International Women’s Day at AllFM

A message from the fabulous Vicky Richardson at AllFM.

“Listen up to ALLFM on Tuesday March 8th. Its International Women’s Day and the ladies of ALLFM take over the airwaves from 7a.m-2a.m with interesting interviews, great guests brilliant banter and top tunes.

Check out the schedule and join me on the late shift at midnight for a special edition of NIGHT MOVES when I’ll be chatting to my friend the champion videographer documentary maker and soundtrack composer and musician JO GENDLE about her life and many careers. She will also be premiering her new compositions and bringing in her favourite tunes!”

ALLFM 96.9

https://allfm.org

Vicky’s own show, Night Moves, will be on air from midnight to 2am.

Photos courtesy Vicky Richardson/ AllFM

International Women’s Day at Bluebell Green

International Women’s Day activities at Bluebell Green in Chapel Street Park.

Ukraine Supplies Help Needed

A message from Jamie Whittaker:

“Hello, Jen Savaris and I are flying out to Poland on the 8th of March to bring selected items from the refugee appeal list to Medyka bordering Ukraine where over 50,000 refugees are arriving every day. We are self-funding the trip and limited with what we can bring as we are flying over, we want to give directly to those in need and see what other assistance we can offer whilst there to the amazing volunteering groups already out there and build a relationship with the organisations so we can share that with the people in the UK who want to further support them.

We have an allowance of 160kg to fly out with and the items we need the most to take with us are:

  • Sanitary pads
  • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • Miniature First aid kits
  • Bandages
  • Sudocrem
  • Gloves
  • Warm Hats
  • Packaged soaps

We also have a fundraising page if anyone would like to financially support our efforts whilst out there, after emptying the luggage on Day 1 we will then go and refill a further 160kg each day we are there by purchasing things needed such as food, baby goods and anything else the charities request. Where we can, we are going to try and pass some of the stuff on to those still in the Ukraine and especially those being denied entry into the bordering countries.

The fundraising page is available HERE

BACS bank transfer: Jennifer Savaris, Sort Code: 09-01-28, Account number: 64195110

All donations will be made transparent, and we will be keeping all receipts as proof of where donations are going. If you can support our efforts, we would be extremely grateful. Thank you so much. Jamie & Jen (The Gherkin & Perry’s Pantry Foodbank).

Please drop off at The Gherkin. Let staff know it’s for Ukraine not the kindness kabinet.”

The MEN also has an article about Jen and Jamie’s trip HERE

Free Food Parcels from Madina Masjid & Community Centre

Free food parcels for those in need.

Sunday 27th February, 14.00-15.30 at UKIM Madina Masjid & Community Centre, Madina Masjid, 2 Barlow Road.

School Street at St Andrew’s Primary School

St Andrew’s Primary School will be holding a School Street event next Thursday 17th February at pick-up time (between 2.30pm & 4pm).

Parents are encouraged to make active choices with their children about travel to school. Information will be provided to neighbours this week and parents (including Superkids) early next week.

Access to Broom Avenue will only be possible for residents and those with particular needs. For others who do need to use their cars, there are many places nearby within a 2 minute walk of Broom Avenue that are available to park and walk the final bit, including on the Loop to the back gate of school.

It is hoped that this could be an opportunity for those who are able to make a walking choice to do so.

Thanks to George Reeves for this information.

Proposed Tenants Union

Levenshulme & Burnage proposed Tenants Union

Open meetings to find out the plans and to join up will be held:

Saturday 5th February 2:30pm – Sun in September Pub

Thursday 10th February 6pm – Levenshulme Inspire

Organised by Greater Manchester Tenants Union (part of) tenantsunion.org.uk contactable on: info@tenantsunion.org.uk

Coronavirus Business Grants

Information from Manchester City Council

Financial support for your business


There are now three financial support schemes available to businesses through funding that was announced by the Government to help businesses in light of the Omicron variant.

COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) replaces the right to request a reduction in business rates from the Valuation Office Agency due to COVID-19 and allows us to pay successful businesses a relief of up to 100% of their 2021/22 business rates bill. The fund is limited and only available to businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are ineligible for existing COVID related business rates reliefs.
Read more about CARF and how to apply.

Additional Restrictions Grant top up (ARG) is designed to support businesses that have been impacted by the latest Covid-19 variant but are not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG).
Find out more about the discretionary scheme and how to apply.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) Did you receive a Local Restriction Support Grant last year? If your business offers in-person services on the premises in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors you might be eligible for a one-off Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant payment of up to £6,000.
Check eligibility and apply online.

Happy New Year!

Holocaust Memorial Day 2022

We would like to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2022.

Further information and resources are available from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust HERE.

The video of the 2022 Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony is available HERE.

Walk In Saturday Covid Vaccinations

Saturday pop up Covid-19 vaccination sessions at the Pakistani Community centre in Longsight.

  • 12.00-16.00
  • 29th Jan / 5th Feb / 12th Feb
  • No appointment needed

The sessions can vaccinate from 12 years upwards, so will support the school vaccination programme.

LCA Poster for Active Neighbourhood Consultation

The LCA has provided a poster to inform people about the final Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood consultation that closes on 30 January. Please feel free to download, print and display this poster to help make people aware of the consultation, find out more and gives their views.

Who Owns The City Public Land Map

A new map has been developed to improve transparency around public land ownership and use and to encourage public debate around how this resource can be better used to address social and environmental needs.

The map will allow you to identify land that is owned by Manchester City Council. It will also allow you to explore the privatisation of Council-owned land in the central wards of Cheetham, Miles Platting & Newton Heath, Ancoats & Beswick, Ardwick, Hulme, Deansgate and Piccadilly.

The map is the result of research carried out by Dr Tom Gillespie (University of Manchester) and Dr Jonathan Silver (University of Sheffield) with Greater Manchester Housing Action investigating the privatisation of public land in Manchester. The project is supported by the University of Manchester and ESRC. More information is available here.

To view the map go to whoownsthecity.org

Crime Survey

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is doing a Crime Survey. Tell them about your experiences of crime HERE.

Active Neighbourhood Consultation Extended

The council held the first of the two video calls on the Active Neighbourhood last night (Thursday 13 January 2022). This was an opportunity for people to ask questions about the current proposals / plans.

The Project Team has responded to the request by Levenshulme Community Association and Levenshulme Traders Association for an extension to the consultation. The new deadline is Sunday 30th January 2022. The deadline was extended to 28 January on 13 January and then extended to 30 January on 14 January. Full information on how to comment is available HERE.

The Project Team has finally provided a plan for Grangethorpe Drive (available HERE), another request of the LCA. Unfortunately a summary of the Randolph Street / Balleratt Street proposals is still missing. The online Feedback Survey is still inconsistent with the proposals listed on the website or on the overview map but at least it is now possible to comment on more than two proposals. The Project Team refused to take comments or questions on any of the 14 trial blocks / filters in Levenshulme which have inexplicably been left out of the consultation.

Although the proposals were broadly welcomed by people commenting on the video call there was frustration that the proposals were disjointed and disconnected and opportunities had been missed. The Project Team said they would look at several locations where issues were raised although it seems we are unlikely to see any revised plans before the council starts implementing them if it secures funding.

Data, evidence, reports or analysis to support the proposals have still not been released and it seems unlikely that Manchester City Council or the Project Team will ever publish this information. The claim by the council from the outset that this would be an evidence based, data driven and community led flagship project ring slightly hollow if members of the community are not allowed to see any of this data or evidence.

We still think an extra four days for the consultation is insufficient to allow people to comment and engage fully when many people have still not received letters informing them the consultation is even happening, posters and hard copies of the plans have only just been made available (we don’t know where these are yet) and the online survey has been changed without informing anybody. All these corrections have been made almost three quarters of the way through the original consultation period. This means a possible six week consultation period is effectively only a consultation of two weeks at best with partially corrected information.

Wesley Evans, the Project Manager, announced the new deadline and summarised the process from this point at the end of the video call:

“Just to say I think we’ve heard loud and clear that the consultation should be extended. There were a few technical issues and what we would do is instead of closing on Monday 24th January we will try and now close it on Friday 28th January.

The reason we don’t want to extend it too much is we want to try to get this works completed really and to do so we’ve got a window of opportunity in order to obtain funding there’s a March 2023 deadline so the next step now is we’ll have the further consultation event next Thursday [20 January 2022] and we’ll close the consultation say the 28th January which give us then time to digest and there’s gonna be a lot of people with different views, different recommendations and we need to at least consider that really so there’s gonna be, er, we need to sit down and go through what people are making recommendations.

Then following on from that we’ll take what we call these outline designs and work on what’s called detailed designs so some of the designs may change but I don’t fundamentally see things changing significantly but there may be tweaks there could be some things we have missed and stuff so as I say we’ll work on what’s called detailed designs next.

Following on from that we move into procurement and then once we’ve got a contractor appointed that’s when we’ll look to start construction of the works. The only thing I would also like to highlight the trial say for Phase One was like an 18 month trial and that ceases I think, I can’t remember the exact date, right at the end of June so we may try to look to do some early work to make what we call the temporary filters permanent, erm, so it may be that we start early works on those to make them permanent and then following on from that hopefully not long after it starts to make the actual works permanent with what you’ve seen today how that evolves really so the next stage is very much we try to enter into detailed designs but like I say we will consider everything and try and do as much as we can.

Like what people say we all wish we had billions of pounds to do absolutely everything. Unfortunately we can’t but all we can do is do our best. We have tried to do our best from the word go but unfortunately we can’t do everything but like I say all I can say is we will consider everything and try and do as much as we can.”

Wesley evans, Active neighbourhood project manager, 13 January 2022

Active Neighbourhood Poster and Overview Map

A poster for the final Active Neighbourhood Map and an overview map are now available.

The documents are below and also available for download as higher quality PDFs in the documents section for the project HERE.

The current consultation started on 17 December 2021 and ends on 24 January 2022.

Adult Education Courses

Adult Education courses can help your residents to get connected

The council’s own adult education service (MAES) offer courses In English, Maths, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Digital Skills & Preparation for work as well as the opportunity to train for a career in childcare, education, health or social care.

The courses run in seven adult learning centres across Manchester as well as in many other local community venues.

More information available here: manadulted.org.uk or call 01612196733 or email adult-education@manchester.gov.uk

Call for Active Neighbourhood Consultation to be extended

Levenshulme Community Association and Levenshulme Traders Association have jointly called for the current Active Neighbourhood consultation to be extended. There are multiple problems with the way the consultation is being run. We believe these problems must be corrected and then the consultation should be extended to allow proper community engagement.

The letter and concerns are reproduced below and have been sent on 11 January 2022 to: Levenshulme councillors (Zahid Hussain, Dzidra Noor and Basat Sheikh); Burnage councillors (Azra Ali, Ben Clay and Bev Craig who is also Manchester City Council Leader); Manchester City Council Executive member Tracey Rawlins; Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor); and local MPs Afzal Khan and Jeff Smith. Copied to the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project Team.

Continue reading

Covid Support Over Holiday Period

These are the opening times of the Covid Support Helpline over the holiday period.

Free Food Parcels

Free food parcels for those in need will be distributed today 14.00-15.30 at Madina Masjid & Community Centre on Barlow Road.

Manchester Covid-19 Helpline

Manchester Covid-19 Helpline

There’s a Manchester Covid Helpline. Please use it if you have any questions, want to book a vaccination, need to book a test or need help isolating.

Lines are open every day 09.00-17.00

0800 840 3858 (phone)

07890 036 892 (text)

Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family and your community.

Active Neighbourhood Consultation and Full Plans

  • Information released 17 December 2021
  • Updated with Grangethorpe Drive plan 14 January 2022
  • NEW DEADLINE for consultation 30 January 2022 (announced 14 January)

Manchester City Council has released the final plans for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood today. A consultation is now open for the next six weeks.

The overview map is below. An interactive version that you can zoom in on is available HERE.

Scroll down to see ALL information published by the the council.

How can you comment on these proposals?

View the map and have your say

There will also be two engagement events held on:
  • 13 January 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • 20 January 6.30pm to 7.30pm

If you would like to attend one of these events please email the council’s Project Team at levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk to register your interest. You will be sent details on how to join.

Continue reading

Your Phone Line Is Changing

BT are changing all landlines to a new digital system. This is being rolled out nationally by 2025 but is currently happening in Levenshulme now.

What does this mean?

All landlines will be switched to a digital system with your phone connection provided via the internet / a broadband connection. Your phone will not work without a broadband connection. Any existing phone sockets you have will go dead after you have been switched over to the new system and you must connect your phone via your broadband router / equipment.

If you have any alarm systems, or personal care alert equipment you must check that these will be compatible with the new digital system.

The new system means that if there is a power cut your landline will not work. In a power cut you will not be able to use your landline phone to call emergency services or anyone else. BT was providing battery packs that would provide a couple of hours phone service but these have a limited supply at the moment. Check with BT about availability.

Will my existing phone still work?

Possibly. Recent phones should still work on the new digital system but older phones are not compatible. When you are switched to the new system you are entitled to a new digital compatible phone for free from BT. If you want more than one phone you will have to buy additional handsets. You can get a new free handset from BT and then check whether your existing phones will still work before buying new phones.

Further information is available from BT HERE.

A very good summary is also available HERE

Station South Collecting Donations for Chorlton Food Bank

Pop down to Station South this morning (4 December) until midday to make donations to Emmelines Pantry food bank for women that Lady Pedal will transport in their cargo bikes to Chorlton. New toys and food donations welcome.

Bulb Planting At Cringle Park

Join the Friends of Cringle to plant spring bulbs and be part of Levensbloom (weather permitting) 10.00-12.00 on 5th December.

Community Day At Levenshulme Old Library

Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library on 11th December 12pm-4pm

Levenshulme Old Library has linked up with Creative City to create a community sign that will go outside the library and would love people to join them in creating this, so save the date and come along. There will be cakes for sale and some food as well as some family yoga and massage tutorials

If you would like to come and support the creation of the sign run a craft activity or anything else please get in touch: LevOldLib@gmail.com

Christmas Tree Lights Switch On

The Levenshulme Christmas Lights Switch On Event will be on Friday 26th November on the Village Green.

This is always a highlight of the year and a true community event open to everyone, organised by and for our community. Businesses and groups across Levenshulme come together to make this happen with funding. Thanks to Levenshulme Traders Association for organising everything.

The event starts at 16.00 with Father Christmas arriving at 16.30 and the lights switch on at 17.30. There will be entertainment and guests throughout and free presents to the first 300 children.

It is great to be able to have the Christmas Lights Switch On again this year but please bear in mind that Covid is still a factor in our lives so please be respectful of others and the ongoing advice to ensure a safe and happy event.

Levenshulme Good Neighbours Activities At Inspire

With restrictions easing we’re delighted to announce that LGN are helping to run activities in partnership with the Inspired Taskforce! Stop by the Cringle Suite in the Inspire Centre every Tuesday (747 Stockport Road), open to community members ages 55+.

  • Get your boogie on with Chair Exercise class
  • have a natter at Luncheon Club or
  • give your IT skills a refresh at Computer Buddies.

The chair based Dance Exercise takes place between 10.30 to 11.30 am, while Computer Buddies runs at 1.30 pm till 3.30 pm. And if you are feeling musical you can enjoy a good sing along with Choir at 2 pm!

Drinks cost just £1, and you can get a one pot lunch at 12.30 pm (veggie option available) for just £3. PLUS there’s a raffle, bingo and quiz from Roy. That’s an action packed Tuesday!

If you know an older person who would like to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in contact ray@levenshulmegoodneighbours.org.uk

Levenshulme Good Neighbours

Destination: Bee Network TfGM Survey

Today is the last day of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) survey on the future development of the Bee Network concept.

TfGM say:

“By getting involved in the Destination: Bee Network Conversation, you can help bring the vision to life based on what’s most important to you. Topics include what you’d expect the Bee Network values and standards to be, how safe you feel travelling on the network, the GM bus of the future, and whether you’d like to see dogs and bikes on trams.

There are several ways to have your say. You can complete the Bee Network Conversation online survey, which will be open until 12 November. If you have any questions or need support to complete the survey form, please email: engagement@tfgm.com

Further information is available HERE

Remembrance Sunday 2021

The Levenshulme Community Remembrance Sunday event will be at the War Memorial Lych Gate outside St Peter’s church on Stockport Road on Sunday 14th November starting at 10.45am. All are very welcome.

There will be refreshments served inside of church afterwards and a Remembrance craft activity for young and old to be involved in.

You would also be welcome to join the church service beforehand at St Peter’s at 10am.

In order to keep everyone safe we will be asking all to wear masks and maintain social distancing where possible.

George Reeves, Rector of St Peter and St Mark’s parish Levenshulme

Celebrate Bookshop Day At Bopcap Books

Bookshop Day 2021 at Bopcap Books

To celebrate National Bookshop Day this year Paul Magrs was signing copies of his new book, The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy, at Bopcap Books in the Levenshulme Antiques Village on Stockport Road.

Paul is pictured with Ian from Bopcap Books, Jeremy (LCA Secretary) and, of course, Panda.

You can buy one of these special signed copies of The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy or browse and buy other wonderful books available at Bopcap Books.

The Bopcap Book Boutique

First Floor, The Antiques Village, 965 Stockport RoadLevenshulme, Manchester, M19 3NP

Open Thu-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4

Big Purple Dog Walk

A Mile for Minnie

A dog walk around Highfield Country Park is happening today to show support for a local resident and her dogs and all victims of dog violence. This follows a recent attack by an out of control dog that resulted in the death of another dog and injury and trauma to other dogs and people.

Thanks to Laurie for organising this in a show of love, support and solidarity.

When and where?

START 14.00 (gather from 13.30) at the Bowler Street entrance to Highfield Country Park

FINISH at the Fallowfield Loop entrance.

The route passes through the open green bit where the playground is for some running about, along the freshly resurfaced path next to the golf club, then back down past the Bluebell pond, the little animal graveyard, and picnic area, before following the path next to the stream to the Loop exit and more running around space.

It should be a nice easy stroll, and everyone is free to do as much or as little of it as they want/feel able, with or without a dog! (You can even sneakily cut across to short cut it and wait for us to meet you at the end.)

Paul Magrs at Chorlton Book Festival

Levenshulme writer Paul Magrs is appearing at Chorlton Book Festival tonight to launch The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy.

An Evening With Paul Magrs

Join us for a celebratory book launch of Paul’s new book ‘The Panda, The Cat and the Dreadul Teddy’.

Tired of relentless inspirational wisdom? Craving something a little more truthful? So was author and illustrator Paul Magrs. His new book, a parody of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, is full of foul-mouthed belly laughs for even the darkest times.

Swear, complain loudly and always protect yourself from self-righteous teddies!

Paul Magrs is the author of several Dr Who novels and audiobooks, and young-adult novels including The Ninnies. He’s also the creator of Iris Wildthyme and the much-loved Brenda and Effie Mysteries.

This event is for 18+ as Panda can be quite rude!

Register for free tickets HERE

The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy will be stocked at Bopcap Books in Levenshulme Antiques Village and will be available through booksellers from 30 September as well as being available to pre-order online now.

The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadful Teddy at Chorlton Book Festival

Should I Still Wear A Mask?

Here’s a podcast from The Guardian about wearing masks.

Since the start of the pandemic, face coverings and their ability to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 have been under constant scrutiny by scientists, politicians and the public. More than a year and a half in, what do – and don’t – we know?

Madeleine Finlay speaks to Prof Cath Noakes about how effective different face coverings are, how best to use them, and when we should be masking-up

Listen to the podcast HERE

NHS advice is available HERE

Energy Switch Incentive From Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has partnered with the Big Clean Switch energy comparison site to encourage switching to clean energy. This includes a £35 credit when you switch to one of the participating suppliers.

“Greater Manchester Combined Authority is committed to making the city a clean energy leader. We face major environmental challenges that threaten the health and prosperity of our region. Greater Manchester is taking action with the 5-Year Environment Plan, to be launched at the Green Summit. The plan sets out our long-term environmental vision – to be carbon neutral by 2038 – and the urgent actions we all need to take in the next 5 years to help achieve this.” 

BIG CLEAN switch website

Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor) was promoting the scheme on BBC Radio Manchester today (23 September 2021). However, caution is advised as one of the suppliers used by the Big Clean Switch site – Bulb Energy – is currently in crisis talks with the government with reports that it has or will go bust very soon.

The Big Clean Switch website for this offer is available HERE

Please Note: Energy supplies in the UK are currently in a chaotic state with suppliers going bust and extreme volatility in the market. The LCA is sharing this for information only and this does not constitute advice or a recommendation in any way.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority says:

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is working with Big Clean Switch to offer residents £35 of free energy when they switch to a green tariff from some of the UK’s most trusted suppliers.

With many households across Greater Manchester facing rising bills due to more time spent at home, the scheme helps residents switch to low cost, high quality green energy tariffs.

 Switching is simple:

  1. Find a recent bill from your current supplier and fill your details in on the form (link opens in new tab).
  2. You’ll be able to compare your current energy bill with how much you’ll spend with each of Big Clean Switch’s green suppliers*. Suppliers who are offering the £35 free energy with an account credit will show in the supplier list. If you choose a supplier that isn’t taking part, GMCA will receive £35 to help fund local environmental projects.
  3. Once you’ve selected your preferred deal, just add in a few details to get your new energy account set up. Your £35 of free energy will be added to your new account within six weeks of the switch going live.

For more information on the scheme, email help@bigcleanswitch.org or call Big Clean Switch on 0800 249 4770.

Bankley Mill Open Studios and Open Call Exhibition

Bankley Studios is holding its annual Open Studios event and exhibition of artists selected from its Open Call.

Bankley Open 2021 presents works from 20 artists selected from our annual open call.

“…the judges were drawn to works that stirred a sense of intrigue, often dream-like narratives, that spoke of human, personal stories…”

On the opening weekend, all three floors of our artist studios will be open to the public, a chance for you to see what goes on behind closed doors and enter the weird and wonderful worlds of our artists.

Bankley Open 2021 artists:
Reece Adair
Jason Carr
Rups Cregeen
Craig Coulthard
Shona Davies, David Monaghan & John Klein
Aisling Davis
Hannah Louise Foster
Catherine Hill
Daniel John
Minjoo Kim
Chloë Louise Lawrence
Daniel Leyland
Jen Orpin
Warren Reilly
Sam Sherborne
Lee Shott
Errol Theunissen
Sylvia Waltering
Vic Wright
Garry Young

Opening Night + Award Ceremony + Bankley Open Studios
6-9pm Friday 25th September

Bankley Open Studios
6-9pm Friday 24th September
12-4pm Saturday 25th September

Artists Selected by judges Tamar Hemmes: Assistant Curator at Tate Liverpool, Simon Buckley: Artist, and Audrey Albert: Artist and Creative Facilitator

To arrange a viewing at another time, please get in contact via email gallery@bankley.org.uk or on social media

Exhibition Continues 
12-4pm Saturdays + Sundays until 10th October

Access information
Bankley Gallery is situated on the first floor of an old mill building, which unfortunately is currently only accessible by stairs. The studios are located on the first, second and third floors and are also only accessible by stairs.The building is located just off the main road, with regular bus services from Manchester and Stockport, and is around 450m from Levenshulme train station. The station has no lift and both platforms are only accessible by stairs.

Active Neighbourhood – Nothing Confirmed Yet

What’s Going On With Our Active Neighbourhood?

Councillors have confirmed the Active Neighbourhood scheme will have a new public consultation and nothing is confirmed yet.

A meeting attended by over 60 residents, including Levenshulme Community Association Secretary Jeremy Hoad, was at times tense but has brought some welcome clarity to the current status of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood.

Levenshulme Councillors Basat Sheikh and Zahid Hussain attended a meeting organised by the One Levenshulme group on 20 September after the release of a statement from Manchester City Council that said:

Following the end of this trial, and reviews of feedback, all 14 filters will be made permanent.

Manchester City Council statement, 13 September 2021

Councillors say this statement by Manchester City Council about the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood scheme was made “out of context” and this is only a partial explanation of the current situation. The current road blocks / “modal filters” will only be made permanent if a full plan for the Active Neighbourhood is approved for implementation following a public consultation.

The next stage designs will provide a full plan for interventions well beyond the current trial of 14 road blocks / “modal filters” in Levenshulme. This is the first time our community will be provided with comprehensive proposals and and a plan for the Active Neighbourhood, three years after the project started. It is understood the plans will include measures for both Levenshulme and Burnage.

The statement went on to say that:

“This month [August 2021] the Highways Service presented the initial outline designs for the proposed next stage of the Active Travel Neighbourhood scheme to ward councillors in both areas. These were agreed in principle, with the plans also submitted to Transport for Greater Manchester for their review and comment.”

Manchester City Council statement, 13 September 2021

A New Public Consultation

The new plans will be released soon and go to a public consultation. Councillors did not provide details of the consultation but accepted that previous consultations and the scheme as a whole had been “…a complete mess from the beginning…” and that it had “…gone wrong…”. They stated they had been “…working behind the scenes…” to improve the plans and had rejected previous drafts before accepting the current proposals.

Councillor Hussain stated that so far the project had spent £800,000 and that the budget had been reduced for the whole scheme. The original budget was up to £700,000 for development work and to undertake a trial with a further £1.8m available dependent on a successful business case proposal to TfGM for full implementation.

When pressed by residents councillors clarified that if residents were not happy with all the proposals then the scheme would not go ahead and everything – including the current road blocks / “modal filters” – would be removed.

It was also stated by councillors that the road blocks / “modal filters” would not be retained or made permanent until or unless problems on all roads were addressed, something councillors had insisted on for the scheme to progress. No scheme would be approved before that. However, councillors were confident that the community would welcome the final plans when they saw the designs.

Where’s the Data?

Councillors were also asked “Where’s the data?” as the whole scheme was claimed to be evidence based and data driven as well as community led. Councillors explained that the filters had been left in place so that the project could gather more data after the trial had finished [in June 2021] as Covid19 restrictions were lifted. Monitoring, managed by Manchester Urban Observatory (based at the University of Manchester) had taken place throughout the trial. Doubts were raised by residents about how accurate, useful or comprehensive this data was as well as the placement of monitoring equipment.

What will the final plans look like?

More comprehensive, inclusive and balanced, it seems. Reference was made to traffic calming, chicanes, crossings, pavement improvements and speed tables (large raised flat areas on the road). These are the sorts of measures residents, businesses and community groups (including Levenshulme Community Association) have been calling for throughout the project.

Unfortunately the attitude previously of the Project Team (with Sustrans and Levenshulme Bee Network before they were removed from the project in 2020) was dismissive of this more balanced approach and focussed primarily on installing road blocks / “modal filters” to create a “Low Traffic Neighbourhood”.

Residents also raised concerns about a number of related issues: dangerous driving in the area which was getting worse; problems with HGVs; speeding; anti-social behaviour around the road blocks; ongoing issues with emergency services and problems for carers and other service providers needing to easily meet residents’ needs. These reflected concerns that had consistently been raised by the LCA, residents and businesses that the approach throughout the project had been limited and did not focus on solving the problems we faced as a community or prioritise the aims of the project to actually make our roads safer and encourage walking and cycling.

Councillors stressed that the scheme was “…not about cycling…” but about “…Active Travel, creating shared space and provision for walking, cycling and drivers getting around.”

What happens next?

The final Active Neighbourhood plans should be made public in the next few weeks. The council has already indicated there will be a public engagement meeting in late September / early October.

Serious concerns were raised about how the consultation would be run. Residents made clear that they were dissatisfied with previous consultation and engagement and councillors accepted this had not been done well. Residents at the meeting highlighted the exclusive, biased and insecure nature of the online Commonplace system and the limited and ineffective information available.

As yet it is unclear what changes will be made to the consultation process, when it will start or how long it will run for. It is also unclear how decisions will be made, what criteria will be used and what attempts will be made to ensure the whole community can get involved and have their voices heard effectively.

Councillors Sheikh and Hussain were thanked for their attendance at the meeting and it was made clear by residents that this ongoing discussion was very welcome. Thanks also to Mark at the Bluebell for hosting the meeting.

Levenshulme Community Association will continue to provide updates and announcements as they are available to enable residents and businesses to be fully involved in this next stage of what has so far been a frustrating and difficult experience for many people.

Peter Quinn Friendship Group Fundraising Buffet and Dance

The Peter Quinn Friendship Group for dementia support is holding a fundraising evening on October 2nd.

This will be a fantastic night of entertainment with the amazing Anita Ryan and incredible Richard Sanderson. Why not let your hair down and enjoy a great night at the same time as support this marvellous community group.

Tickets are £15 including a buffet

  • Houldsworth Golf Club
  • 2 October, from 19.30

Call Marion on 07767497625 to book tickets.

Cibus Restaurant Opening in October

Levenshulme’s Cibus restaurant, run as a pop-up at Fred’s Ale House, is moving into new premises in what is currently the M19 Bar. People will also know Cibus from their stall on Levenshulme Market. Cibus Ristorante is scheduled to open on 14 October.

Cibus founder Giorgio Fontana has been working with Head Chef Marco Bracchitta to expand their menu and bring a complete Italian dining experience to their new restaurant. M19 is undergoing a full refit and will include refreshed, relaxed outside space at the rear with a “Balearic seaside shack” vibe.

Click HERE to read a report from Manchester Confidential including discussion of the history and development of Cibus and their approach to ingredients, wine and drink and their progress to their new restaurant in Levenshulme.

Levy Little Theatre Drama Classes

Levy Little Theatre classes are starting again in Levenshulme Old Library next week.

YOUTH / ADULTS – Weds 15th Sept

TOTS / KIDS – Sun 19th Sept

You still have time to book for one of our popular drama classes. Places are being grabbed fast so speedy booking is recommended!

You can find info on pricing, class times & course content and book places HERE

No previous experience in drama or performance needed, just a willingness to learn and have fun along the way.

Family Cycle Ride on Fallowfield Loop

Station South may still not be open yet but they’ve teamed up with Pow Wow Pedal Power, Cycling UK and The Big Bike Revival for a Family Bike Ride on the Fallowfield Loop.

Start 19 September at 13.00 at The Quadrants entrance to the Floop on Crayfield Road.

Reserve your place HERE

Active Neighbourhood Update & Community Engagement Event

The Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project Team are planning an event. The Project Team has stated today (9 September 2021):

“We are hoping to hold a community engagement event around Late September/ Early October, in which people can give their thoughts and feedback on the Active Neighbourhood plans in person.”

The intention of the meeting is to provide:

…an opportunity to give thoughts and feedback on the existing filters and any future measures that may be put in place.

No date or time has been set for the meeting / event yet.

It is intended to hold the event “for Levenshulme” at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road. This suggests the Project Team might hold a separate event for Burnage. If this is the case Levenshulme Community Association will promote both events.

After Manchester City Council took direct control of the project and removed Sustrans and Levenshulme Bee Network in 2020 the project was split into two – Phase 1 for Levenshulme and Phase 2 for Burnage. No clear explanation has ever been provided as to why the project was fragmented in this way and changed along political ward boundaries.

Councillors have previously stated that a final plan for the project would be released in September and then put out to consultation. The Project Team has stated any final plan would not be released until it had been signed off and agreed by local councillors and Transport for Greater Manchester. Whether this community engagement event in September or October is to consider a final plan or is an opportunity for general discussion is unclear.

Stabbing Incident on Stockport Road

An incident where a man was stabbed has been reported today (Friday 3 September 2021).

GMP have said:

“Police were called by colleagues at British Transport Police at around 1.10am on Friday 3 September to a report of a man with a stab wound on Stockport Road, Manchester. A man in his 40s was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries; a woman in her 30s was taken to custody on suspicion of section 18 assault. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Greater Manchester Police

Anyone with information should contact police online or via 101 quoting incident 161 on 03/09/2021. Details can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can read the MEN report HERE

Levy Walkers Community Walk

Community walk

Saturday 11th September 1pm

A stroll starting from the quadrant on Crayfield Road through Highfield Country Park along Fallowfield Brook (Houldsworth Golf Course) and back along the Loop

4.0km (estimated time 1hr – but we do love to pause and chat along the way!)

You can see the route and enlarge the map HERE

Levenshulme Youth Project AGM

Levenshulme Youth Project Annual General Meeting

  • 18.00-20.00 14 September 2021
  • Levenshulme Old Library, Cromwell Grove, M13 3QE

Community Allotment Cleanup

Levenshulme Community Allotment Cleanup organised by Leonard Cheshire.

10.00-16.00 on Friday 3 September

Further information:

  • samirkarnik.hinks@leonardcheshire.org
  • 07760997804

Crowdfunding For Inspired Taskforce

The Inspired Taskforce needs short term funding to tide them over until the Autumn, while the outcomes of grant applications are decided.

Please donate via the crowdfunding page HERE

The Inspired Taskforce is a community organisation peer-led by a Board of 13 older people. It has been established for the last 2 years as a capacity building ‘outcome’ of the former Inspired People’s Project, based at Levenshulme Inspire

The Inspired Taskforce has a proud record of campaigning for the local area to become more age-friendly and were instrumental in achieving an Age-Friendly award for Levenshulme in 2019 (from the Mayor Andy Burnham), working alongside the many other local older people groups and services.

The Manchester Message

Our Manchester message – stay safe as the city reopens

(A message from Manchester City Council)

As of Monday, July 19 the majority of Covid restrictions in England have been dropped.

But, with cases of Covid still high in Manchester it is more important than ever to be considerate, and think of others now that life is returning to normal.

This means getting vaccinated, wearing a face covering in crowded spaces, or thinking about people you visit.

Click here to find out how you can help get Manchester where it needs to be, and to protect your communities from Covid.

In Our Nature Community Funding

Funding of up to £10,000 is available from In Our Nature. Information below.

Apply for up to £10k of grant funding & bring your community project to life!

Are you part of a Manchester based community, youth or voluntary group? Has your group got an innovative project idea to help your community come together to take positive action on the environment?

If the answer is yes – apply for a community project grant and bring your group’s ideas to life! You’ll be helping us on our mission to unlock the potential of households and communities to respond to the climate emergency.

What are we looking for? We are looking for projects that take an innovative, community-led approach to tackling a local environmental issue, which also delivers social and financial benefits to their local community.

Who can apply? We can award grants to a variety of non-profit and voluntary groups such as community groups, youth clubs, schools, resident and neighbourhood associations, community interest companies and social enterprises. 

Successful groups will receive…

  • A grant of up to 10k to bring their project to life.
  • Opportunities to connect and share experiences with the other successful groups.
  • Access to wider support through the “In Our Nature” programme including:
  • Graphic design support
  • Guidance with evaluation and measuring impact
  • Guidance with applying for further funding
  • PR opportunities and support

Want to get started? Great news! 

Check out our In Our Nature Community Grant page to read more and begin the application process.

Application deadline: 23:59 on 31st July.

Got a question about the grant process? Get in touch inournature@hubbub.org.uk

Levenshulme Market Future Secured

Levenshulme Market has secured its future for the next four years following approval of their planning application.

Planning permission has been granted for the the Market to operate for another four years. Although the market had originally hoped to extend its operation throughout the year and add Sunday markets and more Friday night markets to what it does the application has ended up with arrangements pretty much the same as are currently in place.

There is a blog post on the Levenshulme Market website by Richard Hirst, Market Manager, outlining their experience in securing the renewed operating permission. The post outlines with some frustration the bureaucracy involved, delays, and lack of support from both Manchester City Council and local councillors.

Although this experience does not appear to have been particularly positive for Levenshulme Market the main positive is that the future of the market has been secured at the heart of Levenshulme for several years to come.

“Levenshulme Market is here for another four years. Which is great news and an enormous relief. But the lesson for us is that, while Levenshulme Market may be thriving – with thousands of customers each week, awards under its belt, generating enormous high street footfall, organising financial projects to support our local area – there’s no assurance it won’t find its future at risk once again. We dearly hope we won’t have a repeat of this ordeal in future, but in four years’ time you could once again be called on to help- keep Levenshulme Market open.”

Levenshulme Market blog post, 12 july 2021

You can also read a report of Levenshulme Market’s success in securing its future in the MEN HERE

Levenshulme Market runs from March to December. Current dates are available HERE

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day Events

The Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library (17 July, 10.00-16.00) includes three sessions available to book.

Little Levy Theatre is also running a children mask making session from 11am.

LOL Community Day Sessions to book

Shake The Dust at 10am
Book HERE

Cosmic Kids Yoga 12.30pm
Book HERE

Family BreathWork and Meditation 2pm
Book HERE