More planning problems

A couple of weeks ago I reported on dreadful proposals for housing overdevelopment on Wilton Road. Thankfully those proposals were thrown out by the Planning Committee but at tonight's surgery I was met with a delegation from the other end of Wilton Road, or Bank Road and Cliffdale Drive to be more precise, up in arms at a proposed car wash behind the Cleve. Residents are rightly concerned about increased traffic, noise, lighting in winter, and a business entirely inappropriate for and out of character with this residential location. I will be adding my objection to those of the residents and hopefully we will get the same result as at the other end of the road.

Michael Todd, Chief Constable

Michael Todd
We are all stunned at the tragic news of Mike Todd's death. I do not wish to and will not add to the speculation about the causes of this awful tragedy but rather pay my respects and those of Crumpsall's councillors to a man who served us well, transforming Greater Manchester Police since he arrived in 2002 to a force to be reckoned with, delivering neighbourhood policing and reducing crime. He led with energy and enthusiasm and he led by example. He will be sorely missed by his family and his colleagues and my thoughts are with them as we mourn his passing. The Council's Executive Committee honoured Mike this morning with a minutes silence, a small token for an enormous loss.

Planning threat to Wilton Road

Residents of Wilton Road and Bowker Bank Avenue are up in arms at appalling proposals from developer Wainhomes' proposal to demolish 33 Wilton Road and cover the site with as many poorly designed, out-of-character houses as possible. I'm joined outside the house by local resident Joan Milgate who with other neighbours has helped organise opposition to this dreadful plan and has made sure that local residents not consulted directly by the planners know about it. The house types proposed would not fit in at all with the surrounding area and some local residents would have three storey houses built right up to the back of their properties. I have put in a fierce objection to the city planners and hope that when it comes before the Planning Committee this Thursday it will be roundly rejected.

How daft can you get?

Lovely weather for the St.Patrick's Day parade yesterday, earlier than usual because of early Easter, but as always starting off the growing season of festivals reflecting Manchester's rich diversity. Reckon I deserved the pint of Guinness after walking to Albert Square from Crumpsall, joining the enormous parade on Cheetham Hill Road. The silly hat was courtesy of festival co-chair Esther Dolan. The other co-chair, JohnFlanagan, walked the parade accompanied by a silly dog [ depending on your view of Irish Wolfhounds ] and the parade was led by Lord Mayor Glynn Evans in another silly hat but one that goes with the job. There was a fantastic turn out to watch the parade and Albert Square was heaving, especially the little bit of it I'm standing in for this picture. The next big parade is of course St.George's day and I hope the weather is just as good for that.

Recycling - how can we do it better

What a lovely picture of me with a load of rubbish at the Council's Longley Lane depot. I was there to launch a three month Council consultation on what you think we should do to improve recycling in Manchester. The last few years have already since massive improvements in recycling from a miserable 3% to now over 20% but we could do much better. As I go round the ward talking to people and when I attend residents' meetings, recycling is one of the issues most raised . If we are going to recycle more then we have to have recycling services tailored to residents' requirements and that is what this consultation is all about. You can join in by using freephone number 0800 995 1911 ( and be entered into a £500 prize draw ) or by logging on to the Council's website http://www.manchester.gov.uk/