Salford Labour Party Website

The Leadership Report for November will cover the following topics:

1.         TIF
2.         LIFE Magazine Call In
3.         Salford Ice Rink
4.         Campaigning
5.         Students take over Council for a day
6.         Bingo hall kitchen was unsafe
7.         Calls for Salford people to join in Remembrance
8.         Young Carers state their case on Film
9.         Every Salford secondary school to be rebuilt under new investment plans
10.       Pendleton gets the green light for housing investment
11.       Crackdown warning for rogue traders
12.       Sculpture Trail
13.       New £235,000 community centre opens its doors
14.       Community work to be celebrated at event
15.       Residents to get a say on future of housing in Salford
16.       Salford maps its musical ‘routes’
17.       £3,000 food hygiene fine for Eccles bakery
18.       What do Salford City Council and The Ritz have in common?
19.       £900m investment to begin in West Salford
20.       Campaign to reduce wheelie bin dangers launches in Salford
21.       Ordsall Hall lottery bid gets the green light
22.       Consultation starts on potential sites for waste facilities
23.       Salford leads the way
24.       Noisy neighbour evicted
25.       Last chance for Langworthy landlords
26.       Salford shines for Swedish visitors
27.       Council brings in new CCTV program to help fight crime
28.       Search for top Salford snap

1.         TIF
Members will have received a statement that was approved by cabinet on the TIF bid  We are now of the belief that we have secured all the concessions we can reasonably expect.  In particular we have now achieved:

Discounts will apply: to the lowest paid workers (statutory minimum wage), where they would incur the charge because of their workplace location; to Blue badge holders, motorcycles, Licensed Hackney Carriages, buses and emergency vehicles. And, in certain circumstances, people with regular medical appointments.  In addition, a 100% discount will also be applied for people who work in Trafford Park for the outer charge, until the optimum public transport solution is in place.

It has been agreed that residents within the Brookhouse area will not be charged for crossing the outer cordon at the A57 near M60 Junction 11.  This is in recognition that these residents would have no alternative but to cross this cordon in order to leave their homes.
It has also been agreed that the arrangements for charging at the outer cordon, in the vicinity of Junction 13, will ensure that local people will not pay for journeys from Worsley Road to Barton Road and vice versa.

The inner cordon will now exclude Salford University, overcoming a concern of the University that many students would otherwise face the charge in order to attend.

(A6 traffic calming)
Overall, Salford residents will benefit from a reduction in traffic moving from outside Salford to reach destinations within Salford or in the City Centre or beyond. It is Salford residents who have to put up with the heavy air pollution and disruption created by this traffic, and it is they who will benefit from reductions in air pollution and quieter roads as a major modal shift from the car to public transport is achieved.

With regard to rail:
TIF will contribute to Crescent station being redeveloped at its current location, so enhancing the Network Rail funding to produce a scheme which will ensure that this key interchange is brought up to 21st century standards.
Salford Central Station will see a major upgrade, with the building of two new platforms, and better passenger facilities with an improved concourse, ticket office and a new entrance to the west of the station.
There will also be significant station improvements at Eccles, Irlam, and Walkden.
In addition, rail capacity will be increased in the peak periods, with the provision of additional carriages.

We will as a matter of priority address direct provision on direct bus routes between Little Hulton and East Salford and the Quays.

·                      Provision of park and ride will take place at Salford Reds stadium and there will be a consultation on the tram route from the Trafford Centre to Salford Reds and Port Salford.

We do not believe there is any more we can gain from specific concessions to Salford and in fact other authorities have said quietly they feel Salford has got a good deal.

2.Life Call In
We have distributed a document to all councillors laying out, in particular, the financial projects for life.  We have been able to do some further work on the finances and can now demonstrate that by increasing the frequency of the magazine we will make a profit.  This is because we can transfer some of our statutory advertising from other newspapers to Salford LIFE.

3.         Ice Rink
Following on from what the opposition perceived to be their success in ‘calling in’ Salford LIFE,  we now also face on Monday the call in regarding the ice rink.  Obviously as we write this we don’t know the result of the call in but deemed it sensible to make provision for it to be debated at council should we lose the vote at scrutiny committee, as otherwise we would have to abandon the whole idea.  Last year the main concern was the site of the fair and we have dealt with this by making provision for it on the car park at the back of the building and only at weekends.

4.         Campaigning
We have had two sessions of campaign one of which was well attend and one which was not.  Although we appreciate it was held during half term.  It is extremely important that all councillors turn up for the final session of this year in Langworthy on 29th November.  Please email either myself or the chief whip if there is a problem over attendance, as we have been asked to report to the district party on attendance at a later date.  Can I stress that labour group did decide to campaign once a month in marginal wards in preparation for 2010 and whilst I understand it is not always possible to attend every session, I feel it is important that councillors take part particularly as it can be a tremendous moral boost for the local party.

5.         Students take over Council for a day
Young people in Salford spent a day with the council on Friday (7 Nov) to get a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made for children across the city.

Year nine pupils from Swinton, St Patrick’s, Buile Hill and New Park high schools were invited into the council’s children’s services department to talk to key members of staff who make the decisions.

The visit was part of the national 11 Million Takeover Day to give young people a chance to have their say by taking over organisations.

6.         Bingo hall kitchen was unsafe
Nine months after a buffet assistant was seriously burned in a kitchen accident, health and safety measures at a Walkden bingo hall were still inadequate, Salford Magistrates were told.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees in Ellesmere Retail Park, Walkden. They were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,006.32.

Salford City Council helped to bring the prosecution.

7.         Calls for Salford people to join in Remembrance
Salford residents were invited to remember the war dead and pay tribute to those who have fought in conflicts at a number of remembrance events.

Remembrance Sunday on 9 November saw parades, services and wreath laying take place across the city from Little Hulton to Irlam and Cadishead.

8.         Young carers State their case on Film
Teachers in Salford are being urged to watch and learn from a DVD produced by pupils who care for family members.

The ten minute recording is the work of 15 young carers from the Walkden and Little Hulton areas, aged 11 – 16 and highlights the issues they face whilst combining education with caring duties at home.

The project was initiated by Salford Young Carers Service and supported by the city council, the Princess Royal Trust and other local agencies.

9.         Every Salford secondary school to be rebuilt under new investment plans
Every high school pupil in Salford could be learning in a brand new school by September 2012 under a £182 million proposal agreed this week.

And for the first time, the city would have its own Roman Catholic sixth-form provision.

The city council’s cabinet has backed revisions to the Building Schools for the Future programme, with the changes now due to go out for further public consultation.

The whole proposal is worth approximately £182 million and is primarily funded from Partnerships for Schools with a contribution from the city council.

Highlights now include:

•     New builds for St Patrick’s RC School, St Ambrose Barlow RC High          School and  Irlam and Cadishead Community High School.         Originally these schools were to be refurbished only.

•     The first Catholic sixth form, part of the new-look St Ambrose

Barlow RC High School. The proposed site at Wardley helps keep Catholic high school provision nearer to the catchment of St George’s RC High School, which remains earmarked for closure.

•     New buildings for  Walkden, Wentworth and a replacement for The Swinton and Moorside high schools, plus All Hallow’s RC. These were part of the original BSF proposal.

•     Taking into account views expressed during the consultation so far, the revised plans earmark part of the site currently occupied by the Oasis academy:MediaCityUK as the new location for a re-build of All Hallow’s RC High School.

For every secondary school in the city to be housed in state-of-the-art buildings with 21st century facilities by 2012  is an opportunity too good to miss for our young people.

In helping create the best future for our pupils we have to be bold in our vision and plans.

We have worked tirelessly with the Roman Catholic diocese to ensure these fresh proposals take account of what people told us during the initial consultation and we will continue to work hard with both St George’s and St Ambrose Barlow to ensure the proposed new school gives the best possible provision for all future pupils.

Anyone who wants to, will again have the chance to have their say when a fresh round of consultation begins next week. Take a moment and read the leaders views on the LGC website: http://www.lgcplus.com/News/2008/11/alarm_bells_over_school_reforms.html

10.       Pendleton gets the green light for housing investment
Homes in Pendleton are set to be transformed, with confirmation from government that it will be making £121 million available for investment.

This follows initial approval by government to a housing investment scheme in the area awarded in December 2006.

Secured through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), the money will be used to bring council-owned homes up to the government’s Decent Homes Standard. It will see the majority of houses refurbished, with several areas undergoing complete redevelopment to provide new, improved homes.

The wheels are now well and truly in motion. We appreciate that it has been a long process up to this point, but it was essential  that our plans reflected what local people wanted and that we were in the strongest position to get the best possible deal for them. We will now be looking for partners who share our vision and can help us make it happen.

11.       Crackdown warning for rogue traders
Illegal fireworks sales will not be tolerated in Salford, rogue traders have been told.

Salford City Council has issued the no-nonsense message as part of a pre-Halloween and bonfire night crackdown on potential anti-social behaviour.

Anyone selling fireworks needs a licence and can only sell them to people over the age of 18. Rogue traders face fines of up to £5,000, six months in prison or both if they sell fireworks to anyone underage. Fixed penalty notices can also be issued to people who act in anti-social manner with fireworks.

12.       Sculpture trail
Satellite technology will help visitors to navigate a 33 miles long arts trail that winds through the Irwell Valley from Salford to Rossendale.

Salford City Council is leading a partnership of four authorities planning to transform the Irwell Sculpture Trail with a grant of £420,000 from the Arts Council England.

13.       New £235,000 community centre opens its doors
A new £235,000 community centre in Little Hulton is now open for business.

Hundreds of residents joined the Mayor of Salford, Councillor Margaret Morris to celebrate the official opening of the Peel Park Pavilion.

14.       Community work to be celebrated
Community groups across Salford came together on 29 October to celebrate their success and encourage more people to get involved in their local area.

Up to 17 groups, funded by Salford’s community committees, have showcased their work at a Celebrating Communities event at Buile Hill Park.

15.       Residents to get a say on future of housing in Salford
Residents are being asked to look to the future as Salford City Council revealed its regeneration proposals for the city up to 2027 on 17 October.

The plan sets out different ways the council can deliver housing for the benefit of people who already live in the city as well attracting new residents, encouraging economic growth and conserving and improving the environment.

An 8-week public consultation on the proposals starts today inviting local people to have their say on the various options for how the council’s vision can be achieved.

This is a very important time for Salford. What we do now and how we plan for 2027 will have a long-lasting impact on the city and we must get it right.

We’re now seeing a growth in Salford’s population and this plan is all about making sure that the city has the capacity to provide homes based on increasing numbers of people, that are both sustainable and desirable.

We want to secure the best possible future for Salford and we want people who live and work in the city to be able to have their say and take these important steps with us.

A copy of the plan will be available for comments in libraries and can be viewed online from Friday 17 October www.salford.gov.uk/core-strategy

16.       Salford maps its musical ‘routes’
Tim Burgess’s childhood home, the studios where 50 Cent asked for a cup of tea and the mill behind the Ting Tings’ success.  These are just some of the locations on Salford’s first ever Music Map which was lunched on Friday (24 October).

The aim of the new map is to reclaim some legendary ‘Manchester’ music myths that rightly belong to its sister city, while helping promote Salford as a destination with a rich musical heritage.

The map, which is the brainchild of Salford City Council, and researched by music author, TV producer and Salford University lecturer, David Nolan, is available for free via www.visitsalford.info/musicmap and from a number of locations across the city.

A 3D version of the map is on display at the Quiffs, Riffs and Tiffs exhibition at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

17.       £3,000 food hygiene fine for Eccles bakery
An Eccles bakery which breached a number of food hygiene regulations, including having a dirty delivery van and poorly cleaned premises, has been fined £3,000.

Simon Law, Roderick Law and Dorothy Law, of Laws Bakery on Parrin Lane were also ordered to pay £1,033 in costs at Salford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to six hygiene offences and two health and safety offences.

Salford City Council helped to bring the prosecution.

18.       What do Salford City Council and The Ritz have in common?
The Ritz Hotel, the Royal Opera House… and now Salford City Council.

The authority has joined the ranks of these top London establishments with its in-house catering and events team achieving the ‘Hospitality Assured’ accreditation – the highest award of its kind in Europe.

Citywide Catering and Events, which provides banqueting and conference facilities at Buile Hill Park Hall and Worsley Court House, has been commended for its focus on customer experience and, with this award, is now viewed as a leader in its field.

19.       £900m investment to begin as council homes in west Salford transfer to City West Housing Trust
It is a new beginning for tenants in west Salford this week as a new Registered Social Landlord, City West Housing Trust, took over ownership of nearly 15,000 council homes.

The move voted for by tenants, and supported by Salford City Council, secures a £900 million investment programme for the next 30 years that will bring improvements to homes, estates and services.

This transfer of homes to City West Housing Trust results from the biggest consultation exercise Salford City Council has ever undertaken.

A mixed approach to housing provision through the creation of City West Housing Trust, Salix Homes in Central Salford and PFI funding for homes in Pendleton will secure the investment to meet tenants priorities and ensure that they all live in homes and neighbourhoods of a standard they deserve and should expect.

We are looking forward to working with City West Housing Trust, who will also be a key partner in helping us drive forward the regeneration of the west of the city, complementing that already well underway in Central Salford.

20.       Campaign to reduce wheelie bin dangers launches in Salford
Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are joining forces in a bid to tackle wheelie bin thefts and arson which costs the city’s council tax payers close on £2 million pounds a year.

Residents are being asked to put their bins out only when necessary- not before 7pm the night before collection and collecting them by 11pm on the day. People who leave their bins out repeatedly, despite warnings, could be fined £100.

21.       Ordsall Hall lottery bid gets the green light
Ordsall Hall now has a future exciting enough to match its past, with confirmation that it has secured the money it needs to transform it into a 21st-century visitor attraction.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed its £4.1 million grant to transform the 700 year old mansion, commending Salford City Council for the quality of its bid.

The funds from the HLF will be supplemented by a further £2.4 million met by the city council, grants, individual donations and fundraising.

The money will go towards opening up rooms of the Grade 1 listed building that the public do not yet have access to, redeveloping the grounds, creating a learning and community room and improving the exhibits.

22.       Consultation starts on potential sites for waste facilities
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY GREATER MANCHESTER GEOLOGICAL UNIT AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN GREATER MANCHESTER

A consultation process to consider where waste facilities are located within Greater Manchester and the policies needed to make sure the facilities are cleaner, greener and safer started on 6th October.

This plan is intended to ensure that planning authorities have policies in place to ensure we can cope with future waste in the greenest, safest and cleanest way possible. A really exciting prospect is to promote combined heat and power which offers an environmentally-friendly way of supplying cheap and secure electricity.

Greater Manchester is a growing and vibrant conurbation with a population of over two million people. We all need to ensure that we can manage the waste we produce in as sustainable a way as possible, and this means all Greater Manchester councils need to work together.

Using new technologies and facilities that are properly located and designed can help to provide sustainable solutions to solve our waste problem.  If we follow the example set by other European countries we can look upon waste as an economic opportunity with which we can provide alternative raw materials, heat and energy.

23.       Salford leads the way
Salford residents are showing others the way in how to influence what happens in their community and get involved in decision-making.

The city council’s record of fostering community involvement has led to it being chosen to take part in a national initiative aimed at sharing best practice.

It will be one of only 18 authorities around the country invited to be part of the Network of Empowering Authorities.

24.       Noisy neighbour evicted
A Salford man has been evicted from his council flat for keeping neighbours up all night with late-night bass music and his bad language.

Lee Marshall, 37, of Buckingham Road in Cadishead played thumping music from his first-floor flat throughout the night, sometimes until 8am, the court heard.

Salford City Council helped to bring the prosecution.

25.       Last chance for Langworthy landlords
Landlords in Seedley and Langworthy who are not signed up to a compulsory scheme to help reduce the number of poorly-managed properties are being warned that they risk court in an innovative new campaign.

I           In June 2007 Seedley and Langworthy became the first area in the country to introduce selective licensing which requires all private landlords with property in the area to apply for a licence, but 45 landlords have still not applied.

26.       Salford shines for Swedish visitors
Salford extended the international hand of friendship when the city welcomed visitors from local authority in Sweden.

The six officials from the municipality of Norrkoping – pronounced norr-shepping – had wanted to visit after learning about Salford on the city council’s award-winning website.

27.       Council brings in new CCTV program to help fight crime
A new high-tech computer system program which pinpoints public CCTV cameras and their vision has been designed by a council to help tackle crime more effectively.

The system, developed by Salford City Council, maps the accurate location of Salford’s CCTV cameras and is the first in the country to capture the field of view of each camera.

It has been introduced by Salford’s crime and disorder reduction partnership (CDRP), a multi-agency approach to help make the city a safer place to live, work and visit.

28.       Search for top Salford snap!
Budding photographers are being given the chance to help promote the city by grabbing their camera and capturing the perfect shot of Salford.

In a competition run by Salford City Council, the winning photograph which shows the city at its best will be used in an outdoor advertising campaign for Visit Salford to attract more people to the area.

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