Chorlton Labour

Chorlton Labour has moved...

2011-02-07T16:39:00.002Z

...you can now find us at

www.chorltonlabour.org.uk

Chorlton U Decide Event

2010-11-06T17:09:00.000Z

On Thursday evening I attended the second Chorlton U Decide Event at Chorlton Leisure centre.
Despite the foul weather, over a hundred local residents turned up to vote for which community projects should receive up to £1,000 of CASH grant money to improve and enrich life in Chorlton.

Fifteen different projects put forward their case and among those that were successful were, Oswald Road School gardening project, funding towards the cost of the Big Green Festival and an Arts Trail for the Chorlton Arts festival, help towards setting up a Farmers market on Chorlton Green, an IT project for senior citizens, more “Bee friendly” work at Ivy Green allotments, oral history projects for older residents and the Chorlton Chunky Knitters.

While the votes were counted, refreshments were served and we were entertained by a superb choir from Oswald Road Primary school and excellent musicians from St John’s Primary school.

I hope this successful event becomes another annual “must attend” in the Chorlton calendar.

Chorlton Community Forum

2010-10-16T16:55:00.000+01:00

On Monday evening the local police and council officers met in Chorlton library for the third Chorlton Community Forum. The officers talked to residents and answered questions about the main issues of concern in Chorlton.

Alan Dean the local police sergeant outlined how crime had fallen in Chorlton in recent months. Burglary and anti –social behaviour had both reduced compared to the previous three months. There are still problems with thefts from and of motor vehicles, but two people are now in custody charged with some of these offences.

Emma Hopkins the Street Environmental Manager has been dealing with complaints about graffiti. There has been a spate of graffiti on buildings, lampposts and street furniture in the centre of Chorlton. Residents and councillors have been reporting it, but as soon as it has been removed it has been reappearing. Emma has been working with the police to catch the culprits. Two arrests have now been made.

Jennifer Connor from Planning and Andy Wilson from Regeneration discussed plans for the District Centre. No planning applications for the precinct have been submitted but the Executive of the Council have agreed a Plan for the District Centre as a whole

This plan wants to see support for independent shops, an improved retail offer, some free car parking, not too many bars and takeaways, enhanced public facilities like schools and the library as well as a sustainable environment. Residents felt there needs to be a balance between businesses and economic improvements and the social and cultural life of the area as well as the environment.

Hopefully there will be more Forums in the New Year. The next event to look out for is the U Decide event on Thursday 4th November at 6.15 pm in Chorlton Leisure Centre. Residents will be able to vote to decide which community projects they want to receive up to £1,000 of funding.

CASH Grants

2010-09-03T21:12:00.001+01:00

Over the last few years Chorlton has benefited from many community groups applying for Council funded CASH grants to improve the environment. Trees and shrubs have been planted, benches and bike racks been put in place and grants have been used to provide supportive funding for the Christmas lights, Chorlton Book festival , Chorlton Arts festival and other community events. The Labour Council have made an extra £5,000 available for each ward to allocate this year, so groups can bid for grants up to a total of £45,000.

Last year we had the first U Decide event with over 100 residents attending an event to hear bids and vote for schemes they thought should receive grants of up to £1,000. A similar event is being held in this year on the 4th November at the Leisure centre. If you are interested in applying for a CASH grant of up to £1,000 for the U Decide event contact me by phone on 881 9641 or email, cllr.s.newman@manchester.gov.uk and I will get a form to you or your Group. The closing date for applications is 4th October.

City Car Club branches out

2010-08-22T18:31:00.001+01:00

It is really good news that the first City Car Club bay located outside the city centre has been launched in Chorlton. The pay by the hour car hire scheme has been operating successfully in the city centre since 2006 and is expanding the service it offers to the suburbs.
One City Car is now available from a dedicated bay located on the corner of Manchester Road East and Nicolas Road in the centre of Chorlton to any member of City Car Club. A second car will be provided at the same location when there is sufficient demand.
Each low emission vehicle is available to hire out for as little as half an hour from a cost of only £3.96 per hour. Rates for longer bookings can be as low as £2.06 an hour.
The Car Club allows members the flexibility to use a car without having to own one. It is a green, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership.

Chorlton District Centre Plan

2010-07-31T18:19:00.001+01:00

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

2010-07-31T18:17:00.000+01:00

Chorlton District Centre Action Plan

2010-07-31T17:26:00.000+01:00

No to VAT increase

2010-07-18T17:57:00.002+01:00

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

2010-07-18T17:51:00.000+01:00

Chorlton Surestart

2010-06-26T19:00:00.003+01:00

Last Tuesday I attended a Fun Day at Chorlton Library to mark the launch of Chorlton Sure Start. Many parents and young children enjoyed face painting, balloon models, story time, a visit from the fire engine and much more.

Chorlton Sure Start is based in Chorlton Library and offers support to soon-to-be first time parents as well as parents and carers of children 0-5 years. A range of activities are on offer including:
Parent education classes
Stay and play activities
Baby massage
Advice on weaning
Childminders’ support group.
For more information contact Chorlton Library 881 3179

It is great that there is so much on offer for parents and carers thanks to the Labour Council and former Labour Government. The Lib Dem-Conservative coalition has stated that Sure Start should only be for the most needy families so how long will Chorlton parents have this excellent service?

School visits

2010-06-13T22:25:00.001+01:00

As well as being a councillor for Chorlton ward I am the executive member for Children’s Services and I have the lead responsibility for education and schools in the city. As a result I spend a lot of time visiting schools throughout Manchester. Manchester’s schools face many challenges but many schools are doing excellent work and I hope the successes of the best schools can be spread to others.

Last Monday I visited the Willows Primary School in Wythenshawe. This excellent primary school has managed to achieve outstanding in two OFSTEDs despite being in one of the most deprived areas of the city

The following day I visited St Peter’s RC High School in Gorton. This high school has also achieved outstanding in its OFSTED at the end of last year and in the last two years has had a massive improvement in the number of pupils achieving 5 A*-Cs including English and maths. They have done this by focusing on the basics, and providing one to one tuition, as well as using new approaches such as gardening therapy.

On Thursday I attended a ceremony to mark a significant stage in the re building of Acacias Primary School and extension and refurbishment of Levenshulme High School for Girls. This is a very innovative £23.7m project. It brings together the work of the Building Schools for the Future programme which is rebuilding or refurbishing all Manchester’s secondary schools with the primary school rebuilding programme. The two schools will share a site and have some shared facilities.

Chorlton Arts Festival

2010-05-31T22:12:00.001+01:00

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

2010-05-25T19:45:00.001+01:00

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

2010-05-22T17:01:00.002+01:00

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.

CHORLTON MEADOWS SAVED!!

2010-01-24T19:04:00.006Z

Chorlton Residents and local campaigners were celebrating victory last week after the Labour Council’s Planning Committee REJECTED the application to build an “all weather” football pitch on the much loved Chorlton Meadows.

After it was clear that the Labour dominated Planning Committee would reject the plans the football club withdrew the application.

Lucy Powell, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate, said, “I am delighted that people power has won the day and this inappropriate development has been rejected. It shows politicians listen to local people.”

Chorlton Labour Campaigner Amina Lone (pictured) said, “The local Labour Party has been opposed to these proposed plans from the start. We were pleased to work with local residents and ensure their voice was heard loud and clear by the Committee and politicians.”

“The Chorlton Labour Team has a proud history of fighting against inappropriate local developments. If the football club decide to resubmit new, scaled-down plans we will work with local residents to decide the best course of action to take. “

Sheila Wins in Chorlton

2008-05-17T20:05:00.009+01:00

In the Manchester City Council elections held on 1 May, I was re-elected Councillor for Chorlton with a majority of 259 votes. My 2,126 votes was the highest vote in Manchester.

I am a Labour councillor and I was the Labour candidate. Considering the national situation and that Chorlton was the most marginal Council seat in Manchester, Chorlton was a brilliant result. I couldn't have done it without the help and support of Chorlton Labour Party, Withington Consituency Labour Party, Manchester City Labour Party and many Labour Councillors. We ran an excellent campaign and coped with all that was thrown at us by the Liberal Democrat machine. Chorlton residents were not fooled by the deluge of Lib Dem leaflets. The result really puts Labour in a strong position for the general election challenge.

However, in addition to committed Labour activists, I was touched by the active help I received from many other Chorlton residents who told me that they supported me because of my record as a Chorlton Councillor over the past nine years.

As I promised in the campaign, I will be a Strong Voice for Chorlton at the heart of Manchester's Labour Council and I will Stand up for the Unique Character of Chorlton.

Best regards

Sheila

Sheila wins Plastic & Cardboard Kerbside Recycling for Chorlton

2008-04-12T20:43:00.002+01:00

Following pressure from Chorlton Councillor Sheila Newman, Council Leader Sir Richard Leese has pledged that kerbside plastic and cardboard recycling will be available by the end of the year in Chorlton.

Sheila said: "I met with the Leader of the Council, Richard Leese, to talk to him about residents demands in Chorlton for more and better recycling facilities. Our Labour Council has listened and as a result we now have a commitment to provide kerbside cardboard and plastic recycling in Chorlton by the end of the year."

Free swimming for the over 60s

2008-03-31T20:36:00.002+01:00

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

2008-03-31T20:12:00.003+01:00

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

2008-03-31T19:39:00.003+01:00

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

2008-03-28T21:02:00.006Z

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

2008-03-02T12:01:00.003Z

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

2008-03-02T11:47:00.002Z

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

2008-03-02T11:39:00.002Z

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

2008-03-02T11:21:00.003Z

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.

Christmas event on Chorlton Green

2007-12-27T22:44:00.000Z

I would like to thank everyone who helped organise the community event on Chorlton Green on Sunday 9th December. The event was organised by the Friends of Chorlton Green Group, and Council officers from ward co-ordination, environment and events teams all assisted, along with Police Community Support Officers and the Community Network. Residents, officers and councillors swept leaves, planted bulbs, made Christmas decorations, sang carols and enjoyed refreshments. The Christmas Tree which was funded by a Council CASH grant lit up the proceedings. Hopefully this will now become another successful annual event in Chorlton.

Speaking Up for Ryebank Fields

2007-12-02T17:18:00.000Z

Chorlton Labour Councillor Sheila Newman, continues to support local efforts to turn Ryebank Playing Fields into a Village Green.

The campaign to bring Ryebank Fields into community use, and to stop them being developed on, is gathering pace as we near decision time. Most local residents want the authorities to give the scheme the go ahead and to stop any development on this unique piece of land.

Sheila attended the formal inquiry on 26 November and gave evidence in support.

Sheila said:

“Ryebank Fields is a valued green space in Chorlton and we want to keep it that way. It benefits the area to have the space open to the local community. That’s why we’re doing all we can to support the campaign.”

Council Says No to Tesco

2007-12-02T17:07:00.000Z

Local Councillor Sheila Newman, Labour's Lucy Powell and Chorlton residents celebrated on Thursday, 22 November after the Council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to reject the planned Tesco Express on Manchester Road.

Labour’s Sheila Newman said:

“I’m absolutely delighted with the decision taken by the council committee. I have been working with local people and local shops to make a strong case against the proposed Tesco and I’m really pleased that the joint efforts of the community have paid off.”

Speaking to the Planning Committee before the vote, Sheila said

“Chorlton has a thriving local economy with a wide variety of independent shops. This is what makes Chorlton such a unique place. A supermarket in this area could jeopardise their viability and that’s why I and so many local people are opposed to this development.”

Over 50 local residents attended a site visit by the Planning Committee to the proposed site. This took place before the meeting, in response to a strong request by Sheila. The Committee received nearly 200 letters of objections from local people, an unprecedented number of objections.

Call For a Moratorium on Bars in Chorlton

2007-10-27T17:15:00.000+01:00

With 22 bars opening in Chorlton in the last few years, Chorlton Councillor Sheila Newman has called for a moratorium on bars there.

Sheila said “Chorlton has an amazing array of exciting and innovative businesses. I particularly welcome the large number of independent businesses in Chorlton, which contribute so much to its unique retail offer.

"However, many residents have complained to me recently about the increasing number of licensed bars opening in the area. Whilst some bars are welcome, too many can tip the balance of an area and make it less attractive to residents and the general shopper.”

The Council's Employment and Skills Scrutiny Committee met in Withington recently and one of the items they considered was the South Manchester Regeneration Framework report, which lays out ideas for the development of South Manchester over the next 10 to 15 years.

The report suggests that a bespoke plan should be drawn up for the Chorlton District centre. Sheila commented “I very much welcome this but have called for a moratorium on any new licensed bars until these plans are drawn up. Chorlton should remain a vibrant retail centre but to achieve this we have to plan for the future, encourage investment and ensure a balanced retail offer. Let's put bars on hold until we decide what the area needs.”

Make Chorlton a Plastic Bag Free Zone

2007-10-11T11:09:00.000+01:00

Councillor Sheila Newman is launching a campaign to make Chorlton a plastic bag free zone. A number of traders in Chorlton already use paper bags and supply re-usable bags to customers. She applauds the recent initiative of the ‘Little Green Bag’ - a unique and ambitious joint venture between Manchester City Council, a major retailer, and the fashion buying students of Manchester Metropolitan University - in a bid to make shopping an altogether more green experience.

Sheila says,

“This is an issue that has been raised with me many times and customers in Chorlton are ahead of the game. A number of independent traders already offer alternatives. There is a growing problem with plastic bags and their impact on the environment. I want to encourage all the retailers in Chorlton to offer re-usable bags.”

Cleaner, Greener, Safer Chorlton

2007-07-23T22:46:00.000+01:00

Chorlton Labour Councillors Sheila Newman and Val Stevens work all year round with residents, council officers and the police to create a cleaner, greener, safer Chorlton

On the 14th May a Beatsweep was held in the Keppel Road area. This involved Council officers and the police cleaning up the area and giving crime prevention advice to residents.

During this Beatsweep the following took place:-

16 instances of graffiti removed
6 Parking tickets issued
3 Untaxed vehicles removed
20 poop scoops handed out
1.5 tonnes of rubbish removed from passageways
400+ properties leafleted with crime safety advice

Councillor Sheila Newman said “It was great to see the Council and the police working together to improve the environment and reduce crime. Many residents have told me how pleased they were with the work done on that day.”

On 22nd June another BEATSWEEP took place the CHORLTON GREEN AREA with police and council officers working together to reduce crime and clean up the environment. The Youth Service Youth Bus was also in the area to inform young people about positive activities they can take part in.

Alleygating schemes are now progressing on Cheltenham, Reynard, Nicolas and Newport Roads. There were delays with these schemes because of the need to get 100% consent from residents. The law has now changed and these schemes are progressing well. Alley gating schemes are supported by the police as they help to reduce crime in an area.

£2.75 million to extend and refurbish Brookburn Primary School

2007-06-25T21:42:00.000+01:00

Brookburn Primary School, Chorlton is set to benefit from £2.75 million pounds’ investment to extend and refurbish the present school buildings, creating a bigger and better school with first class facilities for teaching and learning.

The money will be used to provide additional teaching space, with potentially four or five new classrooms planned; a new multi use games area; and a new frontage and main entrance to the school complete with new administration offices.

The refurbishment will include a full re-wire of the existing building; new boiler plant and controls to the heating and hot water systems; internal remodelling and redecoration; partial window replacement; and improvements to landscaping and playground areas.

It also means that pupil capacity at the popular school will be increased from 315 to 420 places over the next six years - with the first additional pupils being admitted this September into the school’s reception year group.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member, Children’s Services, said: “It is really good news that the funds are now available to refurbish and extend this popular and successful school.

“Brookburn already provides an excellent education for local children but with these new facilities pupils’ educational experience will be even better.”

Two temporary classrooms are being provided from September to allow the building work to go ahead. The building contractor for the project is Bramall Construction and the architects are Ellis Williams.