Community walk
Saturday 11th September 1pm
A stroll starting from the quadrant on Crayfield Road through Highfield Country Park along Fallowfield Brook (Houldsworth Golf Course) and back along the Loop
4.0km (estimated time 1hr – but we do love to pause and chat along the way!)
You can see the route and enlarge the map HERE
Levenshulme High School for Girls has had a makeover of the stairs leading to its library. This has even been retweeted by the Department for Education!
You can find the Library at Levenshulme High School on Twitter @TheLibraryatLHS Thanks to Ms Powell for managing the account and sharing these inspirational photographs.
Photographs courtesy of Levenshulme High School
Levenshulme Youth Project Annual General Meeting
Levenshulme Community Allotment Cleanup organised by Leonard Cheshire.
10.00-16.00 on Friday 3 September
Further information:
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.
(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.
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…
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 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
The Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library (17 July, 10.00-16.00) includes three sessions available to book.
Little Levy Theatre is also running a children mask making session from 11am.
LOL Community Day Sessions to book
Shake The Dust at 10am
Book HERE
Cosmic Kids Yoga 12.30pm
Book HERE
Family BreathWork and Meditation 2pm
Book HERE
Covid infection rates
Our local rates (as of 1 July 2021):
and within a kilometre the rate is 962.
The rate for Manchester as a whole is now 544. On 17 May the rate was 43.
Levenshulme was designated a High Risk Area on 20 May and the Director of Public Health said action was needed to avoid rates getting to 300 as they were in Bolton at that point. There was a two to three week window of opportunity with it being a “race against time” to prevent a rise in infection rates.
Since then the government also designated Greater Manchester and much of the North West of England an Enhanced Response Area on 8 June with people told to get tested twice a week. An update on ERA status is available HERE.
As of 1 July 61.2% of adults have had one vaccination and 39.4% have had two vaccinations in Manchester.
Rules removed
You can read the full government announcement from 5 July 2021 HERE
Manchester will be the same as all of England on 19 July with pretty much all restrictions and rules used to protect people removed.
Protect Yourself and others
Please get vaccinated for your own protection and for the protection of our community.
Protective measures such as face masks and social distancing may not be compulsory from 19 July but it is advisable to remain cautious during this third wave of infections.
Check the Manchester City Council website for updates including pop-up vaccination centres HERE
The closest pop-up vaccination centre is currently at Belle Vue with a free shuttle bus running through Levenshulme with a pick up point on Matthews Lane.
Levenshulme Old Library is doing a community survey to support them in how to shape what happens at LOL.
Do complete the survey and encourage others to do so.
Go to the LOL community survey HERE
Levenshulme Old Library is having a Community Day on 17 July.
Please email jen@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk if you would like to volunteer!
As part of the day, we we will be asking for your feedback on what you think the diverse needs of our community are and how Levy Old Library can support the community. There will be opportunities for you to have your say on the community day!
URGENT
Please check this information from the UK Government Home Office if you are an EU citizen. You MUST apply for settled status by 30 June 2021 or you will lose the right to remain in the UK following the implementation of Brexit by the UK government.
Continue readingThere will be a litter pick at Cringle Park and Field on Sunday. These happen on the first Sunday of every month 10-11.00. Meet at the stone circle. Bags are provided. Please bring your own litter picker and gloves if you have them.
Free “Food Parcels” will be distributed this Sunday (27 July) from 14.00 – 15.30) at Madina Masjid & Community Centre 2 Barlow Road M19 3DJ.
Many thanks to the team at Madina Masjid and Community Centre.
Manchester City Council is looking for volunteers to help with the Alma Park School Street Trial scheduled for 1 July. Details are below. The deadline to get involved is Monday 28 June, 12.00 midday.
Volunteer Invitation
You may be aware of aware of our planned School street is a way to encourage parents/carers / residents to use active travel methods when dropping/picking up children from school. This is a great way to promote clean and safe environments, as we hope this event will help us achieve our aims to create a healthier environment around the school and local community.
The process of ‘School Streets’ events require temporary road closures around a school. To ensure the smooth running of the event, we are asking for some volunteer support to act as marshals between the hours of 1pm-4.30pm.
We need around 20 marshals to make the trial possible; all marshals will receive training material to review beforehand and have a briefing on the day. If you are interested, please email centralnt@manchester.gov.uk no later than Mon 28th June 12pm.
Please note, the briefing session will take place online via Microsoft Teams on Tues 29th June from 5pm-6pm. If you do not have access to Microsoft Teams, please let us know.
We hope you can be available and look forward to working with you.
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)
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
Over a month after Manchester City Council designated eight areas of Manchester – including Levenshulme – as “High Risk” for Covid-19 infections with low vaccination take-up rates a series of new vaccination centres have been launched. These are walk-in facilities for anyone over the age of 18.
The LCA has been trying for the last four weeks to find out what action was being taken in Levenshulme. Unfortunately no Levenshulme councillors have been able to respond to any phone messages or requests for information in that time. David Regan, the Director of Public Health for Manchester said on 20 May that the city was in a “race against time” in the High Risk areas to prevent infection rates reaching around 300 with urgent action required in 2-3 weeks. We are now a month after this was stated and it is too late to prevent infection rates for Manchester rising from around 43 on 17 May to 328 on 13 June. Hopefully the new vaccination centres can now begin to reduce infection rates.
You can find a list of Manchester vaccination centres HERE
Pop-up vaccination clinics are listed HERE and below. Please note these centres are subject to change so check the link for the latest information.
Continue readingGreater Manchester has been designated an “Enhanced Response Area” for Covid-19 by the government. This follows Manchester City Council classifying Levenshulme as a “High Risk Area” on 20 May apparently because of low vaccination take up and the high incidence of infections.
David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester released a briefing note on 9 June which stated: “ERA work – which is like to start from the end of this week – will give us further support with the plans and strategies we already have in place, along with all the fantastic work that you and our communities are already doing.” You can read and download the full briefing note below.
One of those plans was to prevent infection rates increasing in High Risk areas like Levenshulme although it has been impossible to find out clear information of what this plan was or what measures were taken from 20 May. The intention was to prevent infection rates rising to around 300 as happened in Bolton. This was said to be “…a race against time” with “…a two to three week window” by David Regan. Infection rates for Manchester were around 45 on 17 May and 285 on 12 June.
Thanks to Joanna Midgley, Manchester City Council Executive member with responsibility for health for talking to Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary and providing the community briefing note. Unfortunately no Levenshulme councillors have been available over the past month to discuss these matters.
Continue readingThe government is proposing to share more data gathered from patients at GPs. This is called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR).
This GPDPR was originally going to start on 1 July but has now been postponed to 1 September 2021 to allow further consultation to take place. This scheme has not been widely advertised and no letters have been sent to patients informing them of this change.
You can opt out of this scheme if you do not wish your data to be shared. Note that your data will be shared from 1 September unless you opt out. If you opt out after that date all your data up to that point will be shared but no data after you opt out will be included.
The government says all data will be anonymised wherever possible and unless specific exemptions apply. The government also states that data will never be shared for marketing or insurance purposes.
You can find out more information on the NHS Digital website HERE.
You can also watch a simple video explaining GPDPR below but you should look at the NHS Digital website for more detailed information.
Talk About It Mate is a peer-support community interest organisation, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
They are currently running FREE sessions for men on Thursday evenings, 19.00 at Levenshulme Old Library on Cromwell Grove. The evenings provide a friendly, open and non-judgemental space to talk/listen/connect.
Pop-up art exhibition on the Floop.
11.30 am onwards, Saturday, 12th June.
“If you’re wandering round Levy tomorrow, you might like to pop down and take a look at some of the stuff I’ve been painting in lockdown. You can find me on the grassy knoll behind the Crayfield Road entrance to the cycle path – just round the corner from the Antiques Village. Look forward to seeing you.“
Siobhan Daniel
The Boundary Commission has released maps of its initial proposals. Levenshulme is currently in the Manchester Gorton parliamentary constituency. The proposal would mean this constituency is abolished and replaced with a new “Manchester Longsight” constituency.
The new constituency is shown below. You can also view the maps of the new constituency and other changes by entering your postcode on the interactive maps HERE.
The Boundary Commission for England is the independent organisation responsible for reviewing Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England (see below for other parts of the UK).
The current review will conclude with a formal report and recommendations in June 2023, so it is referred to as the ‘2023 Review’. You can see a summary of the process HERE or read a more detailed description in the Guide to the 2023 Review. Recent changes to the law make it very likely that the recommendations from this review will be implemented, so the Boundary Commission encourages participation in the process by giving them your views through its website. You can use the Boundary Commission website to:
From the second consultation period onwards, you will also be able to:
The Boundary Commission has also produced a short and simple step by step guide on how to use its website and comment on the proposals.
Consultation is currently open until Tuesday 2nd August 2021 – please make sure any response is submitted by that date at the latest, or it will not be considered.
Now the UK has left the EU many people must register to remain living in the UK. You must register under the government’s European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. You can also apply if you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland. This is not optional if you want to continue living in the UK, it is compulsory.
The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. You must usually have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 to qualify for this scheme.
The scheme is FREE.
There are some variations to these general requirements. You can find full details on the government website HERE.
From 1 July 2021 a person’s presence in the UK will no longer be tolerated if they have not applied under the EUSS, they will be considered unlawfully resident. That person will face restrictions on rights and entitlements in the UK and will fall within the UK Government’s ‘hostile environment’ immigration policies until such time that they obtain pre-Settled Status or Settled Status.
It does not matter how long you have been living in the UK, if you fall under the EUSS the UK government requires you to register. If you do not register you could be forcibly removed.
For clarification all UK citizens also lost all rights to freedom of movement across the EU and all associated benefits they were eligible for in EU nations as a result of how the UK government has implemented Brexit. Each EU member has its own scheme for UK citizens already living there.
Foodcycle is currently running a Cook and Collect takeaway service at the Inspire Centre on Stockport Road. So if you would like a free, nutritious cooked meal, you can come and collect every Thursday between 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
VOLUNTEER
FoodCycle Levenshulme is only made possible with the great volunteers giving their time, enthusiasm and energy. We have opportunities available for people to come along and cook, host guests and be involved in collecting the surplus food donations from local suppliers.
You don’t need to have any previous cooking experience, although if you do that is just as welcome! We want as many local volunteers as possible and everyone is welcome to be a part of FoodCycle Levenshulme.
Sign up online to volunteer at FoodCycle Levenshulme: https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/
For more information check out: https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/who-we-are/locations/
Covid-19 vaccination invitations are being sent out to adults aged over 18 in Levenshulme, Longsight, Cheetham, Crumpsall, Moss Side, Whalley Range, Rusholme, and Ardwick, with new walk-in vaccination centres also expected to open from 22 May 2021.
These neighbourhoods are deemed at ‘high risk’ of being particularly hard hit by the Indian Covid variant’s spread and have been identified because they have: struggled most with persistent rates of Covid during the pandemic; have high-risk ethnic minority populations; and have seen lower vaccine take-up than elsewhere.
Vaccinations will continue to move down the age brackets in the normal way elsewhere in the city, however, with health officials emphasising there is enough supply to keep the usual programme moving in parallel.
Further information and support
You can find the planned COVID-19 pop-up / walk-in vaccination centres HERE
A full list of COVID-19 vaccination centres in Manchester is available HERE
If you need help and support with food, medical supplies or other COVID-related support they can call Manchester’s Community Response Hub (MON-FRI 9am-5pm):
This article includes information adapted from an article in the Manchester Evening News, 20 May 2021. You can read the full article HERE
Please share this message with South Asian Communities. You can download this briefing in Arabic, English, Gujarati, Indian Punjabi and Urdu (see below)
Briefing for South Asian Community Groups and Organisations
VOC-21-APR-02 is the technical term for the new variant of concern that was first identified in India. This variant is thought to be driving the increase in Covid cases being seen in younger adults across the North West, particularly in Bolton and Blackburn.
It is normal for any virus to change over time. Coronavirus is the same – and our vaccines are very effective in preventing serious illness against the strains. It’s also very normal – as with the flu vaccine – to tweak the vaccines or give boosters against new strains as they develop.
We are briefing community organisations and leaders for South Asian communities because the increase in cases has been particularly high, especially among the Pakistani and Indian population. It is important that we take steps to protect ourselves, our families and communities.
The public health team in Manchester has advised that:
– evidence that is being analysed suggests that this variant is more transmissible – or easier to spread.
– it has spread very quickly in other areas and so could spread very quickly among Manchester residents
– people who have not been vaccinated are more likely to catch the new variant and spread it to others
– we need to be cautious as the Covid restrictions in order to protect our communities- especially older family members who may not have been vaccinated and would be more vulnerable to severe disease
The public health team are also looking at providing vaccination, in line with JCVI guidance, to younger people in some parts of the city where the risk of the variant of concern spreading quickly is higher – as they are doing in Blacburn- they will keep us up to date with plans for this and how people can access the vaccine when it is available. As per national recommendations, any vaccine that is offered to people under 40 will either be Pfizer or Moderna.
What should we do now?
It’s really important that everyone who has symptoms, goes for a Covid test – that way we can monitor and pick up any new cases or strains very quickly and take the right action.
In addition, if you don’t have symptoms, Lateral flow or “rapid antigen” tests are free and you can get them and test twice a week.
Stay cautious, even though the rules are changing it is still important to
– limit the number of different people and households you mix with
– meet outdoors wherever possible
– keep washing hands, wiping surfaces, wearing masks or face coverings when needed, – keeping rooms ventilated and social distancing
– get your vaccine as soon as it is offered to you
If anyone needs help and support with food, medical supplies or other COVID-related support they can call Manchester’s Community Response Hub (MON-FRI 9am-5pm) on:
Messages responded to by the next working day. The hub can help with:
• Access to food
• Delivery of medication
• Combating loneliness
• Managing fuel top-up payments
• Getting access to services online
You can download this briefing in the following languages:
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
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:
Your project will need to focus on one or more of these priority waste streams:
The Community Fund 2021-22 will be open for submission of applications from Thursday 1st April until 31st May 2021.
Applications are welcome from Community and Voluntary Sector organisations such as:
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:
The shops will sell pre-owned items that have been donated by residents at Household Recycling Centres across Greater Manchester (excluding Wigan).
SHE MADE THAT
Celebrating women makers.
A pop-up exhibition and mini craft market is coming to Levenshulme Old Library over the Bank Holiday weekend showcasing work made by @CreativeCityGM’s wonderful community of Manchester artists and crafters. wellbeing-boosting women’s projects, with gorgeous craft products for sale too.
Sat 29 & Sun 30 May, 12-4pm at Levy Old Library
Creative City’s projects use arts and crafts to boost confidence, wellbeing and resilience, and to amplify local voices. Empowering women and young people in Manchester.
Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – @CreativeCityGM
Website: https://www.creativecity.org.uk
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 to everyone celebrating Eid ul Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
For those who are yet to have their first Covid vaccination, there are currently slots available this week at the World Irish Heritage Centre.
Vaccinations at this walk in clinic are available for anyone over the age of 30, or those over 18 and clinically vulnerable.
Slots are available:
Today (Tuesday 11 May ) until 7.30pm.
Tomorrow (Wednesday 12 May) from 4pm – 7.30pm.
This is a first dose Pfizer walk in clinic so you do not need to make an appointment.
If you or someone in your family falls into one of these criteria then please go along/ ask them to go along to be vaccinated.
The address of the clinic is
The World Irish Heritage Centre
1 Irish Town Way
Cheetham Hill
Manchester
M8 0AE
Further details about location and accessibility can be found on the Manchester City Council Covid Vaccination Page HERE
Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing from 9 April, the Government has announced.
Further information available HERE
The streets should be safe for all women. Right to Walk MCR are holding a doorstep vigil at 6pm on 13th March.
Please think of Sarah Everard, the woman who went missing recently and who has now been confirmed as dead, and all women who face violence, by lighting a candle on your doorstep at 6pm this Saturday. All women should have the right to walk the streets without fea wherever they live.
Information is also on a Facebook Page HERE for sharing.
Design Your Own Eco-Street from Groundwork Greater Manchester gives communities the chance to win £6,000 funding to transform an unused area into a green space.
The Eco-Streets competition seeks to transform two un-used, un-loved areas in Greater Manchester into spaces that feature nature-based-solutions to climate change. Each design will receive £6,000 in funding and support from Groundwork’s Community Enablers to transform their spaces in 2021.
With support from Groundwork, Eco-Streets will equip communities with the skills to design, install and maintain natural features to create vibrant, green community spaces to benefit people while tackling climate change.
Further information including eligibility and how to register interest is available HERE
David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, explains some of the key dates for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions assuming the changes go to plan and are confirmed by the government.
Throughout the next few months we must all still adhere to social distancing rules and the hands / face / space guidance.
See below for the full government announcement how the rules will change and when that can also be viewed HERE.
If you go down to Highfield Country Park today, you’ll be sure of a big suprise!
Leve Ramblers are setting up fact sheets for you to hunt down for International Women’s Day.
Why don’t you venture out and see who you can find? Who’ll be the first to find them all? On your marks, get set…. GO
This event is made possible with the support of Manchester City Council.
Over the past year Levenshulme Community Association has developed the Levenshulme Community Directory. This LCA project, developed and led by LCA Secretary Jeremy Hoad, is a resource for our community and promotes Levenshulme to the wider world.
The Community Directory shares information, supports community cohesion and links people together as well as supporting several key aims identified in the Levenshulme Community Manifesto.
The Directory provides listings organised into five themed sections as well as a complete A-Z page:
The Community Directory is a “live” resource and always open to additions and improvements. If you have anything you think should or could be added then please get in touch.
Monday 8th March is International Women’s Day. Levenshulme Ramblers encourages residents to travel to Highfield country park to learn about the various women that shaped our city.
Across highfield there will be over 20 information sheets dotted around the place. Who can you find? And what will you learn?
This is socially distanced activity for International Women’s Day in conjunction with and funded by Manchester City Council.
Thanks to Levenshulme Ramblers for organising this.
CORRECTION:
Unfortunately it appears this report was a little premature. The information is contained in a report to the council’s planning committee and was not the actual decision of the planning committee. Apologies for this mistake. It turns out what was reported was a planning officer’s report with a recommendation to approve the planning application. The decision was due yesterday (18/02/21) but has now been deferred to a future date to allow additional information to be submitted. We hope whatever clarifications required are secured. The current arrangements remain in place until August 2021.
————-
(Post edited to reflect the current situation pending a final decision by the council planning committee.)
The popular and successful Levenshulme Market operating as a Community Interest Company is here to stay [has submitted an application to continue] for another four years.
Manchester City Council approved [considered] the planning application today (18 February 2021) for an operating licence for Levenshulme Market for another four years. Not just as it is, though, as the market has big ambitions and will be operating throughout the year. These operating times were approved:
The previous operating times for the market were:
The market will [has applied to] continue to operate over the same area it currently uses across the southern half of the Levenshulme Station car park taking up approximately 50% of available parking spaces and providing 50 market stalls. The provision for 10 market stalls previously permitted on Levenshulme Village Green has been [would be] removed [under the new arrangements].
There are also plans to install a mains electricity supply for use by the market that will enable the current use of a generator to be phased out.
The decision [recommendation] includes this assessment:
“The operation market would give the district a distinctive retail offer that would contribute to the continued regeneration of the district centre, which would be particularly important to local economic recovery in the post-COVID period. The market is operated as a local social enterprise and many of its traders are from the surrounding area thereby demonstrating its links with the local area. It would also provide an important outlet for the sustained operation of local businesses. The development would present continued opportunities for social interaction and engagement across a diverse community.”
A new site management plan is to be agreed formalising the existing arrangements that also includes provision of stewards to direct vehicles and pedestrians, new signs and arranging remote parking for traders who do not require access to their vehicles so that the remaining parking spaces are fully accessible to the public when the market is operating.
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:
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 readingThe West Window of St Peter’s Church that faces onto Stockport Road is to be restored.
The congregation of St Peter’s is delighted to announce that, following fundraising from within the congregation, grant awards and with the support of the community, this project is now going ahead. Work began on 1st February 2021 on the West Window of the Church, which due to age and weathering is in need of repair and restoration. The project is costly and has been made possible with a large grant from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, smaller grants from the All Churches Trust and The Duchy of Lancaster and generous giving from individuals.
The building can now be made weather proof for the continued use by the congregation and their community support initiatives as well as a resource for the community. Following the restoration of the Lych-gate in 2018 in time for the First World War Centenary, St Peter’s hopes this project will enhance the view from the A6 and the visual environment of Levenshulme.
George Reeves, Rector of Levenshulme said:
“St Peter’s church is an iconic building in the heart of Levenshulme. As well as a treasured place of worship, its work in the community is secured by the renovation of the big West Window, generously funded by Viridor Credits, other grant makers and members of the congregation of St Peter’s.”
The full press release can be read HERE
The new Levenshulme Pub has a fantastic new look. Colin Campbell and Chris Thompson who run the pub have been working hard during lockdown to refurbish it. On 6 February the makeover came to the front in style with a huge rainbow flag across the full width of the building closely followed by a live streaming of entertainment by Jordan William Smart.
“The new Levenshulme is an LGBT+ friendly venue where everyone is welcome. This is the place where you’re safe. This is the place where you’re entertained. We have worked hard during lockdowns to create a new business concept. We hope you all like it.”
Colin Campbell, The Levenshulme
This new look for the new Levenshulme coincides with Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week (1-7 February 2021) which aims to raise awareness of hate crimes and increase reporting of incidents. This is particularly relevant following a hate incident against a gay man in Levenshulme last week. This does not reflect the wonderful, diverse and supportive community in Levenshulme but shows we must all be vigilant and stand together against hate of all kinds.
Levenshulme is also home to the largest independent local Pride in Manchester outside the city centre which was itself started after a homophobic hate incident. Levenshulme Pride will be held this year 13-15 August 2021, covid restrictions permitting.
The New Levenshulme is on Stockport Road beside the Antiques Village.
959 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3NP Tel. 0161 2242629
Photographs courtesy of Jeremy Hoad
Levenshulme Community Association is partnering with the Office for National Statistics to provide information and advice on the census that will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021.
We have created a dedicated page for the census that will have information and advice added to it to help everyone understand the census and why it is important. You can view the page HERE or click on the link in the menu at the top of the LCA website.
UPDATE: The group won and has secured £5,000 funding for their proposals in Chapel Street Park.
A new local group, Friends of Chapel Street Park are in the running for a £5,000 grant to make improvements to the park. Their proposal is:
“Chapel Street Park is the oldest park in Levenshulme, near Manchester, and is a green space surrounded by terraced housing and flats, most of which don’t have gardens of their own. The local Friends of the Park group have grand plans for the former bowling green that’s in desperate need of some restoration, and they aim to transform the space into a sunshine-inspired community garden with areas dedicated to vegetable growing, wildlife and wellbeing.”
Friends of Chapel Street Park Higgidy funding bid
Three grants of £5,000 are being made by the Higgidy Family Kitchen company. The winners will be announced on 25 January 2021.
You can view all ten shortlisted projects and vote for your favourite HERE
EDIT: Click HERE to see the Manchester Evening News article on the Friends of Chapel Street Park proposals.
Higgidy Winners Announcement
“We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Brighton Women’s Refuge, Chapel Street Park and the Little Growers Club who are our three lucky #SeedsofJoy competition winners!
These projects have won £5000 each to go towards their beautiful community veg garden projects. Alongside this, they’ll receive a special consultation with @francestophill to get them going on their project.Thank you to everyone who has entered and supported this competition, we hope that you’ll all continue growing veggies and reaping the benefits that community gardens have to offer.”
Lidl are proposing to build a new supermarket on the Fallowfield Retail Park on Birchdfields Road near the roundabouts at the top of Kingsway.
The plans would mean demolishing all buildings on the right hand side of the entrance road apart from the Hawthorne Medical Practice and replacing them with a new Lidl store which is anticipated to create around 40 jobs.
You can read the MEN article about the plans HERE. Please note the phone number given at the end of this article is incorrect.
You can comment on the proposals HERE.
The consultation ends on Friday 15 January 2021.
New Free Meal Service
Food Cycle has launched a free cook and collect service at Levenshulme Inspire on Stockport Road.
The Cook and Collect takeaway service launched on Thursday 14th January. If you would like a free, nutritious cooked meal, you can go and collect one every Thursday between 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
How to Volunteer
You can also volunteer to help. There are opportunities for people to cook, host guests and be involved in collecting the surplus food donations from local suppliers.
“You don’t need to have any previous cooking experience, although if you do that is just as welcome! We want as many local volunteers as possible and everyone is welcome to be a part of FoodCycle Manchester.”
Sign up online to volunteer at FoodCycle Manchester HERE
The Jain Centre (667/669 Stockport Road, Manchester, M12 4QE, beside Crowcroft Park) is scheduled to open as a covid19 vaccination centre on Saturday 16 January 2021.
If you are eligible for a vaccination at this point you will be contacted by your GP and will be invited to attend one of 7 sites across the city to receive the vaccine – most likely the one closest to where you live.
Information on how to volunteer as a covid19 marshall at the new covid19 vaccination centres is provided below.
Manchester Community Central (Macc) and Volunteer Centre Manchester are supporting Manchester Health and Care Commissioning (MHCC) with its recruitment to support Manchester’s Covid-19 vaccination programme at community-based sites across the city.
How to get involved
At present, the majority of vaccination sites urgently need *Volunteer Marshals to safely direct patients on site when they; arrive, receive their vaccination and exit, along with supporting car park traffic and handing out PPE and information.
To express your interest in supporting at the vaccine sites, choose from the locations below and follow the instructions to register. Your details will be passed on to the team in charge, and they will contact you if they require your help.
If you can travel to help out in more than one of the areas that is listed below, choose ‘I can help anywhere’.
If you require any further information about this role, please contact the MHCC Engagement Team by telephone on 0161 213 1756 or email mhcc.engagement@nhs.net.
Further information on who is eligible to volunteer and other volunteering opportunities is available on the Macc website HERE.
Phase 2 Consultation deadline extended
The consultation for what has been reclassified as Phase 2 of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood covering part of Burnage Ward has been extended to 25 January 2021. The council website says 21 January but letters recently sent out to some people now state 25 January.
You can leave comments by sending an email to the project levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk or giving feedback using the project website HERE
PHASE 2 Online Events
The council Project Team is also planning four online video events to allow people to comment. These are planned to happen in January. The council says it is organising these meetings geographically “…to allow people to talk in more detail about their local area and hear the views of their neighbours“. Each meeting will last one hour.
The meetings will be:
A Grangethorpe Drive, Crossley Road and connecting streets and the area to the south of the LBAN boundary between A34 Kingsway to the south of Cringle Park
B Area between A34 Kingsway and Burnage Lane, south of Fallowfield Loop
C Area bounded by A34, Moseley Road, and streets off Slade Lane north of the Fallowfield Loop
D Area bounded by Albert Road and the railway line, and streets off Forrest Range and Errwood Road north of the Fallowfield Loop
E Area bounded by Stockport Road and Crossley Road, including streets off Errwood Road south of the Fallowfield Loop
If you are interested in attending one of the online events to talk about the trial in Phase 2 of the project covering the Burnage Ward please email: levyburnageproject@manchester.gov.uk stating which event (A-E) you wish to attend.
NOTE: The project email address has not been working for some weeks. If you have any difficulty all we can suggest is you keep trying. The council has been made aware of this problem.
The elections scheduled for May 6 2021 have been postponed because of the pandemic. This includes both the local elections and the election of the Greater Manchester Mayor.
New dates have not been confirmed yet but the elections are expected to take place in the summer (June or July). There is also the possibility they may be delayed further to the autumn.
The option of holding elections using postal ballots only has been ruled out.
We will post again when further information is available.
You can read the BBC News report on this HERE