Had the Oldham Rochdale pathfinder been consulted we would have pointed out that the report praises us for our pursuit of cohesion as a primary objective.

The report was based on research carried out in 2005. Since then we have created more opportunities for people of different ages, incomes and backgrounds to live together.

Working with the Tenant Services Authority, partner organisations and residents, we are currently delivering a range of innovative projects on cohesion. These include a philosophy club to bring people of different ages together and another project offering free leisure centre membership to residents who have moved into nearby new housing to encourage interaction with existing residents.

The most recent Audit Commission report on Oldham Rochdale found that we were ‘performing strongly’ in relation to community cohesion. That is not to say that we believe we have all the answers, but we are far from failing.

Alastair Graham, director, Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder

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