Category Archives: transport

Levenshulme Bee Network Through Routes

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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 reading →

Levenshulme Station Improvements

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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

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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

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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 reading →

TfGM Future Travel Survey

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”

LCA General Meeting February 2020

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****NEW DATE 15th FEBRUARY****

The next LCA General Meeting will be held as follows:

14.30

Saturday 15th February

Community Studio

Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre

Yew Tree Avenue, Manchester, M19 3PH (on Stockport Road)

Topics to be discussed will include:

  • Levenshulme Community Directory
  • Levenshulme Bee Network
  • Village Green Living Tree
  • New Identity and Branding for Levenshulme
  • Fallowfield Loop £4.9m improvements
  • Review of 2019 Election Hustings and plans for Local Elections 2020
  • Christmas Lights Switch On Event and A6 Lights Thanks
  • Updates from members and forthcoming local activities

Fallowfield Loop £4.9m investment

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£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

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/news/article/8328/manchester_announces_new_walking_and_cycling_schemes_as_mayor_and_commissioner_call_on_government_for_long-term_funding_commitment

Save Our Train Services

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Emergency meeting about cuts to train services.

Levenshulme Community Manifesto Meeting

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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.

Road resurfacing

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Resurfacing works are going to commence on Milwain Road week commencing 15th January 2018 and on Broom Lane, Broom Avenue and Crayfield Road week commencing 22nd January 2018.

What Is Your Vision For Levenshulme?

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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.

  • How do you want to see Levenshulme develop?
  • What are your priorities for the future?
  • What are the main issues that need addressing?
  • How can we work together effectively to make our community what we want it to be?
  • What is your vision for Levenshulme?

Incredible Edible Levenshulme / Community Action Day Events

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There are two Incredible Edible Levenshulme community events to let you know about this week – IEL will be working on the Village Green and A6 planters on Wednesday evening, and there’s a community action day on Saturday 22nd (with Levy Market, Friends of Levenshulme Station, Love Levenshulme and IEL) to litter pick and clear spaces for planting on the Street With No Name.

Village Green & Planters

Date: Wednesday 19th April

Venue: the Village Green

Time: 6.30pm

Please bring gardening gloves and hand tools if possible.

Community Action Day

Date: Saturday 22nd April

Venue: meet on the Street With No Name

Time: from 10am

All equipment will be provided, plus a free hot drink for all volunteers!

A6 Resurfacing 22 April – 7 May

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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

Friends of Levenshulme Station Meeting

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The first meeting of Friends of Levenshulme Station in 2017 will take place on Wednesday 18 January at 6:30 p.m. in the New Arcadia on Stockport Road.
Agenda:

Apologies

Minutes and Matters Arising

Station plan for 2017 (see below)

Any other business

Next Meeting

HS2 Tunnel Under Levenshulme

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The government has released an update to its preferred route for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail route. Properties in Levenshulme should not be directly affected as the route from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly will be in a tunnel.

MEN article HERE

HS2 information HERE

Friends Of Levenshulme Station Meeting

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The Friends of Levenshulme Station have a meeting on Wednesday 21 September, 6.30-7.30pm at Arcadia Library Community Room.

Agenda

Apologies

Minutes and Matters Arising

News and Reports- Chair

– Secretary

– Treasurer

– Levenshulme Community Association

– Levenshulme Market

– Northern Rail

Petition

Leaflet

Reading and responding to our e-mail 

Artwork and plants for the station

Other business

Folk Trains

Friends Of Levenshulme Station Access Petition

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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!

Transport Card On Hold After Failure by TfGM And Atos

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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

What’s Your Vision For Levenshulme?

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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.

  

Petition To Control Speeding On Manor Road

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A petition has been set up by Levenshulme resident Sue Millichap to stop the excessive and dangerous speeding on Manor Road.

The petition text says:

“Manor Road is a residential street in Levenshulme, Manchester. The road runs alongside Greenbank Playing Fields – a large open park where children and families play. Manor Road is very long, wide and straight and it connects two main roads together. As such, drivers use it as a ‘rat run’ and incessant speeding has led to a large number of pet fatalities and near misses with children. Some residents have tried to take action by gesturing to drivers to slow down in order to protect our children and pets but have been faced with abuse and threats. We need speed calming measures that actually work. We want speed bumps that span the full width of the road. We have to act now before a child is killed. Enough is enough. 

We are aware that there are many roads in Levenshulme that are suffering this issue but residents from all areas of Levenshulme use Greenbank Park.”
You can view and sign the petition HERE

  

World Record Conga Today

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It’s not every day a world record attempt happens in Levenshulme.

A world record attempt at the longest distance conga will set off from Manchester Piccadilly at 11.00 heading for Stockport Train Station, going through Levenshulme past our lovely Market around midday.

  

Friends of Levenshulme Station Visit

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Friends of Levenshulme Station are having a visit to Levenshulme Station this Saturday 6th June 2015 at 11:30am (gathering just outside) followed by discussion over coffee nearby.
The visit and chat are to discuss issues of the station, get ideas and feedback.

Stockport Road Resurfacing and Redesign

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£2 million funding has been secured to resurface Stockport Road from the Appollo to McVities.

The stretch of Stockport Road running through Levenshulme in particular is in a dire state of repair and has been in desperate need of attention for some time so this is great news.

We understand the project will include new cycle provision and redesign of the road to improve access and usability. Residents’ groups and businesses will be included in consultation about the exact design.

The project is scheduled to start this summer (2015). Further details will be reported when available.