Chorlton Green Party

Thank You

2011-05-15T11:16:00.006+01:00

I'd like to thank the 647 people in Chorlton ward who voted Green in the Council elections, 11.7% of the vote. I know how hard the Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates fought for your vote, with more resources than I was able to muster, and I know that many other people who might vote voted Green will have voted tactically to achieve a particular result.

I'd like to commiserate with defeated Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Ankers, who in my opinion has been a good hard-working councillor, and someone whose personal views I felt I often agreed with. His defeat was not his fault; like many of his colleagues he was the victim of anger in the electorate over what they saw as his Party's betrayal of their promises and their propping up of a hated Tory Government.

I'd like to congratulate the victorious Matt Strong (on his 'strong' campaign?), but I'd also like him to remember the widespread support which the voters of Chorlton have for green issues and for social justice, as he works with his Labour colleagues on the council.

Full result in Chorlton: Labour 2964
Lib Dem 1701
Green 647
Tory 223

I'm please to see that at least Green votes far exceed Tory votes in the Chorlton area. In both Chorlton Park and Whalley Range we were also well ahead of the Tories, and in Whalley Range just 50 votes behind the Liberal Democrats.

Final point - on May 5th all 33 seats resulted in Labour victories. Whilst Labour did spectacularly well, there were still around 40% of the electorate voting for other Parties, but that resulted in no councillors for any other Party. This is bad for democracy; whilst a Yes in the AV referendum (and by my reckoning at the Count, Chorlton voted 'YES') would have made little difference to the Parliamentary arithmetic, it would at least have been an indication that people wanted change. First past the post delivers very unbalanced results, and Manchester is increasing proof of it. The need for democratic reform is very much still with us.

Save Manchester Sure Start

2011-04-24T14:26:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I attended a public meeting of 'Save Manchester Sure Start', a campaign launched when the council threatened to privatise Manchester's 36 SureStart Centres (including our local Chorlton centre at the Library) as part of 'The Cuts'. A number of women spoke eloquently and sometimes movingly of how much Sure Start had helped them in difficult times; how it was so much more than a basic service for young children. A key point raised time and again was that the early intervention provided by and through Sure Start Centres prevented situations where social services would have had to get involved, saving grief for parents and children - and saving money for the authorities including the council.

Another key topic was an alleged campaign of intimidation by the council against staff working in Sure Start Centres. There is plenty of evidence that staff and users have been discouraged from campaigning on this issue since it first arose earlier in the year. Council Leader Sir Richard Leese, who attended the meeting, claimed that this was because of the 'Purdah' which prevents local councils from expressing political views during election campaigns. However the problems precede that and include a leaked email instructing Children's Services staff to block out parents campaigning to protect their Sure Start centres (as reported in 'The Mule').

The campaign produced the following draft statement which was agreed overwhelmingly at the meeting (with the addition of a deadline of Tues 3rd May for the council to agree - just before polling day...). As Green Party candidate for Chorlton I agree totally with the statement.

"This forum believes that the children of Manchester are the City's future and as such they should be regarded as its major asset. We are committed to work tirelessly to ensure that all the public services in the city are providing the best public services to our children's futures and the resources needed should be regarded as a long term investment not just for our children but also for our communities and Manchester as a city.

This forum believes that the first stage of this investment begins at birth. We believe that all children are equal and should be guaranteed equality of opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability or social economic status. All public services should be inclusive not exclusive. It is the view of the Forum what these criteria are currently being delivered through Manchester City Council's Sure Start Childrens Centres.

This Forum agrees that despite the City Council's finances, Manchester's Sure Start Childrens Centres should remain publicly funded and run as a public service which in our view will ensure better quality standards and greater accountability with parents, users and our communities.

This Forum believes Manchester City Council should agree to holding a 3 month consultation involving representatives from the Friends of Manchester Sure Starts Forum and the Trade Unions to discuss in detail all the options regarding the financing and future of Manchester Sure Start Childrens Centres. The outcome of that consultation shall be produced in a report with options for Manchester City Council to consider.

In conclusion, until that process has been completed this Forum calls on Manchester City Council to suspend with immediate effect all outsourcing related work on its Sure Start Childrens Centres"

As well as being thanked for attending the meeting Leese was given a tough time. Under pressure he did appear to put on the table a '4th Option' of keeping the Sure Start Centres under Council control. We will see.

The Other Vote on May 5th

2011-04-19T20:11:00.004+01:00

As well as the local council vote, there is the Alternative Vote (AV) referendum happening on 5th May - voting for this will be at the same time at the same polling stations as for the Council (or via post in the same way if you are a postal voter).

I shall be voting Yes to AV and I would urge others to do the same. I'll say at the outside that I don't think AV is the best system for electing members of Parliament, but with the choice we've been given it's definitely an improvement and a step in the right direction to more democracy.

What we should have been offered was a proper choice of systems (as was offered in the referendum in New Zealand around 20 years ago when they moved away from first-past-the-post). Green MP Caroline Lucas tried to obtain a similar choice for this referendum, but was given little support in that by the other Parties (including the Liberal Democrats). But there we are.

Here's an example of the difference between the 2 systems:
Alternative Vote:
"I'd like an ice cream please - I'd like Chocolate, but if you haven't got that I'll have strawberry and if you haven't got that I'll have vanilla.
Shopkeeper: "We're out of chocolate I'm afraid, but we have strawberry - here you are".

First Past the Post:
"I'd like a Chocolate ice cream please.
Shopkeeper "We're out of chocolate I'm afraid. Goodbye"

Note that even with AV I never receive more than one ice cream. The idea that some people get more than one vote is just one of the many pieces of mis-information peddled by the 'No' campaign.

Other pieces of mis-information include:
"It will let in the BNP" - In fact as the winning candidate has to reach 50% support either from first preference or from transferred second, third etc preference it is less likely that an extreme candidate would get elected (The BNP are campaigning for a No Vote).

"It's a strange and complicated system" - in fact it's the system used to elect the Leaders of the Conservative and Labour Parties - I don't hear Cameron complaining about it there.

"It means we spend £130 million on voting machines" - a total lie - there is no intention of introducing any voting machines; countries which currently use AV don't use them.

"It will mean more coalitions and coalitions are a bad thing". Analysis of elections over recent decades has shown that coalitions would have been no more frequent under AV. And if the 2010 election had been fought under AV it would probably have enabled a Labour / Lib Dem coalition.

The No campaign has the backing of some powerful corporate vested interests (bank-rolling it to the tune of millions of pounds), the Tory Party and the Murdoch press; people should ask themselves what vested interests these groups are seeking to protect. Those who want to give Nick Clegg a kicking by voting No (he's very prominent on the No to AV leaflet), will be playing into the hands of the real villains.

'What we need is fewer cyclists and more people riding bikes'

2011-04-10T20:14:00.007+01:00

The above statement, made at the showing of 'Beauty and the Bike' struck me as very profound. Before I explain, a bit of background.

'Beauty and the Bike' is a short documentary exploring differences in the cycling experience between teenage girls in Darlington and those in Bremen in Germany. It was shown as part of the build up to the Chorlton Big Green Festival, and highlighted well the difference between the hostility shown to cyclists in most of the UK by drivers and planners, and the more enlightened approach of much of continental Europe.

The groups of girls in question exchanged places (travelling by train, I noted approvingly), and were both surprised at how different conditions were in the two cultures. The lack of safe cycling provision in the UK really stood out; whilst I think provision in the Manchester (the south of Manchester at least) is probably better than in Darlington, the gap between us and cities like Bremen is huge (see following link: Bike Traffic in Bremen.

The title comment refers to the fact that those who do cycle in UK cities are often lycra-clad speed merchants on expensive machines, and that cycling needs to be seen as a natural and very useful mode of transport for anyone. Cycling provision, to the extent that is exists at all, is often geared around the lycra stereotype, rather than from the point of view of the average person who could be making far more use of this cheap, convenient and environmentally friendly transport mode.

The film was presented by a combination of Transition City Manchester, 'Envirolution' and Chorlton Big Green Festival

'20s Plenty'

Last night's film focused on safe cycle paths, but another measure which would make our roads safer, not just for cyclists, but for everyone, would be lower speeds. The '20s Plenty' campaign aims to introduce 20 mph limits in residential streets on a city-wide basis. Pioneered in Portsmouth, a number of Cities have adopted it; one of the latest is nearby Sheffield, where the city's 2 Green councillors took the lead in getting the measure through in the teeth of Liberal Democrat opposition. For more information see here. Around the country Greens have often been in the forefront of introducing this type of scheme

Of course there are plenty of 20 mph zones in Manchester, complete with speedhumps and other 'street furniture'. Two key features of the '20s Plenty campaign however are that

- 20 mph limits are introduced on a wide-area basis (i.e. not small area 'zones')

- they do not rely on speed bumps and other expensive enforcers, rather their effectiveness depends on a culture change on the part of road-users.

Early evidence from cities which have adopted this approach is positive; thus far Greater Manchester is dragging its heels.. Quite recently a North-West Health Authority Report advocated such a measure - see here.

For more information on the '20s Plenty' campaign, and the reasons for backing it - see here for a news piece from the North West Green Party, for a link to the campaign as a whole see
20s Plenty

Returning to the continent for a moment, 30km (which equates to around 18 mph) limits in residential areas are commonplace there too, including in Bremen.

Green Events Bursting Out in Chorlton !

2011-04-03T12:11:00.007+01:00

The next 2 weeks see a range of interesting green events in Chorlton, leading up to the celebrated 'Chorlton Big Green' Festival at St Clements Church on Saturday, 16th of April.

For detailed information about this event see the link above.

The festival is now in its third year and which was visited by literally thousands of people in its two previous years. The theme of this years festival is B ike to the Future.

In keeping with this, and as part of the fringe activity for the festival Transition City Manchester www.transitioncitymanchester.wordpress.com

are hosting a film night on SATURDAY 9th APRIL from 7pm at ST CLEMENTS CHURCH, CHORLTON entitled

‘Beauty and the Bike’

Why do British girls stop cycling? When in cycling-friendly countries the bicycle is a central part of life for most young women. Beauty and the Bike aims to show why – and work with cycling advocates around the world to make urban cycling attractive.

“The filmmakers have provided a film that will not only spark conversation but make you want to go out and make its vision a reality.”

========

Also in connection with the festival, on Thurs 14th April, Chorlton Refurb are putting on:

Going Through the Roof

How to make your house more energy efficient

An evening of talks and discussion about making your home greener.

Approximately 25% of all the energy used in the UK is used in domestic housing so being green means starting at home. Chorlton has large numbers of old, big and draughty houses but many of us have not even taken basic steps to make our homes warmer, even given the bitter winters in the last 2 years, and instead end up living cold. It can be a daunting and confusing prospect for those that want to try to make their home more energy efficient, knowing where to start, how much to spend, and what will make most difference?

The evening will start with three short presentations followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Rebecca Frost and Martin Quinton from Energy Savings Trust will identify the ways that energy is lost from houses, the solutions and what difference they can make.

Andrew Gill, a graduate of the Centre for Alternative Technology is in the process of eco-refurbing a small terraced house in Moss Side and will describe the progress he has made, his future plans and the problems he's faced.

David Hunt, of ECO Environments Ltd, renewable energy specialists, will focus on the main ways that local people can produce renewable energy in their homes.

Date: Thursday April 14^th

Time: 7.15pm – 9.30pm

Venue: St Clement's Church Hall, 6 Edge Lane

Manchester, M21 9JF – map

Refreshments available

Free

More information available at greenchorlton.org.uk/next.php and chorltonrefurb.wordpress.com/

'Save the Trees of Whalley Range'

2011-03-15T18:58:00.010Z

One could be forgiven for thinking that Manchester City Council doesn't like trees (actually maybe they really don't). Last week's post showed the swathe of devastation which the planned Metrolink has wrought across the Mersey Valley. Also GMPTE are sticking to the plan to run it down the central reservation of Mauldeth Road West, destroying the trees down that avenue.

This week's post moves further north to the leafy (for now) suburb of Whalley Range. The City Council's Neighbourhood Services team are planning to chop down around 400 trees much to the consternation of local residents. Following rumblings over the winter months, the council set out in force yesterday (Monday 14th) with chainsaws at the ready.

They met a vigorous protest, as local residents and supporters gathered to defend their trees. And it was victory to the protesters as the Council had to turn tail, without a tree being felled, see report on the BBC website here. Green colleagues Ayo Ogolo (pictured) and Anne Power were present supporting the residents.

Unfortunately contractors returned later, but battle has now been joined!

However there is much more to this campaign than direct action; residents have been fighting for a sensible approach from the Council for months. On hearing of the threat to a large number of the area's street trees, a community group was set up called Whalley Range Trees . They are also on Facebook: Save the Trees of Whalley Range They will welcome additional support for the battles ahead!.

On other fronts:

- Manchester cycling campaign group Love Your Bike (linked to Friends of the Earth) are asking people to contact their councillors and transport chiefs over the imposition of steps (due to Metrolink) on the Trans-Pennine Trail. Link to email action here

- Transition Chorlton: The inaugural meeting at Wild at Heart went well, with a large number of ideas collected via post-its, see here Next big event in this area will be the Big Green Festival (more on this soon)

'Mega Tesco' - sadly the hopes may have finally gone of protecting the local shops of nearby Trafford, Stretford and beyond from what is possibly Britain's biggest Tesco. A Tory-led Government was always likely to back the Tory Trafford Council, and the well-funded campaign by Lancashire Cricket Club was always likely to stump the wishes of local residents.

Early March Miscellany

2011-03-06T19:20:00.012Z

As the first daffodils show their petals, there's plenty happening in the Chorlton area right now.

Meeting - Greenest Government Ever?

Yesterday saw a well-attended (over 30 people) public meeting in Chorlton Central church on 'the Greenest Government ever?' organised by friends of the Earth, with local Lib Dem MP John Leech, Katie Brandon of SNAG (speaking on the Manchester Climate Action plan) and Dave Timms fromNational FoE. There was a consensus view that to become 'the Greenest Government Ever' was not much of a challenge given past Government's records. Beyond that, John Leech had the unenviable task of defending the Government's current record, with Dave Timms making sure that an objective view was well-covered (for instance on my question expressing concern at the resurgence of nuclear).

Given that it was organised by FoE, it was in a Church Hall and there were no obvious Labour people there (were they at the anti-cuts demo in Town??) it was a polite affair. A further consensus view was that it was too soon to tell if this Government could achieve the modest 'Greenest ever' tag; it's fair to say that there wasn't a lot of optimism. A key topic of the meeting was the Climate Bill which is going through Parliament, more details here. John Leech, to his credit, is proposing an amendment on private sector properties. Go here for a photo of meeting attenders calling for action on the Climate Bill

Events

This Wednesday (9th) sees 2 important events: In the morning, the City Council meets to debate its budget (10 am Manchester Town hall), complete with the savage cuts which have been widely publicised. Given the Council's political make-up I think we can expect how the meeting will go, but I'm sure both sides will regale us with the usual empty party-political points scoring; that's what the last council meeting was like, expect more of the same in spades.

The evening sees the first Transition Chorlton meeting at 'Wild at Heart' at 5.30 pm - I'm not one of the organisers but I know the guy who's set up the meeting and I'll be there to see what gets off the ground. The Transition movement is driven by Peak Oil as much as by Climate Change, but the solutions are similar. Event details here

Finally updates on a couple of campaigns from last year:

Firstly - Chorlton Meadows - following victory over the massive football pitch application last year, the application for a Village Green sadly fell via a technicality over signage, despite months of dedicated hard work by the campaigners. Whilst local residents wait with bated breath to see what the football club will come up with next, the heavy hand of GMPTE has been wreaking havoc on the other side of the pavilion.

Now I want to see better public transport links between Manchester's suburbs, and I think trams have a useful role to play within that; however anyone feeling this is a form of transport which is always green and environmentally friendly should take a look at the swathe of dereliction running from the end of Hardy Lane to Jackson's Boat see photo:

If trams are there to reduce road transport then they should be running on road space not green space, i.e. on some of the space currently taken by Princes Parkway. A radical suggestion you may think; it's also one I've heard expressed by John Leech MP. However even though an MP of one of our Governing coalition partners, John is powerless to exert any influence; indeed his fellow Lib Dems are claiming local residents are delighted with the route which has been agreed.

Secondly - the Mega-Tesco. This is the vast Tesco supermarket which Trafford Council approved some time back, linked to developments at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, where Lancashire County Cricket provided intense lobbying for the MegaTesco. Derwent holdings, who had an application for a large Sainsbury's at nearby White City have a legal challenge. Derwent's application was turned down, for reasons which would have applied even more to the Tesco - hmm. Anyway a decision is expected this week - watch this space.

2010-05-01T10:06:00.009+01:00

Tesco Call-in Letter - 13 days to write!

2010-03-19T15:45:00.004Z

There are 21 days from the Trafford Council meeting which approved the MegaTesco to ask the Government to call it in. That was on the 11th, so we are now down to just 13 days!.

Further information at NoMegaTesco and
Keep Chorlton Interesting
If like many residents you are concerned about the impact of one of the largest Tesco stores in the country on shops in Chorlton and around, and you have still to write, please do it now! A sample letter from the campaign is below, please add some personal points about why this is important to you:

Email: John Denham MP john.denham@communities.gsi.gov.uk (Secretary of State)
Michael Morris michael.morris@gonw.gsi.gov.uk (Government Office North West)

Write: John Denham MP, Department for Communities and Local Government, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU

Michael Morris, GONW, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BE

Trafford Planning Reference 74393/FULL/2009 [Date]

Dear Mr Morris / John Denham MP

I write to draw your attention to a planning application ref:74393/FULL/2009. The application by Lancashire County Cricket Club and Tesco Ltd. seeks part full/part outline permission for redevelopment of Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the erection of a food superstore.

On Thursday 11th March 2010, Trafford Council’s planning committee voted that they were “minded to grant” this application.

My concerns relate to the proposals for the large superstore of approximately 166,847 sq ft, that are part of this combined application. I am writing to request that Government Office North West call in the application for consideration by the Secretary of State so that a public inquiry can properly assess the impact of this proposed superstore on the surrounding communities and district centres.I am drawing it to your attention because I feel it runs contrary to government policy on matters of more than local importance, with wide impacts beyond its immediate locality.

The scale of the proposed Tesco Superstore is grossly excessive for its location and will harm the future vitality and viability of Stretford Town Centre, Chorlton District Centre and other district and local centres. This runs contrary to government policy on matters of more than local importance, with wide impacts beyond its immediate locality.

Consideration of both the Tesco and nearby Derwent Holdings applications has been hurried and the subject of serious inconsistencies by the Council’s planning committee and officers. The process and decisions made on these applications are fundamentally flawed.

The proposal conflicts with government advice in PPS4 and PPG17, and also with key elements of the Trafford Council’s own UDP and emerging Core Strategy.

In 2006 a Planning Inspector upheld Trafford Council's decision to refuse to grant Tesco Ltd permission to build a store of 88,000 sq ft on this site on the basis of concerns over the impact of the proposals on town, district and local centres. Tesco Ltd already has permission to build a smaller store on the site (48,000 sq ft), granted approximately 5 years ago, which it has chosen not to implement. The current proposal will be 3.4 times larger and it is inconceivable that it would not have a significant and detrimental impact both within Trafford and in neighbouring boroughs.

The Cricket club regeneration and the Tesco superstore should have been considered independently. The Tesco superstore has been recommended for approval on the back of popular support for the Cricket Club and a questionable cross-subsidy initiative. The Council’s role in negotiations as both landowner and planning authority renders it unable to make a fit and proper decision.

I should be very grateful if you both acknowledge receipt of this email and keep me updated in respect of GONW's involvement in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Your Name & Contact details (address and email details)

According to business publication Crain's Manchester Business, the Isle of Man-based Derwent Holdings (who have plans for a nearby Sainsburys which were rejected) will also be appealing against what they see as an inappropriate decision.

Mega Tesco - time to refer to the third umpire.

2010-03-12T20:10:00.004Z

Despite the news that Stretford Mall has gone into receivership [1], last nights 3 hour debate on the Tesco/LCCC application Trafford Borough Council's planning committee voted to endorse the planning officers recommendations to a) support the Tesco/LCCC application and b) refuse the Derwent Holdings/Sainsbury application for White City Retail park.

The quality of the arguments from the Councillors supporting the Tesco/LCCC application were described by one observer as woeful.

Chorlton Green Party candidate Brian Candeland joined local protesters out side Trafford Town Hall prior to the meeting. They faced a sizeable gathering of cricket club supporters brought in from miles around to back the application (so much for planning matters being the concern of local residents!).

The NoMegaTesco campaign now has 21 days to convince Government Office NW and the Secretary of State (John Denham) that the Tesco application should be subject to a planning inquiry. The 21 days starts when all paperwork has been received by GONW.

A detailed "call-in" template letter which will expose the bias shown by Trafford Council will be available shortly from the campaign

MegaTesco Demonstration tomorrow!

2010-03-10T18:46:00.002Z

Campaigners against the threatened MegaTesco (see earlier posts) will be demonstrating outside Trafford Town Hall tomorrow (11th March) before the Council planning committee debate the proposal.

They will be meeting from 5.30 pm at the Town Hall on Talbot Road Stretford, and want as many people as possible to join them.

Chorlton Green Party candidate Brian Candeland will be there along with Stretford Green candidate Margaret Westbrook and other Greens.

Mega Tesco - the Threat Looms

2010-03-05T19:39:00.006Z

The Planners of Trafford Council are minded to approve the huge Old Trafford MegaTesco (while rejecting a smaller Sainsbury at nearby White City). The application will be reviewed by the Trafford Planning Committee councillors next Thursday (11th March). This is in spite of the following facts:

- The Tesco is huge even by their standards and will sit close to sports grounds where there are already massive traffic problems on match days.

- it goes against Trafford Council's own strategy to support local shops

- even the planners admit it would have an adverse impact “on the vitality and viability of Stretford Town Centre”

As we know from the Chorlton Meadows threat, the fact that planning officers are minded to approve an application doesn't mean that a planning committeee will approve it but the omens here are not good. This makes it all the more important that people write to the Government Office of the North West, urging the Government to 'call-in' the application; see here for a sample call-in letter.

The link with the Old Trafford cricket ground improvement has clearly had an effect, but the views of local residents should have a far higher value than the sports fans miles away who have been canvassed with a biased view by the Cricket Club. Local petitions against the development have about 1000 signatures against around 340 in favour.

Green Party candidate for Chorlton, Brian Candeland (pictured discussing the matter with a local resident), said "This is a disgrace. It appears local residents have not been sent copies of the committee report despite requests and the submission from the 'No Mega Tesco' campaign group seems to have been ignored completely.

Along with other campaigners I am not against improving the Cricket Ground - indeed I attended the last Ashes test to be held there, and would like to do so again. But improvements need not, and should not, be done on the back of a project that will damage local shops for miles around. There are other cricket ground improvements taking place around the country, but none are being done on the back of this sort of development. Given the general support for a test ground in the North-West I am sure an alternative route could have been found, had the will been there."

Precinct Consultation - Initial Feedback

2010-02-24T20:19:00.004Z

At last some movement on the long-awaited Chorlton Precinct consultation. A 2 page executive summary has been released. The document itself is being discussed at a Council meeting next week prior to publication of the report.

The summary shows that 1003 people responded to the consultation; of the principles which were presented the following four received most support:

- Encouraging the promotion of a sustainable space
- Improving access, public transport and parking
- Encoraging more people to shop locally
- Further developing independent retail

Two thirds of the respondents said that they didn't want a new foodstore - this is emphatic given the vagueness of the question - The question posed was 'Offer a new food store' - nothing was mentioned about the size of this store. This shows real concern that any redevelopment would be dominated by a large chain supermarket, against the wishes of most of the local people.

The other important point is that a firm of consultants - Drivas Jonas - have been contracted to develop a Plan for the district centre which will include looking at the make up of the centre (the balance of different shops and services). We need to ensure that as part of this work accurate information is gathered about the independent shops in Chorlton.

Previous studies have only gathered detailed information about multiples, estimating provision from independents (because their information is not held on databases). This led to a serious under reporting of capacity. Another piece of research carried out last year for the city council (Independent retail study) has shown that prior evidence used by the City Council as part of their core evidence base (the Retail Needs Study) seriously under reported convenience (food) capacity in Chorlton.

Using data collected by the 'Keep Chorlton Interesting' (KCI) Group the new study shows 3.3 times more capacity - because accurate figures for independent shops floorspace was taken into account. What we need to make sure of is that Drivas Jonas update this work and collect it for all other shops and services in the District Centre.

Why is this important? If Councils are relying on such inaccurate data when measuring predicted impact of new shopping provision (such as the mega Tesco and the White City development) then they will under estimate any impact and cannot also properly argue that there is already sufficient capacity within an area.

Megatesco - Deadline for Objections extended!

The date for the application has still not been set, but may be the 11th March.
Consequently Trafford Council are still open to receive letters regarding the application.

Letters / emails need to be sent in by early March (Emailed objections are just as valid as postal ones). More information at the Stop MegaTesco website

MegaTesco battle escalates

2010-02-16T22:14:00.002Z

Call in the Application!

The plan to build Britain's biggest Supermarket (less than 2 miles from the centre of Chorlton, and other Manchester shopping areas) has yet to be debated by Trafford's planning committee. Lancashire cricket club who want Tesco money to improve Old Trafford have mounted a huge propaganda exercise. As a result they are claiming messages of support from throughout the region, from people far enough away to be unaffected by the development. A further complication is an application for a large Sainsbury store at White City, also close to both the proposed MegaTesco and Chorlton's shopping centre.

Whilst the Trafford consultation period is over, the campaign is urging people to write to the Government Office North West urging that the application be 'called in' - for further details on the background and how to do this see NoMegaTesco

Below is a response from Margaret Westbrook, Stretford Green parliamentary candidate, to the Cricket Club's latest press release.

"People must be made aware that the NoMegaTesco campaign is NOT against the development of the cricket ground. What we are against is the basis upon which the application has been submitted – to build one of the biggest Tesco’s stores in the country. We believe financial support for the development could and should be found from elsewhere.

The statistics provided by LCC are meaningless – as most people have signed up to this because they want the possibility of the Ashes tests and international matches here. Many of the so called supporters probably do not understand that to allow this planning application would be to make a mockery of both the council’s stance and the government’s decision on a Tesco store half the size only 3 years ago. The vast majority of pledges of support from the LCC’s website are from people who do not live in this area. We have, however, handed in petitions, showing the opposition of over 700 local people to the Tesco element of the application.

Tesco has been and still is able to build a local store of the size of the Sainsury’s in Urmston. What’s more it has recently been made clear that Sainsbury’s intend to build a store of approximately half the size of the MegaTesco application only a few hundred yards away in White City Retail Park, which apparently cannot be refused. Our community will be completely dominated by large supermarkets with fewer local businesses, congestion, less green space and no guarantee of the further regeneration to the area which has been claimed."

Talk Chorlton - stopped talking?

Heard anything recently about the consultation on the shopping precinct, which was carried out by Talk Chorlton? We were promised results early in 2010, but there has been no inkling from their website as to when this will happen. I have made repeated phone calls to them, and have been informed that someone will phone me back. I await with anticipation.

Chorlton Event Guide - February

2010-02-10T20:37:00.007Z

Greens call for cheaper bus fares

2010-02-09T19:15:00.005Z

Brian Candeland and the Chorlton Greens team are calling for Manchester City Council to take advantage of new legislation and cut bus fares, improve services and boost Chorlton's economy.

Quality Contract Schemes, available from last month under the amended Local Transport Act 2008, would allow Mancunians to regain control over the quality, availability and cost of their public transport system. "Cutting bus fares is the right thing for everyone in Chorlton." says Brian, "Thousands of residents will feel the benefit in their pockets, and everybody will benefit from reduced congestion on our roads as more people take advantage of cheaper buses. This in turn will make our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians".

Manchester's bus companies have no obligation to run services for any other reason than to make a profit. In the past decade the cost of motoring has fallen by 13% in real terms whilst bus fares have risen by 17%, while operators have cut back on bus routes that connect local people with services, health care, jobs, and neighbouring communities.

Residents of neighbouring areas currently find it easier to access the city centre rather than Chorlton, putting our local business owners at a disadvantage to large city centre companies. Making it easier for communities to the east and west of us to access Chorlton would benefit local businesses, bring new jobs to the area, and enrich our community.

"As your elected Councillor I will push the Council to improve our transport system so it works for our community and not just for the bus companies. We must take this opportunity to provide Chorlton residents with cheaper fares, better services and a safer, more pleasant environment".

2010-01-16T19:41:00.002Z

Manchester Green Party wholeheartedly welcomes the outcome of Thursday's Council Planning Meeting, concerning the proposal for Chorlton Meadows.

The proposal, to build football pitches across the Hardy Farm part of the Meadows, including floodlighting, and an all-weather pitch, had been vigorously opposed by local residents and environmental campaigners in the area. It has been described in more detail in previous blog posts.

The meeting was witnessed by about 80 members of the Save Chorlton Meadows campaign. As the topic was discussed the councillors on the committee voiced a range of objections to the scheme, and unanimously asked the planning officers to overturn their earlier consideration to approve, and provide reasons for rejection. Before the final decision, which would clearly have been rejection, the developers withdrew their plans and stated that they would not take it to appeal.

Green Party Candidate for Chorlton, Brian Candeland, (pictured at the Meadows) was present at the meeting, and said:

'This is a great victory for people power, and a huge tribute to the enthusiasm and hard work of the Save Chorlton Meadows campaign. Of the very many responses raised in the planning process 87% were opposed to the plans, and the Facebook Group for the campaign achieved over 6000 members. As a result a beautiful local amenity has been preserved for all the community. The cross-Party support in the Chorlton area has also been a great help.

This isn't necessarily the end of the matter however; the developers can always return with revised plans. We support the establishment of a village green on the meadows, to provide future protection.'

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T15:15:00.005Z

Happy New Year to all – it promises to be an eventful one on the political front!

Save Chorlton Meadows: The site visit by the planning committee councillors on Thurs 14th Jan. mentioned in the previous blog post will be at 10.15 am, (please arrive a bit before then if you want to be there). The Planning Committee meeting to decide on the proposal will be at 2 pm in the Council Chambers in the Town Hall extension on the same day.

Chorlton Precinct:
the consultation on the precinct ended on 21st December; regarding next steps, the Talk Chorlton website states that “the results will be analysed and used to inform the development of a district centre plan early in 2010. The consultation report and responses received to this initial stage in the production of the future plan for Chorlton district centre will be published on the TALKChorlton website. We will of course notify people who have made representations when this document is available.”. I'll post if I get any more definite information.

Core Strategy – What's the Plan for Manchester for the next 20 years
The consultation period for the City Council's Core Strategy (mentioned in the 29th November blogpost) ends tomorrow, 4th Jan. and despite it's influence over planning in Manchester for the next 20 years, it has probably passed most people by. Manchester City Council seem to struggle with engagement. I have made a number of comments on the proposals, and have blogged on the city-wide aspects on my Mancunian Green blog.

Regarding specific references to Chorlton, the document is quite complimentary but the reference to 'some capacity for additional food retail' rings warning bells; it sounds like code for a large chain supermarket. This area attracted more comments than most in the plan, in addition to my own comments, with a large number from the Keep Chorlton Interesting (KCI) campaign.

On population, Chorlton is expected to get very few of the extra 100,000 people between now and 2027. High-density development is deemed to be appropriate only within the district centre. Outside the district centres priority will be given to family housing, where it meets the needs of elderly people or where it adds to the stock of affordable housing.

The strategy document, plus comments can be viewed here.

Keep Chorlton Interesting are also opposing the huge Tesco planned for Old Trafford. Below is the content of an email which Debbie Ellen of KCI has sent out to supporters:

“We need people who live in Manchester City Council's area to formally request that the Local Authority object to the planning application to build a 166,857 sq. ft store as part of the re-development of the LCCC ground. [planning application number: 74393/FULL/2009]

You'll have seen a few messages relating to this recently, and I'd only stress how vital it is for independent traders in Chorlton and elsewhere that this store does not go ahead. If you feel its too big a fight, then don't be put off - residents of Kirkby managed to stop a similar development going ahead in their town (a link between a massive Tesco and a new ground for Everton).

During the last round on this site (2004-2006) Manchester City Council did oppose the application for a smaller store - so its hard to see why they won't come out and oppose it again.

In 2005 Peter Babb, head of planning wrote: "it would appear that the size of the proposed out of centre store, the potential large element of comparison goods provided and its close proximity to the district centres of Chorlton and Hulme, present a threat to the vitality and viability of these centres, in particular Chorlton."

If they were concerned about the impact on local centres of a store that was 88,095 sq, ft in size why would they think that one that is almost double that size is going to be OK??? The comparison goods element of this proposed store is 5026 sq. m or 54,099 sq. ft - larger than the convenience (food etc) element [4282 sq.m or 46,091 sq. ft]

What we'd like people to do is to write to their local councillor, and ask them to raise this issue within the Council. It needs to be done swiftly, because the application will be considered in February, and we all know how long it can take for things to happen in local government!

You can find the email address for your local councillor here

Even if you know that your Councillor wants the Council to object, please write an email to them - the more of you who do the stronger their case will be.

Please quote the planning application number: 74393/FULL/2009 (and if you remember, cc your email to this address).

It would also be great if you objected personally - you don't have to be a Trafford resident to do this. You can find information at no mega tesco

Thanks for your time.”

Friends of Chorlton Meadows (not to be confused with the Save Chorlton Meadows campaign) run conservation events; the nest one is:

Sunday 10th January 2010 - start 10.30 am until around 4 pm (but no obligation to stay all day)

Scrub Clearance around Ponds on Chorlton Ees

Meet: Chorlton Ees car park

Note: The ponds on Chorlton Ees are surrounded by small trees and scrub – they need to be opened up a bit to let more light in (and less leaves).

The Meadows - Decision deferred

2009-12-20T19:32:00.006Z

Weekly Update:

'Save Chorlton Meadows'Thursday's City Council Planning Committee meeting deferred any decision until after a site visit, to take place on the morning of January 14th., with the next Planning Committee meeting due in the afternoon. The meeting was attended by a very large contingent of 'Save the Meadows' campaigners, - around 40 - 50 I would say, far outnumbering the councillors on the Committee, and hopefully conveying to the committee the strength of feeling in the area against this application.
The campaign urges as many people as possible to be at both the site visit and the Planning Committee meeting on the 14th.
Times: Site Visit - tba , but will be morning
Planning Committee meeting, 2pm - Main Council Chamber, Town Hall extension

No Mega Tesco campaign:
There is an http://www.nomegatesco.org.uk/component/jforms/1/64online petition. However, please take the time to write in as an individual. Please see earlier blogposts for more information, or visit the campaign's website where you can find a sample objection letter. Objections can be sent by email rather than letter. Emails should be sent to simon.castle@trafford.gov.uk and development.control@trafford.gov.uk

Campaign spotlight: - Many Hands Cafe
Whilst the first response of many might be - 'what - yet another eating establishment in Chorlton?', this venture promises to be different. The vision is to create a Community Cafe in Chorlton, Manchester, selling vegan local food and providing a space to promote local artists and bring different groups together. The group are currently looking for premises - not an easy task in the present climate.

They already put on occasional evenings of entartainment - usually at St Clements Church - I attended one last night and the mulled wine and mince pie was very welcome on a cold wet night. For more information see their website or Facebook page

Brian Candeland, Green Party Chorlton candidate wishes everyone the very best for the Season and for the New Year !

Chorlton Meadows – the Threat Increases!

2009-12-13T10:57:00.002Z

Planning Committee meeting this Thursday (17th)

Despite the huge number of objections from Chorlton residents, Manchester City Council's Planners have seen fit to approve the proposal to build football pitches on the meadows between Hardy Farm and the River Mersey (as reported in the
.South Manchester Reporter.

This news did not deter a large gathering of campaign supporters on Chorlton Green for a carol service last night (Saturday 12th) organised by the Save Chorlton Meadows campaign. In fact the attendance was such that tickets for mulled wine + mince pies ran out well before the crowd had fully gathered.

The Council Planning Committee (Councillors) meet this Thursday (17th December), This takes place from 2pm on that day, in the council chambers, level 3 town hall extension.

A site visit has been requested which should defer the final decision until January. However this is not definite, and the decision could be taken earlier. Therefore the Chorlton Meadows campaign is urging everyone who can make it to go to the Planning meeting this week and show the strength of the campaign.

Other events:

AfSL launched their 'Green Christmas' campaign yesterday with organisers in green Santa hats outside the Post Office.

They have a series of events between now Christmas Day, including Rubbish Revamped recycling craft workshops, a Sustainable Christmas Dinner Workshop, at Chorlton High School on the 17th December, and an Outdoor Treasurer Hunt at Chorlton Ees on Sunday 20th (meet opposite the Bowling Green Pub) 12 noon-3.30 pm.

for more details of these and other events email Ali Thomas at ali.thomas@afsl.org.uk

Final Reminder for replies to the Talk Chorlton consultation – closing date is Mon 21st December

2009-12-07T21:08:00.003Z

Event coming up

12th December - Save Chorlton Meadows Campaign Carol Service
Following the success of the picnic on the Meadows a few weeks back, the organisers have decided to hold a Christmas Carol service on Chorlton Green, from 6 pm - 7 pm

Mulled wine and Mince pies provided courtesy of
Horse and Jockey. (They'll also provide indoor alternative if the
weather's bad.)

South Manchester Reporter will be there.

If possible, please bring a lantern, candle and a means of lighting them.

More information here

Chorlton Precinct Consultation Deadline coming up - the closing date for taking part in the 'Talk Chorlton' consultation about the precinct is 21st December.

Victory for Longford Park!, and What's the Plan for Manchester

2009-11-29T18:27:00.010Z

Victory for Longford Park

Firstly, congratulations to the Friends of Longford Parkon winning the People's Millions on ITV last Wednesday. The prize is £50,000 towards a scheme which will:

. Transform the deteriorating rose garden into a beautiful garden.
• Use the latest sustainable technology to restore running water to the ornamental rock gardens.
• Provide the opportunity for young people from local schools to be involved in all aspects of transforming the gardens.
• Develop an education pack for local schools.

FoLP Founder and Green Party candidate for Longford ward Margaret Westbrook expressed her delight at the win: "This is the culminations of years of work and preparation and will really make a difference to this great local amenity on the Stretford / Chorlton border. FoLP would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted last Wednesday to make it happen."

What's the Plan?

The City Council's Local Development Framework (LDF) is all about the long-term Planning strategy. Occasionally a different bit of the process surfaces bearing an obscure name, and inviting 'consultation' from the Manchester citizenry - at least that's the idea.

The latest such manifestation is the Core Strategy Proposed Option document; I attended a drop in session on this at Chorlton Library last Thursday and was directed to the Council's website for the bulk of the information - see here. There is a consultation event about this at Manchester Town Hall on Tues 8th December; there are 2 sessions (afternoon and evening) which are already booking up and anyone interested is encouraged to contact planningstrategy@manchester.gov.uk

Disgust at Grave Desecration
On behalf of the Green Party I would like to express my total disgust at the desecration of Muslim graves at Southern Cemetry, which has happened for the third time in only a few weeks. It is clearly part of a growing pattern of racist attacks on Muslim people, which has worsened following the shameful election of the BNP to the European Parliament, and the increasing demonisation of Muslims in the media and elsewhere.
It was good to see the breadth of support for the vigil today across the political and religious spectra, and also the amount of attention from local media to the event.
These racists must be stopped.

Events coming up:
Unicorn Gocery - Meet the Producers - Wed 2nd December, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm at Unicorn
Stories and samples from 12 of the growers, bakers, brewers and other producers, plus one of the overseas projects supported by the shop. Tickets in advance £2 - redeemable against purchases on the night (also includes mulled wine and nibbles).

Community Action Evening against Trafford Mega-Tesco: Thurs 3rd December, 6-9pm at Gorse Hill Church Chester Road

The campaign is holding a Community Action Evening (Drop In) next Thursday evening when people can come along and write a letter to the council. There will be some key points ready to slot into your letter if you need them.

They hope to be able to have internet access as well, so people could send their letter/email on the night.

Weekly Update

2009-11-22T10:20:00.006Z

Events this week:

Weds 25th: ITV's people's Millions - Vote Longford Park A scheme to transform part of Longford Park is one of two schemes shortlisted for a £50,000 Lottery award - and it needs your vote on Wednesday 25 November to secure the funding.
The scheme will feature on Granada TV's evening news programme on Wednesday 25 November. It includes a redesigned rose garden and restored water garden - all with green technology and led by young people; see FoLP.
Voting phone lines will open at 9am on this day and close at midnight. The number to ring will be published at 9am on the following website:-
The Greening of Longford Park"
Calls on a BT landline cost 10p and you are allowed to vote a maximum of ten times.
PLEASE show your support and encourage people you know to support this bid.

Thurs 26th: Core Strategy Consultation As part of the City Council's 'Local Development Framework (LDF)' City Planners will be holding informal drop-in sessions in your local area to help explain the draft Core Strategy document and answer any questions you may have. The session for Chorlton is on this day, at Chorlton Library (Meeting Room A)
5.00pm – 7.00pm.
This all sounds very dry and obscure, and has hardly been publicised by our beloved Council, but it will influence planning in the City for the next 20 years, and is therefore extremely important. For more information or to pre-register to take part in a discussion event at Manchester Town Hall on the 8th December,
Call: 0161 234 4579
e-mail: planningstrategy@manchester.gov.uk
Visit: www.manchester.gov.uk

Campaign Update - Stretford Mega Tesco

The plans for this are now online Reference is 74393/FULL/2009 - scroll to the bottom of the page and click on View Documents and Plans. There are actually 120 documents listed (Transport Assessment runs to 243 pages)- but not all will relate directly to the supermarket. Campaigners are currently digesting the figures but the overall size seems to be even larger than they were told during the consultation. Target decision date is 10th March 2010.

Weekly Campaign Update

2009-11-15T20:38:00.006Z

Chorlton Meadows campaign - Planning Meeting deferred
The date for the Planning meeting to consider the football pitches application has been put back to 17th December; this is to allow more time for responses from the public (see earlier posts for more information on this campaign). Further to that Planning meeting a site visit is planned for the morning of 14th January 2010, with a decision to be made that afternoon.

Trafford Mega Tesco - the Plans have been submitted!
The plans have been submitted, but aren't available for public scrutiny at the moment. According to the accompanying press release, it appears that the size of the Tesco store has been reduced somewhat from the earlier figure of 147,000 sq. ft., to 100,00 sq. ft. It seems that Stretford Leisure Centre has avoided the chop but the Police Station and Trafford College look set for closure/relocation.

Officially, there are 3 weeks within which to analyse the plans and lodge objections. Hopefully, due to the sheer scale of the development, there will be some sort of extension to this.

The campaign against the MegaTesco working group are meeting on Tues 17th Nov. 7.30pm at Gorse Hill Church on Chester Road, and welcome new people to get involved.

Other Upcoming Chorlton Dates

Unicorn Gocery - Meet the Producers - Wed 2nd December, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm at Unicorn
Stories and samples from 12 of the growers, bakers, brewers and other producers, plus one of the overseas projects supported by the shop. Tickets in advance £2 - redeemable against purchases on the night (also includes mulled wine and nibbles.

People Power on the Meadows!

2009-11-08T16:31:00.008Z

A picnic on Chorlton meadows organised by the the Save the Meadows campaign
attracted about 250 people this afternoon. On a cool,overcast but dry afternoon, they celebrated this beautiful local amenity. Chants of 'ditch the pitch' and 'don't yield the field' were interspersed with balloons and ballgames, whilst local entrepreneurs sold home-baked food (70p for a cake and a hot chocolate drink - delicious and great value). At one point a buzzard soared high overhead - hopefully a good omen.

Picnicers were informed that 1000 letters of objection had now been received against the proposals, a remarkably high number. For my own part the more I think and know about this proposal the worse it seems. From the centre of the meadows field where the picnic took place, one gets an idea of the size of the development. The developers claim that there is insufficient capacity for footballers in South Manchester, particular for youth football. Well, on my walk down this afternoon, through Chorlton Park, I noticed that only 2 of the 5 pitches there were being used. As I commented earlier this is clearly a commercial development.

Whilst local Labour councillors have joined Lib Dems and the Green Party in opposing the development, the Council's Leisure Dept. are apparently supporting it. And whilst it is true that the Council is obliged to consider any planning application submitted to it, there is a pattern of threatened green space across the city.
Opponents of the development from further afield include Prince Charles and Mike Harding; Mike's letter of support made reference to Manchester's position at the bootom of the charts when it comes to park provision. The application is still due to be heard on 19th November; let's hope the Council does the decent thing on this occasion and boots it out of play.

Events coming up this week in Chorlton:

Weds 11th 8 pm - meeting at St Clements Church for a 'Sustainable Christmas Campaign' organised by Ali Thomas (ali.thomas@afsl.org.uk),
Local Project Mangager for Chorlton for AfSL

Fri 13th, 7.30 pm - Friends of Longford Park are having a Quiz night at the Irish Club, - tickets £6, including food. Enter a team with your friends and/or family or join in yourselves. For further information contact: 0161 2866979

Meadows deadline this week! and other updates.

2009-11-01T11:02:00.003Z

The deadline for replying to the City Planning Department on the Football pitch development on the meadows is this Friday, 6th November. As there has been a change in the original proposal, even if you submitted a response before, it’s worth submitting again. Information on the City Council’s website at Planning or at the Planning Division reception in room 7017 of the Town Hall Extension between 9 am and 4.30 pm Mon to Fri. See previous blog posts for background and other information.

Picnic on the Meadows event

Next Sunday 8th November 2009 at 2pm the Campaign to Save the Meadows invite everyone to come along and picnic on the meadows! In their own words:
”Bring along your sarnies, flasks and anything else you'd like to. We plan to use the meadows for an hour to prove this "derelict land" IS USED!
Please pass this on to as many people as possible. THE MORE THE MERRIER!

Regardless of the weather this is still going ahead so bring your brollies, woolies , wellies ! :)
please bring yourselves , friends, families, dogs, kites , music , picnics ... Your presence to show how much the meadow is loved.”

The Lost Plot

Not the gunpowder plot which will be ‘celebrated’ this week, but a Permaculture allotment community based just off Nell Lane (near Southern Cemetery). Nestling amongst endless greens, brown, yellows, oranges, reds, purples and blues of all the growing are a home-made green house, a social area (with fire pit), a rescued shed (plus extension), a curvy pond and railway-sleeper herb spiral. As well as rustling around in the earth, they also have performances and gatherings and run workshops.

This will be the first of a series of mentions of green/greenish initiatives in the Chorlton area .

The Lost Plot celebrate their 4th anniversary this month and are holding a Birthday Bonfire bonanza next Sunday (8th) at 6 pm. As well as a bonfire, this will feature a Barbecue (both meat and vegetarian) and fireworks. (Hmmm I’m turning a blind eye to the carbon impact in plugging it, as it’s presumably just once a year… )

See here for more information on Permaculture in Manchesterand
Permaculture in general The Lost Plot also have a Facebook Group

MegaTesco Update:
No full submission of plans last week: recent news is that Tesco have submited some documents to Trafford’s planning department, but not the full application. It may go in this week.

Weekly Campaign Update

2009-10-25T10:24:00.006Z

Chorlton Meadows

There have been some amendments to the plans put forward for the football pitches; these have been submitted without any consultation with local residents. The amendments are minor, effectively moving the floodlight pitch out of the Site of Biological Interest area but closer to nearby residents.
The all weather pitch plus floodlighting is planned to be operational every weekday evening until 10 am, making this clearly a commercial development.

Local campaigners are calling for objections to the new plans, prior to November 19th, when the developers are hoping for a decision prior to applying for funding in January.
For full details see new plans

Sunday Nov 8th - Picnic on the Meadows. 2pm - 3pm at the threatened meadows site. For details of this see the Facebook Event.

No Mega Tesco Campaign

The demonstration last Wednesday (21st) outside Trafford Town Hall achieved good coverage in the Manchester Evening News
Greens from Trafford and Manchester were among around 40 demonstrators with placards reminding Trafford's councillors of their own policies with regard to protecting local shops. Judging from the response of passing motorists and pedestrians, the campaign against what would be one of the UK's largest Tesco's has widespread support.
The application is now expected to be submitted this week - watch this space...

Campaign Updates - mid October

2009-10-18T13:34:00.004+01:00

Campaign against Trafford MegaTesco

Demonstration: Wednesday, 21 October 2009 between 5.30 pm and 6.45 pm

Location: Trafford Town Hall, Stretford (the demonstration is to coincide with a meeting of Trafford Council

Talbot Road, Stretford (near the Old Trafford Cricket ground and near the proposed MegaTesco site.

You Decide Voting Event

Wednesday 21 October 6.15-8.30PM (unfortunately clashes partly with the Tesco demo above)

A chance to vote on Chorlton Community Projects,

Oswald Road Primary School, Oswald Road.
You will be told about each of the proposed projects.
- You will be able to vote for projects you feel will bring most benefit to
Chorlton.
- Chorlton residents of high school age and above can vote.
- Successful projects will be announced on the night.
- Entertainment and refreshments provided.

Contact Katrina Keane, Ward Co-ordination Support Officer for Chorlton &
Whalley Range ( e: k.keane@manchester.gov.uk; t: 0161 234 4373) for further
details or to let them know if you are attending.

Chorlton 'U Decide' is being funded via Cash Grants through Manchester City
Council.

Quiz Night in aid of the Medical Foundation for the care of Victims of Torture
Sunday 1st November 7.15-7.30 pm Irish Club, High Lane Chorlton.

Tickets £5 each, teams of 6, or come and make up a team. Tickets on the door.

Coming Dates

2009-10-13T21:56:00.001+01:00

More dates coming up:

Thurs 15th October - Meeting for anyone who wants to get involved with the organisation of next year's Chorlton Green Festival; 7.30 pm at St Clements Church High Lane. Following the great success of this year'festival, where it was estimated over 3,000 people attended, next year's festival will be on Sat 28th March.

Weds 21st October - over the border in Trafford, demonstration at Old Trafford Town Hall on Talbot Rd (corner of Warwick Road and Talbot Road), against proposed Tesco MegaTesco. 5.30 - 6.45 pm (as Trafford councillors gather for full council meeting). See earlier blog for further information on the development, which will have a major effect on Chorlton and other district centres if it goes ahead.

Campaign updates

2009-10-04T11:51:00.003+01:00

Chorlton Precinct:

There will be exhibitions on the plans on the following dates:

Venue:
Chorlton Precinct The Square @ Chorlton, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AQ.

Time and Date:
Friday 9th October – 2:00pm – 7:30pm
Saturday 10th October – 9:30am – 4:30pm

Throughout the consultation period the exhibition boards will be available to view at Chorlton Library (Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PN.) during normal opening hours. More information at Talk Chorlton

Stretford Mega-Tesco

Following a very well attended public meeting in Gorse Hill last Monday 28th Sept) a campaign has been launched to fight the plans - for a report on the meeting see here Campaign meeting: Monday, 5th October at 7.30pm, again at Gorse Hill United Church -entrance on Wesley Street just off A56/ Chester Road in Gorse Hill, postcode M32 0GL

Chorlton Meadows Campaign

Although the official date for objections was the 1st October, there is still time to object:
ALL letters received prior to the drafting of the planning committee report are summarised and included in the body of the report. All letters received between the report being drafted and the Tuesday before Planning Committee sits are summarised in what is called a ‘Late Representation Report’ This report is published and available to members of the committee prior to the meeting. Any representations received between the Tuesday and the Committee meeting are reported verbally. As far as we are aware, the planning committe sits on the 19th November. GET YOUR OBJECTION IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to make sure it is summarised in the planning report…
More details at Save Chorlton Meadows

Welcome!

2009-09-21T19:52:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the new Green Party blog for Chorlton.
Some key dates coming up:

September 28th - start of the consultation period for Chorlton Precinct.

‘Have your say on the future of Chorlton district centre’

The 3 month consultation is being done by 'Vision Twentyone' in conjunction with Manchester City Council. Consultation material will be available www.talkchorlton.co.uk here.

September 28th - Public meeting in response to threat by Tesco to build a Mega Store near Old Trafford Cricket Ground

7.30 - 9.00pm, Gorse Hill United Church, Wesley St. (off Chester Rd) M32 0GL

For more details see here No Mega Tesco

October 1st - Last day for responses to the planning application to put football pitches, including floodlights and fencing on Hardy Farm Meadows. For more information see Save Chorlton meadows