A protest against the proposed closure of Levenshulme Station ticket office. Organised jointly by Levenshulme Community Association and Friends of Levenshulme Station.
Station Ticket Office Closure Protest
Reply
Tag Archives: Transport
Save Our Station Ticket Office
Levenshulme Station Ticket Office is under the threat of being closed.
What is being proposed and why?
Northern Rail operates Levenshulme train station and is proposing to close Levenshulme Station Ticket Office and leave us with only a ticket machine. This would be a permanent closure of the ticket office.
Full details of the proposed ticket office closure are available HERE.
You can download a PDF summary of the ticket office closure proposals here:
Northern Rail says:
“We know that stations will play an important part of our vision, which is why we will make sure that they better serve all our customers as well as the local communities that live around them.”
Northern rail, july 2023
Northern Rail’s claim it will “better serve all our customers” by closing Levenshulme Station ticket office is nonsense. That is not better service. It is bad enough that we still have no step free access at Levenshulme Station. It is unacceptable to close our ticket office as well for reasons of safety, accessibility, information, ticket sales and advice.
Ticket sales at Northern Rail operated stations are almost 50% higher than the national average. People depend on the ticket office and the staff for help, advice and information. Ticket machines cannot provide the same services.
How to respond:
The consultation is open now but it ends very soon so please respond as soon as possible with your comments. The consultation is managed by Transport Focus, the independent transport user watchdog, on behalf of Train Operating Companies.
The deadline for responding to the consultation is 23.59 on 28 July.
- Email: ticketoffice.Northern@transportfocus.org.uk
- Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ
- Online: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/ticket-office-consultation/
Remember to name Levenshulme Station in your response.
If you would like to know more about the consultation process and what happens next please go to transportfocus.org.uk
Levenshulme Community Association has already committed to write to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig, our MP Afzal Khan and our local councillors, Zahid Hussain, Dzidra Noor and Basat Sheikh to seek their commitment to oppose the proposed closure of Levenshulme Station Ticket Office. We will also be working with the Friends of Levenshulme Station to campaign against this proposal. We will also say that such a short consultation is not acceptable and must be extended.
Manchester Piccadilly Station Ticket Offices also to be closed
Please note that Manchester Piccadilly Ticket Offices are also threatened with permanent closure. They are operated by Avanti West Coast. You can out information and respond to that proposed closure HERE.
Please join us in campaigning to SAVE OUR STATION TICKET OFFICE.
Another Active Neighbourhood Consultation On New £7 million Plans
Manchester City Council has announced today that there will be another consultation on final plans for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood scheme. This follows the release of three sets of “final plans” over a year ago and one “final consultation”. The news release says:
“A consultation will soon take place on a proposal to include an additional crossing on the A6, expanding the provision of high-quality and safer walking and cycling routes, with the intention being that local people are better connected by safer walking, wheeling, and cycling routes with local shops and facilities.”
MCC news release, 12 july 2023
This would be helpful after well over a year of silence on the scheme from the council and councillors. The only works undertaken so far have been in Burnage Ward on Errwood Road and the installation of the permanent versions of the 14 modal filters / road blocks across Levenshulme Ward. Sadly the filters do not include any trees in the concrete blocks as was originally promised. There is still no news on the proposed modal filters / road blocks on Linden Park and Milwain Road.
The council says the latest “final plans” will cost £7 million:
“The cost, estimated at £7m in total, is likely to be split between MCC and GMCA. The proposed solution will allow the successful delivery of this project as part of the Bee Network in the local area as well as allowing specific Council-led design choices that respond to public consultation feedback.”
MCC news release, 12 july 2023
This is over 300% more than the original budget of £2.3 million. In 2022 Levenshulme councillor Basat Sheikh said the cost for the scheme had increased to £4.6 million. The vast majority of the funding was originally from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund using money provided by the government and included a contribution from Manchester City Council of £100,000. The council has not said how much of the new proposed £7 million cost will come from Manchester City Council.
The original proposals included significantly more than last year’s “final plans” proposed so it will be interesting to see what the new “final plans” include and whether any more of what the Council and the now defunct Levenshulme Bee Network had promised has been reinstated. Levenshulme Councillors have recently said that the Council will not install any more modal filters / road blocks.
Levenshulme Community Association has consistently supported the idea of an Active Neighbourhood and made positive proposals throughout the several years of this project. If the new “final plans” include improvements to pavements and crossings and cycle routes that actually connect across and outside the area as this announcement suggests then that will be a big improvement on the previous “final plans” that only included one cycle lane that ran half way along Matthews Lane and did not connect to anything at either end. Pavement and accessibility improvements were also previously limited to only a handful of roads in the area.
The LCA will continue to provide further updates as information becomes available.
Manchester Evening News also has an article on the latest announcement from Manchester City Council.
The council news item is HERE
The MEN article is HERE
National Rail Strike Information
Information from Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester.
Three days of strike action across the country’s railway networks are due to take place this week on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June, resulting in very few services running.
Disruption is expected to spill over into non- strike days and services that do run are expected to be extremely busy. Local rail operators Northern and Transpeninne Express are encouraging passengers not to travel with them.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with operators to provide enhanced services across the bus and tram network, where possible.
Additional double trams will be running across Metrolink on strike days and will be prioritised in areas of greatest demand to help passengers get around, with thousands of free park and ride spaces available at dozens of sites across Greater Manchester.
A dedicated travel information page has been set up to help people plan their journey HERE
Rail Services Disruption
Northern Rail Services Update & “Do Not Travel” Advice
Northern are advising customers NOT TO TRAVEL on Friday 18 February 2022 due to severe storms across the network
STORMS – DO NOT TRAVEL FRIDAY 18 FEB
Do not travel between 0900-2100 on Friday 18 February.
Storms Dudley (from Wednesday 16 to Thursday 17), followed by Eunice (on Friday 18, into the weekend) are expected to bring high winds and heavy rainfall to the Northern network.
The storms will cause significant disruption across the network. Customers should expect delays and cancellations and are strongly advised not to travel on Friday 18 and to check before you travel for the rest of the weekend.
Please check your trains as close to the time of your departure as possible and we urged you to consider whether your journey is necessary.
Northern tickets dated for Friday 18 February will be valid on Northern services on Thursday 17 and Saturday 19 February.
Other train operators are also affected by these disruptions. If travelling further or using other train companies, make sure you check the latest info before travelling.
Due to the projected extreme weather which is forecast for Friday 18 February in the form of Storm Eustice, we will be operating an amended timetable on a number of routes and have issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ notice.
Please be aware that the following service amendments will take place on these routes:
Blackpool – Manchester Airport via Bolton
All Blackpool – Manchester Airport via Bolton services will be suspended. The hourly service between Blackpool and Hazel Grove via Bolton will continue to operate
Liverpool – Manchester Airport via Warrington Central (Express)
Liverpool Lime Street – Crewe via Newton-le-Willows/Manchester and Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Oxford Road via Warrington Central are planned to operate as normal. Liverpool – Warrington Bank Quay services will be suspended
Liverpool – Wigan North Western
All Liverpool Lime Street – Blackpool North services via Leyland will be suspended, Liverpool – Wigan North Western services are planned to operate as normal
Lancaster – Morecambe and Heysham Port
All services will be suspended
Lancaster – Leeds via Bentham
All services will be suspended
Manchester Piccadilly – New Mills Central will be reduced
Manchester Piccadilly – Sheffield via New Mills are planned to operate as normal. Manchester Piccadilly – New Mills Central services will be suspended
Manchester Piccadilly – Hadfield
A service is planned to operate on this route every 90 minutes
Southport – Wigan – Alderley Edge
No services will operate Southport – Alderley Edge. Southport – Stalybridge trains are planned to operate as normal
Kirkby – Blackburn via Manchester Victoria and Todmorden
Service will operate Kirkby – Wigan Wallgate only
Calder Valley
Manchester Victoria – Leeds services will reduce to two trains per hour, one service from Chester via Bradford and the other Wigan – Leeds via Brighouse.
The amended services will appear in Journey Planners shortly. All other routes are timetabled to operate subject to weather conditions.
Storm Eunice Warning
Advice from Manchester City Council
An amber warning has been issued for Manchester tomorrow as Storm Eunice is forecast to bring extremely strong winds.
Winds may reach 50-70mph between 10:00 and 16:00 tomorrow. Although still likely to be windy after 16:00 it is not expected to be disruptively so. The initial forecast impacts of snow are not thought to be likely across Manchester. Saturday is expected to be calmer but further heavy rain and high winds are expected Sunday into Monday with potential flooding but this will be closely monitored.
The key utilities providers and Emergency services have high levels of preparedness and resilience. Disruption to the rail network is expected to be high and they are asking people not to travel by rail tomorrow. Transport for Greater Manchester is asking people to consider if there journey is really necessary and only travel if required.
Key impacts as a result are likely to be damage to trees, buildings, particularly tall buildings and building sites with cranes/scaffolding, flying debris and disruption to travel.
With the unusually high speed of the winds please be aware about potential for damage on building sites, cranes, scaffolding etc.
For weather updates please visit the Met Office website and remember to check Transport for Greater Manchester for any changes to travel services.
School Street at St Andrew’s Primary School
St Andrew’s Primary School will be holding a School Street event next Thursday 17th February at pick-up time (between 2.30pm & 4pm).
Parents are encouraged to make active choices with their children about travel to school. Information will be provided to neighbours this week and parents (including Superkids) early next week.
Access to Broom Avenue will only be possible for residents and those with particular needs. For others who do need to use their cars, there are many places nearby within a 2 minute walk of Broom Avenue that are available to park and walk the final bit, including on the Loop to the back gate of school.
It is hoped that this could be an opportunity for those who are able to make a walking choice to do so.
Thanks to George Reeves for this information.
Active Neighbourhood Consultation Extended
The council held the first of the two video calls on the Active Neighbourhood last night (Thursday 13 January 2022). This was an opportunity for people to ask questions about the current proposals / plans.
The Project Team has responded to the request by Levenshulme Community Association and Levenshulme Traders Association for an extension to the consultation. The new deadline is Sunday 30th January 2022. The deadline was extended to 28 January on 13 January and then extended to 30 January on 14 January. Full information on how to comment is available HERE.
The Project Team has finally provided a plan for Grangethorpe Drive (available HERE), another request of the LCA. Unfortunately a summary of the Randolph Street / Balleratt Street proposals is still missing. The online Feedback Survey is still inconsistent with the proposals listed on the website or on the overview map but at least it is now possible to comment on more than two proposals. The Project Team refused to take comments or questions on any of the 14 trial blocks / filters in Levenshulme which have inexplicably been left out of the consultation.
Although the proposals were broadly welcomed by people commenting on the video call there was frustration that the proposals were disjointed and disconnected and opportunities had been missed. The Project Team said they would look at several locations where issues were raised although it seems we are unlikely to see any revised plans before the council starts implementing them if it secures funding.
Data, evidence, reports or analysis to support the proposals have still not been released and it seems unlikely that Manchester City Council or the Project Team will ever publish this information. The claim by the council from the outset that this would be an evidence based, data driven and community led flagship project ring slightly hollow if members of the community are not allowed to see any of this data or evidence.
We still think an extra four days for the consultation is insufficient to allow people to comment and engage fully when many people have still not received letters informing them the consultation is even happening, posters and hard copies of the plans have only just been made available (we don’t know where these are yet) and the online survey has been changed without informing anybody. All these corrections have been made almost three quarters of the way through the original consultation period. This means a possible six week consultation period is effectively only a consultation of two weeks at best with partially corrected information.
Wesley Evans, the Project Manager, announced the new deadline and summarised the process from this point at the end of the video call:
“Just to say I think we’ve heard loud and clear that the consultation should be extended. There were a few technical issues and what we would do is instead of closing on Monday 24th January we will try and now close it on Friday 28th January.
The reason we don’t want to extend it too much is we want to try to get this works completed really and to do so we’ve got a window of opportunity in order to obtain funding there’s a March 2023 deadline so the next step now is we’ll have the further consultation event next Thursday [20 January 2022] and we’ll close the consultation say the 28th January which give us then time to digest and there’s gonna be a lot of people with different views, different recommendations and we need to at least consider that really so there’s gonna be, er, we need to sit down and go through what people are making recommendations.
Then following on from that we’ll take what we call these outline designs and work on what’s called detailed designs so some of the designs may change but I don’t fundamentally see things changing significantly but there may be tweaks there could be some things we have missed and stuff so as I say we’ll work on what’s called detailed designs next.
Following on from that we move into procurement and then once we’ve got a contractor appointed that’s when we’ll look to start construction of the works. The only thing I would also like to highlight the trial say for Phase One was like an 18 month trial and that ceases I think, I can’t remember the exact date, right at the end of June so we may try to look to do some early work to make what we call the temporary filters permanent, erm, so it may be that we start early works on those to make them permanent and then following on from that hopefully not long after it starts to make the actual works permanent with what you’ve seen today how that evolves really so the next stage is very much we try to enter into detailed designs but like I say we will consider everything and try and do as much as we can.
Like what people say we all wish we had billions of pounds to do absolutely everything. Unfortunately we can’t but all we can do is do our best. We have tried to do our best from the word go but unfortunately we can’t do everything but like I say all I can say is we will consider everything and try and do as much as we can.”
Wesley evans, Active neighbourhood project manager, 13 January 2022
Active Neighbourhood Poster and Overview Map
A poster for the final Active Neighbourhood Map and an overview map are now available.
The documents are below and also available for download as higher quality PDFs in the documents section for the project HERE.
The current consultation started on 17 December 2021 and ends on 24 January 2022.
Call for Active Neighbourhood Consultation to be extended
Levenshulme Community Association and Levenshulme Traders Association have jointly called for the current Active Neighbourhood consultation to be extended. There are multiple problems with the way the consultation is being run. We believe these problems must be corrected and then the consultation should be extended to allow proper community engagement.
The letter and concerns are reproduced below and have been sent on 11 January 2022 to: Levenshulme councillors (Zahid Hussain, Dzidra Noor and Basat Sheikh); Burnage councillors (Azra Ali, Ben Clay and Bev Craig who is also Manchester City Council Leader); Manchester City Council Executive member Tracey Rawlins; Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor); and local MPs Afzal Khan and Jeff Smith. Copied to the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project Team.
Continue readingDestination: Bee Network TfGM Survey
Today is the last day of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) survey on the future development of the Bee Network concept.
TfGM say:
“By getting involved in the Destination: Bee Network Conversation, you can help bring the vision to life based on what’s most important to you. Topics include what you’d expect the Bee Network values and standards to be, how safe you feel travelling on the network, the GM bus of the future, and whether you’d like to see dogs and bikes on trams.
There are several ways to have your say. You can complete the Bee Network Conversation online survey, which will be open until 12 November. If you have any questions or need support to complete the survey form, please email: engagement@tfgm.com“
Further information is available HERE
Active Neighbourhood – Nothing Confirmed Yet
What’s Going On With Our Active Neighbourhood?
Councillors have confirmed the Active Neighbourhood scheme will have a new public consultation and nothing is confirmed yet.
A meeting attended by over 60 residents, including Levenshulme Community Association Secretary Jeremy Hoad, was at times tense but has brought some welcome clarity to the current status of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood.
Levenshulme Councillors Basat Sheikh and Zahid Hussain attended a meeting organised by the One Levenshulme group on 20 September after the release of a statement from Manchester City Council that said:
“Following the end of this trial, and reviews of feedback, all 14 filters will be made permanent.“
Manchester City Council statement, 13 September 2021
Councillors say this statement by Manchester City Council about the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood scheme was made “out of context” and this is only a partial explanation of the current situation. The current road blocks / “modal filters” will only be made permanent if a full plan for the Active Neighbourhood is approved for implementation following a public consultation.
The next stage designs will provide a full plan for interventions well beyond the current trial of 14 road blocks / “modal filters” in Levenshulme. This is the first time our community will be provided with comprehensive proposals and and a plan for the Active Neighbourhood, three years after the project started. It is understood the plans will include measures for both Levenshulme and Burnage.
The statement went on to say that:
“This month [August 2021] the Highways Service presented the initial outline designs for the proposed next stage of the Active Travel Neighbourhood scheme to ward councillors in both areas. These were agreed in principle, with the plans also submitted to Transport for Greater Manchester for their review and comment.”
Manchester City Council statement, 13 September 2021
A New Public Consultation
The new plans will be released soon and go to a public consultation. Councillors did not provide details of the consultation but accepted that previous consultations and the scheme as a whole had been “…a complete mess from the beginning…” and that it had “…gone wrong…”. They stated they had been “…working behind the scenes…” to improve the plans and had rejected previous drafts before accepting the current proposals.
Councillor Hussain stated that so far the project had spent £800,000 and that the budget had been reduced for the whole scheme. The original budget was up to £700,000 for development work and to undertake a trial with a further £1.8m available dependent on a successful business case proposal to TfGM for full implementation.
When pressed by residents councillors clarified that if residents were not happy with all the proposals then the scheme would not go ahead and everything – including the current road blocks / “modal filters” – would be removed.
It was also stated by councillors that the road blocks / “modal filters” would not be retained or made permanent until or unless problems on all roads were addressed, something councillors had insisted on for the scheme to progress. No scheme would be approved before that. However, councillors were confident that the community would welcome the final plans when they saw the designs.
Where’s the Data?
Councillors were also asked “Where’s the data?” as the whole scheme was claimed to be evidence based and data driven as well as community led. Councillors explained that the filters had been left in place so that the project could gather more data after the trial had finished [in June 2021] as Covid19 restrictions were lifted. Monitoring, managed by Manchester Urban Observatory (based at the University of Manchester) had taken place throughout the trial. Doubts were raised by residents about how accurate, useful or comprehensive this data was as well as the placement of monitoring equipment.
What will the final plans look like?
More comprehensive, inclusive and balanced, it seems. Reference was made to traffic calming, chicanes, crossings, pavement improvements and speed tables (large raised flat areas on the road). These are the sorts of measures residents, businesses and community groups (including Levenshulme Community Association) have been calling for throughout the project.
Unfortunately the attitude previously of the Project Team (with Sustrans and Levenshulme Bee Network before they were removed from the project in 2020) was dismissive of this more balanced approach and focussed primarily on installing road blocks / “modal filters” to create a “Low Traffic Neighbourhood”.
Residents also raised concerns about a number of related issues: dangerous driving in the area which was getting worse; problems with HGVs; speeding; anti-social behaviour around the road blocks; ongoing issues with emergency services and problems for carers and other service providers needing to easily meet residents’ needs. These reflected concerns that had consistently been raised by the LCA, residents and businesses that the approach throughout the project had been limited and did not focus on solving the problems we faced as a community or prioritise the aims of the project to actually make our roads safer and encourage walking and cycling.
Councillors stressed that the scheme was “…not about cycling…” but about “…Active Travel, creating shared space and provision for walking, cycling and drivers getting around.”
What happens next?
The final Active Neighbourhood plans should be made public in the next few weeks. The council has already indicated there will be a public engagement meeting in late September / early October.
Serious concerns were raised about how the consultation would be run. Residents made clear that they were dissatisfied with previous consultation and engagement and councillors accepted this had not been done well. Residents at the meeting highlighted the exclusive, biased and insecure nature of the online Commonplace system and the limited and ineffective information available.
As yet it is unclear what changes will be made to the consultation process, when it will start or how long it will run for. It is also unclear how decisions will be made, what criteria will be used and what attempts will be made to ensure the whole community can get involved and have their voices heard effectively.
Councillors Sheikh and Hussain were thanked for their attendance at the meeting and it was made clear by residents that this ongoing discussion was very welcome. Thanks also to Mark at the Bluebell for hosting the meeting.
Levenshulme Community Association will continue to provide updates and announcements as they are available to enable residents and businesses to be fully involved in this next stage of what has so far been a frustrating and difficult experience for many people.
Active Neighbourhood Update & Community Engagement Event
The Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project Team are planning an event. The Project Team has stated today (9 September 2021):
“We are hoping to hold a community engagement event around Late September/ Early October, in which people can give their thoughts and feedback on the Active Neighbourhood plans in person.”
The intention of the meeting is to provide:
“…an opportunity to give thoughts and feedback on the existing filters and any future measures that may be put in place.“
No date or time has been set for the meeting / event yet.
It is intended to hold the event “for Levenshulme” at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road. This suggests the Project Team might hold a separate event for Burnage. If this is the case Levenshulme Community Association will promote both events.
After Manchester City Council took direct control of the project and removed Sustrans and Levenshulme Bee Network in 2020 the project was split into two – Phase 1 for Levenshulme and Phase 2 for Burnage. No clear explanation has ever been provided as to why the project was fragmented in this way and changed along political ward boundaries.
Councillors have previously stated that a final plan for the project would be released in September and then put out to consultation. The Project Team has stated any final plan would not be released until it had been signed off and agreed by local councillors and Transport for Greater Manchester. Whether this community engagement event in September or October is to consider a final plan or is an opportunity for general discussion is unclear.
Alma Park School Street Trial
The council is organising a trial of a “School Street” at Alma Park Primary School.
What is a School Street?
A “School Street” means roads are closed to traffic for a specific period to encourage parents and pupils to walk and cycle to school rather than be dropped off or picked up by car. Council staff and volunteers will manage the trial. Alma Park Primary is sending letters out to parents and will be informing the community as well. At the moment this is a one-off trial.
This information is subject to confirmation from Manchester City Council. We will provide further information once we have received the full details from the council.
When?
The trial will happen on Thursday 1st July from 14.00-16.00
Where?
Alma Park Primary School and surrounding streets
Which roads are likely to be closed to traffic? (to be confirmed)
- Marshall Road at its junction with Albert Road
- Forest Range at its junction with Albert Road
- Errwood Road from its junction with Alma Road to its junction with Carson Road
- Alma Road at the railway bridge
- All roads leading onto Errwood Road such as Arliss Avenue and Preston Road will have restricted access through the above access points.
Where do I park if I need to use my car?
We understand an arrangement has been reached with Levenshulme Tesco to allow people to use the Tesco car park as a “Park & Stride” facility.
What about buses?
We understand arrangements will be made for any buses to be walked through the School Street by a marshall.
Volunteering
Manchester City Council is looking for volunteers to help make the trial happen. Around 20 people are required and training will be given to marshall the trial. The invitation to volunteer is available HERE.
Further information
For general information about School Streets see HERE
Fallowfield Loop Consultation Results
Fallowfield Loop Consultation Results
The recent consultation and engagement around the Fallowfield Loop and Yellow Brick Road allowed users to have their say on what they liked and disliked about the route and provide suggestions of how to improve the route in the future. There was an overwhelming response to the engagement exercise with over 5200 residents and users having their say.This was in part due to the support provided by Friends of Fallowfield Loop, who helped promote the consultation and placeposters along the route.
People who took part told us that the existing urban greenway along the Fallowfield Loop and Stockport Branch Canal is cherished for its rural feel within an urban environment. Users feel like they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city into this secluded setting in the heart of Manchester. It does however have issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour, and fly tipping, which detract from its good points and make some users feel so vulnerable that they avoid using it.
Respondents told us that their priorities were:
- Addressing personal safety and anti-social behaviour
- Complimenting the existing habitat and biodiversity
- Providing a more open route
- Connecting to surrounding neighbourhoods
- Revitalising the existing landscape to create more open and less intimidating environment for users.
- Upgrading access points to make the entrances prominent and the route accessible, creating a more inviting route to travel along.
- Transforming and enhancing open areas to provide places for people to enjoy.
They also raised a number of repeat issues such as poor access, signage and visibility of the route, along with the need to eliminate the public perception of the route being unsafe to travel along because of issues relating to crime and anti-social behaviour.
The poor access points, connectivity, and signage to and from the Fallowfield Loop and Stockport Branch Canal were all raised during the engagement exercise. Users felt that by improving existing access points and creating more would make the route more attractive and potentially reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by providing a “safety in numbers” approach.
Continue readingAction on Dangerous Planters
Large wooden planters were installed on 14 roads across Levenshulme on Monday 4 January as part of the council’s Active Neighbourhood scheme for Levenshulme and Burnage.
Currently the planters pose a significant danger as there are no signs on them and no reflective hazard strips. They are particularly dangerous when it gets dark as well as when people come across them unexpectedly on the roads. No road signs are in place to warn of changes to the road layout either. Unfortunately some planters have also been moved and modifications have been made to block pavements to prevent vehicles driving around the planters.
LCA Secretary Jeremy Hoad has been in touch with councillors to highlight these problems and the LCA can confirm that:
- Warning signs will be added to the planters starting on Wednesday 5 January to be completed by Friday 7 January at the latest;
- Street signs will be installed to notify road users of the change to road layout and restricted access;
- Additional measures will be put in place to make the planters more secure, possibly by adding brackets and bolting them to the ground or linking them together.
- New bollards will be installed on pavements either side of the planters to prevent vehicles driving around the planters.
This is very welcome news and will make the planters more effective and safe during this six month trial.
How to give feedback
A formal consultation is now active. If you wish to comment you can use the project website HERE.
You can also email the Project Team: levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk (please note that this email address is currently not working but the council is aware of this and looking into it)
If you wish to lodge an objection (quoting reference L/GS/EVD2001/1887) you can email the council here: phlegal@manchester.gov.uk
or write to the council:
Fiona Ledden, City Solicitor PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA
Active Neighbourhood Trials Announced
Active Neighbourhood will start very soon
The formal notification of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood has been published. You can view the announcement HERE or read the text below. The notice was dated 18 December 2020 and states it will come into force on 26 December 2020.
Phase 1 of the scheme will install 14 road blocks / “modal filters” for at least six months across Levenshulme. The council has said that a further five road blocks / “modal filters” might be added during the trial but this has not been confirmed yet.
The council had originally said the trial measures would be installed from 4-8 January 2021 but now says “early January”.
A consultation on measures for Phase 2 (covering parts of Burnage Ward) is still live. You can take part and submit comments HERE or by emailing the council directly <levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk>. This consultation closes on 21 January 2021.
Where are the road blocks / “modal filters” going?
The 14 filters which will be installed on a trial basis early in the New Year are at:
- Buckhurst Road
- Cardus Street (North)
- Delamere Road and Gordon Avenue
- Dorset Road
- Caremine Avenue
- Guildford Road
- Henderson Street
- Longden Road
- Manor Road (East)
- Mayford Road
- Molyneux Road
- Osborne Road
- Portville Road and Randolph Street
- Victoria Road
Unfortunately the council has not provided any detailed plans of where these road blocks / “modal filters” will be located or whether parking spaces will need to be removed to allow vehicles accessing these roads to turn around despite repeated requests for greater clarity and detail.
Five more proposed filters are being paused until an assessment can be made of what their impact would be on surrounding residential streets, but could still form part of the phase 1 trial, with alternative solutions to be considered as part of the wider scheme development. These are at Chapel Street (East), Crayfield Road, Dunstable Street, Manor Road (West) and Marley Road.
Public Announcement Text
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Notice is hereby given that on the 11th December 2020 Manchester City Council made the following Orders under Sections 9 and 10 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Orders, which will be introduced on an experimental basis for a period of up to 18 months are as follows:- City of Manchester (Various Roads, Levenshulme) (Prohibition of Driving Except Cycles And Revocation) (Experimental) Order 2020
The effect of the Order will be to introduce the following:
Experimental Prohibition Of Driving (Except Cycles) on –
Buckhurst Rd – both sides from its junction with Albert Road in a northerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Cardus St – both sides from its junction with Cromwell Grove in a northerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Caremine Ave – both sides from a point 10 metres west of its junction with Lonsdale Road in a westerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Dorset Rd – both sides from its junction with Fairbourne Road in a westerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Gordon Ave – Gordon Avenue/Delamere Road junction, from the north east corner of the junction to the south west corner with a minimum width of 2 metres.
Guildford Rd – both sides from a point 2 metres south west of its junction with Norley Drive in a south westerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Henderson St – both sides from a point 32 metres north west of its junction with Nall Street in a north westerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Longden Rd – both sides from its junction with Stovell Avenue in an easterly direction for a distance of 2 metres.
Manor Rd – both sides from a point 80 metres east of its junction Audley Road in an easterly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Mayford Rd – both sides from a its junction with Stockport Road in an easterly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Molyneux Rd – both sides from its junction with Cumbrae Road in a southerly direction for a distance of 2 metres.
Osborne Rd – both sides from its junction with Slade Lane in a north easterly direction for a distance of 5 metres.
Randolph St – both sides from a point 13.5 metres south of its junction with Mayford Road in a southerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
Victoria Rd – both sides from its junction with Albert Road in a north westerly direction for a distance of 3 metres.
City of Manchester (Cardus Street, Manchester) (Experimental Revocation of One Way Traffic) Order 2020 The above Order is revoked in its entirety.
The Orders shall come into operation on 26th December 2020.
A copy of the Orders, together with the plans showing the roads to which they relate and a Statement of the Council’s Reasons for making the Orders may be inspected at Customer Service Centre Ground Floor, Town Hall Extension M60 2LA (for Sat. Nav. use M2 5DB) between the hours of 9.00am and 4.30pm on Monday to Friday inclusive for a period of 6 months until 26th June 2021. Due to Covid 19 restrictions please ensure that the Contact Centre is open before attending. If it is closed or you are unable to attend, a copy of the plan may be requested (without payment) by emailing phlegal@manchester.gov.uk or writing to the address at the end of this notice.
The City Council will be considering in due course whether the provisions of the Order should be continued in force indefinitely. Within a period of six months from the coming into force of the Order or if the Order is subsequently varied or amended from the coming into force of the variation or modification (whichever is the latter) any person may object to the indefinite continuation of the provisions of the Orders.
Any person wishing to object should submit their grounds of objection in writing to phlegal@manchester.gov.uk or the address below no later than 26th June 2021 quoting reference L/GS/EVD2001/1887.
Any person who wishes to question the validity of the Orders or of any provision contained in it on the grounds that they are not within the powers conferred by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or on the grounds that any requirement of that Act or of any instrument made under it have not been complied with in relation to the Order may within six weeks from 11th December 2020 apply to the High Court for such purpose.
Signed: Fiona Ledden, City Solicitor PO Box 532, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA
Dated: 18th December 2020
TM REF: 226043115-01
Active Neighbourhood Business Consultation
Business engagement and consultation
Please see below a message from Cath Keane, Neighbourhood Liaison Manager at the MCC Highways Service and part of the Active Neighbourhood team, regarding an event for local businesses. This is welcome and follows up on a previous commitment for further engagement.
Please draw this to the attention of any businesses in the area so they can take part.
Manchester City Council held formal consultation around a scheme to make walking and cycling easier and safer in Levenshulme. We also held a number of face to face on line events which allowed people to have their say on the suggested measures. These events were well attended and gave around 170 people the chance to have their say, while more than 3,500 others have responded through our website.
However, we felt that people attending these on line events did not fully represent all of the business community in Levenshulme, and for this reason, we are reaching out to offer an additional event to ensure local businesses are aware of the scheme and have the chance to have their say.
Although the formal consultation end date has passed, we are still keen to receive feedback for the next six months as this will inform any final, permanent measures which could be implemented.
If you or representatives from your organisations would be interested in attending an on line event about the trial in Levenshulme, please email levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk.
If you would find it useful to have an interpreter at the on line event, please let us know and we can arrange it.
The event date will be confirmed in the near future and we will send details to everyone who has emailed us to request an invite. To join the meeting, you will need a laptop or smart phone . A link will be sent which you can click and join.
Please use the levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk email address if you have any other queries concerning this scheme. Further information about Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhoods scheme is also availabe on our website at www.manchester.gov.uk
We look forward to hearing from you.
Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Business Engagement Event
The Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood website is available HERE
Active Neighbourhood Project Online Meetings
Manchester City Council is planning three online events (via Microsoft Teams) to hear your ideas about Levenshulme & Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project plans. The project proposes a trial of 25 road blocks / “modal filters” all around Levenshulme starting on 19 December 2020 and running for six months.
There are other possible elements to the project that have not been confirmed yet but the trial will only be for the road blocks / “modal filters”.
Three dates have been arranged for the public meeting, which will take place on:
- Monday 26 October 2020 from 6 pm – 7 pm
- Thursday 29 October 2020 from 6 pm – 7 pm
- Monday 2 November 2020 from 6 pm – 7 pm.
To take part, please register your details via: levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk stating your preferred date and time.
Further information is available on the Project Website and on the LCA website HERE (including documents not available on the project website).
Manchester City Council and the Project Team has only announced these online events via Twitter. There is no information on either the council’s own website or the Project website.
The deadline for commenting on the Active Neighbourhood plans has been extended to Wednesday 4 November 2020.
Active Neighbourhood Update: Documents, Deadlines & Feedback
The LCA has requested all publicity material for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project including in different languages. All material that is currently available can be downloaded below as PDF documents. There are instructions here on how to comment on the plans online, by email and by written questionnaire including deadlines that have now changed.
Be aware that all the maps in the printed materials are different and the deadline for comment has been extended by a week because of a mistake in the printed materials that have been distributed.
As of today (16 October 2020) only the questionnaire leaflet is available in any language apart from English. That language is Romanian.
UPDATE: Urdu version of the questionnaire leaflet added on 23 October 2020
UPDATE: Bengali version of the questionnaire leaflet added on 22 October 2020
UPDATE: Arabic version of questionnaire leaflet added on 19 October 2020.
Continue readingActive Neighbourhood Feedback Deadline Extended
The Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood deadline for feedback and comment has been extended to Wednesday 4th November 2020.
You can find out more about what the plans are and how to give feedback HERE.
Many people in our community still haven’t received notification of these plans. The LCA had written to the Project Team requesting an extension to the deadline so an extra week is helpful although we still don’t think that is sufficient. In the meantime you can download the booklet and poster by following the link above.
We have also requested a PDF copy of the Active Neighbourhood questionnaire form to make available to people but so far this has been refused and we have been told people must go to either Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre or Burnage Library to collect a paper copy of the booklets and forms. Publicity material has also been requested in other languages for distribution but so far this has not been provided and does not seem to be available yet.
Active Neighbourhood Booklet, Poster and Feedback
Manchester City Council has now released an information booklet and poster on the revised plans for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood project. You can download PDFs of both below.
You can also request paper copies of the booklet and information in other languages by emailing: levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk Copies will be made available in the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre and hopefully at other locations in the area (to be confirmed).
The website for feedback is available HERE. Comments must be received by Wednesday 28 October 2020.
Letters have been sent to schools this week and should be received by all residents and businesses across the project area in Levenshulme and Burnage next week. This will allow about two weeks to comment on all four response areas and the 25 proposed individual road blocks / “modal filters”.
The MCC website currently says:
Comments on the trial (Phase 1) area will need to reach us by 28 October to be accepted, but all feedback given during the trial period (19 December 2020 to19 June 2021) will be reviewed before any final decisions are made. Feedback on problem areas and what the issues are in Cringle Park (Phase 2) are also welcomed, and can influence the trial, which is currently due to start early in 2021. These will need to be received by 21 December 2020.
MCC LBAN feedback dates
NOTE: Information on the council’s website has been changing every few days in the past two weeks probably partly due to the project losing its second Project Manager after the new plans were released on Monday 02 October. The LCA will continue to monitor whatever is released and make sense of the process.
We will also request an extension to the feedback deadline as two weeks seems unreasonably short period for people to understand the complex proposals and comment on the scheme especially as no formal notification of the engagement process and new plans has been sent to residents or businesses yet.
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 2020 | Version 2 Sept 2020 | v2 Map ref. | Changes | |
| Green Bank Park Area | ||||
| Longden Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 1 | Same as v1 |
| Armitage Avenue | RB/MF | RB/MF | 2 | Same as v1 |
| Mayford Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 3 | Same as v1 |
| Guildford Road / Audley Road | RB/MF (Diagonal) | RB/MF | 4 | Moved along Guildford Road and now a standard RB/MF |
| Stovell Avenue / Northmoor Road | Bus Gate | Bus Gate removed | ||
| Manor Road 1 (between Barlow Road and Rushmere Avenue) | RB/MF | RB/MF | 5 | Same as v1 |
| Manor Road 2 | RB/MF | 6 | Moved to where a new crossing was proposed originally | |
| Caremine Avenue | RB/MF | 7 | EXTRA RB/MF | |
| Portville Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 8 | Same as v1 |
| Dunstable Street | RB/MF | RB/MF | 9 | Same as v1 |
| Barlow Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 10 | Same as v1 |
| Cardus Street (North) | RB/MF | 11 | EXTRA RB/MF and road changed to two-way traffic | |
| Chapel Street Park Area | ||||
| Cardus Street (South) | RB/MF | 12 | Same as v1 | |
| Chapel Street (West) | RB/MF | RB/MF | 13 | Same as v1 |
| Chapel Street (East) | RB/MF | RB/MF | 14 | Same as v1 |
| Chapel Street / Stockport Road junction | Changed to two-way traffic | |||
| Atlas Place | RB/MF | RB/MF | 15 | Same as v1 |
| Delamere Road (West) | RB/MF | RB/MF | 16 | Same as v1 with road changed from one-way to two-way traffic |
| Delamere Road / Gordon Avenue | RB/MF (Diagonal) | RB/MF | 17 | Same as v1 |
| Crayfield Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 18 | Same as v1 |
| Marley Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 19 | Same as v1 |
| Dorset Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 20 | Same as v1 |
| Molyneux Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 21 | Same 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 Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 22 | Same as v1 |
| Victoria Road | RB/MF (Diagonal) | RB/MF | 23 | Changed from diagonal RB/MF to standard and moved to junction with Albert Road |
| Buckhurst Road | RB/MF | RB/MF | 24 | Same as v1 |
| Green Drive | RB/MF | RB/MF removed (private road) | ||
| Lytham Road | RB/MF | RB/MF removed and road left as it is now | ||
| Cringle Park Area (Burnage) | ||||
| Fortuna Grove / Monica Grove | RB/MF (Diagonal) | Further consultation | ||
| Burnage Hall Road | RB/MF | Further consultation | ||
| Slade Lane (near Linden Park) | Bus Gate | Further consultation | ||
| Errwood Road (near Alma Park Primary) | Bus Gate | Further consultation | ||
| Clare Road | RB/MF | Further consultation | ||
| Alma Road | RB/MF | Further consultation | ||
| Henderson Street | RB/MF | RB/MF | 25 | Same as v1 |
Levenshulme & Burnage Active Neighbourhood Phase 1 Map
You can view the map online HERE or download a PDF version below.
World Car Free Day 2020
Today is World Car Free Day 2020.
Car Free Day encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day. Organised events are sometimes held but the general aim is to encourage walking and cycling and use of public transport instead of cars.
The European Union has since 2001 extended this idea to European Mobility Week culminating in the World Car Free Day. The UK has two cities participating (London and Nottingham) compared to 540 locations in Turkey, 534 in Austria and 530 in Spain.
Manchester City Council is currently developing plans for an Active Neighbourhood in Levenshulme and Burnage to encourage and make walking and cycling easier. The project was paused in the summer but revised plans and letters with information to residents and businesses are expected soon.
The first proposal of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood is to trial a “Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN)” in the form of multiple road blocks to vehicles (referred to as “modal filters”). These would restrict routes for vehicles whilst allowing pedestrians and cyclists free access. 32 filters were initially proposed in May 2020 but the revised plans are likely to change from that. Keep an eye out for the letters and information.
The Levenshulme Community Manifesto developed by the LCA includes a section on transport.
Levenshulme Station Improvements
Network Rail will start work on improvements to Levenshulme Station this month.
Work is scheduled to start on Monday 28th September and finish on Friday 13th November 2020 with work taking place between 7am and 5pm.
Flooding in the subway under the platforms has been a problem for many years. The inside of the station will be upgraded with new lighting, flooring (a new concrete and resin floor), a new ceiling, cladding and painting.
The work will involve a temporary closure of the subway tunnel so the old Albert Road entrance will be reinstated permanently. This will provide access to platform 1 only until the subway reopens. Access to platform 2 will continue from the existing entrance. Access to both platforms will be available from either side of the tracks once work is completed.
Apart from the reopening of the Albert Road station entrance no other improvements will be done as part of these improvements. Friends of Levenshulme Station continue to campaign for access improvements alongside other local groups such as the LCA, local councillors (Dzidra Noor, Basat Sheikh and Bernard Stone) and our MP (Afzal Khan).
GM Road Charging Clean Air Plan
Government has directed Greater Manchester to introduce a ‘category C’ charging Clean Air Zone. This would cover local roads across the whole of Greater Manchester from spring 2022, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The intention is to to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on local roads within legal limits as soon as possible.
The proposed Clean Air Zone aims to:
- Bring NO2 emissions within legal limits as soon as possible and by 2024 at the latest.
- Discourage polluting commercial vehicles from travelling on local roads in Greater Manchester.
- Encourage businesses to switch to cleaner, low- or zero-emission vehicles.
The proposed Zone would cover all local roads across Greater Manchester. It would not include motorways and some main trunk roads managed by Highways England. The exact boundary is being developed by looking in detail at the local road network and using public feedback. See the Greater Manchester boundary, and the stretches of roads which have been identified as breaching legal NO2 limits without action, on our MappingGM page.
The most polluting commercial vehicles would pay a daily charge to travel on local roads in the Zone. Private cars, motorbikes and mopeds would not be charged. The Zone would be enforced by a network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The following are proposed daily charges for the non-compliant commercial vehicles:
- Buses, coaches and Heavy Good Vehicles (HGV) – £60 (from spring 2022)
- Taxis and private hire vehicles – £7.50 (from spring 2022)
- Light Goods Vehicles (LGV) such as vans and minibuses – £10 (temporary exemption until 2023)
If the daily charge for a non-compliant vehicle isn’t paid, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120 would be issued, in addition to the unpaid daily charge.
The 10 Greater Manchester local authorities have worked together to consider a wide range of measures to tackle air pollution, alongside a Clean Air Zone. Together, these form the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.
The costs of introducing a Clean Air Zone are covered by government.
Further information including proposed charges are available HERE.
An eight week consultation will be launched in October 2020.
Manchester Urban Observatory Data For Our Active Neighbourhood
Levenshulme Community Association is grateful to Manchester Urban Observatory for this article following contact with Dr Jen O’Brien and Prof. James Evans. We will continue to provide information and updates as they become available to help everyone understand the Active Neighbourhood proposals and be involved in the process to get the best we can for our community. This fits with several of the aims of the Levenshulme Community Manifesto.
Manchester Urban Observatory and the Levenshulme Active Neighbourhood – improving decision making with data
The Manchester Urban Observatory is part of a network of 6 Urban Observatories across England which are developing a new approach to the monitoring and understanding of cities. Our goal is to ensure future decision making is informed by a detailed appreciation of the consequences and complexity of urbanisation. The Manchester Urban Observatory is based at the University of Manchester, bringing together expertise from across the humanities, environmental sciences and health. Our role is to work with local partners to support the better planning and delivery of urban development. We operate entirely independent, with our funding secured through the UK Collaboratorium on Infrastructure and Cities.
Continue readingCycle To Work (or anywhere) Day 2020
Back for another year! This year is a little different of course. It’s 2020, and we’re all embracing the unknown. Rather than swapping your commute, simply ride anywhere, for any reason and with anyone. It’s still Cycle to Work Day, but with a new twist!
Whether you’ve still got a commute or not, you can get involved. This year, joining in with Cycle to Work Day means trying something different. Whether it’s early morning exercise, leaving the car on the drive as you nip to the shops, or going for a socially distanced cycle with friends and family. You might even be able to squeeze in a quick lunch-break ride. Whatever journey you’re planning on Thursday 6th August 2020, get on your bike!
Full information is available HERE
Bee Network July Webinars
Levenshulme Bee Network held a series of Webinars at the weekend (4-5th July 2020). You can watch these below or on the LBN website HERE
There were four Webinars, one for each “Park Area” Levenshulme Bee Network has identified for its project. LBN says the purpose of the Webinars was:
“…to talk through the design rationale for the trials, a bit of background on the project engagement and how the funding works for the scheme. It was also a chance for residents of each area to ask questions about the proposed filters and the wider project.”
Levenshulme Bee Network Webinars, 4-5th July 2020
There were questions submitted in advance and also viewers could type questions in live during the Webinars.
LBN Chapel Street Park Area Webinar
LBN Greenbank Park Area Webinar
LBN Cringle Park Area Webinar
LBN West Point Gardens Park Area Webinar
MEN Article On Levenshulme Bee Network Proposals
An article in the Manchester Evening News today (28 June 2020) raises concerns about the Levenshulme Bee Network proposals. This follows the announcement by Manchester City Council this week of a “pause” to the proposed trial that was due to start in July to allow for further consultation.
There is an extract below and you can read the full article HERE
“When plans to create a ‘fully-filtered’ neighbourhood through Levenshulme were first announced, there was enthusiasm from residents for how the area could soon become the most cycle-friendly place in Greater Manchester.
But as the impact of the plans is becoming clearer, disquiet is growing in the south Manchester suburb.
The Levenshulme Bee Network’s plans would see roads blocked to traffic by ‘modal filters’ that favour cyclists, school streets – which would restrict traffic during particular hours to make it safer for families to walk – and bus gates, stretches of road that are only open to buses, black cabs and push bikes.
The scheme would impact over 40 roads, junctions and schools.
But, following the publication of a map showing the locations of the proposed changes, some locals are concerned that traffic will be pushed into already busy roads to the benefit of quieter streets.
Others have complained that it could impact local businesses – and that the area’s elderly and non-English speaking residents have been shut out of what is supposed to be a community led project.”
Council Pauses Levenshulme Bee Network Project
Following intervention by Manchester City Council and local councillors the Levenshulme Bee Network project has been “paused” to allow for further consultation.
This follows considerable concern across our community after the Levenshulme Bee Network released proposals for a trial of 29 vehicle road blocks (referred to as “modal filters”) across the area.
The maps released by Levenshulme Bee Network at the end of May also included other things such as a series of new and improved pedestrian crossings, bike racks, a “parklet” and several bus gates blocking the road to other vehicles but these are not part of the trial that was due to start in July.
Levenshulme Community Association will continue to ensure our community is informed and involved as further information is available about what this means including how people can contribute and have their voices heard.
Levenshulme Bee Network Through Routes
A trial will start in July 2020 of some of the Levenshulme Bee Network changes to our roads. 29 locations will have changes with roads being blocked to vehicle traffic. But which roads will not be affected?
Residents have made their own maps to help people see which routes will not have road blocks to vehicles on them starting in July (referred to as “modal filters”). These roads are likely to have significantly increased traffic.
The reason these have been done is the Levenshulme Bee Network maps do not show which roads traffic in the area will be redirected onto and can be used as “through routes”. They have been done by residents to help everyone understand the impact of the project and so people can plan how to change the routes they take from July.
Roads that traffic will be diverted onto:
- Albert Road
- Barlow Road
- Broom Lane
- Cromwell Grove
- Crossley Road
- Grangethorpe Drive
- Hemmons Road
- Kingsway
- Matthews Lane
- Moseley Road
- Mount Road
- Slade Lane (north of Albert Road)
See below for the maps. Further information on the July changes can be found HERE
Continue readingLevenshulme Station Improvements
An update on improvements to Levenshulme Station from Afzal Khan MP
Thanks to pressure from Afzal Khan MP together with Levenshulme’s Labour councillors and local campaigners, there is now a start date for work to improve Levenshulme station. For many years, passengers have been subjected to flooding, poor lighting and an overall lack of cleanliness at the station, and it is hoped this work will dramatically improve passenger experience.
Earlier this year, local MP Afzal Khan visited Levenshulme station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail and walked through planned upgrades. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the upgrades due to start in Spring 2020 were significantly delayed. This week, Network Rail informed Mr Khan that works are now due to start in September 2020.
Afzal Khan MP said,
“I am delighted to have a new start date for the work. Levenshulme Station is a critical transport hub for the local community. Community groups, councillors and I have been campaigning for station improvements for many years and I am pleased that our hard work is starting to pay off.”
He continued,
“Despite this good news, I will be continuing to campaign to make our station accessible for all Levenshulme residents. It was incredibly disappointing that we were not awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport in the last round of bidding, despite submitting a strong bid backed by a great community campaign. The truth is that the Tory Government has not allocated enough money for this work, and at the current rate it will take over fifty years for all of Greater Manchester’s stations to be made accessible.”
Cllr Bernard Stone said,
“Levenshulme’s Labour councillors – Dzidra [Noor] , Basat [Sheikh] and I – welcome the long overdue work being undertaken at Levenshulme Station. Local residents and Councillors have been pushing for this to be done for a long time. It is good to now have a definite start date.”
Videochats About Road Changes
Levenshulme Bee Network is holding a series of “webinars” on the “Filtered Neighbourhood Trials” starting in July 2020. These involve blocking off roads to motorised vehicles in 29 locations across the area. Pedestrians and cyclists can still access these roads through the “filters”.
Please see the LCA post HERE for full details including maps.
The Webinars will be held:
Saturday 4th July
- 11.00-12.30 Chapel Street Park Area
- 13.00-14.30 Cringle Park Area
Sunday 5th July
- 11.00-12.30 Greenbank Park Area
- 13.00-14.30 West Point Gardens Area
To participate in a webinar send and email to hello@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk quoting the Park Area you are interested in.
UPDATE
You can now register directly using the links below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Topic: Chapel Street Park Area Webinar + Q&A
- When: Jul 4, 2020 11:00 AM
- Register in advance for this webinar: HERE
Topic: Cringle Park Area Webinar + Q&A
- When: Jul 4, 2020 01:00 PM
- Register in advance for this webinar HERE
Topic: Greenbank Park Area Webinar + Q&A
- When: Jul 5, 2020 11:00 AM
- Register in advance for this webinar HERE
Topic: West Point Gardens Park Area Webinar + Q&A
- When: Jul 5, 2020 01:00 PM
- Register in advance for this webinar HERE
ANOTHER UPDATE
Q & A
If you would like to send in any questions for the Q and A – we are using the links below to collect questions so people can ask and then upvote the most popular ones to be answered in the sessions.
Submit Cringle Field Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Chapel Street Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Greenbank Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit West Point Gardens Webinar questions HERE
If you would like to get in touch about anything please email trial@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk
Dramatic Road Changes From July 2020
Levenshulme and surrounding areas are about to experience major changes to our roads.
This is the first stage of the changes being imposed by the Levenshulme Bee Network Project. This is a new idea to create a “Filtered Neighbourhood” and to make walking and cycling easier by blocking off roads and restricting access for motorised vehicles. A whole host of other ideas are planned as well. This is just the start.
Travelling around Levenshulme and getting to and from the area will never be the same again.
12 June update
Please note that the information below was correct when it was posted. However, Levenshulme Bee Network has now changed the description on its website about the July 2020 changes. There is nothing on their website to indicate this has been changed.
Original text when the announcement was made:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
These will remain in place for a minimum of six months whilst we consult and tweak the filters with your feedback. They will then become permanent within 18 months.”
New text as of 12 June 2020:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
The trial will be undertaken using an experimental traffic regulation order which means that we can make changes following your feedback and monitor the impact for the first 6 months before the Council decides if the filters will be implemented on a permanent basis. All feedback from residents and monitoring of traffic, pedestrian and cycling levels as well as air quality levels will be considered before any of the filters are installed permanently.”
See below for details of the roads that will be affected, what will be done in July and maps including these changes.
Continue readingTfGM Future Travel Survey
Transport for Greater Manchester is doing a survey on future travel arrangements. TfGM say:
“The coronavirus has affected all our lives, from how we work and shop to how we travel. Getting our future transport network right will be central to getting more and more of Greater Manchester moving again. We want to keep you safe, support our economy and ensure our recovery is sustainable, so we can cut congestion and have cleaner air.”
You can do the survey HERE (it takes about 15 minutes)
The survey deadline is 8am Monday 1 June 2020
New TfGM Travel Advice
Transport for Greater Manchester has released new travel advice.
“Coronavirus has affected all aspects of our lives, including how we travel.
This week government published a new guide to help people understand if and when they should travel – and how to do so safely during the coronavirus outbreak in England.
The guide gives advice for walking, cycling, driving and travelling on public transport.
The Government’s latest advice is that you should stay at home as much as possible, work from home if you can, stay local and only travel if it is necessary.
If you do have to travel, walk, cycle or drive if you can and continue to avoid public transport unless you have no other option – leave it for those with no alternative.
Increased walking and cycling will be essential to reduce pressure on our roads and public transport networks so please do consider this as one of your options.
If you have to use public transport, please help to keep yourself and others safe:
- Wear a face covering when you travel
- Keep a distance of 2 metres where possible on platforms, stops, stations and interchanges and while travelling on trams, trains and buses
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly – including before and after you travel – and carry a hand sanitiser with you if possible
- Pay using contactless, apps or buy your tickets online if you can
Please be aware that a face covering is not the same as a surgical mask or respirator, these should be left for health and social care staff and other key workers who need them to protect against risks in their workplace.
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. You should wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off. Government has published an online guide on wearing and making a face covering.
Where possible people using public transport should also look to travel outside of peak times in the morning and evening and leave extra time for journeys. Also make sure you check timetables before you travel.
If you are an employer or employee about to return to a workplace which has recently reopened, TfGM has produced a factsheet with further information to support you.
For the latest updates on services, timetables and safety advice, visit the TfGM coronavirus webpage.
Please share this message with your friends, family and colleagues, and we’ll continue to keep you updated.
Stay safe,
Stephen Rhodes
Customer Director
Transport for Greater Manchester “
See the advice on the TfGM website HERE
How to maintain your car when not driving regularly
How to maintain your car when not driving regularly
With the country in the middle of the coronavirus (COVID-19), you may not be able to get out and about in the car as much as you’re used to. Many will be wondering what to do with your car if you aren’t driving it on a regular basis.
What to do with your car, and how to maintain it, depends on how long you’re leaving your car idle. For example, you may be using it to top up on food and supplies or driving it if you work in an essential job or industry. But for many, you may not need or want to use your car for a lot longer, maybe even months.
Remember that even if you’re not using it, you’ll still have to insure your car unless you make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). You can only make a SORN if the car’s being kept off the road.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
How long can you leave a car without starting?
How long you leave a car without starting can depend on the condition of your car’s 12-volt battery. Most modern cars with a fairly healthy battery should last at least 2 weeks, without needing to be started up to re-charge the battery. If there’s any doubt about the condition of the battery, start it once a week just to be safe.
What happens if you don’t drive a car for a long time?
Even if you haven’t driven for a while your car should be fine. If it’s been regularly started and run for 15-minute periods, the battery should work. The tyre pressures should be checked and adjusted before driving. The brakes may have some corrosion on them, especially if the car was wet when it was parked up. Drive carefully and test the brakes as soon as possible. Make sure you use your brakes for the first few miles to clean off any corrosion.
Is it bad to leave a car unused?
Cars are made to be driven but with good care it should be fine. If it’s left unused follow our guidelines.
Can I leave my car parked for a month?
Yes, but it’s best to follow these guidelines to keep the car ready to drive.
How long can a car sit before the battery dies?
As we’ve said above, there are many factors that can affect this. The age of the battery, how the car’s been used and the temperature all affect the performance of a battery. If you follow our guidelines your battery shouldn’t let you down.
What if my MOT expires?
The government has announced a 6-month exemption from the MOT test, although your car must be kept in a roadworthy condition.
Here are a few simple tips on how to keep your car lasting longer and ready to use when you need it again.
Leaving your car parked for up to a month
- Fuel – Before parking your car up for a long period, it’s a good idea to top up with fuel. Not only will this help with other measures, but a full tank doesn’t attract condensation, which could cause issues if allowed to build up over time.
- Battery maintenance – If you can, connect your car’s battery to a mains-powered battery maintainer. If you can’t, start the engine once a week and allow it to run for about 15 minutes. This will re-charge the battery and help keep the engine in good condition. It’s important to allow the engine to run for this long so the battery can charge properly. In the case of petrol engine cars, it also helps to prevent engines from flooding with fuel. Never leave your car unattended with the engine running.
- Brakes – Sometimes when a car’s parked up for a long period with the parking brake on, the brakes can seize. To prevent this it’s good practice to release the parking brake and move the vehicle a short distance back and forth, at the same time as running the engine. You shouldn’t leave the parking brake off unless the vehicle is on private land with the wheels securely chocked.
- Electric vehicles – EVs and hybrid vehicles have 12-volt batteries, the same as conventional cars. However, they charge differently. Pressing the start button, so the ready light comes on, will operate the charging system. Doing this for 10 minutes once a week should keep the 12-volt battery topped up. Some electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can maintain their 12-volt batteries if they’re plugged in to the mains charger. Check your vehicle handbook for details on this.
- Garages – Don’t run a car engine inside a household garage as the exhaust fumes can be toxic. If you keep your car in a garage, pull it out onto the drive to run the engine to charge the battery.
- Tyres – Before driving the car after a long period parked up, check all of the tyre pressures and inflate if needed.
Full advice from The AA is available HERE
Driving and MOTs extensions
Link to the new DVLA guidance HERE
Published 25 March 2020
From 30 March 2020, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by 6 months. This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
There’s separate guidance about what to do if your MOT due date is up to and including 29 March 2020.
There are different temporary rules for MOT tests for lorries, buses and trailers.
What you need to do
You do not need to do anything to extend your vehicle’s MOT expiry date if it’s on or after 30 March 2020. However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.
Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months.
ExampleYour vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020.
This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date.
You can check your MOT history to see when you have been issued an exemption. It will not be updated straight away, so keep checking back if your new due date MOT is not yet showing.
You will not get a paper exemption certificate.
If your vehicle tax is due, you can tax your vehicle as soon as your MOT due date has been updated.
If your vehicle’s first MOT is due
Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption from the date its first MOT was due.
If your first MOT was due before 30 March 2020 and your vehicle did not pass
Your vehicle will not get an extension to its MOT due date.
Your vehicle will need to pass an MOT before you can drive it again.
The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open. So you can still get an MOT if you need your vehicle:
- to shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
- for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
- to travel to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home
Read the full guidance on staying at home and away from others.
Keep your vehicle safe to drive
You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.
Find out how to check your vehicle is safe and read the rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security.
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
You should still take your vehicle to be repaired at the nearest open garage. The government is allowing them to remain open.
Levenshulme Station Improvements
March 13 report from Afzal Khan on improvements to Levenshulme Station.
“Last week I attended a site visit to Levensulme Station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail, as well as one of the local councillors. In the past few years there has been a number of issues at the station including flooding, poor lighting, and overall lack of cleanliness. I was therefore delighted to be walked through the improvements that are due to take place in the Spring.
These include:
- Removing existing wall and ceiling cladding in the subway, including gutters and existing redundant and temporary light fittings
- Deep clean and refurbish newly exposed glazed brick subway walls and fittings
- Replace existing tiled subway floor with new concrete floor slab and resin floor finish
- Install new lighting in the subway
- Install new drainage channels along both subway walls to accept discharge from gutter downpipes, and any surface water from the subway floor
- Remove existing ceilings above station entrance and platform stairs and install new boarded ceilings
While I was incredibly disappointed that Levenshulme Station wasn’t awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport, despite submitting a very strong bid backed by a great community campaign, I will be continuing to explore other funding options to improve accessibility at this busy station.
However, I am very pleased that stations elsewhere in Manchester Gorton have been awarded Access for All funding. Work will start soon at Belle Vue and Ryder Brow railway stations to improve safety and accessibility.”
Fallowfield Loop £4.9m investment
£4.9 million investment announced for the Fallowfield Loop
Fallowfield Loop enhancements (£4.9m)
This scheme will create a 24/7, orbital cycle and walking route connecting Chorlton to Gorton. It is proposed to introduce new lighting and to improve access points along this 12km, traffic-free cycle path.
More information available HERE