail group.
About 80 readers and retailers came to the event, which was chaired by MEN Media editorial director and broadcaster Eamonn O'Neal, at the Best Western Broadfield Hotel.
The Big Debate - as it happened
The panel was probed on a number of issues, including the scaled-down multi million pound redevelopment of Rochdale town centre, the future of the market, vacant shops, Kingsway Business Park, competition from neighbouring town centres, support for independent traders, business rates, funding and the number of charity shops in the town centre.
But despite having grave concerns for the future of the town, readers proved their support for it, with almost all audience members raising their hands when asked if they shopped in Rochdale town centre, compared to just a third who said they shopped in Bury.
The debate was also attended by owners of several of the town's most popular independent businesses, who took the opportunity to quiz the panel when the debate was opened to the floor.
Audience member Pat Fletcher, from Norden, sparked debate when she asked if the concept of a town centre was outdated, thanks to the advent of online and out-of-town shopping.
The final question of the night was submitted by reader Carl Faulkner, who asked what the three panellists believed should NOT be done in order to make the town centre a thriving place once again.
Simon Danczuk said the answer lay in modifying the masterplan for the town centre, while Mudasir Dean said Rochdale Council should not do exactly what it is doing now and Paul Rowen urged the audiences to get involved in the consultation process for the town centre redevelopment.
He said: "We have a proud heritage which we now need to develop and build on."
To find out how the panellists responded to the questions see Saturday's Observer for a full report from the debate.
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Henry Kelly, Ireland (17/03/2010 at 14:19)
Where has our money gone?, in Rochdale (18/03/2010 at 07:33)
A sort of practice battle before the current MP charges with his Light Brigade to be judged on his 5 years as our MP and the current state of Rochdale Council as run by his party (after he was Leader of the Council).
I can't see how 'Pothole Paul' can be positive about his tenure and his party's local performance.
selfexiled (18/03/2010 at 14:27)
The claim that people will shop in a town that has great architecture is a bit misty eyed no one on a wet wednesday is going round shopping whilst admiring the architecture.A big factor in all of this debate is the notion that shopping is a pleasure that is correct if you don,t have to traipse through streets full of closed shops charity shops pound shops and the kind of people standing around you would,nt share a taxi with .
I am sorry to say that Rochdale town centr as been messed about with so many times it is beyond repair and needs clearing off and a whole new start made.
R Marcus (18/03/2010 at 14:31)
stargazer, rochdale (18/03/2010 at 18:01)