Ladies Sports Festival - International Women's Day

Saturday 3 March 2012

12pm - 1pm Basketball
1pm - 2pm Tennis
2pm - 4pm Football
4pm - 5pm Rounders
5pm - 6pm Badminton

FREE ENTRY

All Indoors - Strictly Women Only

William Hulme's Grammar School, Springbridge Road, Manchester, M16 8PR

Event organised by Muslim Women's Sport Foundation. For further info contact Lily.Frederick@mwsf.org.uk

Chorlton Big Green Homes on March 22nd

An evening of information and discussion on how to make our homes warmer, more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

Chorlton Refurb presents:

-Local home owners describing successful improvements.
-Energy efficiency experts to answer your questions.
-News on the Government's Green Deal.
-Findings from Chorlton LEAF.

Chorlton homes are some of the least energy efficient homes in Manchester as they are older, bigger than average and solid-walled. What can be done? Chorlton LEAF, funded by Dept of Energy and Climate Change, is a project that aims to find out. 20 comprehensive energy assessments are being carried out on typical Chorlton homes, investigating household behaviour and building performance and making detailed and practical recommendations. All the reports will be available at www.chorltonrefurb.net.

On the night there will be a free prize raffle for a detailed home energy assessment and an opportunity to sign up for a very reduced price thermal imaging survey.

Thursday March 22nd

7pm Refreshments and Stalls
7.30pm Presentations and Discussions

St Clement's Church, Edge Lane, M21 9JF

Licence Application: Zaika, 203 Upper Chorlton Road, Manchester, M16 0BH

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a new Premises Licence for premises at Zaika, 203 Upper Chorlton Road, Manchester, M16 0BH. The application’s Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises are as follows:

Mon to Thurs 1400 to 0000
Sunday 1400 to 0000
Fri and Sat. 1400 to 0130
Also delivery service to regular customers

Proposed trading hours for the provision of late night refreshment are as follows:

Mon to Thurs 1400 to 0000
Sunday 1400 to 0000
Fri and Sat. 1400 to 0130
Also delivery service to regular customers

Proposed opening hours for the premises are as follows:

Mon to Thurs 1400 to 0000
Sunday 1400 to 0000
Fri and Sat. 1400 to 0130

If you have any comments, you can make these directly to The Licensing Unit
(e-mail: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk) or write to: The Licensing Unit, Regulatory & Enforcement Services, Premises Team, PO Box 271, Manchester, M18 8YU by 22 March 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of the grant of the licence on the licensing objectives, which are: Prevention of crime and disorder; Public Safety; Prevention of public nuisance and the Protection of children from harm.

As a local Councillor I can make representations to support local residents; as can John Leech MP (leechj@parliament.uk; 434 3334). If you wish for us to do so, please let us know and send us a copy of any representation you may be making.

Planning Applications in Chorlton

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

096370/FO/2011/S1 - 12 Edge Lane Chorlton Manchester M21 9JF

Creation of a terrace of 4 no. dwellings behind retained façade of original Masonic Hall following demolition of later additions and erection of a pair of semi- detached 3 storey dwellings and a terrace of 6 no. 3 storey dwellings on the adjoining land, along with associated landscaping and parking. Site Plan pictured.


096371/CC/2011/S1 - 12 Edge Lane Chorlton Manchester M21 9JF

CONSERVATION AREA CONSENT for the demolition of later additions to the Masonic
Hall in order to allow the creation of a terrace of 4 no. dwellings behind the
retained façade as proposed under application 096370/FO/2011/S2.


098256/JO/2012/S1 - ZAM ZAM Tandoori, 452 Wilbraham Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0AG

Retrospective variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission 057950 to
amend opening hours to 11.00am to 1.00am Sunday to Thursday, 11.00am to
2.00am Friday and Saturday


098514/NMC/2012/S1 - 5 Meadow Bank Chorlton Manchester M21 8EF

Non material amendment to planning permission 096907/FH/2011/S1 to increase
the height of the first floor bedroom window


098551/TCA/2012/S1 - 27 Meadow Bank Chorlton Manchester M21 8EF

Work to trees


098505/FO/2012/ - 569 Mauldeth Road West Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 7SH

Erection of single storey rear extension to form store


098517/JO/2012/S1 - Charcoal Kitchen 354 Barlow Moor Road Manchester M21 8AZ

Variation of Planning Condition No. 2 of planning permission ref 20957 to allow the premises to operate until 00:30am Sunday to Thursday, and until 02:00am Friday and Saturday

Chorlton MP submits EDM calling for Syrian Ambassador to be expelled

South Manchester MP John Leech has called on the Syrian Ambassador to be expelled following the Syrian Government’s systematic attacks on their own people. An estimated 6000 Syrians have lost their lives, and in recent days Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin lost her life following a Syrian Government attack.

John Leech MP said today,

“I agree with the Foreign Secretary that the presence of a Syrian Ambassador , who is a direct representative of the regime, ‘contradicts the British principles of democracy and humanity’. The logic of that position is that we should expel the Syrian Ambassador.”

John added,

“I hope MP’s from all parties will sign my EDM to send the strongest message to the Syrian Government that we will not accept their behaviour.”

EDM 2729 states

That this House notes that more than 6,000 people have been killed by government forces in Syria for exercising their democratic right to protest; supports the comments of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon that the failure of the Security Council to act is disastrous for the people of Syria and that such violence in unacceptable before humanity; reiterates the calls of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs `that any harassment or intimidation of Syrians in our country is unacceptable and will not be tolerated’ and `the presence of a Syrian ambassador, who is a direct representative of the regime, contradicts the British principles of democracy and humanity’; and calls on the Government to expel the Syrian ambassador from the country.

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Licence Application: Morrisons, 418B Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 0SD

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a Premises Licence variation for premises at Morrisons, 418B Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 0SD. The application’s proposed Trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only are as follows: Mon to Sat - To extend the permitted hours from (0800 - 2300) to (0700 - 2300), Sun - To extend the permitted hours from (1000 - 2230) to (0700 - 2300). Opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun - Unrestricted. To remove conditions set out in Annex 2 1 and 2. To remove restrictions to the sale of alcohol on Good Friday (0800 to 2230) and Christmas Day (1200 to 1500 and 1900 to 2230). Hours for Good Friday and Christmas Day to be same as standard hours applied for.

If you have any comments, you can make these directly to The Licensing Unit
(e-mail: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk) or write to: The Licensing Unit, Regulatory & Enforcement Services, Premises Team, PO Box 271, Manchester, M18 8YU by 13 March 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of the grant of the licence on the licensing objectives, which are: Prevention of crime and disorder; Public Safety; Prevention of public nuisance and the Protection of children from harm.

As a local Councillor I can make representations to support local residents; as can John Leech MP (leechj@parliament.uk; 434 3334). If you wish for us to do so, please let us know and send us a copy of any representation you may be making.

Photo of Morrisons Supermarket in Chorlton cum Hardy kindly shared by R Greenhalgh

Licence Application: Amaya Indian Eatery, 133 Beech Road

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a new Premises Licence for premises at Amaya Indian Eatery, 133 Beech Road, Manchester, M21 9EQ. I believe this is the Old Chapel premises next to The Trevor Arms. The application’s proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises are as follows: Mon to Sun 1100 to 2330. The Proposed trading hours for the provision of late night refreshment are Mon to Sun 2300 to 2330 and the Proposed opening hours for the premises are Mon to Sun 1100 to 2330.

If you have any comments, you can make these directly to The Licensing Unit
(e-mail: premises.licensing@manchester.gov.uk) or write to: The Licensing Unit, Regulatory & Enforcement Services, Premises Team, PO Box 271, Manchester, M18 8YU by 15 March 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of the grant of the licence on the licensing objectives, which are: Prevention of crime and disorder; Public Safety; Prevention of public nuisance and the Protection of children from harm.

As a local Councillor I can make representations to support local residents; as can John Leech MP (leechj@parliament.uk; 434 3334). If you wish for us to do so, please let us know and send us a copy of any representation you may be making.

Hardy Lane Junction to be reopened

I am told that the Hardy Lane/Barlow Moor Road junction will be reopened around March 7th for approximately 6 months. The junction was originally due to be reopened on the 11 February, which was then postponed until 18th February; however due to unforeseen circumstances it has been pushed back to March.

The closure of this junction has created a significant amount of traffic chaos in this part of Chorlton and it's reopening (even for a relatively short period) will be welcomed.

The reopening will entail the Closing off of the Cundiff Road chicane which will stop motorists from exiting Barlow Moor Road via Cundiff Road.In the past there has been several near misses at the above junction and a few cars have been clipped. Cllr Norman Lewis, my Chorlton Liberal Democrat colleague, has asked the Council to urgently look at the possibility of having painted broken white lines at this junction to improve safety.

The closure of Cundiff Road will only be for around 6 months, when it will have to be reopened again to further facilitate other services related to the Metrolink construction working on Hardy Lane.

If you require more information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Chorlton MP introduces Road Safety Bill to Parliament

Chorlton Liberal Democrat MP John Leech, is today introducing a Road Safety Bill in Parliament under the ten minute rule.

The Bill, entitled Road Safety No.3, aims to improve road safety by tackling four main areas; drink driving, compulsory eye testing, child safety and changing a vehicle’s odometer, or “car clocking”.

John came up with the bill following consultations with local residents.

Commenting on the bill, John said: “This Bill would save lives and cut accidents on our roads. I hope the Government takes on board some of my suggestions.” adding that

"The billl hopes to inroduce legislation that will raise road safety standards in this country to a level that is already commonplace in the rest of Europe."

It makes provision for reducing the permitted blood alcohol content (BAC) from 80 mg/dL to 50 mg/dL, a level that is the legal limit in countries such as Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Germany and Canada.

It will also introduce compulsory eye-tests for drivers when they renew their license. Some form of obligatory eye-test already exists in 14 EU countries.

The measures also aim to outlaw the turning back of a vehicle’s mileometer except in specified circumstances.

False mileage costs consumers £580 million a year with just under 700,000 cars thought to be affected. These estimates, however, are thought to be very conservative by industry experts.

John wrote tis article for Politics Home calling for a number of provisions to improve road safety in a bid to save lives, reduce pollution and inspire younger generations to be fitter and healthier.

John is expected to introduce the bill in the House of Commmons at approximately 15.30 today.

Manchester Lib Dem Leader becomes Big Issue Seller for a day

Last Friday Manchester Lib Dem Leader and City Centre Councillor Marc Ramsbottom took to the streets as a Big Issue in the North seller to find out what life is like for vendors of the magazine.

Cllr Ramsbottom sold alongside Big Issue in the North vendor Colin, who sells the magazine outside Manchester's Cornerhouse on Oxford Road. Marc picked up tips of the trade from Colin as he sold the magazine to members of the public and met customers who regularly support vendors.

Before starting his work as a Big Issue in the North vendor, Cllr Ramsbottom visited The Big Issue in the North office where he was taken through the induction process, which everyone who sells the magazine goes through, and was 'badged up' as an official seller. Marc found out about the code of conduct which governs the way vendors sell the magazine.

Cllr Ramsbottom was given five free magazines, as all vendors get when they first sign up to sell the magazine, and then had to sell those magazines using the £1profit he made from each one to purchase more. Cllr Ramsbottom gave the profits he made throughout the day to Big Issue in the North vendor Colin, whose pitch he has sold from.

Cllr Ramsbottom said: "The Big Issue in the North does fantastic work in Manchester and I learnt first hand what it's like to be a Big Issue vendor in the city."

Caroline Price, Director for The Big Issue in the North said: "It's great for us to be able to give people a real insight into what it's like selling the magazine and we're pleased that Cllr Ramsbottom has sold The Big Issue in the North to the city's shoppers and found out more about the way we work."

You can find more information about the Big Issue in the North on their website: http://www.bigissueinthenorth.com/

Planning Applications in Chorlton

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.


098423/FH/2012/S1 - 19 Belwood Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9FN
Single storey rear and part side extension to form kitchen and living room


098470/FH/2012/S1 - 25 Salisbury, Chorlton, Manchester Rd, M21 0SJ
Erection of a single storey conservatory to the rear to form additional
living accommodation including installation of decking


098491/TCA/2012/S1 - 9 St Clements Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9HT
Works to tree


098512/TCA/2012/S1 - 562 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9LB
Works to various trees


098523/TCA/2012/S1 - Flat 1 27 Edge Lane, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9JH
Works to trees

Manchester Labour's £80 Million Cuts Con

You may have seen the alarming front page of today's Manchester Evening News. However it appears not everything is quite as it seems.

"Manchester's Labour Town Hall boss Sir Richard Leese is guilty of dodgy 1980s style accounting, that would make Derek Hatton blush, when he claims that £80Million may need to be cut from the City Council's budget between 2013 and 2015." says Manchester's Liberal Democrat Finance Spokesperson Councillor Simon Wheale, after figures revealed that over 60% of the claimed cut was to pay for increased Council spending in other areas.

Simon added "Richard Leese has spoken in favour of a 'best-guess' report, going before the City Council's Executive on Wednesday, (15th February 2012), which outlines a potential shortfall in resources totalling £80 Million over two years from 2013. However what Sir Richard has utterly failed to do is make clear that a majority of the shortfall arises because the Council wants to splash out nearly £50 Million more on Town Hall spending on Departmental Costs and Corporate Items and would therefore need to find savings elsewhere to pay for the extra spending."

"Genuinely difficult decisions have had to be made at the City Council in the last year for the sake of getting our economy back on an even keel, but this suggested '£80Million cut' is a simple con. A majority of Sir Richard's '£80 Million cut' is actually moving Council spending from one Department to another whilst conveniently trying to blame the Coalition Government."

Councillor Wheale said "This is not the first time that Sir Richard has dressed up extra spending in one area of the Council, leading to the need for savings elsewhere, as Government cuts. In the current financial year well over £30 Million of additional expenditure was agreed, for things such as higher pension contributions and more Social Workers, whilst Town Hall Labour bosses simply blamed the Coalition Government for all the savings that then needed to be made in other Departments to pay for this new spending."

"Manchester will quite rightly receive the second highest Government grant of any Council in the country in the forthcoming year, has Reserves of over £170 Million and has recently committed itself to building three new swimming pools, a new cultural complex and to continuing with the £170 Million revamp of the Town Hall and Central Library. This is good news for the Council which Sir Richard undermines with this £80 Million cut con."

National Apprenticeships Week

This week is National Apprenticeships Week.

I am the Lib Dem spokesperson on the Council's Economy, Employment and Skills Committee. On Wednesday we had a very interesting item about creating apprenticeships in the Construction Industry. I asked about how the apprenticeships created under this scheme are benefiting all areas of Manchester and asked for a break down of the number of apprentices in each ward. I also pressed the Council to pay particular attention to creating apprenticeships in 'Green' construction industries.

I was also delighted that this week Chorlton MP John Leech launched a campaign to get local companies to take on 100 new apprentices in his constituency in the next 100 days.

John met with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to support their work, and is writing to scores of local businesses this week calling on them to take on an apprentice, or an additional apprentice. Next month he is the key note speaker at a Council run apprentice business breakfast at Fielden Park. He wants to visit local businesses across south Manchester to see what more can be done to get more apprenticeships locally.

John said: "As part of National Apprenticeships week, I am launching a campaign to get 100 new apprenticeship in 100 days. It is a struggle for young people locally to find meaningful work, and that is why I am passionate about creating more apprenticeships across south Manchester.”

Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable said:

“National Apprenticeships Week is the time to celebrate the countless achievements of learners and employers, and to call on more firms to hire an apprentice and enjoy the competitive advantage they can bring to a business.

“I am very proud of the fact that at a time of financial constraint this Coalition Government has prioritised investment in apprenticeships. This has led to the creation of record numbers of apprenticeships combined with tough new standards to drive up quality.

“Apprenticeships are at the centre of the Coalition’s skills policy because we know that they work. Not only do they provide individuals with the skills they need for prosperous and rewarding careers, they also boost businesses’ profits and drive growth in the wider economy.

“We are providing extra help to enable small employers to hire their first apprentices. We will also continue to develop new advanced and higher-level apprenticeships to deliver the world-class skills individuals and firms need to get ahead.”

If you are interested in creating an apprenticeship or know someone that may be please get in touch (victor.libdem@ymail.com; 07947383740).

Planning Applications in Chorlton

Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

Just one application in Chorlton Ward this week:

098373/FH/2012/S1 - 20 Woodside Road, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 0BT
Erection of single storey rear extension following demolition of existing single storey rear extension.

The following applications were submitted in Chorlton Park Ward:

096646/JO/2011/S1 - Loreto High School, Nell Lane, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7SW
Variation of planning conditions 1 and 4 of planning permission 094761/JO/2010/S1 to
retain bunglalow and retain amended car parking layout

098348/FU/2012/S1 - 364 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 8AZ
Change of use from shop Class A1 to cafe/restaurant class A3

Government Supports Second Energy project in Chorlton

I was delighted to learn this week that a second Energy Efficiency project in Chorlton has been successful in their grant to the Government's Local Energy Assessment Fund, which aims to promote Energy Efficiency and sustainability at a local level and was set up by a Lib Dem Energy Secretary.

Chorlton Refurb (in association with Green Chorlton) has been successful in obtaining £38,000 funding from Department of Energy and Climate Change as part of their Local Energy Assessment Fund.

The funding is for:
• Mapping types of property in Chorlton.
• Carrying out 20 detailed assessments of properties in Chorlton.
• Holding an event about the project and energy efficiency work in Chorlton, date to be announced soon.
• Writing a report based on the assessments and mapping.
• Creating an exhibition for display at Chorlton's Refurb stall at Chorlton
Big Green Festival and at other venues.
• Developing the Chorlton Refurb Website into a ongoing resource for people
in Chorlton.

The project has to be finished by March 31st so it's all go!

You can visit the Chorlton Refurb website at: http://chorltonrefurb.wordpress.com/
Please let me know if you require more information.

Manchester Labour take £55,000 off homeless in storage charge plans

I have joined a number of my Liberal Democrats colleagues and "called in" controversial plans by Labour's Town Hall bosses to raise £55,000 from charging people made homeless to store their furniture and belongings.

There is currently no charge for the service, but officers estimate that it costs £25.44 per week to store 3 boxes, £149.11 to move furniture, and £26.97 to access stored furniture. They plan to remove any subsidy and charge people who have just been made homeless the full amount for these costs.

A family made homeless and put in temporary accomodation for three months would incur costs of £479.83. At the suggested repayment rate of £3.50 per week, it would take 137 weeks to pay off.

Manchester Lib Dem Leader Marc Ramsbottom said, "We want to scrutinise these plans. Labour are proposing to take £55,000 out of the pockets of people at their most vulnerable. Once again, Labour are proposing something unfair, and I bet a pound to a penny it will be all the government's fault. The people of Manchester are getting wise to Manchester Labour making things worse for political gain."

As this item has been 'called in' it will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider. If, having considered the decision, the overview and scrutiny committee is still concerned about it, then it may refer it back to the decision making person or body for reconsideration,setting out in writing the nature of its concerns or refer the matter to full Council.

No £336,000 Network Rail bonus says Leech

Chorlton Lib Dem MP, and Transport Select Committee member John Leech today argued that Railtrack’s Chief Executive Sir David Higgins should not receive a £336,000 bonus.

“I accept that Sir David has improved the company. However, he gets a basic salary of £560,000 and I think that is reward enough for the job he does.”

John also criticised the last Labour Government for not dealing with the bonus culture when they were in power.

“Labour set up the system that allowed a bonus like this to be paid. They never voted against a bonus or wrote to Railtrack flagging up their concerns. It is a bit rich for them to ask for action now.”

Planning Applications in Chorlton Ward

Below are the current Planning Applications in Chorlton Ward. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make.

098087/FO/2011/S1 - 2 Vincent Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 9GR
Conversion of basement into two x 1 bedroom self-contained flats

097818/FO/2011/S1 - 55 Manchester Road Chorlton Cum Hardy Manchester M21 9PW
Retrospective Application for change of use to cafe (Class A3)

097857/FH/2011/S1 - 32 Chequers Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9BY
Erection of a single storey rear extension and elevational alterations, together with
the installation of a rear dormer, two rooflights to the front roof slope and a rear
decked area

097915/FH/2011/S1 - 106 Claude Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8DF
Erection of a three storey rear extension and terrace at ground floor level to form
additional living accommodation, and including 1.8m high boundary fencing

098257/LP/2012/S1 - 19 Kensington Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9GH
Certificate Of Lawful Development for the erection of a single storey rear extension

098368/TCA/2012/S1 - 5 Whitelow Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9HQ
Works to two trees

098136/FH/2011/S1 - 34 Vicars Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9GY
Erection of a single storey rear extension and car port at side of property

098255/TCA/2012/S1 - Flat 3 4 York Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9HP
Works to various trees as per schedule

098256/JO/2012/S1 - 452 Wilbraham Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0AG (ZAM ZAM
Tandoori)
Retrospective variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission 057950 to
amend opening hours to 11.00am to 2.00am Monday to Thursday, 11.00am to
3.00am Friday and Saturday and 11.00am to 1.00am Sunday.

Manchester say Twenty is Plenty

Road safety campaigner have joined in celebration with Manchester Liberal Democrats after their motion to reduce the default speed limit on Manchester roads to 20mph became Council policy today.

The motion has received high level backing with Lib Dem Transport Minister Norman Baker MP giving it his full approval, “I will be very happy to meet Councillors next time I am in Manchester, and look forward to the Council taking forward the increase in the use of 20mph limits which I have made possible.”

I propposed the motion at this morning's Manchester City Council meeting and was passed unanimously (a rare event in manchester).

I am absolutely delighted that the Council has agreed to adopt this policy; Chorlton residents often raise this issue with me on the doorstep. This policy will now mean that Manchester roads are safer with far fewer needless road deaths and casualties. It will also make our roads user friendly for everyone.

John Leech, Chorlton MP and winner of Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Year (2008) said, “I’m delighted that the Liberal Democrat motion was passed today.
I first introduced a bill in Parliament in 2007 to get the previous Labour Government to reduce the default national speed on residential roads to 20mph. Today I’m very happy Manchester has backed my proposals and have taken a stance in making our roads safer.”

John Leech was awarded BRAKE’s Road Safety Parliamentarian of Year in 2008 for introducing a 10 minute rule bill on reducing the the default national speed on residential roads to 20mph.

A report on making Manchester’s roads safer will now be prepared by Council officials for consideration by the Council’s decision making Executive Committee.