Summer Solstice on Chorlton Green

Diamond Jubilee Street Party

Job Vacancy at Chorlton Good Neighbours Care Group

Chorlton Good Neighbours Care Group wishes to appoint a part-time worker to support the development of activities with local older men.

This is a two year post starting from July 1st 2012 – June 30th 2014. Salary £7,500 pa

Chorlton Good Neighbours are seeking a person who has experience of working in community settings to join their team of staff and volunteers, and support the work of this well established Neighbourhood Care Group. Car driver/owner preferred.

Part Time Older Men’s development worker, 20 hours per week
The post holder will work for 5 hours per day from Tuesday to Friday
The main duties are:

• To take responsibility for the development and maintenance of existing projects relating to older male service users. These include a small gardening project and a social / activities afternoon
• To visit a number of isolated older men and support them in getting engaged in social activities
• To encourage more older men to get involved in the activities of the Care Group, and to generate additional initiatives which will appeal to them

For further information / application forms contact:

Mrs Helen Hibberd, Co-ordinator
Chorlton Good Neighbours
Wilbraham St Ninians Church
Egerton Road South, Chorlton, M21 OXJ
Tel: 0161 881 2925 any week day morning, except Wednesday

Web: http://www.cgncg.org.uk/ email: goodneighbours@btconnect.com
Closing date for applications : Friday 15th June 2012

Charity Registration Number 1013285

Licence Application: Bistro 1847, 123 Manchester Road, Chorlton M21 9PG

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a New Premises Licence for premises at Bistro 1847, 123 Manchester Road, Chorlton M21 9PG.

Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises only: Mon to Fri 0930 to 2230, Fri and Sat 0830 to 2230

Proposed opening hours for the premises:

Mon to Fri 0930 to 2300, Fri and Sat 0830 to 2300

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 19 June 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of granting of a 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. 

A summary of the application is as follows:

It’s time for the Liberal Democrats to help open up lobbying

After months of scandals and shocking stories coming out of Westminister, our attention is easily drawn to the access and influence that can be bought within our political system. Something David Cameron predicted when he said “lobbying will be next big scandal” and the coalition pledged to create a register of lobbyists.

Unlock Democracy and Greater Manchester for Greater Democracy have team to host

Open Up Lobbying Manchester

Friday 15th June - 7pm

with Michael Meacher MP, John Leech MP,

Spinwatch Director Tamasin Cave & Unlock Democracy Director Peter Facey

Chaired by Manchester Business School’s Prof. Colin Talbot

Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester.

Register for free and get your questions in advance at

http://action.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/MancLobbying

The government held a consultation on lobbying which ended back in April. They’ve shown they’ve listened to the consultation, when both lobbying transparency campaigners and lobbyists together rejected their proposals. Yet whilst acknowledging this, the Tory Minister Mark Harper indicated they were prepared to use delaying tactics. We need to be pushing the political will to get lobbying opened up.

It is in everyone's interest to have a more transparent lobbying system. Please join me in supporting the campaign to Open Up Lobbying.

Weekly list of planning applications for the week ending 11 May 12

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.

099214/JO/2012/S1 Dixy Chicken, 450 Wilbraham Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0AG

Variation of condition no. 2 attached to planning approval 084595/JO/2007/S1 to extend opening hours to 11.00 am to 02.00 Monday to Tuesday, 11.00 am to 03.00 am Wednesday to Thursday, 11.00 am to 4.00am Friday to Saturday and 11.00 am to 03.00 am Sunday

You may remember that there is also a Premesis License variation for this property.

099251/FO/2012/S1 Yeomanry Court Whalley Road Chorlton Manchester M16 8AZ

Installation of 28 PV panels to roof

Pupil Premium worth an additional £1.1million to Chorlton Schools

Last week I wrote about how the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg MP, slammed Manchester Labour for rejecting the Pupil Premium.

Newly released figures show that the Pupil Premium will be worth over £18.1 million extra to Manchester Schools in 2012-13. The figures reveal that Chorlton Schools will benefit by nearly £1.1million; in addition to the support they already receive in 2012/13.

Figures for individual schools in the Chorlton area:

School Name	Number on roll (5)	Illustrative number of pupils eligible for the Deprivation Pupil Premium	Percentage of pupils eligible for the Deprivation Pupil Premium	Illustrative allocation for the Deprivation Pupil Premium 2012-13 (7)
Barlow Hall Primary School	257	153	59.5	£91,800
Brookburn Community School	378	36	9.5	£21,600
Chorlton CofE Primary School	207	33	15.9	£19,800
Chorlton High School	1472	720	48.9	£432,000
Chorlton Park Primary School	629	169	26.9	£101,400
Loreto High School Chorlton	582	340	58.4	£204,000
Manley Park Primary School	406	131	32.3	£78,600
Oswald Road Primary School	431	72	16.7	£43,200
St Ambrose RC Primary School	169	115	68.0	£69,000
St John's RC Primary School	439	57	13.0	£34,200
				1095600

Source:Department for Education

Please get in touch if you require more information or the data for a Manchester school outside the Chorlton area.

The Pupil Premium was set up by the Coalition Government in 2010 to provide additional funding for more disadvantaged pupils to ensure they benefit from the same opportunities as pupils from richer families.

Chorlton Green Family Fun Day - 3 June

Deputy Prime Minister slams Manchester Labour over Pupil Premium rejection

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg slammed Manchester Labour yesterday over their vote to scrap the pupil premium.


Speaking in Deputy Prime Minister Questions in the House of Commons yesterday he said,

“Last year, on a per pupil basis, the pupil premium was worth about £480. It is now worth £600 and will go on to increase. Given those statistics, it is remarkable that Labour in Manchester voted to scrap the pupil premium altogether. How on earth is that going to help social mobility?”

Chorlton MP John Leech said,

“The pupil premium is currently worth £1.25 billion, and that will double to £2.5 billion by the end of this Parliament. That is additional money on top of the baseline funding provided to schools. In Manchester its worth an extra £10m (over £500k to the Chorlton area alone) for our children in 2012/13, it is shocking that Labour put party politics before pupils and voted to scrap this money. ”

In December 2011 at the meeting of Full Council in Manchester, Labour Councillors supported an amendment that called on the ‘Government to make a real difference to the life prospects of Manchester’s most disadvantaged young people by... scrapping the sham pupil premium’.

Chorlton MP pays tribute to one of Manchester’s musical sons

Chorlton MP John Leech has made a Parliamentary tribute to one of Manchester’s musical sons, the Bee Gees star Robin Gibb CBE who passed away yesterday following a long battle with cancer. Robin Gibb, born on the Isle of Man spent his early childhood days with his brothers in Chorlton living on Keppel Road and attended Oswald Road Primary School.

John said, “Manchester has a huge musical heritage and is brimming with talent and creativity; it is stars like Robin Gibb that fuelled the creativity. I think it is important to mark this sad passing by highlighting the true impact bands like the Bee Gees had on developing creativity and talent in south Manchester.”

“Robin Gibb was an immense talent and a true musical legend. I was very saddened to learn of his death, just last week I wrote a supporting letter to grant him a Knighthood. Not only did he give so much to the world of music he dedicated his life to helping others and worked with countless charities to help others less fortunate. He will be truly missed.”

John has laid down a Parliamentary motion as a tribute and celebration to his lifetime achievements which highlighted his impact on the world of music but also his dedication to charity work and helping others.

Early Day Motion was laid down by John Leech on 21 st May 2012 full text below:

Robin Gibb CBE
That this house joins with family and friends from around the world in celebrating the life and mourning the death of Robin Gibb who died of cancer aged 62, for his work and dedication to the music industry as a writer, composer and performer both as a solo artist as well as the world famous music Group The Bee Gees with his brothers Barry and Maurice who were born in the Isle of Man and childhood residents of Keppel Road, Chorlton, Manchester; commends his untiring commitment to making the world a better place by working with many charities including Against Breast Cancer, Variety Club, The Royal British Legion, Comic Relief and the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal; acknowledges his Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music received in May 2004 from The University of Manchester; and wishes that he may rest in peace knowing that the world has benefitted greatly from his dedication and talent.

Weekly list of planning applications for the week ending 4 May 12

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.


098985/FH/2012/S1 30 Finney Drive Chorlton Manchester M21 9DS
Erection of two storey side extension with balcony at rear to provide additional living accommodation.

099149/FU/2012/S1 5-7 Egerton Road North Chorlton Manchester M21 0SE
Change of use of hostel to 2 x 5 bedroom, semi-detached dwellings (C3)

099151/FU/2012/S1 501 Barlow Moor Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8AG
Change of Use from Retail (Class A1) to Estate Agent (Class A2)

099198/FH/2012/S1 10 Whitehead Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9HA
Erection of single storey rear extension to form additionl living accommodation

099241/TCA/2012/S1 33 Meadow Bank Chorlton Manchester M21 8EF
Work to Trees

099268/FH/2012/ 3 Marmion Drive Chorlton Manchester M21 9JD
Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension, installation of dormer window to rear and change of roof from hipped to gable

099280/TCA/2012/S1 13 York Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9HP
Works to various trees
099223/FO/2012/S1 23 Leeswood Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 7LR
Temporary change of use to site office and welfare facility until April 2013

099228/FH/2012/S1 20 Dartmouth Road Chorlton Manchester M21 8XJ
Erection of single-storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory

099230/FH/2012/S1 4 Abbeystead Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 7DP
Erection of a two storey side extension to form additional living accommodation

099236/FH/2012/S1 101 Chelsfield Grove Chorlton Manchester M21 7SU
Erection of a single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation and conversion of existing garage to form living accommodation including elevational alterations

099269/FH/2012/S1 36 Floyd Avenue Chorlton Manchester M21 7NB
Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation

099193/FO/2012/S1 Tiny Estates 390 Wilbraham Road Whalley Range Manchester M21 0UH
Change of use from offices with residential above to a single dwellinghouse, with the erection of porch to the front and 2 storey extension to the rear

099256/FH/2012/S1 13 Dalmorton Road Chorlton Manchester M21 0YQ
Erection of a 2 storey side extension to form additional living accommodation

BUPA Great Manchester Run 2012

I'm attempting to 'Run' the Bupa Great Manchester Run on Sunday to raise money for The Christie Hospital. If you felt able to sponsor me it would be greatly appreciated and would help a fantastic cause! 

To sponsor me please go to:
http://www.justgiving.com/Victor-Chamberlain

Thanks very much!

Breakthrough Prostate Cancer drug to be made available on NHS



John Leech MP and Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer Charity

 Chorlton MP John Leech has spoken of his delight that the prostate cancer drug ‘abiraterone’ has been approved today for use on the NHS in England and Wales by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

John Leech said, “I am delighted that our campaign to get NICE approval has been successful. This is no doubt down to the hard work of the Prostate Cancer Charity along with the Members of Parliament who supported me in calling for NICE to think again”.

Working closely with the Prostate Cancer Charity John Leech was at the forefront of the campaign in getting NICE to overturn their ruling on the drug in February. Mr Leech raised the issue through the Parliamentary Motion 2706 as well as hosting an event in Parliament to spread awareness of the campaign among fellow MPs He also pressed Ministers on the decision through Parliamentary Questions in the House of Commons.

Owen Sharp Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity said:

“John Leech MP has done a huge amount to raise the profile of this issue in parliament and we are extremely grateful to him for all his support.

I am certain that his hard work behind the scenes has proved invaluable to the success of this campaign.”

The news means that suitable men whose cancer has stopped responding to other hormone therapy and chemotherapy will be able to receive the drug without having to make an application through the Cancer Drugs Fund.

HORSE & JOCKEY 500TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

To mark the Jockey’s 500th anniversary, they've lined up a fun weekend commemorating the pub through the ages.

Thurs 17 May - Manchester Morris Men dance on the Green @ 8pm

Fri 18 May - Back to the 1940s, 7pm til midnight

With themed decor symbolic of World War Two Britain, and a special wartime food and drink menu for the evening. Music courtesy of Matt Nickson, aka Matt of Matt and Phreds, aka The Vintage Gramophone DJs

Sat 19 May - The Tudor Era, 12pm til 6pm

Taking it right back to where it all began, with a guest appearance from Sir Robert Cecil’s Men, a touring theatre group. We’ll also have a falconry display and olde English folke musicians. For food and drink we’ll be offering a hog roast and mead.

Sun 20 May - A Victorian Day Out, 12pm til 6pm (gin palace til 11pm)

With traditional rides, donkeys, Victorian characters courtesy of Chorlton Players, circus performers and Punch & Judy for the kids and a traditional gin palace for the mums and dads.

PS Did you know?
Even though the building dates back to the 1500s, the original features of the pub are now concealed within a mock Tudor façade which was erected in 1907 as part of a Victorian redevelopment of the site that saw the introduction of a brewery on the premises. The brewing equipment and machinery remains housed in the outbuildings still seen today.

Chorlton Festival Fun Day - May 19th

Chorlton School launches Gardening Club to teach pupils about growing Plants and Veg

A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to join a group of Chorlton Children and Parents to proudly open their new school garden which they hope will be a fun place for pupils at St John's RC Primary School to learn all about growing plants and vegetables. St John's School offered the group a disused plot of land behind the school to begin their new Gardening Club Project. Thanks to a Council Cash Grant the Group were able to build a contemporary garden including raised planters with a built in bench and a shaded area with a pergola and canvass sail.

The group hope that their project will encourage and promote a healthier lifestyle and encourage children to get involved in the community. They are all ready exploring building links with local Allotments and other gardening groups to share plants and ideas. The Group hope this is only the start of bigger plans to make better use of the school grounds. In the near future they hope to build a larger vegetable and flower garden and develop a nature walk in the school's woodland.

I played a small part in helping the group to get a grant and was very flattered to be invited to open the Garden.  I was so impressed with how the Gardening Club had transformed a rather unloved plot of land into a beautiful and modern garden. I congratulate the parents and pupils for all their hard work. I'm sure the Garden will inspire pupils at St John's to learn more about nature and get gardening!

If you would like more information about how to apply for a Cash Grant please feel free to get in touch with me.

Weekly list of planning applications for the week ending 27 April 2012

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.

099186/NMC/2012/S1 72 - 74 Manchester Road Chorlton Manchester M21 9PQ
Non-Material Amendment to application 094013/FU/2010/S1 to allow for amendments to front ramp, elevational alterations to front and removal of rear door

099038/FO/2012/S1 Barlow Hall Primary School Darley Avenue Chorlton-Cum-Hardy Manchester M21 7JG
Replacement of existing windows to the main school building, after school club and gymnasium buildings with UPVC double glazed windows

099206/TPO/2012/S1 Manor Lodge 51 Manor Drive Chorlton Manchester M21 7JU
Works to tree

099224/NMC/2012/S1 16-30 Foxbench Walk Chorlton Manchester M21 7RE
Non-material amendment to planning approval 095983/FO/2011/S1 to allow alteration to the proposed bay to 16-30 Foxbench Walk involving the reduction in height of the new bays to the central properties

Longford Park Centenary Weekend

It is just a few days now until the Longford Park Centenary weekend commences and you can now see the full programme of events at http://lp100.org.uk/.

The Longford Park Centenary Weekend will be a family friendly event that attempts to offer something to everyone in the community.

As well as music, dance and theatre there will be lots of sports and recreational activities to enjoy for the whole family.

It is also worth mentioning that an exhibition at the Longfords Suite will explore the rich history of Longford Park (http://lp100longfordparkcentenary.org.uk/category/longford-park-centenary-history/) and that over  40 stall holders and 13 Caterers are so far confirmed for the centenary weekend.

Please let your friends and neighbours know about this hopefully very enjoyable community event.

Finally, the conversion work for the Edwardian Bungalow to be turned into a Community Cafe has now been completed. This is a very welcome development and Trafford MBC will appoint a permanent operator to run the community cafe by June 2012. If you would like to find out more then the Edwardian Bungalow Building will open both days of the Longford Park Centenary Weekend (12-13th May) between 11am and 5pm for the sale of hot drinks and snacks.

Licence Application: Rileys, 302B Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M21 8AY

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a New Premises Licence for premises at Rileys, 302B Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M21 8AY.

A summary of the application is as follows:

The application is for a Bingo Premises Licence, to authorise the premises to be used for the provision of facilities for the playing of bingo. In accordance with regulations under the Gambling Act 2005.

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 29 May 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of granting of a 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.

Image from http://www.citikey.co.uk/display/rileys-american-pool-snooker-club-83CN9

Grey to Green

Last year the Greater Manchester Local Records Centre (GMLRC), which is attached to the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU), submitted a bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund - and the bid was successful. The resulting project, which will run for three years, is called 'From Grey to Green' and its aim is to encourage the people of Greater Manchester to appreciate and record the wildlife around them. I know that the Chair of the Friends of Chorlton Meadows thinks that this is a very exciting development and that the group should be involved as much as possible.

Initially Steve Atkins, of GMLRC, will run a taster session on Chorlton Ees - details below:

Wildlife taster session – Sat 2nd June 10.30 to 12.30 at Chorlton Ees. This will be an introduction to the From Grey to Green project, explaining why it is important to record flora and fauna. There will be a walk around the local area demonstrating how the course will teach people to identify and record wildlife. The aim is to explain to people how they can contribute to protecting sites and conserving species through recording and to encourage people to sign up for future courses.

The meeting place will be Chorlton Ees car park which is at the end of the cobbled road off Brookburn Road, Chorlton (the entrance to the cobbled road is between Brookburn Road Primary School and Chorlton Brook).

If you want to know more about the 'From Grey to Green' project, please contact Steve; his e-mail is: stephen.atkins@tameside.co.uk.

Licence Application: Dixy Chicken, 450 Wilbraham Road

I have received notification that an application has been received by the City Council for a Premises Licence variation for premises at Dixy Chicken, 450 Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 0AG.

A summary of the application is as follows:

Trading hours for the provision of late night refreshment:

Mon to Tue: To extend the permitted hours from (2300 - 0100) to (2300 - 0200)

Wed to Thur: To extend the permitted hours from (2300 - 0100) to (2300 - 0300)

Fri to Sat: To extend the permitted hours from (2300 - 0200) to (2300 - 0400)

Sun: To extend the permitted hours from (2300 - 0100) to (2300 - 0300)

Opening hours for the premises:

Mon to Tue: To extend the permitted hours from (1100 - 0100) to (2300 - 0200)

Wed to Thur:To extend the permitted hours from (1100 - 0100) to (2300 - 0300)

Fri to Sat: To extend the permitted hours from (1100 - 0200) to (2300 - 0400)

Sun: To extend the permitted hours from (1100 - 0100) to (2300 - 0300)
 
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 29 May 2012. The Licensing Authority may only consider a representation relating to the effect of granting of a 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.

Why I am supporting an elected Mayor for Manchester

Tomorrow Mancunians will go to the polls to elect one third of the City Council; but they will also have the opportunity for the first time to vote in a referendum on whether they want a Mayor to lead the city that they can elect and influence or the option of sticking with the status quo where the Leader of the Council is selected by a handful of Councillors.

Manchester's Liberal Democrat councillors are supporting a vote for an elected mayor in the referendum because a mayor would be good for democracy, accountability, investment and jobs. Manchester runs the risk of being side lined without an elected mayor. Salford and Liverpool have already backed an elected mayor and next Thursday will go to the polls to elect a new Mayor; and many other key UK cities will be holding referenda like Manchester. Salford and Liverpool will elect politicians with the largest mandate in Greater Manchester and the North West respectively and will have someone championing their cities on a national and international stage. This could seriously erode Manchester's standing unless we too have someone championing Manchester on the same stages. The Prime Minister has said he will create a 'mayors cabinet' to bring our Cities right to the heart of Government; Manchester can not afford to be left out in the cold; particularly in the current economic climate.

In Manchester the current Leader is elected by a handful of Labour Party members; disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of ordinary Mancunians. I don't think this is democratic. An elected mayor would have a mandate directly from the people of Manchester and whatsmore we as citizens can hold them to account. Too often Town Hall Bosses can hide behind Labour's super majority on Manchester City Council and their 'Town Hall anonymity' when they make bad and unpopular decisions. An elected Mayor can not shy away from their record!

I think it is a shame that this is not a vote on whether Greater Manchester should have an elected mayor because that is what we really need. Someone that has the same powers, responsibilities and influence as the Mayor of London but for our city region. It's also a shame that there has not been more debate and awareness about this referendum because it offers so many fantastic opportunities for Manchester.