Another spell of pre-election period, because of a local by-election in Hale, has led to a few more meetings being cancelled this week.  I’ve therefore not been in the town hall as much as usual and have spent more time out across Trafford instead.  I did, however, spend some of my Sunday afternoon at Trafford Town Hall for an event to mark Trafalgar Day.  I was joined there by the Mayor, Cllr Judith Lloyd (our Lead Member for the Armed Services), and Cllr Barry Brotherton.  It was good to see so many of Trafford’s Sea Cadets participating.

Over the course of this week I’ve been doing quite a bit of leaflet delivery in the ward I represent- providing an update on work Jane Slater, Steve Adshead and I have been involved with over the past few months.  I’ve joined colleagues on doorstep sessions in Sale, Davyhulme and near Longford Park.  Something very noticeable were the number of houses geared up for Halloween- from cobwebs and pumpkin displays to evidence of the undead.  There are some very creative people living in this Borough!

Creativity is one of our strengths as a Borough, and our libraries form part of our creative network.  Earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit two of our libraries.  Stretford Library was celebrating Green Libraries Week and I had the opportunity to see Cabasa CIC lead sessions on natural dyes and batik.  Several people were creating a flag and others were using indigo leaves to stencil cloth bags.  The best bit about the session was seeing people of all ages joining in, having fun and learning something new.

On Thursday I had a sneak preview of the changes being made to Sale Library following its closure for refurbishment.  As a council, we secured a grant from Arts Council England, and it’s definitely been put to good use.  New, good quality, furniture and a reconfiguration of the space has helped transform the library.  Work is also underway to create a permanent exhibition space for the Cosgrove Hall Collection.  Trafford is the proud custodian of this collection, which includes some of my own favourites like Postman Pat and Dangermouse.  I can’t wait to see some of the best items on display in Sale Library.

On Wednesday I travelled into Manchester to present an item at the latest GMCA Scrutiny meeting.  The report covered Greater Manchester’s interim waste and recycling plan, and it sparked quite a few questions and a good discussion.  In Greater Manchester we have one of the best recycling rates of any city-region in the country, and each year we divert around 99.7% of municipal waste away from landfill.  We want to build on this record in future years and I’m confident we’ll do this with our new plan.

Back at the Town Hall, and via teams, I’ve had meetings that covered Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, the Wharfside Masterplan, our Environmental Services and my weekly meeting with the Chief Executive.  I’ve also had meetings with the Council’s Executive and members of the Labour Group.

Finally, at the end of the week I was provided information regarding an operation carried out by the National Crime Agency, which resulted in the arrest of an individual at the Ashley Hotel in Hale. I welcome the action taken by the NCA and the co-operation shown across borders that led to the detention of this individual.  Trafford Council and GMP were not party to this operation and were not aware of it until Friday.  We need to review communication between agencies and make sure it is appropriate. In the meantime, I would caution against any politician releasing potentially inflammatory and inaccurate statements- such action is a sign of irresponsibility rather than leadership.