Manchester Riot Clean Up and update from GM Police

This morning I joined hundreds of other Mancunians in Picadilly Gardens to help clean up the City Centre after last night's disturbances. I was really impressed with how quickly the Council managed to clear the debris, by the huge number of people who came out to help and by the local shops, who determined not to let a tiny minority of idiots win, had clearly adopted a "business as usual" policy! Sadly a large number of businesses had seen their premises damaged and there was evidence of looting. I felt very sorry for one family Jewellers shop on Shudehill that John Leech MP and I helped clear broken glass and debris from; they had seen their shutters broken, windows smashed, stock looted and fixtures and fittings destroyed. It is these small independent businesses and their employees that will suffer
most from the mindless violence.

I have just returned from a Greater Manchester Police (South Division) briefing on the disturbances that occurred last night in parts of Manchester. Outside the city centre, the most local trouble seemed to be at the following points:

a) Wythenshawe FORUM (right next to Wythenshawe Police Station). Some people threw bricks at police officers, they were arrested

b) 'Snow and Rock'; and the Carphone Warehouse on Princess Road. Those involved were from Bury and one person was from the local area. They damaged these premises, but they were arrested before they could loot them.

c) Tree of Life centre (a charity: www.treeoflifecentre.org.uk/) was also targeted. The police arrived within 9 minutes of being alerted and quickly dealt with the
situation.

The vast majority of Mancunians take pride in our city and neighbourhoods and don't want to see a repeat of last night's violence and destruction. You can report any signs of trouble to the police using the following email address:
CommunityLiason.SouthManchesterDivision@gmp.pnn.police.uk and of course on 999. The overall message from the Police was that they also are operating a 'business as usual' policy. They plan to step up Policing in the City Centre and the Chorlton neighbourhood policing team has been and will continue to be very visible around Chorlton. The Police are asking Parents to know where their children are and in the event of further disturbances they are asking residents not to go and spectate.

Please feel free to contact me if there is anything you would like me to inform the Police or Council about.

Beech Rd Festival Update

As you may have read in the South Manchester Reporter there were a few problems at the Beech Rd Festival this year (http://menmedia.co.uk/southmanchesterreporter/news/s/1425985_rethink-of-beech-road-festival-after-drunken-yobs-fight-in-chorlton-park). Within 48 Hours of the festival John Leech MP and I sent out a street letter asking for feedback and inviting residents to a street surgery. Since then a large number of residents have contacted us to give us their opinions on the festival. Most people said they really enjoyed the Festival; but there was also a significant amount of people that experienced some problems. The main concerns highlighted by residents have been regarding the litter and clean up afterwards, the amount of drunkenness, the gridlocked traffic and parking problems, the lack of a visible Police presence, the lack of toilets and the results this had, the noise and music in the park, and the general impact the festival has on local residents and its future viability. It is clear that these issues affected what was otherwise an enjoyable and well-attended festival.

Last Thursday a review meeting was convened of the organisers, Beech Rd traders, the Police, and Council Officials. I ensured that all residents’ representations were heard at the meeting and gave a summary of comments to the Organisers, the Police and the Chair, Maria Boylan, the Council’s Ward Coordinator for Chorlton. At the Meeting it was agreed that Maria Boylan will write to local residents about what is going to happen in the future. The meeting paid tribute to the Organisers for running this event successfully for fifteen years, but noted that the numbers have grown significantly in the last few years. The meeting discussed residents’ concerns and in particular the nature and atmosphere of this year’s Festival and the amount of drinking. The meeting heard that there was the same amount of preparation for the Festival and Policing levels as previous years, but agreed that more was needed last Sunday given the pleasant weather and unauthorised Facebook publicity which helped to draw record crowds. The Police have told us they were not as prominent as previous years because they were wearing black T-Shirts rather than their High Visibility Jackets. There was a general consensus that in the future the Festival should be more considerate of resident’s needs and wishes, particularly those of families. I’m pleased that the meeting adopted and developed my idea for a Festival Organising Committee made up of local residents, the Beech Rd Traders Association, the Friends of Beech Rd Park and others which will organise the festival and make arrangements with the Police and Council. Hopefully this way any potential problems can be anticipated and resolved prior to the Festival. It will also ensure that the festival is sympathetic to local needs and wishes.

I’m delighted that so many residents turned up to our Street Surgery (pictured) in Beech Rd Park on Sunday; and I would like to thank those that attended. It gave us another opportunity to listen to local residents and to hear from different sections of our community. Because it was so well attended not everyone got a chance to have their say and some people couldn’t make it; but there is still a lot yet to be decided. As a result I’m conducting a survey so as many local people as possible have their views taken into account. Please let me know if you would like me to send you a Survey to complete. The survey asks your opinions on a range of suggestions that have been proposed. I will present your observations to the organisers and city authorities as a matter of urgency. This survey will help any future Organising Committee to understand the views of local residents and make decisions about the nature and logistics of future Festivals. If you would like to be part of the Organising Committee for future Festivals, please let me know as I am collating a list.

Chorlton Metrolink Open!

I'm pleased to say that the South Manchester Metrolink line is finally open! This morning I woke up at 5.30am to make sure I got on the first tram from Chorlton.

I was one of a few early birds at the St Werburgh's Road stop when the first tram arrived at 05.56. It was great to see the line close up and it was a really enjoyable and memorable experience. 15 minutes later I was in St Peter's Square!

The opening marks the culmination of years of campaigning to bring the Metrolink to Chorlton. The Metrolink will be a fantastic asset for Chorlton. It will help boost our local shops, bars and cafes and provide clean sustainable transport for local residents. The only let down has been the Council's complete failure to address the problem of parking around the Chorlton stop. Promises have been made that
the problem will be monitored but this is little comfort to the residents who face problem parking outside their homes. Please let me know if you experience any problems.

I hope you also enjoy travelling on the Tram soon!

Beech Road Festival

I really enjoyed the Beech Rd Festival Yesterday. The weather was absolutely fantastic which helped to attract record numbers. I understand there were about 10,000 - 15,000 people there yesterday.

I really enjoyed the music in the park, having a chat with lots of friends and neighbors like Ida Bradshaw (pictured) from the Chorlton Civic Society; browsing and supporting the local stalls (I bought a present for a friend from the Belly Button stall), and the delicious Samosas on offer from the Village Tandoori.

This morning I have been contacted about a few small problems. I've reported an isolated incident of anti social behaviour and have asked the Council to ensure Beech Rd and the Park are cleared of litter and rubbish urgently; as it appears that unlike previous years the Council did not do this immediately following the end of the festival. I've let the organisers know and hopefuly next year these problems can be prevented.

I really hope the success of the Festival translated into sales for the local shops and stalls as many of them are finding it very difficult at the moment. If you attended yesterday I hope you also had a great time!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Can I take this opportunity to wish all residents in Chorlton a ‘Happy St Patrick’s Day’ for Thursday. I know many residents here are Irish or like me have Irish connections. Whatever your connection – have a great time.

St John's Church is holding a number of masses throughout the day including one at St John's School at 9am. There will also be a social event at St John's Parish Centre at 8pm.

The Chorlton Irish Association Club is hosting a free St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Children’s Activities, GAA Club final games live, Live Music and Irish Stew for all; from 12:00 pm. Get there quick at there is a free drink for the first 25 to arrive!

Check out the Manchester Irish Festival website for details of what else is on today across the City www.manchesterirshfestival.co.uk

Chorlton Meadows Village Green Application

Yesterday the application to grant Village Green status to the Hardy Farm Playing Fields was rejected by Labour Councillors.

The Application which would have preserved the Meadows for future generations; and which was supported by hundreds of local residents, was thrown out by just 5 Labour Councillors.

Earlier this year I supported local residents who submitted the application to grant Village Green status to the Hardy Farm playing fields because I recognise how valued this land is by local people and its importance to the environment. I’m proud to have fought to preserve these Meadows for the future alongside hundreds of local residents and my Lib Dem colleagues, John Leech MP and Cllr Paul Ankers. Unfortunately yet again the Manchester Labour Party has ignored Chorlton’s residents and failed to take steps to protect our environment from development.

At the Committee I spoke up in favour of the village green application. I told the Committee that by rejecting the application they would be disregarding the views of hundreds of Chorlton Residents. Unfortunately despite a strong Application and widespread support, the Application was rejected by Labour Councillors 5 votes to 3. We are pleased to say that all the Lib Dems at the Committee voted in favour of the application. I feel this judgement echoes the Labour decision last August to grant permission for harmful floodlights at WDCAFC Grounds, which is next to the Meadows.

Whilst my colleagues and I are incredibly saddened by the decision Labour councillors have made we will continue to fight to protect Chorltonville Conservation Area, Chorlton Meadows and the Mersey Valley from development. I would also like to thank the local residents who put so much time and energy into producing the Application; and all those residents who supported it.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this matter further or if I can be of any assistance with another issue.

How Will Chorlton be Affected by the Council Cuts?

Many of you will have followed stories about the Council’s cuts, which go to the Executive committee next Wednesday.

There is some good news for Chorlton. Both the Leisure Centre and the Library stay open. In the past Chorlton Liberal Democrats have fought for Sunday opening at the Library and improved facilities at the Leisure Centre and it is good to see local services being protected at this difficult time. I lobbied the City Treasurer Richard Paver on these alongside my colleague Cllr Paul Ankers. We emphasised how good these facilities are and how needed and valued they were for the Chorlton community.

However, we are likely to see the toilets at the Bus Station close and possibly lose the extra parking attendant we fought for lost. Parking is already a massive issue in Chorlton and this could be a real blow. Local people often raise concerns about parking when the Metrolink starts, so this could make it worse. Unfortunately the Council has also announced that it intends to shut the Barlow Moor Library on the Merseybank Estate.

Interesting news about Surestart & Youth service - both are being outsourced. Surestart works well so I am most worried about that. It is popular and providers need to be as good as currently on offer. There are options, grounds for optimism, but it will require hard work to ensure Chorlton gets the best. Manchester's Youth Service is not currently upto standard so outsourcing may actually provide a better serivce for the CIty's young people.

These are difficult times and we need to continue to fight to protect our public services; but I am confident that the Chorlton Lib Dem team will be able to do this. If you have any questions or comments to make about the Council's cuts feel free to send me an email at victor.libdem@ymail.com.