At a meeting of the Marple regeneration partnership on the 25th Nov. 2003 it was reported that Marple had been twinned with Motril, commercial town and port on the east Costa del Sol, Spain and also with Todmorden a ‘canal’ town more similar to Marple in terms of experiences, problems and solutions. A reciprocal visit from the Spanish delegates to Manchester is planned for early next year. A trip to Todmorden is arranged for 4th December. (stop press: visit cancelled due to illness).
A query was raised as to whether official signs were to be put up recognising the twinning with Motril. Councillor Hunter replied that this was not an official twinning, Stockport is officially twinned with Beziers and Heilbronn only. This twinning arrangement is an initiative organised by Manchester Metropolitan University for the exchange of ideas / experiences in smaller retail centres." Taken from the minutes of the above meeting.