Clothes Swap At Levenshulme Inspire

Clothes Swap at Levenshulme Inspire. Get yourself a new wardrobe.


Paul Magrs Art Exhibition Launch

Join Paul Margs and immerse yourself in a colourful explosion of art. See the world through Pauls eyes as you peruse his creative works.

We would love to invite you to the launch night for a month long exhibition of Paul’s pictures and prints at Bia Cafe Bar (987 Stockport Road, Levenshulme) on Friday 12th April at 7pm. There’ll be live music with Jeremy Hoad DJing, drinks flowing including the best Guinness in Levy? so come on down and enjoy the fun.

Paul may well be drawing live portraits! Who wants one?

There will be lots of art for sale, including framed and unframed work.

We hope you’ll come along and enjoy the wonderful creative tapestry that makes Levy – Levenshulme!

Madina Masjid Unity Iftar

Assalamualaikum and Greetings of Peace,

Subject: Join Us for Unity Iftaar – A Celebration of Community and Harmony

We are delighted to extend to you a warm invitation to join us for our Unity Iftaar event at Madina Masjid. Unity Iftaar is a special gathering that celebrates the holy month of Ramadan, fostering a spirit of community, understanding, and harmony among all, regardless of faith or background.

Experience the Spirit of Ramadan: Unity Iftaar is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The evening will include:

  • An opportunity to observe Asr prayer.
  • A guided tour of the mosque, sharing insights into its history and activities.
  • An educational exhibition on the Basics of Islam with opportunity to ask questions.
  • A presentation on the significance of Ramadan.
  • The breaking of the fast (Iftar) together, followed by the Maghrib prayer.
  • A communal meal where we can share stories, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate our shared humanity.

This event is open to everyone in our community – whether you are fasting or not, Muslim or non-Muslim. We welcome you to join us in this unique experience, to learn, share, and celebrate the values that bring us together.

Please confirm your attendance by 22.03.2024 to help us make the necessary arrangements. You can RSVP by contacting myself on 07943 174382 or Br Mahboob on 07962 082773 or registering at https://forms.gle/YWWtc4K7WszCJD7S6.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this special evening together. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Warm regards,

Hafiz M Saleem

President

07943 174382

Madina Masjid

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International Women’s Day At Cringle Park

International Women’s Day in Cringle Park: Friday 8 March, 1.30-4.30pm by Station South and Friends Of Cringle Park And Fields.

Bikes [learn to ride / fixing / riding]
Brews, cakes, butties
Drumming and songwriting
Football

All the event info here

  • Adult bike training [women only] on the 5-a-side pitch by the children’s play area 1.30 – 2.45pm
  • Bike health checks + small adjustments from @beepedalready 3- 4.30pm
  • Mini rides around the park for women and allies. Bike goodie lucky dip prezzies for all girls taking part 3.30 – 4.30pm
  • Drumming workshops for all, delivered by the amazing @drum.happy and songwriting workshop by Charlotte – DROP IN
  • Girls football session, delivered by Levenshulme’s finest Kingsway Athletic FC 3.30 – 4.30pm – DROP IN

Unheim-Lit Spoken Word

To mark International Women’s Day, Levenshulme Old Library bring you Unheim-Lit, an evening of strange and uncanny spoken word.

Come and hear the readings from award-winning writers Abi Hynes and Gaynor Jones, supported by a coven of Manchester’s finest women writers.

The Talleyrand, will be on hand with refreshments. Men are very much welcome – nay keenly encouraged – to attend and support their strange sisters.

Featuring:

Abi Hynes is an award-winning drama and fiction writer. Her recent writing credits include Anne of Green Gables, an audio drama for Audible starring Sandra Oh and Catherine O’Hara, and Monstrous Longing, collection of short stories

Gaynor Jones is the author of Among These Animals. She has won the Northern Writer’s Award, the Bath Flash Fiction Prize and the Mairtín Crawford Short Story Award, among others.

Tickets are free – although we do recommend a minimum donation of £5 for those who can afford it so we can continue to provide our neighbourhood with artistic activities and opportunities like this.

Recycling Centre Temporary Closure

Sandfold Lane Waste and Recycling centre will be temporarily closed from Monday 26th February – Wednesday 6th March.

This is so essential maintenance works can take place.

All Greater Manchester residents can use any waste and recycling centre in the borough (except Wigan) – you can find an alternative centre here:

Find a recycling centre – Recycle for Greater Manchester

The closest ones to Sandfold Lane are:

  • Ash Road, Droylsden, M43 6QU
  • Reliance Street, Manchester, M40 3EZ
  • Bredbury Parkway, Bredbury, SK6 2SN
  • Longley Lane, Sharston, M22 4RQ

Hate Crime Awareness

Levenshulme Inspire is holding a hate crime awareness day on Wednesday 7 February as part of hate crime awareness week. There will be an opportunity to meet and talk to various groups and organisations and hear from them and ask questions.

Drop in anytime between 12.00-14.00. Speakers will be in at 12.00. Refreshments provided.

Levenshulme Market Last Day This Year

Sadly today is the last trading day for Levenshulme Market in 2023. The Market is taking a break after celebrating 10 years of trading and intends to return in 2024.

The Market has been clear that there are a variety of reasons for this unexpected pause but the main one appears to be Manchester City Council deciding to impose a new fee in addition to the site licence fee the Market already pays. A full explanation from Levenshulme Market is available HERE (June 7) with a further update HERE (July 13).

Levenshulme Community Association would like to thank everyone involved in Levenshulme Market and for making the Market such a big part of Levenshulme as well as such a success winning several awards and supporting traders, with several going on to open businesses in Levenshulme. We hope that Levenshulme Market and Manchester City Council can find a solution and that the Council fully recognises the value of the Market and the contribution it has made to Levenshulme as a Community Interest Company and social enterprise, and the value it adds to our community.

Even though the weather might be showery today go down and give Levenshulme Market a big send off at the last Market of this year. We hope to see Levenshulme Market back again as soon as possible.

Levenshulme Community Association AGM 2023

The LCA Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 15th July 2023 in the Community Studio, Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre starting at 14.00. Everyone is welcome.

Levenshulme Youth Project Cultural Celebration Day

Levenshulme Youth Project are holding a Cultural Celebration Day at Levenshulme Inspire on Saturday 24 June 2023, 12.00-14.00.

Workshops:

  • Music
  • Henna
  • Face painting
  • T-shirt design
  • Jewellery making

Plus food from around the world.

Lev Square Fest 2023

Levenshulme Square Residents Association has their Lev Square Fest coming up again on 25 June.

  • Book and plant swap
  • Live music
  • Craft stalls
  • Street games
  • Food table

Sunday 25 June 2023 13.00-16.00 on Cuthbert Avenue.

New LCA Events Listings And Calendar

We have added new events listings and calendar to the LCA website. We will do our best to include events across our community.

Do email us HERE to have something added. Please include:

  • name of event
  • date(s)
  • start time
  • end time (if applicable)
  • venue name
  • location (include postcode for map reference)
  • description
  • poster or flyer (jpeg format)
  • website (if you want your website included)

Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary

Levenshulme Pride 2023

Levenshulme Pride is happening again this year 11-13 August. Since starting in 2017 it has grown to be the largest FREE local Pride in Greater Manchester with activities and events across dozens of locations.

Everything at Levenshulme Pride is FREE to attend. This is more important than ever as the cost of living crisis affects us all.

Get in touch. Get involved.

If you have an idea for something to happen at Levenshulme Pride get in touch. Everyone is welcome as Levenshulme Pride celebrates the people, groups and businesses of our community. The event operates on a devolved model so everyone has ownership and control of their own activities.

Levenshulme Pride is also looking for volunteers to support the event. You can get involved in any aspect of Levenshulme Pride. Volunteers are particularly needed to distribute publicity material, brochures and programmes, be marshalls for the Levenshulme Pride March and help stallholders setup.

Sponsorship and Advertising

Levenshulme Pride is supported by sponsorship and advertising with low rates to ensure every group or business can contribute to make the event happen. Without this support the event simply wouldn’t be possible. Thank you to all previous sponsors for their support and to everyone who took out advertisements in our brochure.

Further information is available on the Levenshulme Pride website HERE

Lev Square Fest

Lev Square Fest is on Sunday 25 June this year, 13.00-16.00.

Levenshulme and Burnage Open Gardens 2023

Levenshulme and Burnage Open Gardens are back again on Sunday 4 June, 11.00-17.00. Programmes are on sale from Trove on Stockport Rd and Bud Garden Centre on Omer Drive.

All proceeds will be donated to Growing Together Levenshulme.

Thanks to Brenda Smith at Bud Garden Centre for organising the Open Gardens.

Madina Masjid Iftar

Madina Masjid on Barlow Road will be holding a Unity Iftar for the whole community on Sunday 2 April at 19.00. The invitation is below. You can reserve places via Eventbrite HERE

Madina Masjid Manchester has a tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds to the Mosque. In the spirit of friendship and conversation, we hope to give members of the wider community an engaging insight into the life of a fasting Muslim.

Ramadan is an auspicious time for Muslims; wherein one reflects and contemplates much on the relationship we have with God Almighty. United Kingdom Islamic Mission (UKIM) is holding Unity Iftar nationally, We as part of UKIM, feel privileged, as a pillar of the Manchester community, to be able to provide facilities where we can help break the fasts of the local Muslim community. We would therefore like to, cordially invite you and our neighbours from all faiths or none, to share in this festive experience and join us for the annual Iftar Meal. 

We would be honoured to have your presence to break the fast with us in the spirit of UKIM’s national initiative of ‘Unity Iftar’ on Sunday 2nd. April 2023. 

Please arrive on-site at 7:00 pm for a meet and greet and to ensure you are seated and served on time for the breaking of the fast at 7:48 pm. 

If you have any specific dietary requirements please do let us know in advance and we will endeavour to cater for your needs. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us. 

PS: Please share this invitation with your family & friends and also amongst other members of your group.

AllFM Takeover For International Women’s Day

Here’s the schedule for the International Women’s Day takeover at AllFM on Wednesday 8 March. All women. All day.

You can listen to AllFM online via their website HERE or on 96.9 FM.

Great British Spring Clean

Levenshulme continues to be blighted by litter and dumping.

The Great British Spring Clean is 17 March – 23 April 2023. Back for its eighth year, the Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign. You can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more – from today.  

Find out more HERE

Family Health Event At Madina Mosque

There’s a Family Health Event at Madina Mosque on 11 March 2023, 13.30-15.30 organised with Manchester Local Care Organisation.

You can talk and find out more about:

  • Healthy eating
  • Diabetes
  • Stopping smoking
  • Child immunisations
  • Flu vaccine
  • Dementia support
  • Cancer screening

Free blood pressure checks will also be available.

All welcome to this FREE event.

Free Compost For Community Groups

A bulk one tonne bag of compost is available for free to community groups from Recycle for Greater Manchester.

The following organisations qualify:

  • Registered Charity (charity number must be provided)
  • Not-for-profit organisation (defined as a registered legal entity that does not make a private profit for directors, members, or shareholders)
  • Community, Neighbourhood or Voluntary Group (eg. Friends of…, allotment society)
  • Faith group
  • School, College or University

If you are interested further information is available HERE

Council Integrated Communities Strategy Consultation

Manchester City Council is holding a consultation on its “Integrated Communities Strategy”.

The council wants views on:

  • How [the council can] strengthen the ways Mancunians could get along even better.
  • Your experiences of how different communities interact where you live.

Summary information is below or you can see more detailed information and respond to the consultation HERE

The consultation closes on Friday 15th July 2022.

Manchester Integrated Communities Strategy Consultation

Getting along with each other is key to making Manchester the best it can be for everyone who wants to call our city home.

The Council is currently running a consultation so that residents can tell us about how we strengthen the ways Mancunians could get along even better, and their experiences of how different communities interact where they live.

These views will be used to create the city’s first Integrated Communities Strategy. This strategy will support communities and relationships within them to become stronger – it’s about improving everyone’s chances of a good life.

GM Green Spaces Fund

The £2.6m Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund supports community-led projects that increase the amount and quality of accessible, nature-rich green space in the city region, particularly in the areas where people need it most.

The first round of applications will close at 9am on August 22nd, 2022.

Further information is available HERE

Household Support Fund

Information and advice on the Household Support Fund.

You can download all information as a single PDF here:

Vivaldi Ensemble Concert At St Mark’s Church

Venice comes to St Mark’s!

Come and join the Vivaldi Ensemble at 7pm on Sunday 26th June in a concert of light classical music at St Mark’s Church, Levenshulme.

This is a family friendly event so all are welcome. Admission is free, and all donations will go to UNICEF to support children in areas of war.

See you there! 7pm, Sun 26th June, at Mark’s Church, Broom Lane, Levenshulme, M19

Levenshulme Market Artists In Residence

A new initiative from Levenshulme Market…

LEVENSHULME MARKET ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE

That’s right! With support from Arts Council England we’re proud announce Levenshulme Market is funding two local artists to work in the heart of Levenshulme’s local high street, creating an artistic project which connects with the community.

As regular customers know, each week Manchester’s artists can be found at the market, selling their incredible work directly to the warm and welcoming people of Levenshulme.

Now two of those artists, both of whom are Levenshulme locals, have been appointed as the market’s artists-in-residence.

This spring their joint project A Portrait of Levenshulme will see Laura Deane and Ciara Leeming popping up at a market stall offering FREE photographic portraits and drawing and collage workshops, and inviting participants to reflect on what makes this neighbourhood special.

This initiative has been made possible by Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund to mark the Queen’s 70 year reign. Similarly, this project aims to celebrate the resilience, longevity and diversity in Levenshulme.

You’ll find Laura and Ciara at the market 11am-3pm this Saturday (23 April) at Levenshulme train station car park.

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

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

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.)

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

Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund

NEW Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund 

Applications now open until 31st May 2021

Do you have an idea to help your community recycle, reduce or reuse? Apply for a grant of between £200 and £20,000 to get your green plans off the ground. The fund is a joint Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM) and Suez initiative to support Greater Manchester’s Community and Voluntary sector.

Full details are available HERE

Do you have an idea for a project?

Now is the time for you to start thinking about how your organisation can help us improve waste and recycling in Greater Manchester.

The fund aims to support projects which prevent, reuse, or recycle household waste, and also reduce contamination, promote sustainable use of waste and resources, and generate wider social benefits for the communities of Greater Manchester. We want to encourage and support innovative projects that are novel and involve a new and untried approach to tackling an issue in the key waste areas. Your project will need to focus on at least one of these areas.

This year we will focus on these priority areas:

  • waste prevention
  • increasing recycling
  • reuse of household waste
  • reducing contamination

Your project will need to focus on one or more of these priority waste streams:

  • Food waste
  • Paper and card
  • Glass
  • Textiles
  • Furniture
  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

When can I apply?

The Community Fund 2021-22 will be open for submission of applications from Thursday 1st April until 31st May 2021.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from Community and Voluntary Sector organisations such as:

  • Registered Charity (charity number must be provided)
  • Not-for-profit organisation (defined as a registered legal entity that does not make a private profit for directors, members, or shareholders)
  • Community, Neighbourhood or Voluntary Group
  • Faith group delivering community work
  • School, College or University

A walk-through application video from Greater Manchester Environment Fund can be found below.

The fund is supported through profits from the new ‘Renew’ reuse shops. The Renew shops will be opening spring 2021 and will be based at 3 household waste recycling centres:

  • Woodhouse Lane, Trafford
  • Boysnope Wharf in Salford
  • Arkwright St, Oldham

The shops will sell pre-owned items that have been donated by residents at Household Recycling Centres across Greater Manchester (excluding Wigan).

Community Art Project

Ciara Leeming is organising a community art project. Submissions for the zine she is producing are welcome by 31st May 2021. You can submit entries or ask for further information by emailing Ciara on info@ciaraleeming.co.uk

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating Eid ul Fitr at the end of Ramadan.

Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England

Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing from 9 April, the Government has announced.

  • Everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a week
  • Alongside vaccine rollout, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen society and the economy, helping to suppress and control the spread of variants
  • Updates will be made to the NHS COVID-19 app in England to coincide with the universal testing offer

Further information available HERE

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

Levenshulme Remembers 2020

Levenshulme remembers in an event for Remembrance Sunday at the Levenshulme War Memorial outside St Peter’s Church. The event was pre-recorded before the current pandemic lockdown restrictions were imposed by the government. Lead by Reverend George Reeves, Rector of St Peter and St Mark’s parish Levenshulme.

You can also view the video for the Manchester City Council Remembrance Commemoration 2020 lead by Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester HERE.

Active Neighbourhood Dates

Active Neighbourhood online feedback deadline 28 October 2020

Road Blocks / “Modal Filters” trial will run from 19 December 2020 to 19 June 2021

UPDATE: The Manchester City Council website did not mention any dates initially, then within the last week the dates were added. It seemed the dates had been removed but actually an extra page of text was added to the MCC website on 7th October HERE that still includes the dates.

A contact email for the project has also now been added: levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk


Manchester City Council still hasn’t actually informed anybody about the new plans and consultation on the proposed Active Neighbourhood but it has set a deadline for feedback.

Letters were promised to all residents, businesses, schools and community groups but so far nothing has been sent out. We were also promised a phone line to make comments and that has not yet been provided and an email address which so far doesn’t seem to exist. The new website for commenting is only available in English. No posters or information have been put up in the area informing people about the online consultation. So the only way to comment on a scheme the council hasn’t officially told anyone about yet is online HERE.

Regardless of not telling anyone about the new plans apart from a tweet from our MP, Afzal Khan, that was shared by some councillors the council has now provided a deadline when the online consultation will end on 28th October. So we won’t be able to comment on a plan the council hasn’t told anybody about after 28th October.

There are now 25 individual road blocks / “modal filters” on the new plans in Phase 1 covering Levenshulme. The Commonplace website says temporary crossings and traffic calming will be included the trial but there is no evidence of these on the new plans although part of the online consultation invites comments about these. A summary of the new plans is available HERE.

Note that the project has now been renamed “Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood”. When it was called Levenshulme Bee Network it included part of Burnage. Now it is called Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood that part of Burnage is now excluded from the trial starting in December.

The part of Burnage included in the project is now identified as “Phase 2”. The project claims it will reduce traffic in the area but the council says the Burnage area has now been excluded from the December trial “…because of the density of schools in the Cringle Brook (Phase 2) area, and issues with traffic congestion…” which is a little confusing.

The Phase 2 area covers part of Burnage Ward and was identified previously as “Cringle Park Area”, not “Cringle Brook” as the council website says. The road blocks / “modal filters” that were in the previous plans in what is now Phase 2 have been removed from the new plans and you are invited to propose ideas for Burnage Ward. No timeline is available for Phase 2.

The project was paused in the summer to allow for further and more extensive engagement with the community. The July statement from Levenshulme councillors is below for reference. Since then a new Project Manager was appointed by the council, new plans developed that seem to be almost identical to the original plans despite them receiving considerable opposition from our community and the Burnage section of the project has been removed from the trial despite Sustrans (who developed the plans for the council) saying the whole scheme needed to be trialled or it wouldn’t work.

The whole thing is ever more confusing but further updates will be provided as things develop to try and keep people informed.

New Active Neighbourhood Plans released

The revised plans for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood have been released. Full information is available on the new website HERE.

The project has now been split into two with Phase 1 covering Levenshulme and Phase 2 covering Burnage. A trial of road blocks / “modal filters” will start in December 2020 and last for a minimum of six months.

Note that a “modal filter” is the name given to something that blocks the road to vehicular traffic but still allows access through for pedestrians and cyclists (and presumably mopeds and motorbikes).

Manchester City Council says:

We now have a plan for the future direction of the project, and have decided to tackle it in two phases. We would like your feedback on some of the measures which we are going to trial (Phase 1). The trial measures will start to be put in place from December (during school holidays).This is also a great way for the scheme to be seen in action, tested and analysed, so it can be tweaked or changed where required but also allow peoples habits to change and through traffic to re-route.

Because of the density of schools in the Cringle Park (Phase 2) area, and issues with traffic congestion, we are continuing to seek opinions from local residents, businesses and schools on what measures are needed and where before they are trialled.

We hope to commence the trial in the Festive season break in December and will last a minimum of 6 months. The final designs for the Active neighbourhood will be drawn up based on the results of the consultation and implemented within 18 months should the funding application be successful.

MCC Active Neighbourhood Plans

The Phase 1 trial area excludes Burnage. No date has been suggested yet for Phase 2 in Burnage. The Phase 1 / Phase 2 split has been done based on political Wards, not the Park Area cells the Project has identified which is why the Henderson Street road block / “modal filter” is included in Phase 1.

The Levenshulme Phase 1 trial identifies 25 road blocks / “modal filters” outlined on the map below. The revised plans are not very different to the original plans. We will look at them in detail and post further information once we have worked out what differences there are.

The Phase 1 trial is still primarily for road blocks / “modal filters”. The council is also asking for feedback on where temporary crossings and traffic calming could be located as part of its Phase 1 consultation. The council says:

The trial includes a number of temporary crossing points and traffic calming measures to provide immediate benefits on routes that have been raised through previous consultation. [ * ]

We understand from previous feedback that traffic volume and speeds make certain streets hard to cross. We’d like you to tell us where you feel crossing points or traffic calming may help day to day life and make getting around safer and easier.

Further community feedback on the locations of these is welcomed, so that a final Trial Plan can be developed. The trial plan has a degree of flexibility once live, but we need to allow the trial to bed in to understand how habits change and the trial is being used. 

MCC Active Neighbourhood crossings and traffic calming

[ * NOTE: there is no evidence of this on the map for the Phase 1 trial]

Give your feedback

Phase 1 feedback (Levenshulme) can only be made by responding to the 25 locations identified by the council. You can, however, drop a pin on the map for the Phase 2 feedback (Burnage) to identify a location and comment where you think an intervention could or should be located.

Phase 1 (Levenshulme)

You can comment HERE on the proposed road blocks / “modal filters”.

You can comment HERE on where you think crossings and traffic calming should go.

You can comment HERE on the whole scheme.

Phase 2 (Burnage)

You can comment HERE on what measures you think should be included in Phase 2.

How has the Project Changed?

There are a number of differences between the May proposals and the new proposals released in September. A summary is provided here for reference.

Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project v1 and v2 Comparison

( RB/MF = Road Block / “Modal Filter” )

 Version 1May 2020Version 2 Sept 2020v2 Map ref.Changes
Green Bank Park Area    
Longden RoadRB/MFRB/MF1Same as v1
Armitage AvenueRB/MFRB/MF2Same as v1
Mayford RoadRB/MFRB/MF3Same as v1
Guildford Road / Audley RoadRB/MF (Diagonal)RB/MF4Moved along Guildford Road and now a standard RB/MF
Stovell Avenue / Northmoor RoadBus Gate  Bus Gate removed
Manor Road 1 (between Barlow Road and Rushmere Avenue)RB/MFRB/MF5Same as v1
Manor Road 2 RB/MF6Moved to where a new crossing was proposed originally
Caremine Avenue RB/MF7EXTRA RB/MF
Portville RoadRB/MFRB/MF8Same as v1
Dunstable StreetRB/MFRB/MF9Same as v1
Barlow RoadRB/MFRB/MF10Same as v1
Cardus Street (North) RB/MF11EXTRA RB/MF and road changed to two-way traffic
Chapel Street Park Area    
Cardus Street (South) RB/MF12Same as v1
Chapel Street (West)RB/MFRB/MF13Same as v1
Chapel Street (East)RB/MFRB/MF14Same as v1
Chapel Street / Stockport Road junction   Changed to two-way traffic
Atlas PlaceRB/MFRB/MF15Same as v1
Delamere Road (West)RB/MFRB/MF16Same as v1 with road changed from one-way to two-way traffic
Delamere Road / Gordon AvenueRB/MF (Diagonal)RB/MF17Same as v1
Crayfield RoadRB/MFRB/MF18Same as v1
Marley RoadRB/MFRB/MF19Same as v1
Dorset RoadRB/MFRB/MF20Same as v1
Molyneux RoadRB/MFRB/MF21Same as v1
Broom Lane / Stockport Road junction   Changed to allow left and right turning
Cromwell Grove / Stockport Road junction   Changed to allow left and right turning
West Point Gardens Area    
Osborne RoadRB/MFRB/MF22Same as v1
Victoria RoadRB/MF (Diagonal)RB/MF23Changed from diagonal RB/MF to standard and moved to junction with Albert Road
Buckhurst RoadRB/MFRB/MF24Same as v1
Green DriveRB/MF  RB/MF removed (private road)
Lytham RoadRB/MF  RB/MF removed and road left as it is now
Cringle Park Area (Burnage)    
Fortuna Grove / Monica GroveRB/MF (Diagonal)  Further consultation
Burnage Hall RoadRB/MF  Further consultation
Slade Lane (near Linden Park)Bus Gate  Further consultation
Errwood Road (near Alma Park Primary)Bus Gate  Further consultation
Clare RoadRB/MF  Further consultation
Alma RoadRB/MF  Further consultation
Henderson StreetRB/MFRB/MF25Same as v1
L&B Active Neighbourhood Version Comparison (May plan v1 / September Plan v2)

Levenshulme & Burnage Active Neighbourhood Phase 1 Map

You can view the map online HERE or download a PDF version below.

Play Streets for Manchester

Manchester City Council has confirmed a new opportunity for residents to organise Play Streets. The council says:

“We want more of our residents from all parts of the city to come together to close the road or street where they live to help children’s play. A group of residents can apply to close their road on a regular basis for a few hours each time so there is no danger or inconvenience from through traffic.”

Full details are available HERE including information on:

  • suitable streets
  • when to hold a play street session
  • getting support from neighbours
  • managing traffic
  • volunteers and marshalls
  • fees and how to apply for permission
  • getting support from your local Neighbourhood Team

Play Streets were trialled in Levenshulme in 2019 as part of the Levenshulme Active Neighbourhood Project via the Levenshulme Bee Network group. Six streets ran Play Street trials including Osborne Road and Central Avenue. There was a report on the Osborne Road trial in the Manchester Evening News which can be read HERE.

Although Levenshulme Bee Network is no longer part of the Active Neighbourhood Project that project continues and you can organise Play Streets by following the council guidance. The idea for Play Streets was borrowed from the Playing Out community project that started in Bristol in 2011. You can find out about them HERE and get ideas for how to make Play Streets work.

Levenshulme Play Street Trial 2019, Osborne Road

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in our community, particularly in these difficult times when so many places are closed and we must observe strict social distancing rules as part of the covid19 lockdown.

UK Government Recovery Strategy

The UK government has released new guidance on its proposed “recovery strategy” described as a “roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis”. The contents are listed below for reference.

The new guidance provides information on changes to the current restrictions in place since 23rd March 2020 and changes planned for the coming weeks and months.

Please note that although this is identified as guidance from the UK government it only applies in England. The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have independent responsibility for their own approaches.

Click HERE to view the document on the government website.

Click HERE to download a copy of the PDF

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on the proposals, 10 May 2020

Response from Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, 11 May 2020

Continue reading

Happy Europe Day 2020

May 9th is Europe Day. This is the day when people across Europe come together to celebrate peace and unity in Europe following the horrors of the two World Wars. The day was chosen in recognition of the Schuman Declaration in 1950 which was the precursor to the formation of many European collaborative institutions and organisations. It was itself preceded by the formation of the Council of Europe in 1949.

Station South Community Collage

A call for contributions for a Community Collage on the advertising board beside Station South on the A6.

Here’s an idea! We’d like to do something to keep us all entertained in these crazy times! 

We’re giving the advertising board over to you for a big #COMMUNITYCOLLAGE challenge.

To help lift people’s spirits and get creative at home we’re setting you an arty challenge over the next few days…we’ll prompt your efforts with themes!

A daily ‘call to action’ to submit your photos/artwork/words coming out of these trying times which represent the #positives and spread #hope and #happiness during this time. 

We’ll put the best ones into the #communitycollage and showcase on the advertising board on the A6/Stockport Road where we hope it will cheer up key workers and the like. 

Theme’s for inspiration so far are  #simplepleasures #workingfromhome#naturelovers  #foodforthought

Post your images/words/art on the Station South Facebook page HERE
Or email them to hello@stationsouth.co.uk – let us know if you’d like a credit x

Spread the word and GO! x

We Love MCR Community Response Fund

The We Love MCR charity has set up a fund to provide Covid-19 Community Response Grants. Full information is available HERE

Constituted community groups and organisations with a bank account can apply to this fund for £500 – £3000 for the items, equipment or supplies they need to support their communities in this difficult time.

The application process has been simplified to help get the money out to groups quickly. The application form can be downloaded here:

Completed application forms can be sent to: welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk

Please share this information with groups you are aware of and your wider networks.  WeLoveMCR want to support as many groups and organisations as they can in this time of need. 

Prime Minister’s Statement To The Nation

In an address to the nation tonight the Prime Minister has introduced emergency controls and restrictions on people’s movements.

That’s it. We’re in lockdown.

  • All non essential shops will close.
  • Police will enforce restrictions including dispersing gatherings.
  • Only essential travel to / from work allowed.
  • No meetings with more than two people in public.
  • Only essential shopping and medical visits allowed.
  • One form of exercise daily only.

These measures will last for three weeks in the first instance.

The message is stay at home to save lives.

  • View the Prime Minister’s speech HERE
  • Read the full transcript the Prime Minister’s speech HERE
  • Read the full guidance HERE
  • A more detailed list of businesses that must close and those businesses and services that can remain open is available HERE

LCA Coronavirus information page

The LCA has set up a dedicated coronavirus web page to share information and advice. This will contain official information and also ideas and support from the Levy Corona Helpers group.

Follow the link on our main menu or click HERE

Levy Corona Helpers

A new Facebook groups has been set up to help our Levenshulme community during the Covid19 crisis.

The group is to share ideas and offer support to each other during this difficult time, particularly to those who are self isolating.

If you would like to help click HERE to go to the Facebook group page and then ask to join or search Facebook groups for “Levy Corona Helpers“.