This week has been dominated by updates on localised flooding incidents, Greater Manchester commitments and lots of time on local doorsteps. From last Saturday afternoon it became clear that a day of heavy rain had increased the risk of flooding, with residents contacting me to raise concerns. From last Saturday evening I was receiving frequent updates as our council officers and Amey crews responded to local incidents. Although we did not see a repeat of the New Year flooding, early in the week several watermains failed, causing local flooding and a loss of water supply to many residents and businesses. Council officers again worked with the responsible agency, United Utilities, but some issues remain.
The Broadheath Ward by-election campaign is now well underway and I’ve spent three evenings there this week. It’s been good to join our candidate Mahvish Masoon as we near polling day on 16th October.
My doorstep activity wasn’t limited to Broadheath. I also joined colleagues in Davyhulme Ward, Longford Ward and in Partington on Saturday morning. I also joined my ward colleagues, Steve and Jane, on the doors in Stretford and I now have several pieces of casework to follow up on. The conversations we have on the doorstep are important- a chance for people to raise concerns, vent frustrations and ask questions. Sometimes conversations don’t go well and start/end with a door slam. Other times they can be incredibly valuable and can help me understand what residents consider to be priorities, and how I can help.
On a Greater Manchester front, on Tuesday morning I joined Deputy Council Leader Liz Patel, GM Mayor Andy Burnham and other colleagues at an Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation Shadow Board. This board is a precursor to a formal Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to cover the area around Manchester United’s football ground. Ahead of an MDC being established, work has been underway to scope out what we want to achieve through this significant regeneration scheme.
At our September meeting of Greater Manchester Combined Authority the Old Trafford Regeneration MDC was an item on the agenda, and there was agreement to proceed following a consultation process. Although the paper focussed on the legal and governance process we have to follow to create the MDC, the discussion centred on securing benefits for our local residents. These will, in time, include upgrades to public transport, significant employment and training opportunities, good housing and lots of sporting and cultural opportunities. I am determined that surrounding residents get the very best from the regeneration on their doorstep.
I spent Thursday morning in Oldham at the Council’s Eco Centre followed by a tour of the neighbouring Northern Roots project. I was in Oldham to chair the latest Green City-Region Board, where we discussed items including the Bee Network, a refreshed Hydrogen Strategy and community energy initiatives. The tour of Northern Roots was a highlight, where work is underway to construct a new visitor centre and extend the number of green initiatives, which will ultimately support a number of our priorities in the Greater Manchester Strategy- including social prescribing, community cohesion and our Five Year Environment Plan.
On Friday I also had the opportunity to visit Brentwood School with Cllr Karina Carter, Cllr Amy Whyte and Connor Rand MP to celebrate the opening of their new wing. I was last there earlier this year where I had the chance to have a go at bricklaying. I’m not sure if my handywork remains part of one of the walls, but it was lovely to see the completed classrooms and new outdoor space. It was also particularly lovely to meet some of the students, who made all the guests feel very welcome. This extra space will now mean more children and young people will be able to access this wonderful school setting.
Finally, Thursday had a heritage theme. First of all, I was lucky enough to join a tour of Trafford Park Village before participating in our latest Heritage Framework session. I love this part of Trafford; it’s steeped in social history and the Trafford Park Heritage Centre do a tremendous job keeping stories from the Village’s heyday alive. Following this, I was fortunate to attend the Halle Orchestra’s opening concert of the season. There is an important heritage link between Trafford and the Halle- one of my favourite facts is that Charles Halle set up his orchestra to play during the Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition. That 19th Century exhibition was located a block along from where Trafford Town Hall is now situated.