A wide range of free sports sessions awaits young people in the summer evenings.

Qualified coaches from Bury Council’s sports development team will offer football, rounders, basketball and rugby, to name but a few.

The sessions take place at Heaton Park Primary School in Cuckoo Lane, Whitefield, for boys and girls aged from ten to 16.

They run every Monday and Wednesday between June 29 and July 15, from 6pm to 8pm.

There’s no need to book – simply turn up, register and play.

For further details contact Andrea Pilling, Health Kick co-ordinator, on 0161 253 6463.

A special meeting of the Prestwich Local Area Partnership will take place on 16 October where the new plans for the regeneration of Prestwich town centre we be formally launched.

The council has teamed up with urban designers, URBED, and regeneration specialists, AGD, to prepare the ‘Love Prestwich Village: Town Centre Development Strategy’.

The strategy describes how Prestwich can be transformed into a thriving ‘village in the city’. It considers how a new primary care centre, a new library and a refurbished Longfield Suite could combine to create a community hub at the heart of the village.

As well as the Big Talk at the Local Area Partnership meeting these plans will be subject to a six week consultation, which begins on 29 September.

The meeting will take place at the Longfield Civic Suite, starting at 7pm. The exhibition outlining the proposals for the regeneration of Prestwich will be on view from 6pm. For further information about the Prestwich Local Area Partnership meeting please contact Carran O’Grady on 0161 253 7245.

Councillor Vic D’ Albert, Chair of Prestwich Local Area Partnership, said, “The plans provide a vision for the regeneration of Prestwich over the next ten to fifteen years. I hope as many people as possible will come along to the Big Talk event to let us know what they think, view the plans and learn more about the consultation process”.

Planning Applications received in August 2008 for Holyrood Ward. More information here.

Application Number: 50346
Registration Date: 14/08/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 33 GLEBELANDS ROAD, PRESTWICH, M25 1WE
Proposal: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT - 14 APARTMENTS WITH 14 CAR PARKING SPACES AND LANDSCAPING
Case Officer: Helen Longworth
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50361
Registration Date: 07/08/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 32 ST JOSEPHS AVENUE, WHITEFIELD, M45 6NT
Proposal: TWO STOREY EXTENSION AT REAR
Case Officer: Janet Ingham
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50352
Registration Date: 05/08/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 7 PARKWOOD COTTAGES, OLD HALL LANE, SIMISTER, PRESTWICH, M25 2SL
Proposal: GARAGE EXTENSION
Case Officer: Janet Ingham
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50284
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 3 DROUGHTS FARM COTTAGE, DROUGHTS LANE, SIMISTER, M25 2ST
Proposal: FIRST FLOOR/TWO STOREY EXTENSION AT SIDE; FRONT PORCH
Case Officer: Tom Beirne
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50267
Registration Date: 17/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 125 HEYWOOD OLD ROAD, MIDDLETON M24 4QL
Proposal: TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION; REAR EXTENSION AT BASEMENT, GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR LEVELS; CREATION OF TERRACE AT GROUND FLOOR LEVEL AT REAR
Case Officer: Amanda Uhunmwagho
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 49959
Registration Date: 08/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 57 KENILWORTH AVENUE, WHITEFIELD, M45 6TR
Proposal: SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION
Case Officer: Amanda Uhunmwagho
Decision: Approve with Conditions
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50225
Registration Date: 04/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 4 ARUNDEL AVENUE, WHITEFIELD, M45 6TZ
Proposal: TWO STOREY SIDE EXTENSION, SINGLE STOREY REAR EXTENSION AND NEW FRONT PORCH
Case Officer: Jennie Townsend
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50220
Registration Date: 04/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 63 CUCKOO LANE, WHITEFIELD, M45 6WD
Proposal: SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION AT THE REAR
Case Officer: Amanda Uhunmwagho
Decision: Approve with Conditions
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50208
Registration Date: 03/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 21 ST MARGARETS ROAD, PRESTWICH, M25 2GT
Proposal: SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION AT SIDE/REAR
Case Officer: Jennie Townsend
Decision: Approve with Conditions
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50140
Registration Date: 02/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: LAND OFF POPPYTHORN LANE, PRESTWICH
Proposal: DEMOLITION OF EXISTING GARAGES AND ERECTION OF 12 NO. DWELLINGS (RESUBMISSION)
Case Officer: Helen Longworth
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 50181
Registration Date: 01/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 47 PARRENTHORN ROAD, PRESTWICH, M25 2RH
Proposal: TWO STOREY SIDE AND REAR EXTENSIONS AND NEW FRONT PORCH
Case Officer: Janet Ingham
Decision: This case has not yet been decided
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Application Number: 49895
Registration Date: 01/07/2008
Ward Name: Prestwich - Holyrood
Location: 27 HOLYROOD GROVE, PRESTWICH, M25 1PG
Proposal: SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION AT FRONT AND SIDE
Case Officer: Jane Langan
Decision: Approve with Conditions
Appeal Received Date: This case has no appeals against it

Local residents have been angered by the recent rise in graffiti that has affected parts of our local area. Many areas are affected, but particularly the Heaton Park and village centre areas.

Local Councillor Tim Pickstone has asked the Council to review its policy on cleaning up graffiti. “The amount of graffiti that we’re experiencing around here is terrible and spoiling what should be an attractive area . Clearly the current council policy isn’t working - something has to be done.” A two page list of graffiti sites has been submitted.

Your local Councillors have been working with schools, the Police and to identify who is responsible for the graffit and to clean it up. Prestwich Local Area Partnerhsip has also invested in some “Graffiiti Cleaning Kits” which are available to local people.

Some local people have been angered by letters sent out by the Council “demanding” that they clean up graffiti on their own properties. Cllr Vic D’Albert has asked the Council to change this policy, as it is causing upset for residents who are not responsible for the problem.
To report graffiti in your area:

Bury Council: 0161 253 5353

If graffiti is on a phone box or switching box
BT 0800 661 610

If graffiti is on a post box
Royal Mail 08457 740 740

Let your councillors know if you don’t get a satisfactory response!

There is a special offer at our local Parenthorn Sports Centre (at Parenthorn School).

All throughout July and August you can book an Astro-Turf Football Pitch for just £15 per hour. (The usual price is £25) Monday - Thursday 6-10 and Friday 6-9pm.
FOR MORE INFOMATION PLEASE RING 0161 253 5434 (AFTER 5:30PM)
EMAIL: parrenthorn.sports@bury.gov.uk

Please don’t forget to vote in the important local elections on Thursday 1 May 2008. These elections will decide who will represent you at the Council for the next four years.

Vic D’Albert, our hard working local councillor for the last 17 years is the Liberal Democrat Focus Team candidate on Thursday.

Important Information
- Polling Stations are open from 7.00am - 10.00pm
- You don’t need your polling card to vote
- If you have a postal ballot, but have not yet sent it in, you can complete it as normal and take the completed envelope to your local polling station on the day.

Polling Stations in Holyrood
Baguley Crescent and Bow Lea - Mobile Van at Baguley Crescent
Simister - Lady Wilton Hall
Polefield, Parenthorn and St Margarets areas - St Margarets CE Centre on St Margarets Road
Heaton Park Area - Heaton Park Social Club, Bury Old Road
Northern area - Nursery Road, Glebelands Road, Langley etc - Prestwich Arts College, Heys Road
“Kirkhams” area (M45 postcodes) - Heaton Park School on Cuckoo Lane

If you need any more information, or need a lift to the polling station call our helpline on 0161 798 0117

Thank you!

Prestwich, April 2008

Dear Neighbour

It’s been my honour to be one of your local councillors for the last 17 years.

Over the years I’ve had the chance to meet and work with many local people on issues that concern you, and working to make this area a better place to live.

Mary and I have chosen to bring up our family in this area and, like you, I care passionately about the future of our community.

Please join me in my campaign to make the Holyrood Ward a thriving and sustainable place for us all.

Cllr Vic D’Albert

PS - Please remember your vote won’t count until its in the ballot box! Polling stations are open on Thursday 1 st May 2008 7am-10pm. If you have a postal vote this must be sent in before 1 May, or handed in at a polling station on 1 st May.
Contact Vic: email: vic@burylibdems.net - phone 0161 773 9905

Five Great Reasons for Voting for Vic D’Albert
1 - Local Candidate
Vic has lived in Prestwich for 25 years and our local councillor for 17 years - he’s the local choice for Holyrood Ward.

2 - Hard Working 
Vic works hard all year round and keeps in touch all year round with “FOCUS” - not just at election time like the others.

3 - Prestwich First
21 years of neglect when Labour ran Bury - local Lib Dems are now delivering more facilities, safer roads and more money for street cleaning.

4 - Environment
Local Lib Dems delivered on Blue Bins for every house last year, and have now secured more money for parks and litter enforcement.

5 - Lib Dems Listen!
Your local Lib Dems listen to local people and take your views seriously. We’ve secured money for a top level public consultation on the future of Prestwich Village.

Many residents will be aware about the discussions that have been taking place around the development of play facilities in the area of the Holyrood Ward to the East of Bury Old Road (Polefield, Parenthorn, Cuckoo Lane areas etc). At present there are no play facilities at all anywhere between the younger children play area on Bailey Street (near Heaton Park Metrolink) and Simister.

Many residents have raised this as a concern with their local councillors and we have been campaigning for the money to change this. This money has now been made available.

Original Plan

The origional plan (which is now not proposed) was to construct three play areas on the grounds of Heaton Park County Primary School on Cuckoo Lane (one for Under 5s, one for slightly older children, and a “ball zone” for teenagers).

We have held extensive consultations with residents who live nearby to the school, and also with parents and children at the school. It very quickly became clear that there were major security problems around the back of the school playing fields which is causing nuisance to local residents. Understandably, local people were concerned that the plans would make the issue worse, not better!

We have listened to these concerns and the plans have now been changed:

Current Proposals

The current proposal is in three parts:

Firstly, we propose to invest money (both money from the Local Area Partnership and the School will invest some money) to make the fencing around the school and the school playing fields more secure to reduce trespassing and nuisance to local residents. In addition a CCTV camera will be installed to monitor the area.

Seondly, we propose to build only one play area on the School site - this will be a play area for small children (under 5’s) and will only be locked after around 6.30pm by the School Caretaker. This will also be monitored by the CCTV scheme to make sure that the area isn’t abused.

 Play area plan - click to see larger image

Thirdly, we propose to build a “ball zone” for older children on the grounds of Parenthorn High School further up Heywood Road. Plans for this are at an early stage.

The Local Area Partnership has agreed all the necessary funding for these three schemes, but at the request of your local Councillors this funding has been agreed subject to further consultation with local residents and the two schools concerned. We want to make sure that the schemes are exactly right for the area and will only proceed when local people, including local children and young people are happy with the proposals.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to know more.

Tim, Vic and Wilf

A new planning application has been received which is within Holyrood Ward of Prestwich as detailed below:-

Application number: 49582         Type of application: Full         Date Registered: 20/02/2008

Applicant: J D Homes Limited
Location: 128 Simister Lane, Prestwich, Manchester M25 2SH
Proposal: DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING AND ERECTION OF REPLACEMENT DWELLING TOGETHER WITH REVISED ACCESS AND CAR PARKING.

Should you require further details please contact the case officer: John Cummins on: 0161 253 6089 or reply acces the Councils web site E-planning pages at www.bury.gov.uk.

For assistance on how to comment on applications or if you want to raise issues please don’t hesitate to contact your local councillors.

A new planning application has been received which is within Holyrood Ward of Prestwich as detailed below:-

Should you require further details please contact the case officer: Helen Longworth on: 0161 253 5322 or contact your local councillors who will be happy to advise or represent your views.

Liberal Democrats have revealed shocking plans from the Labour Government to close local post offices.

The Government has announced that another 2,500 post offices are to close in a devastating blow that will mean that another six post offices are set to be closed in Bury alone. This is in adidtion to the 19 post offices that have already closed in Bury since 1999 under the Labour Government.

What’s more - the Lib Dems have revealed that the Government and Post Office are deliberately putting back the closures until after the council elections in May 2008! (see letter from the Post Office below).

Local Lib Dem Councillor Vic D’Albert and his Lib Dem colleagues led the defence of our local post offices when they got Bury Council to agree a policy in favour of saving our post offices late last year.
Vic D’Albert said: “Post Offices are at the heart of our local community and provide many vital services. In recent years we’ve already lost two post offices in Prestwich (on Whittaker Lane and down near Danesway in Sedgley) - surely they can’t expect us to close more!”

Local Lib Dems demand:
• Halt the Post Office branch closure programme;
• Stop removing Government business from Post Offices;
• Find additional Government functions could be carried out through Post Offices;

Take Action today!
We need to take action to ensure we don’t lose our vital local post offices in Prestwich.

Join Vic and the local Lib Dems in saving our local post offcices by returning our “Save Our Post Offices” petition currently being distributed throughout Holyrood Ward.

A new planning application has been received which is within Holyrood Ward of Prestwich as detailed below:-

Application number: 49338         Type of application: Full         Date Registered: 10/01/2008

Applicant: Ms I Sweeney
Location: 11 SIMISTER GREEN, SIMISTER, PRESTWICH, M25 2RY
Proposal: SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSION AT REAR

Should you require further details please contact the case officer: Jane Langan on: 0161 253 5316 or access the Councils E-planning pages on the Council web site www.bury.gov.uk.

In addition if you have concerns about this application or want advice about commenting on applications please contact your local councillors.

Local residents are being asked to have their say on improved play facilities for children and young people in the area.

Two schemes to improve play facilities are being discussed with local residents over the coming months. If the plans meet with approval work is to start within the next few months.

The play area on Recreation Street/Heaton Street off Bury Old Road is to be upgraded with improved fencing and a complete set of new play equipment for younger children. Children at St Hilda’s CoE Primary School on Whittaker Lane took part in a competition to design the area, and the scheme is based on the winning design from a school pupil. Many local residents have raised concerns about ball games in the play area - which is closely surrounded by housing. The scheme will feature a greater spread of play equipment which should discourage bigger ball games in the area.

Meanwhile across Bury Old Road plans for a new “Ball Zone” are being discussed on spare land at Heaton Park Primary on Cuckoo Lane. The facility would be aimed at older children and provide a multi-use play area for football, basketball or similar games.

Cllr Vic D’Albert, who is the Chair of Prestwich Local Area Partnership welcomed the news. “We’ve been desperately short of good play and activity space for children and young people in this area. The two new facilities will be a great boost for children and families in the area.

More information is available from Carran O’Grady, the Prestwich Area Coordinator (C.O’Grady@bury.gov.uk) or from any of your local councillors (see over for details).