Public Meeting Calls on Council Leader to Scrap Longfield Suite Closure Plans

At a packed meeting called to discuss the future of the Longfield Suite, leader of Bury council Bob Bibby was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in Prestwich.

Speaker after speaker made it clear that they wanted the Longfield Suite maintained in its present form. Any attempt by the council to close the Suite or change its character would be fiercely resisted. Councillor Bibby provoked anger when he left to attend a Conservative party meeting before a number of residents had a chance to put their questions.

Following the meeting, Ivan stated:

“The turnout and strength of feeling at the meeting should send a clear message that the people of Prestwich will not tolerate any Council proposal to close or change the character of the Longfield Suite. Councillor Bibby failed to adequately address any of the concerns expressed by myself, local councillors and many other present.

The campaign will go on until Councillor Bibby and his Council colleagues scrap their plans to destroy a facility which is at the heart of our community. The communities of Prestwich and Radcliffe will unite to protect their only civic centres. I will continue to work with local residents and councillors of all parties to fight these deeply damaging proposals.”