Levenshulme Business Wire Fence On ITV Love Your Garden

Levenshulme business Wire Fence supplied gabions for a garden makeover on ITV’s Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh.

The gabions were used extensively to create retaining walls, a kitchen area and a water feature. The brief was for a Mediterranean style garden that was stylish and met the needs of the family creating an oasis that they could all enjoy.

“We were excited when we got contacted by ITV with the opportunity to supply our gabion cages to the show. James and his family seem like wonderful and hard working people and we are happy that we could play a part in surprising them with this beautiful garden. Alan Titchmarsh and his team did an amazing job as always, and it was a pleasure to collaborate with them in this project.

Wire Fence Team

Read more about the project HERE

Wire Fence stock over 100 types of mesh for any residential and commercial use. They are located on Barlow Road in Levenshulme.

ITV Love Your Garden project using Wire Fence gabions (photo courtesy Wire Fence website)
Kitchen area (photo courtesy Wire Fence website)
Wire Fence Team (photo courtesy Wire Fence website)

Levenshulme’s Bopcap Books in The Guardian

Suzy Prince, co-owner of Bopcap Books in the Antiques Village, has an article in the Guardian reflecting on the pandemic and a trend and determination of people to shop locally.

“In Greater Manchester, there’s… anger about recent events, and for some people, overtly buying from independent businesses has become an act of defiance, of sorts.” 

“…it seems clear that people want change and are prepared to go out of their way to achieve it. A world with far fewer cafes, bars and independent shops in it would be a considerably duller place. Let’s hope the will that has emerged over the last few months to keep our high streets alive lasts far beyond the pandemic. Amid all the gloom, I think the signs are strong.”

Go to Bopcap Books website HERE

You can read the full article HERE

URGENT New Covid19 Restrictions

The government announced around 21.30 on Thursday 30th July that new restrictions would be introduced at midnight. The announcement was made by four tweets and one interview from the Secretary of State for Health who then did not appear on any of the main news bulletins. Nobody from the government bothered to appear.

These new restrictions are now in force. See below for the news reports from Thursday 30th July and the new government rules and press announcement released on 31st July.

The main change is nobody can visit another household either indoors or outdoors.

News Reports

BBC News report
ITV News report
Sky News Report

North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do

Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.

Published 31 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

Contents

  1. Affected local areas
  2. Local restrictions
  3. Changes in restrictions

An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow these rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Separate guidance advises on the similar rules imposed in Leicester.

Affected local areas

  • Greater Manchester:
    • City of Manchester
    • Trafford
    • Stockport
    • Oldham
    • Bury
    • Wigan
    • Bolton
    • Tameside
    • Rochdale
    • Salford
  • Lancashire:
    • Blackburn with Darwen
    • Burnley
    • Hyndburn
    • Pendle
    • Rossendale
  • West Yorkshire:
    • Bradford
    • Calderdale
    • Kirklees

Local restrictions

Social contact

If you live in one of the affected areas, in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, you should not:

  • meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).
  • visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.
  • socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.

The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices (starting at £100 – halving to £50 if paid in the first 14 days – and doubling for subsequent offences).

Business closures

In Blackburn with Darwen and Bradford, the following premises must remain closed by law:

  • indoor gyms
  • indoor fitness and dance studios
  • indoor sports courts and facilities
  • indoor swimming pools, including indoor facilities at water parks

Changes in restrictions

Does my household include close family members?

Your household – as defined in law – is only the people you live with. If you have formed a support bubble (which must include a single adult household i.e. people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) these can be treated as if they are members of your household.

What will be illegal?

It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden, except for limited exceptions to be set out in law. You should not host or visit people you do not live with, unless they are in your support bubble. If you live in the affected areas, you should not visit someone’s home or garden regardless of whether this is in or outside of the restricted area.

Can I still meet indoors with people in my support bubble?

Yes. Where people from single adult households (people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) have formed a support bubble with another household, they can continue to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit other public places as if they were one household.

Can I still meet people outdoors?

In line with the national guidance, you can continue to meet in public outdoor spaces in groups of no more than six people, unless the group includes only people from two households. You cannot meet people you do not live within a private garden.

At all times, you should socially distance from people you do not live with – unless they are in your support bubble.

I live in this area. Can I still meet with my family and friends to celebrate Eid?

Due to higher rates of infection, if you live in this area you should not host or visit friends and family in each other’s homes or gardens. It will shortly be illegal to do so, unless specific exemptions apply. You also should not meet friends and family in other venues – including restaurants or cafes.

Up to two households, or six people from any number of households may meet outdoors (excluding people’s gardens) where there is a lower risk of infection. If you do so, you should still socially distance from those you do not live with, and avoid physical contact.

You may attend a mosque or other place or worship, where Covid-19 Secure guidance applies, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (such as wearing face coverings). We recommend at this time that, if possible, prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can I still go to work in this area?

Yes. People living inside and outside of this area can continue to travel in and out for work. Workplaces must implement Covid-19 Secure guidance.

I live in this area. Can I still go to cafes, restaurants, the gym and other public places?

Yes. But you should only go with members of your own household – even if you are going outside of the restricted area.

I live in the area. Can people from outside of the lockdown area visit me at my house?

No. This will be illegal.

Do I still have to shield if I live in this area?

Clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer have to follow the shielding guidance from the 1 August, unless they live in Blackburn with Darwen in the North West and other local affected areas across England where shielding continues.

Can I visit a care home?

You should not visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances.

Can I still have my wedding if it’s in the lockdown area?

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies in these areas can still go ahead. No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership, where this can be safely accommodated with social distancing in a COVID-19 secure venue. Further guidance can be found here.

Large wedding receptions or parties should not currently be taking place and any celebration after the ceremony should follow the broader social distancing guidance of involving no more than two households in any location or, if outdoors, up to six people from different households.

Can I travel outside of the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes.

Can I travel into the lockdown area to attend a wedding ceremony?

Yes. Weddings should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a wedding, but should not go into a private home or garden.

Can I still visit a place of worship in the lockdown area?

Yes, but you must socially distance from people outside of your household. This means maintaining a distance of 2 metres, or 1 metre with mitigations (e.g. face coverings). We recommend at this time that if possible prayer/religious services take place outdoors.

Can funerals still take place in the lockdown areas?

Yes. Funerals should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

People living outside the lockdown areas may travel into the areas to attend a funeral.

Can I holiday in the lockdown area, or visit shops, leisure facilities, or cafes in it?

Yes. However, you must avoid socialising with people indoors when doing so.

Can I travel in a car with someone I do not live with?

You should try not to share a vehicle with those outside your household or social bubble. If you need to, try to:

  • share the transport with the same people each time
  • keep to small groups of people at any one time
  • open windows for ventilation
  • travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow face away from each other
  • consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
  • clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
  • ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering

The Department for Transport has provided specific guidance on using private vehicles. Please see their guidance on private cars and other vehicles for more information on car sharing and traveling with people outside your household group.

Published 31 July 2020

Government Press Release

New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England

Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases

Published 30 July 2020

From:Department of Health and Social Care

placeholder

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has this evening announced that new rules on social gatherings will be introduced in Northern England to stop the spread of COVID-19. These changes will also apply in Leicester city.

This is in response to an increasing trend in the number of cases per 100,000 people in the area, and data from PHE and the JBC which suggests transmission among households is a key infection pathway in the area.

The areas that these changes apply to are:

  • The Greater Manchester area
  • Pendle
  • Hyndburn
  • Burnley
  • Rossendale
  • Blackburn with Darwen
  • Bradford
  • Calderdale
  • Kirklees
  • Leicester City

It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.

Some exemptions will be put in place, including for the vulnerable.

The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.

The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published.

Households may go to hospitality, for instance bars and pubs, but new guidance will make clear that two households should not go to hospitality together.

Meanwhile local leaders and government have today agreed a number of changes to local restrictions in other areas.

While social gathering restrictions remain in place in Leicester City, the area will benefit from the lifting of restrictions that took place on 4 July in England, and all local restrictions currently in place in the neighbouring borough of Oadby and Wigston will end.

It means from Monday 3 August restaurants, cafes, bars and hairdressers in Leicester City can get back to business but leisure centres, gyms and pools will remain closed. In addition, cinemas and museums will open and religious ceremonies will be able to take place.

And on Saturday 1 August, Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after significant progress has been made in controlling the virus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:

We’re constantly looking at the latest data on the spread of coronavirus, and unfortunately we’ve seen an increasing rate of transmission in parts of Northern England.

We’ve been working with local leaders across the region, and today I chaired a meeting of the Local Action Gold Committee. Based on the data, we decided that in Greater Manchester, parts of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire we need to take immediate action to keep people safe.

The spread is largely due to households meeting and not abiding to social distancing. So from midnight tonight, people from different households will not be allowed to meet each other indoors in these areas.

We take this action with a heavy heart, but we can see increasing rates of coronavirus across Europe and are determined to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe.

The restrictions currently in place in Blackburn, announced last Friday, which saw indoor swimming pools, indoor fitness and dance studios, indoor gyms and sports facilities remaining closed, will continue.

From Saturday, these leisure facilities will open in Luton, bringing it in line with the rest of the country.

We have been working closely with local leaders across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire and have made the decision to bring in new restrictions on social gatherings for selected areas.

For those preparing to celebrate Eid Al Adha this weekend with friends and family these restrictions will come as a blow but everyone is being urged to follow the new rules and to protect the ones they love from catching coronavirus.

Mosques and other places of worship have reopened for prayer and communal worship, but in a different socially distanced and COVID-19 Secure way. This means that while mosques can remain open, many will not able to welcome as many worshippers as before.

Anyone with any symptoms must isolate immediately and get a test for free by going online or ringing 119. Everyone must continue to socially distance and regularly their wash hands to help bring this virus down further so all areas of Leicester can return to normal as soon as possible.

Press Conferences

A new page has been added to the LCA website for the UK government covid19 press conferences.

The page includes a link to the video of each press conference, a daily transcript / report and downloads of the slides used.

The page is available in the drop down menu on the Coronavirus (Covid19) menu tab. You can go directly to the page HERE

Manchester’s Finest: Levenshulme (of course)

A nice write up of Levenshulme in Manchester’s Finest by Ben Brown covering Trove, Levenshulme Antiques Village, the Blue Bell Inn, Station Hop, Levenshulme Market, Fred’s Ale House, The Klondyke, Persian Tasty Grill and The Meating Room.

“Before I move out of Levenshulme and into Urmston I thought it best to share my knowledge gained over the last year. It’s a shame The Buttery has shut down but there’s still plenty of places in which to eat and drink and generally have a good time.”

Read the full article HERE

BBC Antiques Road Trip Visits Levenshulme

The BBC programme Antiques Road Trip pays a visit to Levenshulme today.

Follow the link for information HERE

Election Hustings Announced For Manchester Gorton By-election

Levenshulme Community Association is pleased to confirm hustings for the Manchester Gorton parliamentary constituency by-election.

DATE
Saturday 22nd April

TIME
19.00 start

VENUE
Jain Centre, Stockport Road, Levenshulme

Candidates confirmed for hustings:

Abidogun, Kemi (Christian People’s Alliance)

Clifford, Peter (Communist League)

Galloway, George (Independent)

Hopkins, David

Khan, Afzal (Labour)

Mayo, Jess (Green)

Pearcey, Jackie (Libdem)

Apologies:

Eckersley, Phil (UKIP)

To be confirmed:

Disco, The Irrelevant Johnny (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)

Jaradat, Shaden (Conservative)

Khandoker, Sufi Miah (Independent)

Woman Asda Put Everthing Back

“An autistic woman who struggled with the self-service checkout at Asda [in Levenshulme] was persuaded by staff to put all her shopping back on the shelves.”

Read the full story in the Manchester Evening News HERE


Photo courtesy MEN

Police Update On Reported Chapel Street Rape

Chapel Street rape case closed.

As agreed at the Levenshulme Community Forum Meeting Greater Manchester Police have shared this update on the reported rape of a 12 year old girl on Chapel Street. The case has been closed with no further action being taken after the girl disclosed that the report was not genuine.

The LCA continues to work with GMP to ensure improve communication with the community. We are planning a drop in session at Inspire on Stockport Road to provide information and advice on safety. The LCA is also working with Inspire who are organising a series of personal safety training sessions with the support of local councillors. Details on both these activities are currently being confirmed and will be advertised separately.

GMP Press Release

“The investigation into the rape of a 12-year-old girl has concluded.

On Friday 30 December 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to the Horseshoe Pub on 22 November 2016.

Officers launched an investigation and a 16-year-old boy was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

At the end of January 2017, the girl disclosed to officers that the original report was not genuine.

The 16-year-old boy has since been released without charge and no further action will be taken.

Chief Inspector John-Paul Ruffle of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and the welfare of the victim is our priority.

“As soon as a report is made, the victim is supported by specially trained officers and we trust that each report is genuine.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries and there were increased patrols in the area to reassure members of the community and encourage people who were understandably concerned to approach us.

“As part of the investigation, we have concluded that it is not appropriate for us to pursue a prosecution in this instance due to a number of vulnerabilities that have been identified.

“The girl is now being fully supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies.

“Help and support is always there for people who report sexual offences. If you want to make a report of a sexual offence, you will be taken seriously.”

To report a sexual offence you can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

– If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.

Read the GMP report HERE

Suspect Arrested In Rape Case

Boy arrested following rape of 12-year-old girl
Published on 13/1/2017 18:39:12 by Greater Manchester Police

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Levenshulme.

On Friday 30 December 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to the Horseshoe pub on 22 November 2016.

She had been walking on the road sometime between 5pm and 5:30pm, when she was grabbed from behind by a male who dragged her into the alleyway which runs behind Cardus Street and raped her.

He then ran away from the scene in the direction of Stockport Road.

Today, Friday 13 January 2017, a 16-year-old boy from Longsight has been arrested.

Detective Inspector Dave Moores of GMP’s serious Sexual Offenses Unit said: “This week we released an e-fit of a person we wished to speak to regarding this attack. I would like to thank the public for the response we have had.

“We have now arrested a 16-year-old boy. He is currently in custody being questioned.

“Our investigation is still ongoing however, so anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have seen anything suspicious is asked to get in touch.

“There will still be an increased police presence in the community whilst the investigation continues to encourage those who have information to come and speak to us and reassure anyone with any concerns.”

If you have any concerns or want to speak to someone to pass on information, or report a sexual offence, you can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Link to Greater Manchester Police Report HERE

Read the Manchester Evening News report HERE

Media Coverage Following Reported Rape

Levenshulme Community Association has organised a Community Forum on policing, crime, safety and securty for Wednesday 11th January, 19.00 at the Klondyke (1 Burnage Range) following a reported rape of a 12 year old girl.

The meeting is public and an opportunity to hear from Greater Manchester Police and councillors. There will also be the chance to raise any questions or concerns directly on crime and policing in the area.

This is understandably receiving considerable media coverage.

Manchester Evening News

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-community-fighting-back-following-12444905

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/levenshulme-klondyke-police-meeting-rape-12441332

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-reassure-residents-levenshulme-following-12413427

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-keeping-open-mind-whether-12397808

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/girl-12-dragged-alleyway-raped-12396731

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/levenshulme-girl-raped-chapel-street-12406847

ITV

https://vimeo.com/198166215

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2017-01-03/police-appeal-after-12-year-old-girl-raped/

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2017-01-04/police-have-open-mind-as-they-investigate-two-rapes-on-schoolgirls/

BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-38495606

Levenshulme Writer Paul Magrs Shortlisted for BBC Audio Drama Award

Levenshulme writer Paul Magrs has just been shortlisted in the BBC 2017 Audio Drama Awards.

Best Online/non Broadcast

Baker’s End: The King of Cats, Bafflegab Productions

This was the first instalment of Baker’s End. The third instalment has recently been recorded and is in production now. The series stars Tom Baker with a supporting cast including Sue Jameson, Katy Manning and David Benson.

More success for the lovely, talented people of Levenshulme. We are our own creative hub.

You can order/download the first two episodes of Baker’s End on the Bafflebab website HERE

Find out more about the BBC Audio Drama Awards HERE

Cringle Park Walk Without Fear

The communities of Levenshulme and Burnage were out in strength in Cringle Park today to show solidarity against fear and violence following a reported rape.

The Lord Mayor, Carl Austin-Behan, who is also a Burnange councillor spoke of the need for solidarity and for people to not just use the park but speak to each other and make it a safe place for everyone. (pictured with his consort, Simon Austin-Behan).

There was also a police presence to reassure people and give advice.

We will not stand by and allow violence to happen unchallenged in our community. We will stand together. We will stand strong. We will stand against fear, violence and hatred.

The police report is available HERE

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 824 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE:

Read and view the ITV News report HERE

Read the Manchester Evening News report HERE

(photos, Jeremy Hoad)



BBC Radio Manchester Reports From Thairish On Dangerous Bikes

BBC Radio Manchester reported on dangerous and nuisance bikes today. Reporter Emily Wolstencroft interviewed Levenshulme residents in Thairish café including LCA Secretary Jeremy Hoad.

You can hear the report on iPlayer (44 minutes into the programme, repeated at 2h12m).

Listen on iPlayer HERE

Levenshulme Dominates Manchester Supper Clubs

With five out of nine slots for great supper clubs going to Levenshulme the foodie reputation of Levenshulme is riding high right now.

The Manchester Evening News says:

“So you think you’ve tasted some of the best cooking in Manchester?

“Oh yeah – I’ve been to *insert fancy restaurant name here* and ate pine smoked summat off a slate, and this other place you probs won’t have heard of *insert lesser known but featured recently in the Observer name here.*” …I hear your shout.


All right, show-off. How about places that aren’t on the high street?


For the truly intrepid foodie, it’s time to look past the restaurants and try some of Manchester’s stellar supper clubs.


The supper club isn’t just amateur hour in the kitchen, accomplished cooks are serving up some of the best food in Manchester from homes and pop-up locations across the city.”

Find out where the MEN love in Levenshulme HERE

Old Membership Rate Offer Extended to 26th February at Arcadia

Statement from Greenwich Leisure Limited / Better today after councillors have asked for clarification of pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre:

“It has always been our intention to honour the membership benefits of those customers who have historically enjoyed using the facilities at Levenshulme Pools. Unfortunately during the migration period from Levenshulme to the new Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre there has been miscommunication in relation to the extended availability of the £18 membership previously available at Levenshulme.

As a gesture of goodwill, until the end of day on Friday 26th February, we will be happy to honour this rate to any of our customers who can demonstrate previous use of Levenshulme Pools.

Customers who believe that they are entitled to take up this offer yet are unable to prove their past use of Levenshulme will be looked at on a case by case basis. All applications should be made in person at Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre.

From Saturday 27th February only the new membership pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be available. This is in line with all the other comparable/ new leisure centres across Manchester including the Manchester Aquatics Centre”.

UPDATE:

The Manchester Evening News has published an article on the availability of the old membership rates at Arcadia, available HERE.

Could Julie Reid Be Greater Manchester Mayor?

With news that Tony Lloyd* has confirmed his intention to stand for the position of Greater Manchester Mayor the Manchester Evening News has suggested a few other possible candidates.

The MEN offers a shortlist of actual and potential candidates:

  • Tony Lloyd (Labour Party)
  • Richard Leese (Labour Party)
  • Ivan Lewis (Labour Party)
  • Hazel Blears (Labour Party)
  • Jonathan Reynolds (Labour Party)
  • Julie Reid (Labour Party)

According to the options suggested the MEN appears to think that only Labour Party politicians will stand for election as Greater Manchester Mayor.

Included on the list is local Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward) whose ward covers much of Levenshulme.

Billed as the only “Corbynista” to have been touted as a potential candidate the MEN says: “Councillor Reid has reportedly been vocal among colleagues in expressing n interest [in standing for Greater Manchester Mayor]“.

* Tony Lloyd is currently Greater Mnchester Mayor after being appointed to the role without any election last year when the leaders of Greater Manchester councils signed up to the devolution deal offered by George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  

Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward). Photo courtesy of the MEN.

The Wait Is Almost Over For Our New Library And Leisure Centre

Not long to go until the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre opens on on Saturday 20th February on Stockport Road right in the heart of Levenshulme. Here’s a nice positive article in the Manchester Evening News.

Read the article HERE

  

Greater Manchester Libraries Unite With New Superservice

 Councils across Greater Manchester join together to share access to almost 3 million books from this weekend. 
Everyone living in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham , Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Trafford will be able to borrow books from scores of sites across Greater Manchester – rather than just libraries in their own boroughs with Tameside council joining later this year.
This is perfect timing just before the new Levenshulme library opens on Saturday 20th February in the new £9.3m Arcadia Levenshulme Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road.

See the Manchester Libraries announcement HERE

Manchester Evening News article HERE

ITV News report HERE

  

Police Investigation Into Spate Of Gunshots In Levenshulme

People across Levenahulme are increasingly concerned after a spate of gunshot incidents across the area. Guns have been fired in the area three times in less than two weeks in what is thought to be gang related incidents. Nobody has been injured.

The latest report from the Mnchester Evening News is available HERE

If you have any information on any of these incidents you should contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 6078 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

Car Crashed Into Garden Fence

A car crashed into a garden fence and was abandoned on Thorncliffe Grove. 

Read the report in the MEN HERE

Breakfast In Bed With The Guardian

The Breakfast In Bed project set up by Jamie Whittaker has been profiled in an article in the Guardian.

The best summary of this Levenshulme based project is this:

“…the power of community, of the kindness that occurs when ordinary people come together.”

Levenshulme people overcome adversity, support each other, fight for their community and reach out to others in many different ways.

“Jamie Whittaker started bringing breakfast to homeless people on the streets of Manchester in January. “I had a week off work and I was walking from one train station to another. It was freezing, and there were 10 [homeless] people. They were all supposed to have been offered temporary accommodation because it is that cold, but it was all lies. They shouldn’t have been there.” So he took matters into his own hands.

As with many of the grassroots groups and projects that have sprung up under austerity, social media has played a huge role in the campaigning and organising. Whittaker, 35, who works shifts at a children’s home, started posting about the homelessness problem on the Facebook group Levy Massive, a community group for local people in Levenshume. He gained donations and volunteers as a result. Breakfast in Bed is not a charity and is not government-funded – local businesses and people have donated their time, labour, money and food to keep the project going. The project’s own Facebook group now has more than 800 members and new volunteers are joining all the time.”

  
(Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian)

The article goes on to mention the involvement and support of the local community.

“…Whittaker is… keen to point out that the volunteers act as go-betweens for two, often conflicting sides. He says: “We reach people they don’t reach, people they don’t know are there, and who are trying to stay off the radar. People who have burnt bridges with the council … we hope that we’re able to rebuild those connections.” With more donations, he’s hoping that the group can start helping to house people as well. They already hold monthly “pop-up” events. This month, it’s the haircuts.

At Shine, a salon in Levenshume, the atmosphere is almost festive, thanks to the cheery manner of the staff and the Shepherd’s pie steaming in the corner. Soon all the chairs are full. Joanne is given a new, chic bob, while Dave, an alcoholic who has been homeless on and off for 15 years, gets a shave and a cut. At the back of the room another staff member rolls cigarettes almost as quickly as they are smoked. A staffie darts about in excitement. The event is a testament to the power of community, of the kindness that occurs when ordinary people come together. In its matter-of-fact Mancunian way, it’s very moving. Outside, where there are extra seats, people are eating. A man cries as his hair is cut. Others are worrying about the freezing temperatures to come, that groups such as this can’t ever fully breach the widening gaps in services.”

Read the full article HERE

Timeout Loves Levenshulme

A few reasons to love Levenshulme by Becci Johnson in Timeout:

  • You baulk at the prospect of another A6 takeaway.
  • You’ve gotten to know your neighbours through visiting Levy Market.
  • You’ve gotten to know your neighbours through visiting Levy Market.
  • You monitor the seasons by driving up Errwood Road, whilst you fight the urge to stop and buy biscuits.
  • You know how to find the secret lake.
  • You smile wryly at tourists taking selfies on a nameless street.

You could fill the whole magazine with reasons why Levenshulme is so great, though.

Read the full article HERE.

  

New Levenshulme Based Charity To Help Homeless People And Their Pets

People with Pets in Poverty is a new charity to help homeless people and their pets.

Colin Alcock will launch People With Pets In Poverty later this month and aims to roll out a variety of schemes over the next five years. Colyn’s main aim is to help rough sleepers and the ‘hidden homeless’ which includes sofa surfers and people in overcrowded accommodation, hostels and night shelters.

Under the Home and Dry programme, PPP will provide safe accommodation for homeless people and their pets by paying the first month’s rent and deposit while providing a guarantee to landlords against damage caused by pets. In exchange service users must follow a recovery programme which could include counselling and a detox scheme.

Colyn has many ambitious plans for the charity, including pet food banks, an online homeless forum and even a charity single. By 2020 he hopes to have set up a community home for marginalised people with pets. He said: 

To a homeless person a pet is a guardian protector, a best friend and someone who will never judge them and always be pleased to be with them.

“I know what it’s like to sit on a street corner and beg. It’s soul destroying and isolating.”

“The next wave of homelessness is coming and it’s going to get worse. We’re looking at an all encompassing remedy.”

The first PPP meeting will be at Fred’s Ale House, Levenshulme, on Wednesday June 24, from 7.30pm. All are welcome.

For details or to volunteer call Colyn on: 07985 442 505
or email: peoplewithpetsinpoverty@outlook.com

Read the full MEN article HERE

  
Photo courtesy of Manchester Evening News

Levenshulme Food and Drink Festival Hits the News

Manchester Evening News reported on the Levenshulme Food and Drink Festival.

There will be more than 75 events across the village between Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 21.

Fred’s Ale House owner and Levenshulme Pub Company director, Lawrence Hennigan, said: “It looks like another fantastic line up of events, the festivals organisers need to be commended on the huge variety of events they have managed to include in the celebration of the area’s diverse cultures.

Read the full article HERE
Visit the Fadfest website HERE

GPhones Discount Hits the News

Levenshulme mobile phone shop GPhones has hit the news with its offer of a 10% discount on repairs. Not really news? It is when the discount is only for fans of Manchester United.

Read the MEN story HERE

   

 Photos copyright Manchester Evening News

Levenshulme Library News & Public Meeting

An article from the Manchester Evening News on the future of Levenshulme Library and the work of the Stakeholders Group set up to explore options is available HERE

It is a little unfortunate the article advertises the fundraiser on Friday 29th in an article published on Saturday 30th but any coverage is very welcome.

Note also that there are a couple of factual errors in the article:

1 The new baths and library facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2016, not Autumn 2015.

2 Levenshulme High School never took over the building. The school simply rented the space to use for part of the week. Local campaigning was essential to ensure the library stayed open as a library until the new facilities open.

A public meeting is also scheduled for Tuesday 16th June, 19.00-21.00 at Levenshulme Inspire on Stockport Road. Further information and discussion is also available on a Facebook group at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/

  
  
Photo courtesy of Manchester Evening News

Royal Bank of Scotland to close in Levenshulme

Following announcements of branch closures recently the Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed that its Levenshulme branch will close this year.

Manchester Evening News article available HERE

Elections 2015: Levenshulme in the Press

Mancunian Matters seems to have been impressed with Levenshulme’s councillors with mentions of both Basat Sheikh and Peter Cookson. It reported:

‘Basking in success over his first time win, Basat Mahmood Sheikh for Levenshulme said to one of his colleagues while the counts were being verified: “I have certainly proved myself”.’
and

‘The other side of Gorton also had a triumphant success, victor Peter Cookson said it was a ‘record breaking result’ after finding out he had 4564 votes.

UKIP failed to provide competition for Mr Cookson, with an uninspiring 966 votes for second place.

At the end of his winner’s speech, he added: “It’s an unbelievable result in the history of this seat”.’

Read the full article HERE.

Levenshulme Market Finalist in BBC Food & Farming Awards 2015

Levenshulme Market is one of only three finalists in the prestigious BBC Food and Farming Awards 2015 market category.

The weekly market has been recognised for pioneering work as a social enterprise which helps to empower its community to take ownership of the high street in Levenshulme through its Market Fund, launched this year, as well as being providing a “diverse range of high quality traders, with a changing roster of 50 artisan traders, [including] a variety of fresh produce and street food” and developing the market into a quality destination for food and drink retailers that has changed the face of markets in Manchester.

Read the full story on the Levenshulme Market website HERE

The BBC press release announcing the 2015 finalists is available HERE



Photograph courtesy of Levenshulme Market

New Library and Baths Exhibition

The new Levenshulme Library and Baths development on Stockport Road is now ready for public exhibition.

Plans for the proposed centre design will be on display in the cafe at Levenshulme Inspire from Saturday 14th June to Thursday 26th June, where there will be a chance for you to comment on the proposals.  Members of the project team will also be there for you to discuss the plans, on:

  • Tuesday 17 June, 16.00-20.00
  • Friday 20 June, 13.00-16.00
  • Monday 23 June, 09.00-13.00

There is a dedicated page on Manchester City Council’s website HERE.

Plans for the new development will be available HERE from 14th June.

This is an exciting stage in the development and close attention has been paid to ensuring that the new facilities meet all of the requirements and specifications worked out through lengthy and detailed consultation with Levenshulme residents over the past year or more. The new facilities will include:

  • two pools (one that can be accessed and used in private)
  • a 60 station gym
  • a multipurpose fitness / community room
  • 12 person sauna
  • 12 person steam room
  • a staffed library
  • reception area with seating, pool viewing, public computers and wifi

Manchester City Council will be investing over £8,000,000 in these new facilities that will dramatically improve services in Levenshulme and serve a wide area of south Manchester.

Relocation of users of the Arcadia roller skate rink will happen in tandem with development of the new facilities. A £250,000 investment is being made separately by the Council to enhance, extend and improve facilities for Arcadia users at Ardwick.

This commitment to public services in Levenshulme by Manchester City Council at a time of austerity and struggle for many people is hugely welcome. This is also a result of the massive local campaign to save Levenshulme’s existing Baths and Library from closure which was a huge success for the people of Levenshulme. The creativity, dynamism, imagination, persistence and dedication of Levenshulme residents and careful collaboration with local councillors and the council is really showing dividends now.

Levenshulme Community Association will continue to consult with residents and work with the council to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of Levenshulme.

A press release from Manchester City Council is expected tomorrow (Friday 7th June 2014) and will be added here when available.

Levenshulme artist paints Coronation Street stars

Daniel Pitts, from Levenshulme, has reproduced images of some of the show’s most beloved characters including Hilda and Stan Ogden, Albert Tatlock and Betty Turpin, Dennis and Elsie Tanner.

Daniel also regularly captures typical street scenes in Manchester and Levenshulme as well as well-known pubs and shops. He said: “The more mundane the better. I like to capture people going about their everyday lives.”

Some of Daniel’s prints and original paintings are available to purchase online HERE

Read the full Manchester Evening News article HERE

Feeling relaxed last night? This might be why.

Were you feeling particularly relaxed on Friday evening? It might be because a suspected cannabis farm in a house on Grange Avenue went up in flames. Nobody was hurt but there seemed to be a distinct lack of crisps, chocolate and other snacks in the shops on Saturday.

Manchester Evening News article available HERE

Imaginary Boys from Levenshulme

‘Imaginary Boys’ is a new play by Paul Magrs. Paul is a writer who lives in Levenshulme and has a string of acclaimed novels, plays, and short story collections to his name.

“Seventeen-year-old David Taylor begins to see the world in a different light after meeting Lawrence, who claims to be from Verbatim 6, a small planet about 300 light years away. The duo have a burgeoning teenage relationship with all of the confusion that goes along with it. Starring James Baxter and Geoffrey Breton.

Imaginary Boys, Thursday, 3rd October, 2.15pm on Radio 4

If you fancy combining a love of Radio 4 with a love of Levenshulme why not have a listen?

'Imaginary Boys' radio 4 play by Paul Magrs

The rise of the social enterprise! It’s Levy Market!

Helen Power is interviewed about Levenshulme Market which has been going from strength to strength since being taken over by local Levy people from the council…

“The words ‘Levy Market’ have been floating around my peripheral social media vision for the past few months now. Good friends, those who I know to have particularly high standards where markets are involved (well-seasoned and with particularly good taste of course), have been reporting their Levy Market finds when they’ve visited. These range from vintage goodies to seriously good cake and are always accompanied with serious enthusiasm for the place. So with the next market happening this saturday I thought it was time to hooked up with one of Levy Market’s organisers Helen Power to find out more.”

Read the rest of the article HERE

Photo from Manchester’s Finest website (unattributed on website)

levy-market-macaroons

Levenshulme High School and Library Developments

Newspaper reports today confirm the suspension of Amanda Thain (Head, Levenshulme High Schools for Girls) by the Governing Body of the school. This follows an Ofsted inspection earlier this year which resulted in the appointment of Patsy Kane (Head, Whalley Range High School) as Executive Head at the school.

There is concern at what impact this will have on plans for Levenshulme Library and LHS taking on the building, running the library and developing a school facility for pupils until the new library opens in 2015. To date no work has been undertaken regarding the conversion of the library for use by the school.

Assurances had been provided by Cllr Rosa Battle (Executive Member for Culture and Leisure) that the plans for Levenshulme Library were unaffected following the appointment of Patsy Kane as Executive Head at LHS after an Ofsted inspection and report in July.

Jeremy Hoad (Levenshulme Community Association Secretary and Chair of the Friends’ of Levenshulme Library) said: “It is not wise to jump to conclusions based on newspaper reports but it is wise to determine progress on the Library plans and ongoing commitment to these plans in light of the different circumstances at the school now. I am attempting to clarify the situation with Neil MacInness (Head of Libraries), Rosa Battle and Levenshulme and Gorton South Councillors.”

Further updates will be provided as the situation becomes clearer.

Read the Manchester Evening News article HERE

Read the Daily Mail article HERE

Send us your news!

Do you have news about something going on in Levenshulme?

Are you organising an event?

Do you run or support a community organisation?

Please send us your news, information, event or details of your organisation and we’d love to add you to the Levenshulme Community Association website or publicise what you are doing.

Get in touch and share what you know about Levenshulme!

Contact the LCA HERE

Thanks.

Jeremy Hoad (LCA Secretary)

Levenshulme and Wimbledon

A lovely article by journalist and Levenshulme resident Ally Fogg in the Guardian about Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon. (OK, a pretty tenuous link between Levenshulme and Wimbledon but who cares, it’s sunny and someone from the UK has won Wimbledon).

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumph has reclaimed Dunblane for its people

After living through the 1996 primary school massacre, Murray’s greatest achievement is giving his town back to its people.

Read the full article HERE

“Win, win, win all round” for Levenshulme Library.

Media coverage of the spectacular win for local campaigners in saving Levenshulme Library from closure.

(John McDougall, Mancunian Matters, 14 June 2013)

 

Victorious Manchester campaigners are rejoicing after plans were announced to save Levenshulme Library by working in partnership with a nearby school.
Levenshulme High School are to take over running the facility from Manchester City Council until a new library and leisure centre opens in Spring 2015.

Jeremy Hoad, chair of the Friends of Levenshulme Library, was delighted at the news and expressed relief that the facility has been saved.

“It’s win, win, win all round,” he told MM. “It means that the library is saved and protected for the next two years until the new library is opened. It does offer a sense of hope and a positive model that libraries can be saved. It provides everything we wanted, everything we could have hoped for and more for both now and the future.”

Read the full article HERE

The saving of Levenshulme Library

A blog post by novelist Paul Magrs on Levenshulme library being saved and the value of libraries.

View Paul’s blog here

‘Save our swimming baths’ campaign shows power of community action

Jeremy Hoad and Councillor Julie Reid comment on our success in saving our Baths.

John McDougall, Mancunian Matters, 4th April 2013

Read the full article HERE

Jeremy Hoad, Levenshulme Community Association Secretary and Save Levenshulme Baths and Library group member, feels the immense achievement should act as inspiration to others.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to be able to do this in times of local government being savaged more they have ever been with funding,” he told MM. “If this can be highlighted, it gives inspiration and hope to other people across the country that campaigns can work and we can actually protect our services. What has been so fantastic is the imagination, creativity and dedication of all sorts of people throughout Levenshulme and Gorton. It’s still sinking in. It’s one of those things you can’t quite believe you’ve actually won.”

Julie Reid, a Labour member for Gorton South, was actively involved in the campaign to keep the facilities in Levenshulme open.

“It took a long time and it’s been very difficult. If it wasn’t for the Tory-Lib Dem cuts we wouldn’t have even been in this position at all,” she told MM. It’s just been amazing. The Levenhulme community are awesome. I just can’t explain how wonderful they are. They’ve sustained the work all the way through for no money or anything. They’ve got loads of energy and kept it going.”

 

Revealed, site where town hall will splash out on new leisure centre in Levenshulme

Town hall bosses have revealed their preferred location for the new Levenshulme leisure centre. The facility – set to replace the existing baths and library in 2015 – is planned for the current Arcadia sports centre site off Stockport Road. A report to be considered next month shows it would include a ground floor pool with a gym upstairs, as well as the new library.

(Manchester Evening News, 31st March 2013)

Read the full article HERE

Victorious baths campaigners host “pop up” library in Piccadilly Gardens

A new public library appeared for the afternoon on the lawns of Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens.

Manchester Mule, 31st March 2013

Read the full article and watch the video HERE

 

Children heard a spirited reading of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, Where the Wild Things Are and the Gruffalo, complete with a Gruffalo impersonation, in a “pop up” library built to protest library closures. The flatpack facility was the brainchild of campaigners from neighbourhoods across Manchester including Northenden, Levenshulme, Burnage and Fallowfield fighting to keep their libraries open.

Subject to consultation, up to six libraries across the city could go in the latest round of £80m cuts implemented by Manchester City Council after the Coalition government slashed its funding. A replacement library will be built in Levenshulme – but not for two years.

Levenshulme activist Valerie O’Riorden told Mule that campaigners had not heard confirmation whether the new library would be a like-for-like replacement. “And with the other libraries who aren’t getting a replacement facility in Burnage or Fallowfield or Northenden” she said, “they’ve heard nothing. As far as anyone’s concerned the libraries are shutting and they will be replaced with an outreach service and maybe a book collection point in a shop or something.”

New Office at ALLFM

Amazing! We have a great new office in the ALLFM building at the corner of Albert Road and Marshall Road. We will be moving in on 9th Jan 2013.

The next phase of the Project kicks off with a new Girls’ Night to be hosted at the Energy Box on Errwood road. Tuesday night continues at the Inspire Centre from 6.30pm and the Youth Forum will meet to discuss what is needed in Levy for young people, at the Library on Wednesday evenings.