Chorlton Arts Festival

It’s been a great week in Chorlton as the 10th Chorlton Arts Festival was in full swing. The Festival has grown each year and always brings something new. This year the festival hub and radio station based in the precinct created extra interest.

The launch event on Saturday 22nd had everything for a perfect day out – great music, good food and fabulous weather. On Thursday I attended an event at Chorlton C of E School with the choir singing and lovely art displays. It’s great that all the Chorlton schools got involved. Some of the pupils’ art work was on display in various cafes around Chorlton.

Thanks to all the performers, artists and volunteers that make the Festival such a success.

Metrolink Comes to Chorlton

Yesterday I went to view the laying of the track for the Metrolink line to Chorlton. I was able to get on to the track and see the work at first hand. Work is progressing very well and everything seems to be on schedule. Trial runs will begin later this year and trams will be running with passengers by next spring.

The Metrolink line will be a great asset for Chorlton and provide fast, regular links to the city centre and Salford Quays taking thousands of cars off the road. The funding for this line was provided by the Labour government and supported by Manchester Labour Council. Let’s hope that the Con- Dem government cuts don’t prevent future extensions of the Metrolink to Didsbury and Wythenshawe.

Message from Labour Councillor Sheila Newman

These last weeks and months have been dominated by the general and local election campaigns, the result and subsequent forming of a government. Labour’s theme of 'Vote Lib Dem get Tory' has certainly come true! Many Chorlton residents have told me they feel let down as they voted to keep out the Tories not to let them in by the back door.

Labour did very well in Manchester increasing our vote in many wards and maintaining our majority on the City Council. Thanks to all of you who voted Labour. Unfortunately we didn’t hold Chorlton ward but our candidate, Amina Lone, had a very good vote despite being unfairly maligned by the Liberal Democrats. Amina was described as “employment unknown.” In fact she has a record of over 18 years work with community groups and works to support lone parents, minority ethnic residents and other marginalised groups.

As the remaining Labour councillor for Chorlton I will be continuing to represent my constituents and provide a strong voice for Chorlton on the Labour Council. I intend to regularly update this blog with my activities and views on issues in Chorlton. If you wish to raise any issues with me you can contact me by email - cllr.s.newman@manchester.gov.uk, by telephone on 881 9641 or by attending my advice bureau held every Saturday morning at 10.30am in Chorlton Library.