Levenshulme ‘Meet Your MP’ coffee morning will be taking place this Saturday.
Who is your MP? Afzal Khan (Labour) who was elected in 2017 and took over from Sir Gerald Kaufman.
Come along and find out about the new Levenshulme Community Manifesto on Wednesday 28th February at The Klondyke. Developed by and for our community it is a statement of what our community wants for the future of Levenshulme.
Everyone is welcome to a meeting to discuss the future of Levenshulme at 7.30pm on Wednesday 27th September at The Klondyke (1Burnage Range).
This will be the first of a series on public meetings and consultations where we can all suggest ideas and priorities for how we want Levenshulme to develop over the next few years.
There is no set agenda as this is something driven by us all but discussion will be guided and notes kept so all views are valued. This is an initiative by our community for our community.
Afzal Khan’s MP Weekly Advice Surgeries
There are weekly advice surgeries across the constituency for local residents. The surgery venues are below but because the times can vary from week to week please book an appointment to ensure that you get to see him.
To make an appointment to see him at a surgery please call the office on 0161 226 5546 or email afzal.khan.mp@parliament.uk.
Fridays:
The first Friday of the month – Gorton Library, M18 8HE
The second Friday of the month – The Tenants Association House, M13 0TR
The third Friday of the month – The Place, Platt Lane, M14 7FZ
The fourth Friday of the month – Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre, M19 3PH
Saturdays (rotating venues):
The third Saturday of the month – Manley Park Play Centre, M16 0AS
The third Saturday of the month – Longsight Library, M12 4NE
Find out where your polling station is by entering your postcode HERE
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, 8th June 2017. Go in plenty of time in case there are queues.
You can still vote even if you have lost or forgotten your card.
There will be a vigil on the Village Green to stand in solidarity against the Manchester Arena bombing at 19.00 on Thursday 1st June 2017.
You must register to vote by 23.59 tonight or you will not have a vote in the general election.
It takes minutes. Do it HERE
Your election.
Your MP.
Eight people ready for your questions TONIGHT.
19.00 at the Jain Centre, 667-9 Stockport Road, M12 4QE.
MANCHESTER CITY COUNCILTEMPORARY ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14 (AS AMENDED)
ORDER NO. MCC0001742-
The City of Manchester (STOCKPORT ROAD, LEVENSHULME) (TEMPORARY Prohibition of Vehicular Traffic) Order 2017
The effects of the notice will be to prohibit access and egress by vehicular traffic at the side roads connecting onto Stockport Road between Broom Lane and Crossley Road as specified in the schedule to this Notice. Between 07:00 hrs and 19 00hrs Weekends only.
The City Council is satisfied that this prohibition is necessary in order to facilitate Highway Improvement Scheme works. It is expected that the works will be in progress between 22 April 2017 and 07 May 2017 Stockport Road will remain open at all times for the duration of the works.
SCHEDULE
Crossley Road
Lloyd Road
Hardicker Street
Nall Street
Cringle Road
Broom Lane
The list of candidates for the Manchester Gorton parliamentary by-election has been confirmed.
The hustings for candidates organised by Levenshulme Community Association takes place on Saturday 22nd April at the Jain Community Centre, 667/669 Stockport Road, Manchester, M12 4QE, starting at 19.00.
Join the GM Citizen’s Assembly
On the 4th of May, all eyes will be on Levenshulme as we elect a new MP to replace the much-loved Gerald Kaufman. But there will be another important election that day that could possibly have more day-to-day impact on our neighbourhood – the election of a Greater Manchester ‘metro mayor’.
The new mayor will cover all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and have powers over transport, policing and some aspects of planning too. He or she will play an important role in relation to devolution and will become something of a figurehead for our city – much like Boris Johnson or Sadiq Khan have done for London.
But one of the crucial reasons for us having a new metro mayor is to make us feel closer to democratic decision-making. It is easy to be cynical – so how do we do this?
For some time now, around 20 groups and organisations from all over Greater Manchester have been meeting to plan a special GM Citizen’s Assembly. The plans is that over 1500 people will pack out the Lowry Theatre on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May and together we will tell all of the possible mayoral candidates about some of the big issues we are concerned about and demand that if they are elected they will do something about them.
It’s a strategy that has worked very well in London and has led to the introduction of the London Living Wage which has benefited thousands and thousands of low-waged people living in the capital city.
In Greater Manchester we are going to lobby the mayoral candidates on 4 big issues: cuts to social care; homelessness; hate crime; and the Living Wage.
The Assembly won’t be boring! We understand it will be a bank holiday but we want people to make the most of the day. There will be music, drama, comedy, plays, powerful testimonies and of course hearing from the candidates themselves. We will be joined by the mayoral candidates, other surprise guests and Sir Peter Fahy. We want people to bring families and children. This is for ordinary families and people across our community.
If you’d like to come along you need to sign up. You can do so online by clicking here. Or alternatively you can join the coach that is leaving from Inspire at 12.45pm. The event is free but you need to buy a coach ticket in advance – £5 for waged people; £2.50 for unwaged.
If you want to find out more then don’t hesitate to contact me.
Anne Priest
Levenshulme Inspire GM Citizens Co-ordinator
anne.priest@itfacilitas.co.uk
Levenshulme Community Association is pleased to confirm hustings for the Manchester Gorton parliamentary constituency by-election.
DATE
Saturday 22nd April
TIME
19.00 start
VENUE
Jain Centre, Stockport Road, Levenshulme
Candidates confirmed for hustings:
Abidogun, Kemi (Christian People’s Alliance)
Clifford, Peter (Communist League)
Galloway, George (Independent)
Hopkins, David
Khan, Afzal (Labour)
Mayo, Jess (Green)
Pearcey, Jackie (Libdem)
Apologies:
Eckersley, Phil (UKIP)
To be confirmed:
Disco, The Irrelevant Johnny (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
Jaradat, Shaden (Conservative)
Khandoker, Sufi Miah (Independent)
A Council by-election will be held in Manchester’s Rusholme ward on Thursday 4 May 2017.
It follows Councillor Kate Chappell, one of the ward’s three current elected members on Manchester City Council, stepping down.
A full list of candidates will be published by 4pm on Wednesday 5 April at www.manchester.gov.uk/elections
Further information is available HERE
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron MP, visited Levenshulme today. He is pictured here with Lawrence Hennigan, Levenshulme Community Association Core Group member and Chair of Levenshulme Traders’ Association alongside Jackie Pearcey, Libdem parliamentary candidate for the Manchester Gorton constituency.
NOTE: The LCA does not endorse any political party or candidate.
Judy Noah, Head of Development at One Manchester will be at the Levenshulme Community Assoiciation AGM this afternoon to provide information and answer questions on the Chapel Street housing development.
The meeting starts at 14.30, Saturday 11th March, in the Community Studio in the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
Everyone is welcome.
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman.
Sir Gerald’s Manchester Gorton constituency included Levenshulme and he was Honorary President of Levenshulme Community Association. He was a dedicated MP who was proud to champion his constituency and respond diligently to constituents’ correspondence and issues. He had served at Cabinet level and was Father of the House.
We will remember him as a gentle, principled and dedicated public servant who was passionate about the work he did for his constituents and engaged with and supportive of the work of Levenshulme Community Association.
A Manchester City Council book of condolence available in the Town Hall and online HERE
Both the Inspire Centre and the Arcadia Leisure Centre in Levenshulme also have books of condolence available.
BBC report available HERE
Guardian report HERE
Manchester City Council is consulting on future funding arrangements for voluntary and community organisations.
“We fund many voluntary and community sector organisations. They’re an important part of the city providing care, support and help to Manchester people.
We want to make sure we get the best value for money, and provide that money in a way that helps organisations to do good work.
Over the past few months we have been working with a ‘co-design group’ made up of people from the council, voluntary and community sector organisations and the NHS, to come up with some new options for funding the voluntary sector in Manchester. We’ve based these proposals on the Our Manchester Strategy.”
See full information and respond HERE
Read the “Our Manchester” strategy HERE
A major housing development has been approved for the former Atlas Engineering site off Chapel Street.
The development will provide:
This will be a significant improvement as this site has been derelict land for many years. Developers Mulbury will start work in Spring 2017.
David Wroe, head of Mulbury Living, said:
“This site provides an excellent opportunity to increase the supply of high-quality, sustainable family homes in Levenshulme. By regenerating a site that has fallen into disrepair, these homes will also have a significant positive impact on the local area, including a new street layout and landscaping.
The development has been designed with respect for the existing homes in the area. They will be of a modern appearance with the use of red-facing brick and rendered gables, while the apartment block will acknowledge the architecture of the former Atlas Mill.”
View the planning application HERE
View the article from Place North West HERE
News article from Mulbury HERE
See the plan superimposed on an aerial photograph HERE (Thanks to Tim Blackwell)
Levenshulme Community Association has organised a Community Forum on policing, crime, safety and securty for Wednesday 11th January, 19.00 at the Klondyke (1 Burnage Range) following a reported rape of a 12 year old girl.
The meeting is public and an opportunity to hear from Greater Manchester Police and councillors. There will also be the chance to raise any questions or concerns directly on crime and policing in the area.
This is understandably receiving considerable media coverage.
Manchester Evening News
ITV
http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2017-01-03/police-appeal-after-12-year-old-girl-raped/
BBC
Levenshulme Community Forum:Policing, Crime, Safety and Security
Wednesday 11th January
19.00
The Klondyke, 1 Burnage Range (off Albert Road)
This is an open, public meeting organised by Levenshulme Community Association.
Senior staff from Greater Manchester Police will attend to answer questions and provide information following the reported rape on Chapel Street and also discuss general issues of policing, crime, safety and security in the area.
Come and get in the festive mood on Friday 2nd December at the Levenshulme Christmas Tree Lights Switch On and Party on the Village Green.
One of the highlights of the year with entertainment, celebrity guests and free presents for the first 300 children.
Star entertainers include the award-winning, Levenshulme based – ‘The Thomas Cliff School of Dancing’.
The event starts at 16.30 with the lights switch on at 17.30.
The event is organised by Levenshulme Traders’ Association in collaboration with Levenshulme Community Association and supported by local businesses, groups and Manchester City Council.
We’re also looking for stewards and other helpers who will need to be there for 4.15pm at the Village Green.
There will be a meeting of Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum on Wednesday 23rd November 2016, 19.30 at the Klondyke (1 Burnage Range, off Albert Road).
The meeting will be to agree a position on Manchester City Council’s proposals to our area. The council proposes a much reduced area for our Forum that would not cover Levenshulme.
Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum has been trying to reach a decision with the council since its application was submitted in October 2015. The delays have been frustrating but the group remains determined to find a solution that meets the needs and wishes of the residents and businesses of Levenshulme.
If you are interested in what happens in Levenshulme and how to have a voice to improve Levenshulme with a focus on planning issues then please come along.
Levenshulme and surrounding areas were well represented at a sensitive and moving event today as Sparkle marked the Transgender Day of Remembrance in Sackville Park.
Sparkle organises the Transgender Day of Remembrance event which takes place at the National Trans Memorial in Sackville Gardens each November. TDoR is the day when we remember all the Trans people who have been killed for being who they are over the preceding twelve months.
Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Carl Austin Behan (Burnage) took part with his Consort and husband Simon. Councillor Peter Cookson (Gorton South) also attended in his capacity as one of the LGBT leads on Manchester City Council.
As a strong and diverse community in Levenshulme we stand in solidarity with minority groups and those groups that are marginalised or discriminated against in society. The remembrance event ended with participants reading out the names of the hundreds of transgender people who have been murdered in the past year around the world.
More information is available on the Sparkle website HERE
(Photos, Jeremy Hoad)
Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum Meeting
Thursday 22nd September
19.30 @ Inspire, Stockport Road
Open, public meeting, everyone welcome.
Agenda
The next LCA Community Forum will be held at the Klondykeon Wednesday 27th July. Doors open at 7:15. Meeting starts at 7:30.
The agenda will include:
There will also be time for anyone to raise concerns of their own about life in Levenshulme.
The LCA Community Forum is an initiative of Levenshulme Community Association. These are open public meetings for everyone in Levenshulme – residents, businesses, landlords, community groups or anyone else – to find out what is going on and raise questions about our area.
Information and ideas are shared with the council and our local councillors to work in partnership for a better Levenshulme.
The resurfacing of Stockport Road will start on Saturday 13th August. This will take place in three stages as outlined in the letter from Manchester City Council below.
This will be a major improvement to Levenshulme. Thanks to all councillors and council officers involved in securing the funding to enable this work to be completed.
———–
FROM: Manchester City Council
Date: 20.07.16
Road Resurfacing on Stockport Road, A6
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to inform you of resurfacing works to Stockport Road.
Due to securing additional funding for Local Highway Maintenance Manchester City Council will be undertaking significant road resurfacing works on key routes into the City.
Large sections of Stockport Road are to be resurfaced with initial works being carried out between Broom Lane and Matthews Lane.
As a resident or business in the area you will no doubt be aware of how busy Stockport Road is throughout the day. To avoid causing severe delays our works are planned to be done during off peak periods including weekends and nights.
The works have been planned in three sections to minimise disruption.
Section 1 is from Broom Lane to Elbow Street, including the junction of Alma Road. This work is due to commence on Saturday 13th August 2016 and it is intended to progress as follows;
Saturday 13th August 08:30 to 19:30 removal of existing surface. This will be done using traffic signals maintaining a single lane of traffic past the works.
Sunday 14th August 09:30 to 19:30 replacing first layer of surfacing. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Broom Lane to Elbow St. Local diversions will be signed.
Monday to Friday 15th to 19th August 21:00 to 05:00 (nights) Replacing the final surface and new road markings. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Broom Lane to Elbow Street.
Section 2 is from Elbow Street to Barlow Road. This work is due to commence on Saturday 20th August 2016 and it is intended to progress as follows;
Saturday 20th August 08:30 to 19:30 removal of existing surface. This will done using traffic signals maintaining a single lane of traffic past the works
Sunday 21st August 09:30 to 19:30 replacing first layer of surfacing. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Elbow Street and Barlow Road. Local diversions will be signed.
Monday to Friday 22nd to 26th August 21:00 to 05:00 (nights) Replacing the final surface and new road markings. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Elbow Street and Barlow Road.
Section 3 is from Barlow Road to Matthews Lane. This work is due to commence on Saturday 27thth August 2016 and it is intended to progress as follows;
Saturday 27th August 08:30 to 19:30 removal of existing surface. This will done using traffic signals maintaining a single lane of traffic past the works
Sunday 28th August 09:30 to 19:30 replacing first layer of surfacing. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Barlow Road and Matthews Lane. Local diversions will be signed.
Monday to Friday 29th to 31st August 21:00 to 05:00 (nights) Replacing the final surface and new road markings. Stockport Road will be completely closed between Barlow Road and Matthews Lane.
Works may be suspended on the Bank Holiday 29th August depending on progress made.
Diversions will be locally managed with signage.
The dates given are approximate, weather and other factors can delay us but if we make good progress we may well finish early.
The noisiest operation is the removal of the existing road surface and removal of manholes and service boxes. We have planned our operations so that this work will be undertaken on Saturdays from 08:30 to 19:30. Noisy works at night have been minimised as far as possible but there may still be some disturbance. The removal of the existing surface and the laying of the new materials progress at a steady walking pace and although several passes of the machinery is required it is unlikely you will be disturbed for prolonged periods.
Pedestrian access will be maintained to all properties during working hours. However there will be no access for vehicles in the working areas during working hours. Vehicular access to areas adjoining streets and the sections of Stockport Rd outside of the working area will be maintained by Traffic Marshalls.
Please ensure all vehicles are removed from the working areas during the times and dates listed above. Any vehicles obstructing the works will be removed from site by Manchester City Council.
J. Hopkins (Surfacing) Ltd will be carrying out the works on behalf of Manchester City Council.
If you are experiencing any undue problems, please contact the Site Supervisor Tel No. 0771 0712 708 during the working shift.
I apologise for any inconvenience that you may encounter and seek your cooperation.
Should you require any further information, please email the planned maintenance team at Manchester City Council plannedmaintenance@manchester.gov.uk or call on 0161 234 1970
Yours faithfully,
Paul Swann.
———–
Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law at the University ofLiverpool, spoke at the Levenshulme Community Association EU Debate on 15th June. We had a great debate – informative, reasoned and respectful. Professor Dougan references the LCA debate in this video which is his analysis of the result and the consequences of the EU Referendum.
Watch the video HERE
A note on the LCA EU Debate with praise from participants and a video of Professor Dougan’s pre-referendum analysis that reflect his talk in Levenshulme are available HERE
Everyone is welcome to the Levenshulme Hope not Hate Vigil on Sunday 26th June at 11.00am on the Village Green.
This is to mark the horrific events of the Orlando massacre and the brutal murder of Jo Cox MP but it is also to show we stand together as a community against violence on our streets whether that be personal abuse, muggings, stabbings and shootings. We have had enough and stand together in a show of defiance against the violence and hatred.
Levenshulme stands against hatred, intolerance and violence.
There will be short talks at 11.30
This is an event for everyone in Levenshulme. This is an event for everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, political view or any other characteristic. It is a celebration of the tolerance, inclusivity, diversity and love shown by the people of Levenshulme.
Levenshulme Community Association has come together with Levenshulme Inspire Church to organise this public show of solidarity against hatred but it is an event for all the community groups, organisations, people and religions of our great community.
Come along, celebrate Levenshulme and show your support for love and hope, not hate.
Manchester City Council are consulting on new powers to control Hot Food Takeaways.
The consultation is available HERE
All comments must be received by the Council by 5pm on 20th September 2016.
The announcement from the council follows:
“Manchester City Council Draft Hot Food Takeaway Supplementary Planning Document
The Council would like to inform you that it is beginning a consultation on the draft Hot Food Takeaway Supplementary Planning Document and would welcome any comments you may have on this issue.
The draft Hot Food Takeaway SPD builds on existing policies in the Core Strategy relating to health and the night time economy, including policies SP1, C1, C2, C10 and DM1. The intention of the SPD is to provide further detail on these policies in relation to hot food takeaways. A copy of the Core Strategy can be found on the City Council’s website http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/download/4964/core_strategy_development_plan.
The SPD is accompanied by a Consultation Statement and a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening. The Consultation Statement provides details related to the previous consultation in the Summer 2015 and how this stage informed the preparation of the draft document. The SEA Screening confirms that there is no need to complete a full SEA.
The draft hot food takeaway SPD is the next stage following the Issues and Evidence gathering stage, which was completed last Summer. This stage seeks comments on the draft document and there are a number of ways to do this:
Through our consultation portal –
By email to planningstrategy@manchester.gov.uk
By Post to Planning Strategy Team
City Policy
Manchester City Council
Level 5, Town Hall Extension
PO Box 532
Manchester
M60 2LA
All comments must be received by the Council by 5pm on 20th September 2016.
Following the consultation the Council will consider all the comments and possibly make modifications before adopting the final version of the SPD, at which point it will inform the Council’s decision making process.
If you require any further information on this consultation please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Friday on 0161 234 4561.”
High praise for Levenshulme.
Our speaker at the EU Refefendum Debate organised by Levenshulme Community Association on Wednesday 15 June had this to say about Levenshulme:
“Thanks very much for this very kind email. But in fact, it is me who should thank you and your fellow citizens in Manchester for raising my spirits enormously. I was thoroughly impressed by the sense of community and interest and concern and solidarity that I encountered last night. You have a rare and valuable thing in Levenshulme.”
Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law, University of Liverpool.
You can read a report of the debate, read feedback and see a video of Professor Dougan HERE
We saw the very best of Levenshulme last night at the LCA Debate on the EU Referendum held at the Klondyke – engaged people discussing a crucial issue that affects their lives in a thoughtful and respectful manner, posing really probing questions and debating a topic with care and attention. The debate was chaired and moderated by Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary.
The starting point for the evening was not, however, the EU, but a statement of solidarity with LGBT people as a mark of respect following the horrific massacre in Orlando this week. Levenshulme is a diverse and inclusive community that does not shy away from expressing support and solidarity with marginalised groups and the victims of hate either locally or across the world.
The focus of the debate was the EU Refefendum. LCA exists to give a voice to the groups and the people of Levenshulme. Even if Vote Leave had been able to send a speaker the evening would have still concentrated on that – a debate for us, informed by the speakers, not a debate between the speakers. As it was we had the privelege of hearing from Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law at the University of Liverpool. Thanks to Britain Stronger In Europe for connecting Professor Dougan with the LCA for our debate. Although the debate was not recorded Professor Dougan kindly provided a link to a talk he recently gave on the EU.
You can watch the video HERE.
The success of the evening can be measured by some of the feedback below. Levenshulme is just the most wonderful place. Nowhere else in Manchester does this as well as we do.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this event such a success in particular to our speaker but also to the people of Levenshulme.
Comments on the Levenshulme Community Association EU Debate
“Tonight’s busy meeting at the Klondyke was the best thing ever in Levenshulme. Michael Dougan was not after votes, was not in Remain, but simply answered questions with hard facts about what the EU can do – and can’t do, along with possibilities based on evidence Myths were dispelled without a party political agenda. The audience was mint: loads of good questions – people happy to be challenged – and very respectful to each other. We all learned a lot! Everyone agreed that if Professor Dougan was on national TV it would change the shape of this debate. Thanks to the LCA: thanks Jeremy Hoad for one of the most uplifting, respectful and useful meetings ever.”
Susan Mcpherson
“Even as an out voter this was a fantastic night (the bit I saw). Not at all like I was expecting, quite balanced and the people I spoke to said it had really helped answer their questions. Really well done!”
Robert Fleming
“It was good to hear the legal aspects of membership/non-membership. My decision on my vote was mainly based on how I feel about things. After last night I have a clearer idea of how the EU interacts with the UK. It was good to get some facts rather than propaganda. Thanks for holding the meeting.”
Eleanor Tierney
“A very interesting evening, thanks to Jeremy for organising… this is the sort of factual information we need that isn’t available through the media.”
Katy Billington
“So proud of Jeremy Hoad, organising and chairing the EU referendum debate in Levenshulme tonight. Brilliant stuff – I know I’m biased [Paul Magrs is Jeremy Hoad’s partner], but really, I learned such a lot, and I think most everyone else did too. I wish the media had presented us with more of this demystifying kind of stuff. [Michael Dougan] was just excellent, and I think everyone appreciated his matter of fact approach. You’d have to be crazy to want out of the EU, basically – and he patiently explained the lies being told on all sides, and the kind of chaos that will greet us if we leave.
Anyhow – it was fantastic. Can’t we have more of this knd of thing locally? A kind of local Question Time, with people who you can actually engage with and want to listen to..?”
Paul Magrs
“Excellent talk, fair debate and I came away so much more informed about the EU… Knowledge is power, and all that! Thanks For organising this Jeremy. If only there were more actual experts like this in the mainstream media.”
Emily Jones
We are pleased to announce that Britain Stronger in Europe has confirmed the following speaker for the Levenshulme EU Referendum Debate tomorrow.
Michael Dougan
Professor of European Law, Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law, School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool
You can still register to vote until midnight on Thursday 9th June.
The website has been kept open because it crashed yesterday due to unprecedented demand.
If you were unable to register or still need to register you can do so HERE
OK, people of Levenshulme, the debate is on!
Levenshulme Community Association is delighted to announce the big EU debate.
This is an open, public meeting. Your chance to discuss and debate the EU referendum. Speakers from both Stronger In Europe and Vote Leave are being confirmed.
Should the UK remain part of the European Union or should it leave? You decide.
Levenshulme Community Association is not a political organisation and does not take a position on the EU Referendum.
http://levenshulmecommunity.org.uk/2016/06/levenshulme-eu-referendum-debate/
If you haven’t registered to vote by tomorrow (7th June) you will not get a vote in the EU referendum.
If you were registered to vote in the local elections last month and you are still living at the same address you don’t have to do anything, you are already registered.
Register to vote HERE
Friends of Levenshulme Station (FoLS) have organised a petition for better access at Levenshulme station.
The summary is below and you can go to the petition HERE
Levenshulme Train Station Needs Accessibility For All
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against users in respect of disabled access to transport, such as buses and trains.
Currently Levenshulme train station does not meet these requirements at all. Access onto the station and station platforms is not possible for anyone who is disabled or has limited mobility, parents with young children in prams and passengers with bikes.
Friends of Levenshulme Station have made numerous attempts to communicate with Network Rail and Northern Rail to understand the timescale for accessibility improvements to Levenshulme station. We have been assured that it is indeed a priority station, but are no clearer as to what that means for access improvements.
The only offered solution at present is calling Northern Rail customer service 24 hour in advance for a taxi to be booked and paid for, but even this is only offered to passengers with a registered mobility disability.
This is not reasonable and is not in line with 21st century public transport travelling aspirations. The growing population of Levenshulme deserve more!
Let’s persuade Network and Northern Rail to make our train station ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. Let’s encourage them into the 21st century!
Thanks for helping the Friends of Levenshulme Station. Spread the word!
Food and garden waste will be collected from Manchester households weekly for the whole summer and into autumn.
The green bin collection service, fortnightly during the winter months, has stepped up and will be carried out on a weekly basis until November.
Find out more HERE
Congratulations to Nasrin Ali (Levenshulme) and Bernard Stone (Gorton South) for their re-elections as councillors.
Levenshulme
Turnout: 35.2%
ALI Liaqat (LibDem) 285
ALI Nasrin Bibi (Labour) 2066
BREEZE Mark (Independent) 470
DAVIES Calum Tudur James (Conservative) 164
MCARDLE Joe (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) 40
VENES Dick (Green) 764
Gorton South
Turnout: 31.28%
BROWN Sarah Louise (LibDem) 246
BURKE Martin 80
CATTERALL Bob (UKIP) 481
NEWTON Melvyn (Green) 239
OPESAN Tmo (Conservative) 141
STONE Bernard Eric (Labour) 2792
Once again Levenshulme Community Association is organising hustings for the local elections. All candidates have been invited. Everyone is welcome. These are open, public meetings and an opportunity for anyone to ask questions of any candidates in the May local elections.
Levenshulme Ward
Wednesday 27th April
19.30 start
Klondyke
1 Burnage Range, Levenshulme, M19 2HQ
Gorton South Ward
Thursday 28th April
747 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, M19 3AR
A single transport card for Manchester is on hold following a complete failure of the Atos company to deliver the system for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The scheme – similar to the Oyster Card system in London – is being rethought after it became clear Atos was completely incapable of delivering the system. The MEN reports that according to TfGM all costs incurred (£15m) have been refunded by Atos and TfGM will now explore how to get the failed project moving again.
There does not appear to be any comment from Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Mayor, who is responsible for transport across Greater Manchester.
Read the MEN report HERE
Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum would love to hear your ideas for how you want Levenshulme to develop. What’s your vision for our community?
14.00 today in the Community Studio at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
This isn’t just bout dull planning matters, this is bout what we want our community to be and to look like.
Everybody welcome.
The Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum will be holding a meeting on Saturday 19th March 2016 at 14.00 in the Community Studio in the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
Come along and say how you want Levenshulme to develop.
Statement from Greenwich Leisure Limited / Better today after councillors have asked for clarification of pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre:
“It has always been our intention to honour the membership benefits of those customers who have historically enjoyed using the facilities at Levenshulme Pools. Unfortunately during the migration period from Levenshulme to the new Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre there has been miscommunication in relation to the extended availability of the £18 membership previously available at Levenshulme.
As a gesture of goodwill, until the end of day on Friday 26th February, we will be happy to honour this rate to any of our customers who can demonstrate previous use of Levenshulme Pools.
Customers who believe that they are entitled to take up this offer yet are unable to prove their past use of Levenshulme will be looked at on a case by case basis. All applications should be made in person at Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre.
From Saturday 27th February only the new membership pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be available. This is in line with all the other comparable/ new leisure centres across Manchester including the Manchester Aquatics Centre”.
UPDATE:
The Manchester Evening News has published an article on the availability of the old membership rates at Arcadia, available HERE.
After years of campaigns, consultations, marches, plans, occupations, letters, meetings, talking and even quite a bit of dancing the people of Levenshulme can now celebrate as our new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre throws open its doors.
Here are a few photographs of the new Arcadia. These are the third set in the series of photographs recording the old Levensulme Baths, the original Levenshulme Library and now the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.
Arcadia is a brand new £9.3m facility. It is managed and operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited under the Better brand through a contract with Manchester City Council. GLL are experts in managing leisure facilities. The facilities were built by Laing O’Rourke both on time and on budget. The quality and attention to detail is very impressive. Arcadia includes:
Arcadia stands as a wonderful facility and proof of what can be achieved when there is a genuine cooperative, positive collaboration between residents, our community, councillors, council officers, designers and developers.
This is our facility.
(All photographs copyright Jeremy Hoad)
Manchester City Council is consulting on budget cuts for 2016/17. The consultation closes today.
“We’re setting our budget for 2016/17 and want your views. You can read what we’re consulting about and the options we’re considering and have your say.
Today is your last chance to respond – the formal consultation closes midnight.”
Find out more and submit your views HERE.
Watch an explanatory video HERE.
With news that Tony Lloyd* has confirmed his intention to stand for the position of Greater Manchester Mayor the Manchester Evening News has suggested a few other possible candidates.
The MEN offers a shortlist of actual and potential candidates:
According to the options suggested the MEN appears to think that only Labour Party politicians will stand for election as Greater Manchester Mayor.
Included on the list is local Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward) whose ward covers much of Levenshulme.
Billed as the only “Corbynista” to have been touted as a potential candidate the MEN says: “Councillor Reid has reportedly been vocal among colleagues in expressing n interest [in standing for Greater Manchester Mayor]“.
* Tony Lloyd is currently Greater Mnchester Mayor after being appointed to the role without any election last year when the leaders of Greater Manchester councils signed up to the devolution deal offered by George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Councillor Julie Reid (Gorton South Ward). Photo courtesy of the MEN.
Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Loyd, is spending almost a million pounds of funding from the Greater Manchester Police budget on a project to get neighbourhoods to do things to reduce demand for police services in 2016.
The GMPCC website says: “Communities across Greater Manchester are being invited to bid for a slice of £900,000 to reduce demand on police services by building strong neighbourhoods, boosting volunteering, and empowering our region’s young people.”
The funds available:
Commissioner’s neighbourhood fund
Active citizens’ fund
Youth aspiration fund
Find out full details HERE.
Photo of Tony Lloyd giving away money from the Greater Manchester Police budget in 2015 (photo courtesy of GMPCC website)
We are pleased to confirm that the new £9.3m Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre situated in the heart of Levenshulme on the A6 will open on Saturday 20th February 2016.
This will be the culmination of a long and hard fought campaign by the LCA and Levenshulme residents and groups to keep our existing baths and library open and then to replace them with new facilities.
This is an amazing success story in hard times. It is a story of a community coming together to fight for its facilities. It is a story of Manchester City Council working positively and productively with our community. It is a story of responsive and engaging council officers. It is a story of political differences and collective action. Above all, it is a success story that the people of Levenshulme should be proud of.
We hope to see as many people as possible celebrate the opening of Arcadia with us. Further details will be made available as soon as they are confirmed.
Here are a few photographs from December. This was during a tour after the LCA Community Forum Meeting.
Oh, and here is Jean Bernard and Jeremy Hoad. We could resist a trip in the lift.
There is a general meeting of the Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum this Thursday 3rd December at the Inspire Centre, 19.00-21.00.
We’ve now had three events to gather new ideas and thoughts for Levenshulme and there are 7 areas of interest. We will need to start developing groups that will start focussing on these items:
If you are interested in one of these areas and you would like to look in developing ideas in relation to the above items, please let us know. We will be discussing these areas at our meeting on Thursday and will start putting together groups that will investigate these areas further.
I know we are a little late in releasing the agenda for this Thursdays meeting, but we’ve been quite busy in the background.
Agenda:
There are not many items on the agenda, but I think the discussions around the workgroups will be taking most of the meeting.
I hope you will be able to attend and see you on Thursday.
Maria van Elk
Chair, Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum
A spontaneous vigil for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris was held in Levenshulme tonight (Saturday 14th November 2015).
The sentiment of solidarity was clear with the people of Paris. Levenshulme people are determined to defend our diverse and strong community against any attacks on an open, multicultural inclusive community with a successful spirit of tolerance and respect for all.
Organised via the local Levy Massive Facebook group the event was a touching reminder of the solidarity of ordinary people with the victims of terrorism and extremism. Small gestures demonstrate that people of all backgrounds, beliefs, people who are religious or not, share a common revulsion for intolerance, hatred, extremism and violence.
Ce soir, nous sommes français.
Égalité, Fraternité, Liberté.
(Photos courtesy of Jeremy Hoad.)
