TALKChorlton Consultation

I am very proud of Chorlton’s lively and prosperous shopping centre and our strong Independent shops. However more could be done to bring the centre into the 21st century and make it more accessible; to ensure that our local shops flourish well into the future.

That is why I was disappointed by the delays to the Council run consultation on the future of Chorlton district centre, which finally started in late September. It is costing local residents over £28,000 yet the survey is not very detailed, and they are not consulting door to door or by post. However it is so important that all local residents take part in the consultation and have their views heard.

The Council has already decided that Chorlton needs another supermarket. However I don’t believe local people want one; and I would be very concerned that any new supermarket could damage Chorlton’s unique character. We already have an excellent mix of shops in Chorlton, and the Council should be encouraging our independent sector.

It is so important that local resident’s views are at the forefront of any changes in Chorlton and that the Labour Council and developers don’t force through their plans. I hope all local people put their views forward as this is our opportunity to have our say on Chorlton’s future; and to achieve long term change in Chorlton.

Surveys are available in Chorlton Library or online.

Labour ignore local people and force through cottage demolitions

I was very disappointed to find out today that the Labour run Planning Committee has ignored local residents and 15 Wythenshawe councillors and forced through plans to demolish two cottages to make way for a freight terminal and 4 lane dual carriageway at Manchester Airport. Only Labour Councillors on the Committee voted for the plans.

I support a sustainable Airport, but this development is completely wrong. Perhaps this is why the Council didn't include the airport in their Climate Change plans! It also raises the question of what is the point of electing Labour Councillors if they can be so easily ignored by their Labour colleagues. Like the closure of Ewing School, this is another example of Labour ignoring the wishes of local people.

Autumn Leaf Sweeps

The Council arranges regular leaf sweeps of roads and footpaths during the Autumn when leaf fall is at its highest. However a number of residents have complained to me about the way in which these sweeps are being carried out. In particular local residents are concerned about the lack of notice from the Council about these sweeps. Consequently many residents leave their cars parked on the roads being swept and as a result the leaves are not collected and are left as a hazard on the road.


Today I wrote to the Council asking them to let local residents know about any leaf sweeps on their road so they can arrange for the road to be as clear as possible when the leaf sweepers come, and for the sweeping to be more effective. I will let you know about any response I recieve.



If you have had any problems with leaf sweeping in your area, please let me know at victor.libdem@ymail.com.

Cleaning up Chorlton

Chorlton is experiencing a wave of graffiti tagging. I have been very busy recently reporting lots of vandalism around Chorlton to the Council. Removing bits of graffiti and other vandalism is important to keeping our area attractive and such a great place to live.

I’ve also been getting grot spots cleared, reporting upswept leaves in gutters, reporting potholes and faulty lampposts, and getting overgrown vegetation cut back.

If you know of any graffiti, vandalism or any other issue in Chorlton, please let me know and I will arrange for it to be dealt with by the Council.

Labour Chauffeur Shame

Sir Richard Leese will keep his chauffeur driven car after his comrades in the Labour Party opposed a Lib Dem plan to end the contract. The Scrutiny Committee split on party lines, with the single Tory Councillor abstaining, despite his colleagues in the City criticising the chauffeur in party literature.

I think that given the current recession, people in the city will see this as Labour wasting money on chauffeurs and posh cars. A Chauffeur driven car for the Council Leader is not something Council Tax Payers should pay for. Labour Town Hall bosses are out of touch and have forgotten who serves whom.

I am very proud that the Manchester Liberal Democrats will make a manifesto commitment to reverse this decision should we be come to power in the City.

Council must deliver on Climate Change

I was dismayed to hear that the Council are not spending the £1M put aside for reducing carbon. The money was allocated 20 months ago, but they have dragged their heels.

At the start of the year, the Council produced the Climate Change Call To Action, but it has just been a talking shop so far.

Credit must go to the Council for signing up to the 10:10 agenda, but NOT delivering on that over 20 months would miss the deadline and the point.

Cllr Ankers and I met up with Manchester Friends of the Earth, which resulted in this delightful photo and a good discussion on the longer term challenges we face.

10:10 is only square two. In 14 months time we best not be back to square one.