This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-41308602

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Rochdale Council's child abuse failings 'unforgiveable' Rochdale Council's child abuse failings 'unforgiveable'
(about 11 hours later)
Children in local authority care in Rochdale who reported sexual and physical abuse were failed by the council, its chief executive has said.Children in local authority care in Rochdale who reported sexual and physical abuse were failed by the council, its chief executive has said.
Steve Rumbelow said events at Knowl View School and Cambridge House Hostel had "cast a long shadow over the town".Steve Rumbelow said events at Knowl View School and Cambridge House Hostel had "cast a long shadow over the town".
He apologised, saying the council's response to reports of abuse dating back to the 1960s was "unforgiveable".He apologised, saying the council's response to reports of abuse dating back to the 1960s was "unforgiveable".
He added it was working to safeguard young people and assisting the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). But a solicitor for the victims said it was "shocking" that it had taken so long for an apology from the council.
The independent inquiry which opens on 9 October will examine recent allegations into sexual abuse and exploitation of children residing at or attending Cambridge House and Knowl View. Mr Rumbelow said the council was working to safeguard young people and assisting the national Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
It will also investigate if there were any "institutional failings". Richard Scorer, a solicitor for some of the the victims, claimed the independent inquiry which opens on 9 October and will examine abuse allegations about Cambridge House and Knowl View, is the real reason for the apology.
More than 40 men recently alleged they were victims of abuse at Knowl View, with 24 alleging they were abused between 1960 and 1987 by Rochdale's former Liberal MP Cyril Smith who was a governor there. He died in 2010. Mr Scorer said: "The council has recognised that when the evidence comes out in the hearing , they are likely to be heavily criticised and I think that is what's driving this apology."
He added: "I think it is absolutely shocking that it has taken so long for this apology to come."
More than 40 men recently alleged they were victims of abuse at Knowl View, and Cambridge House with 24 alleging they were abused between 1960 and 1994 by Rochdale's former Liberal MP Cyril Smith who was a governor at Knowl View. He died in 2010.
In October prosecutors said no action will be taken into fresh allegations of abuse there; a decision dubbed "shameful" by Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.In October prosecutors said no action will be taken into fresh allegations of abuse there; a decision dubbed "shameful" by Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.