Statement in Response to the Guardian article

We are appalled and angry about the serious accusation of ‘social cleansing’ which was carried in the Guardian (16th October). There is absolutely no truth in the claims made by Cllr Neil Emmott and we are very disappointed that, for whatever reason, he has chosen to make them and in doing so to completely misrepresent our proposals and what they aim to achieve.

Our proposals are completely contrary to ‘social cleansing’. We have guaranteed that all residents who want to stay in the town centre will be able to do so if plans to redevelop College Bank and Lower Falinge go ahead. Our plans would provide a net increase in the total number of homes in the area.

Our aim is to improve the quality and mix of the homes in the area, so that we can both better meet the needs of current residents, and attract new residents to the area. We are also developing plans to ensure that residents in College Bank and Lower Falinge have better access to employment opportunities and training.

Our proposals could result in a net addition of around 500 new homes in Rochdale town centre, in College Bank, Lower Falinge and on sites in the immediate vicinity, many of which currently lie vacant.

We are very proud of the strong community spirit that exists in College Bank and Lower Falinge, with high levels of community volunteering, and our aim is to keep as much of the existing community together as possible while delivering the quality and type of homes that meet the needs of existing residents and attract new residents.

RBH is a mutual housing society, co-owned by our tenant and employee members. We are a non-profit registered community benefit society and a charitable organisation. Any income is reinvested into the communities we serve.