For the first time that I can ever recall in my time as a councillor I have attended a public meeting that NO members of the public bothered to attend.

This meeting , which I understand was widely advertised was called to discuss alleged issues of anti-social behaviour on Polefield Estate. No one turned up and so we can only assume there ain’t any at the moment – which is good news.

I did take the opportunity to discuss local issues with Police officers, Tenants and Residents Association staff and Council Officers which was useful.

This years Christmas Lights switch-on will be on December 10th on the precinct as usual.
As always there will be guest entertainment and Christmas Carols and a special appearance by you-know-who!!!
When I have more details I’ll post them up on this web site.
The show starts from 4.00pm. Great family fun for one and all.

Last nights meeting of the Prestwich Area Partnership Developing Communities Working Group (love the snazzy title!) was a well attended meeting packed with positive issues to help improve specific areas in Prestwich that need regeneration.

POLEFIELD BALL ZONE
Specific plans are still sketchy. I requested detailed plans to be mad available and also requested that a public meeting should be held at the school to explain the plans and to answer any issues concerning residents.
Your local councillors would like to hear your views on this issue so we can fully represent your views, hopes and concerns alike. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

RAINSOUGH SHOPS
It was mentioned that Salford Council (who own the shops) are prepared to consider a partnership with Bury to refurbish them and help provide an Advice/one stop shop/childrens outreach centre. It was also mooted that a Pharmacy is much needed in that vicinity. Officers were instructed to enter negotiations with Salford as a matter of priority.

GINNELS
Further problems with Ginnels were identified. I informed the group about the new policy that the Council is developing which will (hopefully) make it easier to close ginnels for security reasons.

It is with deep sadness that we have just learned that Bella Ansell passed away last week.

Bella was a founder member of Prestwich Area Board as well as a member of Prestwich Local Area Partnership. She was a valued volunteer for North Manchester Jewish Council and worked so hard to better the lives of others.
“Bella was committed to improving the lives of others. She represented the needs of Jewish families on the partnership and attended many events around creating a better Prestwich, supporting the needs of the disabled and elderly and looking at inequalities. Bella recently attended a Community Conference and contributed so much to issues around diversity. Her passion, commitment and presence will be sadly missed by all of us who have had the pleasure of working with her”.

“My deepest condolences go to her family and friends.”

Today I had the privilage of leading Prestwich in rembrance of all those past Prestwich sons and daughters who gave their lives for our futures and for peace and hope in the world.

As the longest serving Prestwich Councillor I represent the Mayor on these occasions, and therefore get to lay a wreath first, followed by the MP, fellow councillors, representatives of the Police, scouts, brownies etc etc.

I am always moved by this annual event, which sees a coming together of seemingly all Prestwich – faiths, civic and voluntary/community organisations and others to remember those that have given their lives for this country. In addition the whole event seems to be resonating more and more with people who are increasingly aware of the sacrifices being made in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was particularly delighted to meet an Iraq veteran today and would dearly love to see more post 2nd world war vets joining us on remembrance day in the future, especially in the parade.

Congratulations should go to the organisers from Prestwich British Legion including, Sylvia Hampson who spends many cold hours at Tesco’s etc selling poppies prior to the 11th. Well done all.

I have received complaints from residents of Taunton Grove about visitors to the adjacent shops blocking drives on Taunton Grove. In addition I have received complaints about “horrendous” parking problems in front of the shops, producing excessive litter and damage to the grass verge.

I am currently investigating this issue with Council officers to see what may be done to alleviate the situation.

I have been advised by Council officers that the Granite wall (to replace the demolished glass one) should be erected by tuesday.

I am also advised that the Council expect to have completed the necessary works to the area by the first week of December. ( Fingers crossed , pass me that black cat! etc etc)

Physical disabilities?
Sensory impairments?
Learning disabilities?

Why not come along to the International Day of the Disabled Person Event:

Date: Monday 3rd December 2007
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue:Bury Art Galleries and Archives, Bank Street, Bury

There will be lots of  stalls offering freebies, advice information and demonstrations on a range of issues as well as two workshops-

10.30am-1pm :     Direct payments and Independent Living Fund (ILF)
12noon-3pm:         Have your questions answered on disability benefits

If you would like more information or would like some posters to display please contact Heather Crozier on tel: 0161 253 6684/ e-mail: h.crozier@bury.gov.uk

8th Healthier Communities Scrutiny Committee

11th Remembrance Sunday: Service at Heaton Park Congregational Church followed by parade, wreath laying and last post at Prestwich cenotaph

12th Bury Liberal Democrats AGM

14th St.Mary’s CE Primary School Governors Meeting

15th Polefield Tenants & Residents Association: Anti-Social Behaviour meeting, Heaton Park School

19th Area Partnership Chairs meeting

20th Planning Committee: Including decision on Prestwich Heys planning application following earlier site visit that afternoon

27th Prestwich Area Partnership meeting, Sedgley Park School

If you would like further information about the above meetings/events or have an issue to raise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

On saturday I was delighted to have been invited to attend a special service of dedication of the new Heaton Park Congregational Church on Bailey Street.

The new church and community meeting facility forms one corner of the plot of land occupied by the old church and demolished over 60′s club. The old church is being converted into apartments. The new church building has apartments above, and boasts an excellent meeting room, kitchen and all mod cons. 

Councillor Wilf Davison, representing the Mayor of Bury, had the honour of formerly “opening” the church and following the formalities all present experienced a marvellous service with solo performances.

I would add my congratulations to Ken Garbett for his vision in taking this project forward on behalf of his congregation and fellow church members and to the architects and developers for preserving an existing part of our heritage while developing an attractive community facility as well.