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.
Saturday, 31 July 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Chorlton Surestart
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?
Sunday, 13 June 2010
School visits
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.
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.
Monday, 31 May 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
CHORLTON MEADOWS SAVED!!
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. “
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Sheila Wins in Chorlton
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.
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
Best regards
Sheila
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Sheila wins Plastic & Cardboard Kerbside Recycling for Chorlton
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."
Monday, 31 March 2008
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.
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.
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