Saturday 31 July 2010

Chorlton District Centre Plan

On Wednesday 28th July the Labour Council’s Executive agreed a 10 year plan for the Chorlton District centre. The plan was drawn up after a consultation last year with local businesses, residents and community groups.

The main ideas in the plan are:-
· To improve the retail offer in Chorlton, building on the current high quality independent shops
· To secure improvements to Oswald Road School and Chorlton Library
· To create a sustainable centre with a pleasing environment
· To secure improved car parking for shoppers
· To limit the number of new bars and takeaways opening so the centre is balanced
· To link the new Metrolink to the centre of Chorlton

I very much welcome this plan and look forward to seeing it delivered over the next ten years. Detailed work needs to be done and how fast it can proceed will depend on the economy, under threat from the cuts imposed by the Conservative-Liberal government.

I have already put the plan into action as on the following day I successfully opposed a planning application for a new takeaway on Wilbraham Road by quoting the agreed ideas.

Chorlton District Centre Plan

Chorlton District Centre Action Plan

Sunday 18 July 2010

No to VAT increase

I joined Labour party members and Chorlton community activists lobbying John Leech MP at his advice bureau at Chorlton Library on Friday the 16th July. We wanted to persuade the MP to vote against the Con Dem government’s proposal to increase VAT to 20% from January 2011.

During the general election campaign the Lib Dems campaigned against a VAT increase, but now they are proposing to support the government’s planned increase. VAT is an unfair tax as it hits the poorest people hardest.

Many local residents signed our petition against the VAT increase and are appalled that the Lib Dems are supporting it. This is one reason why many local residents have recently joined the Labour Party. I hope John Leech is listening to his constituents.

Earlier in the week I was listening to Chorlton residents at the Chorlton Community Forum held in Chorlton Library. Residents were able to raise their concerns about local issues with the police, council officers and local councillors. Issues raised included swimming for over 50s, graffiti removal, biodiversity and planning matters. Another Community Forum will be held in the autumn.

No to VAT increase