Free swimming for the over 60s

Councillor Sheila Newman welcomes the news that all over 60s in Manchester will be eligible for free swimming in Manchester's pools.

Manchester is the first city in England to offer such a comprehensive package for the over 60s. The overall aim of the Manchester scheme is to increase the number of people over 60 in the city who swim regularly as part of the Healthy Ageing Strategy.

The scheme will start on 1 June 2008 and run initially for one year and will include access to all Manchester pools including Chorlton Leisure Centre, the Aquatics Centre and the Forum. A full assessment of the impact of the scheme will be undertaken.

Sheila says "This is a great initiative as it will allow over 60s to enjoy socialising and keep fit at the same time."

100 Days Campaign

An excellent event was organised in Chorlton as part of the City Council's 100 Days Campaign. Plastic bags were threaded onto a washing line and each bag displayed a fact about the environmental damage caused by plastic bags: for instance, 13 billion bags are used in the UK each year. Residents and shoppers were asked to sign a pledge saying they would reduce their use of plastic bags. If 1,000 residents sign the pledge the Council will do some extra planting in Chorlton.



Businesses were also asked to display the petition and sign up to the Council's Environmental Business Pledge. One of the main aims of this year's 100 days campaign is to make residents and businesses think about the environmental impact of their actions. Clean-ups are also part of the 100 Days but that doesn't mean this is the only time Chorlton or Manchester are cleaned. Graffiti removal and rubbish clearance happen all year round.



In the Council's recent budget we committed an extra £1million for the next three years to improve waste collection and expand recycling. I know that many Chorlton residents want to see kerbside recycling for cardboard and plastics and I have been calling for this. The Council will be consulting residents to see how we can best improve our recycling services and recycle more. If you have any views, you can call the Freephone number 0800 995 1911 with your ideas.

Market Success For Chorlton

Councillor Sheila Newman has arranged for a French market to come to Chorlton in June and September. The Brittany based market will sell bread, cheese, sausages and non-food items like soap and bath oils. The market will be sited on Manchester Road in front of the library. Assuming the market proves successful, this will be the start of regular markets in Chorlton.

Sheila says "Many Chorlton residents have wanted to see a market in the area for some time. I am delighted that these popular markets are coming to Chorlton. I am sure they will be a success and complement the great selection of independent shops we already have."

Legal Imprint

As I am the Labour Candidate for Chorlton in the upcoming Manchester City Council elections, I am required by law to record the following statement on my blog.

All entries on this blog are made in a strictly personal capacity. However, during election periods, where a post relates to campaigning, please consider the following "imprint".

This post is promoted by T. Grimshaw, 22 South Drive M21 8DY on behalf of S Newman, 234 Ryebank Road M21 9LU .

Plastic Bag Free Zone - Chorlton Leads the Way

I have successfully lobbied the Council to have Chorlton made a pilot for a “plastic bag free zone”. The Council are working with local businesses to promote reusable bags and have held a competition asking residents to design a Chorlton bag for life. Residents are being asked to pledge not to use plastic bags.

I am also campaigning to have kerbside recycling extended to include cardboard and plastics.

Here I am with Councillor Val Stevens and Glenys from Beech Road's popular shop, Creative Recycling.

International Development Minister Visits Chorlton

I know that people in Chorlton are concerned about Fair Trade, Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Withington, Lucy Powell, and I invited Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, to Chorlton to talk to local residents, faith and community groups about these important issues.

Over 50 residents attended a thought provoking discussion with Douglas, who impressed with his obvious knowledge and commitment. The picture shows Douglas at the event with Lucy, Councillor Afzal Khan and me.

Pedestrian Safety is a Top Priority

Manchester’s Labour Council has a policy of putting pedestrians first, then cyclists and users of public transport, followed by car users. To achieve this we have seen a significant increase in pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures and traffic islands in Chorlton in recent years.

The speed bumps and junction platforms on Oswald Road have recently been resurfaced to make them safer and more visible for motorists. Part of Oswald Road and Longford Road will soon become a 20 mph zone as they are near both Oswald Road and St John’s primary schools. This follows the creation of 20 mph zones near Chorlton High School and Chorlton C of E Primary Schools. All schools are encouraged to develop school travel plans to promote walking and cycling to school.

Councillor Sheila Newman says “As a local resident, parent and school governor I am very concerned about road safety, especially for parents taking their children to school. I want to see 20 mph zones near all schools and eventually in all residential roads in Chorlton.”

Progress on Alley Gating

Several alley gating schemes in Chorlton have now been completed including Nicolas/Newport Roads, Cheltenham/Kensington Roads, Attercliffe Road, Albermarle Road/Gresford Close and Reynard/Reeves Roads. Other schemes are in the pipeline.

There had been delays with some of the schemes as it was a legal requirement to get 100% support from residents before a scheme could go ahead. Recent changes to the law mean it is now possible for a scheme to go ahead where the overwhelming majority of residents are in favour. The police support alley gating schemes as they are shown to have a positive impact on reducing crime in the area.