Rochdale Council held a stakeholders meeting last week to look at the progress made in its cultural services since leisure trust Link4Life took over their operation six months ago.

The meeting included representatives from the voluntary sector, community, health, local authority, business and regeneration together with Board members and officers of the trust and council members.

Mark Widdup, head of business partnerships for Rochdale Council said: “Link4Life has quickly gained a reputation for delivering on its promises and we are confident that their contribution will bring strong and lasting benefits for the local people.

“Our emphasis now must turn to the longer term and the quality of input today provides an excellent start to that process.”

Feedback was also received at the meeting on a voluntary 15-day inspection by the Audit Commission as Link4Llife was launched.

The Audit Commission’s Howard Nash said: “A joint planning event like is vital and quite unique in my experience among Culture and Leisure Trusts.

“As we move towards the Comprehensive Area Assessment, the development of shared objectives and vision will be vital under the ‘place shaping’ agenda as this will examine the performance of all partners in meeting the needs of local communities.”

Speaking about the publication of a half-year report of the trust’s achievements, Link4Life managing director, Craig McAteer, said: “This report provides a good understanding of the diversity of our services and what has been achieved.

“Staff are to be congratulated on their commitment and enthusiasm for the new organisation and we are grateful to our many partners and funders who share our priorities and who have committed their time and resources in helping us to deliver them.”