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From The Times
August 14, 2007

Rochdale council promotes town with pictures of city 15 miles away

An advertising campaign promoting the attractions of Rochdale in Greater Manchester

ROCHDALE The Rochdale Development Agency has admitted that it has been promoting the town using photographs of Manchester city centre, 15 miles (24km) away, because it wanted “to reflect the aspirations of Rochdale’s citizens”.

The “Rochdale, it’s happening” campaign featured photographs of scenes such as cosmopolitan street cafés and bustling shopping centres that bear no resemblance to Rochdale, according to residents.

The “false” images were spotted by a Rochdale businessman, who contacted the Manchester Evening News to complain. “Street dining - that’s not Rochdale. Anyone looking at that would think it’s a lovely place,” he said.

The agency said: “They have been up for a year and until now nobody has complained. Anyone with half a brain would understand they illustrate people’s aspirations.”

Paul Rowen, MP, who was leader of Rochdale council when the advertisement was commissioned, said that the authority would not apologise for showing ambition.

But Allan Brett, leader of the opposition on Rochdale council, said: “If they are for illustrative purposes then why is this not clearly printed? And to accuse people of having half a brain is a grave insult.”

I was brought up and still live in the Rochdale area - and used to drag design students around Europe to experience the delights of cafe culture.
Unfortunately Rochdale town centre - apart from the magnificent town hall and square - is right at the opposite end of such a culture.
These images amount to short sighted deception - how short changed will people feel if the publicity material actually works and they turn up?
Garry Lavin
(presenter 'Every Home Should Have One' BBC TWO)

Garry Lavin, rochdale, Lancs

lets hope those with half a brain use it when paul rowen is up for re election that its the half that remembers what he said !!!

Wendy Hamer , Rochdale,

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