Gorse Hill is a thriving Manchester neighbourhood in the borough of Trafford, giving its name to the Gorse Hill Ward alongside neighbourhoods of Lostock, Trafford Park and parts of Stretford. This site serves as an archive of news (political and local) for the main Gorse Hill Labour website. Latest Posts
Friday, 30 December 2016
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Make our Roads safer - please sign
Why does the Highway Code need changing?
Whether driving, cycling or walking, negotiating a junction is the most hazardous manoeuvre you make on the road. Two-thirds of all collisions take place at junctions. This increases to three-quarters of all cycling collisions. Right now, the Highway Code rules on junctions are confusing and create unnecessary risks for people using them.We’re calling for a universal rule that when turning at a junction, you always give way to people going ahead or crossing that junction, including people cycling and walking. This would make them simpler, safer and more efficient for everyone. The new rule would consolidate and clarify existing rules. This type of universal rule has already been shown to be effective at increasing road safety for people walking and cycling in other countries.
Sign the petition
Leaf Clearance
I posted this to the 'Station Road Green' Neighourhood group but I wanted to give it wider circulation. Please let me know if there's anywhere I've missed out.
Friday, 9 December 2016
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Frustration
Every year I report the passageway between Crompton Ave and Barton Road. This year it's taken five months and the vegetation and littering is still not dealt with. But it's a Trafford council footpath. Why does it need a councillor to report it every year?
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Monday, 28 November 2016
Potential New Motorway to ease M60 Congestion
A new study proposes options for easing M60 congestion including a new Motorway north of the M60.
Monday, 7 November 2016
Councils Tell Homeless to Sleep Rough
A number of councils have told homeless people ‘to sleep rough’ despite the danger of violent attacks, new research reveals. A new report by homelessness charity St. Mungo’s has found that 129 rough sleepers died in London since 2010 – an average of one rough sleeper dying every fortnight.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Victoria Warehouse under fire for overcrowding PJ Harvey Gig
Fans at the gig lashed out at the Trafford Park venue after claiming they were unable to see the stage and felt dangerously crushed
Victoria Warehouse bosses have denied claims the venue was ‘overcrowded’ during last nights PJ Harvey gig.
Dozens of people lashed out at the Trafford Park venue after claiming they were unable to see the stage and felt dangerously crushed at the indie singer’s concert on Thursday.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Labour out in Gorse Hill this morning
This morning @KateGreenSU & local activists were on the #labourdoorstep talking health- inc GP access & community pharmacies pic.twitter.com/4KXzinkn7i
— Tom Ross (@TomWRoss) October 15, 2016
£1bn New Trafford Neighbourhood gets the go ahead
Planning chiefs have given the go ahead to the £1billion ‘new neighbourhood’ scheme Trafford Waters.
The proposed Trafford Waters scheme - situated between the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal and the Trafford Centre – was approved at Trafford Council’s planning committee tonight, Thursday October 13.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Green light for new Trafford Park Metrolink line
PLANS for a new £350 million tram line through Trafford Park were given the green light today.
Trafford's council chiefs are celebrating after Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, granted legal powers to allow Greater Manchester transport bosses to build the new 3.4mile line.
The Trafford Park line will pass under the Trafford Road Bridge and run alongside the existing promenade next to Manchester Ship Canal before joining Trafford Wharf Road.
The route will turn left onto Warren Bruce Road and then bear to the right onto Village Way up to Parkway. It then crosses over the Bridgewater Ship Canal before turning right onto Barton Dock Road, terminating outside the intu Trafford Centre.
Work could start on the line this winter – and be operational by 2020/2021.
Monday, 26 September 2016
Alleyway said to be "Work Completed"
Gorse St/Chester Road Alley - Said to have been 'Completed' by Amey One Trafford. Not good enough! This is appalling.
Saturday, 24 September 2016
Congratulations to Team Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn is re-elected leader of the Labour Party and calls for unity to take on the Tories.
Next Saturday is announced as the beginning of a campaign against Grammar Schools
Also hopes local parties will back their MPs
I am not a leader who imposes things on constituencies. The new boundaries will probably come in in 2018 ... Obviously all sitting MPs go automatically on the the shortlist. And I hope the local parties will recognise that and support them.
Saturday, 3 September 2016
Cycling Terms Explained
Cycle path:
a path which according to the Highway Code you can use
..... and according to non-cycling motorists you must use,
..... on pain of, well, something or other. Irritating them probably.
Unlikely to be fit for purpose.
Will probably feature broken glass and irate pedestrians who tell you it isn’t a cycle path, despite the prominent blue signs saying it is a cycle path....
Ontologically they may have a point as despite the signage, it is unlikely to be a path you want to cycle on and it’s still less likely it will end somewhere you want to cycle to.
Visit Helen Blackman's Blog for more cycling terms explained
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
The Active Citizens’ Fund has re-opened!
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in their local area.
All the information about how to apply can be found here: gmpcc.org.uk/funding. The deadline for applications is 4pm on Thursday 22nd September.
There will also be a series of events across Greater Manchester where people who are interested in applying can come along and find out more information. Please note, places are limited and must be booked at gmpcc.org.uk/funding
Best wishes
Tony Lloyd
Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
Rochdale's Alleyway in Bloom competition shows us the way
Since the alleygates were installed 10 years ago the youth nuisance and vandalism we were experiencing has reduced significantly. This encouraged my neighbour and I to improve the rears of the property. The back has matured over the past seven years and we have also been included in the towns in bloom competition.
Thursday, 9 June 2016
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Labour In
A short message from @tom_watson as we hit the streets of #Manchester! @NWLabourIN @LabourNorthWest #EUref #LabourIN pic.twitter.com/JGnC5U6XEz
— Cllr Kevin Peel (@kevpeel) May 7, 2016
Monday, 2 May 2016
Latest video
Be the first to watch our election broadcast. Stand up & send the Conservatives a message on Thursday - vote Labourhttps://t.co/sfzvXQUQeo
— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) May 2, 2016
Saturday, 23 April 2016
Revealed: nearly all new diesel cars exceed official pollution limits
Health experts lambast ‘deceitful’ carmakers as data suggests 97% of vehicles fail to meet NOx emissions standards in real-world conditions.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Win up to £1000 for your local community group or charity
Persimmon Community Champions is here to help local community groups, good causes and charities. So far since we launched in March 2015, we have donated over £500,000 to fund community initiatives.
All Persimmon’s businesses have £2,000 to give away every month – 28 regional businesses, plus Persimmon’s Space4 and PLC head office. That’s a whopping £60,000 being donated every month.
Our charity match programme gives donations of up to £1000 to local UK groups and charities, which have already raised vital funds themselves.
Friday, 15 April 2016
This weekend, Labour will be campaigning to stop forced academisation and for investment in education.
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Jeremy Corbyn - Our children deserve the very best educationThe Conservatives are trying to force the academisation of all our schools. This is a top down re-organisation, costing over £1 billion - without a shred of evidence that academies improve standards - that teachers, governors and parents do not want. At a time when the education budget is being cut for the first time in twenty years, Labour wants money spent on driving up standards. This weekend, Labour will be campaigning to stop forced academisation and for investment in education. So, if you believe education matters, if you believe all our children matter, if you believe that every child has a right to go to a local school and do their best and succeed - join us, Labour, in opposing forced academisation.
Posted by Jeremy Corbyn on Friday, 15 April 2016
Ten drivers without blue badges park in disabled bays at Trafford town hall - in one morning
A disabled driver was ‘disgusted’ to find that all but three of the specially designated spaces outside the town hall were taken up by vehicles not showing the correct permits.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Stretford Silver Band play Sevenways
Don't miss the fab @stretband concert on 16 April, 7.30pm Sevenways Church #proudpresident pic.twitter.com/t1bK6N5SoA
— Kate Green (@KateGreenSU) April 14, 2016
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
Miles of smiles for the Manchester Marathon
What a great day. The marathon remains a fantastic day and Gorse Hill is at the heart of it. Organisation was not perfect and councillors will be asking questions but we still love it.
Mike Cordingley
Just a short video we found on youtube
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Red Devils chippy handed zero food hygiene rating
The inspector concluded ‘urgent improvements required’, noting that a dead mouse was found in an electronic fly-killer.
Also uncovered were ‘droppings under work surfaces throughout’, according to the report. Inspectors also observed ‘potential entry points by the rear door’ and urged the owner to bring in a contractor to clean up his act. The report also says, at the time of the inspection, that there had been ‘no hot water to the premises for approximately one-and-a-half weeks’ and that staff were ‘unable to wash hands properly’.
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Dirt Factory achieves its goal
We're delighted to hear news that the Dirt Factory has achieved 150% of its funding target.
A lot of you will be wondering what the next stage of development will be for Dirt Factory. In a nutshell, the plan now is to finalise the crowd fund process, secure the venue and apply for change of use before starting the internal build process. Alongside this we will be firming up our partnerships, putting into place all legalities and services and hopefully getting out on our bikes a bit more than we have done recently.
Dirt Factory Website
This is a hugely exciting project that 'could' yet be coming to Trafford Park.
Friday, 8 April 2016
Laurence Walsh for Labour
Candidates were formally announced today for the Gorse Hill ward Council Election. The election will take place on Thursday 5th May.
We'd love you to help Laurence win in Gorse Hill. Only Labour will stand up to the Tories.
Join the Campaign! Get in touch with the Labour team
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Boat on fire along the canal
Fire crews attended a boat on fire afloat on the canal on Sunday evening. No one was on board.
A fire spokesman said that crews – all wearing buoyancy aids – had managed to pull the boat closer to the banks so they can continue to try and put out the flames.
A search of the canal bank was also carried out as GMFRS try to establish if anyone was on board and how it came to be there. It was later found that nobody was on the boat.
Huge clouds of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from several miles away.
Monday, 4 April 2016
City of Trees. Growing more trees for Greater Manchester
The case for more trees in and around our towns and cities is strong and compelling. Red Rose Forest and The Oglesby Charitable Trust are leading a new movement, to double the tree cover in Greater Manchester and, within a generation, plant a tree for every man woman and child that lives here. They also want to improve access to existing woodland and ensure they are well managed and, where possible, local communities can have an active role in caring for them.
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Doing Nothing is not an Answer to Steel Crisis
Labour calls for Government to fast track key infrastructure projects and use British Steel.
Tories slammed for blocking EU measures designed to counter China dumping its steel on Europe. Cameron's toadying to China risking Britain's prosperity and its strategic defence capability.
Imagine WWII without British Steel industry.
Winston Churchill turns in his grave
Friday, 1 April 2016
Greater Manchester's groundbreaking £6bn devo health deal comes into force today
Greater Manchester’s groundbreaking devolved health service comes into force today. The region’s entire £6.2bn health and social care budget has been handed over by the government to a new body of local health chiefs and council leaders - in a national first.
Now 37 separate organisations - including hospitals, clinical commissioners and town hall leaders - will take key decisions over how health and social care is provided across the region, including what is commissioned and where, in the hope care can be made better and more consistent.
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Campaign to halt transport cuts for disabled youngsters given boost
Most of those affected attend Brentwood Special Needs School in Altrincham. The policy, brought into force in May, means those aged over 16 and educated in Trafford aren’t automatically provided with transport. Some have now been left to find other ways of getting to school after town hall chiefs reviewed eligibility. Johnny Marr’s autistic niece Jodie is one of those who has lost out.
The decision was due to be rubber-stamped on Tuesday, but town hall chiefs have cancelled the key executive meeting after discovering a legal challenge could soon be launched.
Friday, 25 March 2016
Standing up, not Standing By
What we do, actually matters.
Labour Cllrs continuing to make a big difference even in these difficult times. Thanks @AnneDuffield1 https://t.co/93Q851hUqL
— Ivan Lewis (@IvanLewis_MP) March 25, 2016
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
New Headteacher for Lostock
Lostock College have announced their new head-teacher starting from April. Lee Fazackerley is moving across from Wigan's Rosebridge Academy. Gorse Hill Labour wish Lee well and we look forward to working together. Lostock is a much valued school as we saw in campaign to keep it in its current form.
Councillor Laurence Walsh is a governor at the college
Friday, 4 March 2016
Bling My Bin - Gorse Hill
We have recently secured funding from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to deliver “Bling Your Bin” events at key locations across the borough. Residents from surrounding street will be invited to bring their grey bin to the location below and have it cleaned using an environmentally friendly washing machine. We will also have a graffiti artist on hand to spray a design of the residents choice onto the bin.
The details for the event in Gorse Hill are:
Date: 18/03/2016
Time: 1100hrs – 1500hrs
Location: Nansen Close, Gorse Hill
Bins lost or stolen is a huge issue in Gorse Hill. This is a positive means of helping to address.
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Common Sense Prevails over United kick-off time
Trafford council bosses had complained to UEFA over the proposed 6pm start of the Europa League tie. The second leg of Manchester United's European showdown with Liverpool has now been put back two hours after safety fears.
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Man Utd v Liverpool kick-off should move, say Trafford
Trafford Council has asked for the kick-off time of Manchester United's Europa League last-16 second leg against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday, 17 March to be moved.
The game is due to start at 18:00 GMT but the council has concerns about an early kick-off on St Patrick's Day and wants a 20:00 GMT start.
Councillor Dave Acton said
Rush hour kick-offs are an imposition on hard working communities like Gorse Hill's trying to get on with their lives. For the football authorities to schedule a fixture with such a long tradition of rivalry as the Liverpool match to kick-off at 6pm is going to cause traffic chaos.
They need to rethink.
Monday, 22 February 2016
Mercedes in chase crash that killed driver and seriously injured girls in Mini
Police say traffic officers began pursuing a Mercedes S320 after it made off at speed from Manchester city centre shortly before 3.30am on Sunday.
A minute into the chase the Mercedes collided with a Mini at a set of traffic lights at Chester Road’s junction with Warwick Road in Old Trafford , near Manchester United’s stadium and The Trafford pub, and then hit a barrier.
The 24-year-old driver of the Mercedes was pronounced dead at the scene. Two female passengers in the Mini, aged 19 and 22, were taken to hospital. The 19-year-old woman suffered fractured ribs and the 22-year-old suffered serious injuries including multiple broken bones - she is in a serious condition. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Gorse Hill Hotel Saved from Closure
It’s now been revealed that a consortium of Manchester-based businessmen stepped in to buy the three-storey boozer
Landlord Andy Seale, 56, is back behind the bar and a launch evening is set to take place on Saturday. United also face Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday, traditionally one of the biggest games of the season.
Andy, 56, said the pub on Chester Road was hugely popular with locals and described it as a ‘focal point of the community.’ The Independent Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) was formed there in 1995.
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Britain's Economy isn't Working
Britain’s economy isn’t workingShare our video and help us spread the word — hard working people are being failed by the Tories.Kris, Leanne and Marion shared their stories in our new Party Political Broadcast, just shown on TV.Too many people are living a hand-to-mouth existence under the Tories. Labour stands for another way — for an economy which works for all and not just a few.
Posted by The Labour Party on Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Nearly half a million homes are yet to be built despite having planning permission, 25% higher than five years ago
More than 475,000 new homes in England and Wales have planning permission but are yet to be built, despite the housing shortage facing Britain.
The number of unbuilt homes with planning permission has reached record levels and is 25% higher than five years ago, according to research from the Local Government Association and construction group Glenigan.
So how many homes have Peel built in Trafford?
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Thousands of Sheltered Housing Projects Scrapped Because of Osborne's Cuts
Yet again the breath-taking stupidity of George Osborne has led to the cancellation of thousands of sheltered housing and extra care schemes that are designed to encourage independent living for longer into old age.
.@Contour_Homes At least you've been able to put on hold. We have #Limelight on site w no means of funding when it opens 2 months after cap!
— Matthew Gardiner (@TeamTHT) February 16, 2016
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Gorse Hill Cherry Tree - Recovered
Thankfully a kind resident spotted someone replanting the tree and alerted us so it's back safe and sound. We've spoken to the gentleman who did it and he is suitably mortified that it was a community tree so we are not going to take it any further.
Gorgeous Gorse Hill suffered a setback when one of the newly planted trees was taken from its pot. Great news that the tree is back.
Monday, 8 February 2016
Our Democracy is Under Attack
The Tories want to be in power for a generation, and are fixing the system to make that happen. They’re making it harder to register to vote, and are redrawing the Parliamentary map in a way that benefits them.
But that’s not all. Hidden in the Trade Union Bill is a clause that is deliberately designed to cut off trade unions’ financial support for the Labour Party - while doing nothing to limit the hedge funds and millionaires that support the Tories. This will create an overwhelming funding imbalance in our political system overnight.
Add your name now to our joint letter of petition, and we’ll present it to the House of Lords.
Add your name here.
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Councillors and MP come together to discuss the future of elderly and disability care in Urmston
Two Trafford councillors and an MP have come together to focus their attention on the needs of elderly and disabled people in the Urmston area. Urmston Cllrs Jo Harding, Shadow Executive Member for Adult Social Care, and Cath Hynes, Shadow Executive Member for Stronger Communities, will be a holding a Listening Event this Friday, February 12.
The two councillors will be joined by Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green at the event, which will take place at Urmston Library from 10-11.30am.
Cllr Hynes said:
“We want to hear views from people across Trafford about how they receive care, we want to know if people are satisfied with the level of care they receive and have they been told their care will be changing?
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
Ignorant Trafford Tory councillor tweets ‘vile’ scapegoating poster
Trafford Tory gets national coverage for 2nd vile tweet in months. Conservative councillor Matthew Sephton has been branded “vile” after proudly tweeting a “crass” poster mocking people who claim benefits. And the Stockport teacher also found himself in hot water last year for tweeting “disgusting” comments claiming migrants who refused to stay at refugee camps were “ungrateful”.
Cllr Sephton tweeted: “If migrants refuse to get off train at refugee camp they should be transported directly back from where they came #RefugeeCrisis #ungrateful.”
Whilst no Conservative Councillor was prepared to defend Cllr Sephton at the following Council meeting, no condemnation was forthcoming from his colleagues either.
Monday, 1 February 2016
Wednesday 10 February - Trafford Cycle Forum
Wednesday 10 February
Trafford Cycle Forum
The Trafford Cycle Forum is a local group for local cyclists to meet and debate cycling issues. Meetings are always lively and interesting, with a wide range of topics being discussed. The group meets quarterly, with meetings moving around the borough.
The next meeting of the forum will be held on Wedneday 10 February, 6-8pm, at Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford. If you would like to get involved in the forum or receive information about events for cyclists in Trafford, please contact roadsafety@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 4312.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
The Directory - Brand New Page
A new page has appeared on the Gorse Hill Labour website. The Directory provides links to over a dozen groups working in Gorse Hill ward and the wider area. Webmaster, Councillor Mike Cordingley describes his respect for the groups featured:
When you see the amount of work these groups are doing and the innovation and originality in their projects, it's just amazing what's happening across Gorse Hill Ward.
I know there are issues but when people can come together like this, you just know that the neighbourhoods are going from strength to strength. They're giving us a fantastic legacy.
Stretford ranked sixth most integrated town in UK
Stretford has been revealed as one of the most racially integrated places in the country.
Think tank Policy Exchange has produced a list of the best and worst places in the country from the point of view of integration. The researchers analysed data from the 2011 census, comparing 160 places with a population of more than 20,000, of whom at least 15 per cent were from an ethnic minority.
Among considerations were the ethnic mix of neighbourhoods and how people interacted with work colleagues. Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston said:
It's fabulous that Stretford has been ranked as one of the most integrated places in England and Wales - a great way to put Stretford on the map.
I'm really proud to represent such a diverse, friendly and vibrant community with fantastic neighbours and friends.
Friday, 22 January 2016
Jeremy Corbyn's new video
The Labour Party has released its latest video.
In our latest Party Political Broadcast, Jeremy Corbyn explains how this year Labour will be campaigning hard to protect the things we value and stop the Tories making ever more savage cuts across the country. Join us on our journey - http://www.labour.org.uk/journey
Want to know more about Labour?
Website – http://www.labour.org.uk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/labourparty Twitter - https://twitter.com/uklabour
'Outdated and unpopular' Pacer trains set to be replaced
The outdated Pacer trains used on our line, are one step closer to leaving the tracks for good - with a deal now signed for their replacement.
Arriva, which won the Northern franchise last month with a commitment to replace the Pacers by 2020, has ordered 281 carriages. The first of the new trains will be rolled out by October 2018.
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green demands public involvement in Trafford General downgrade plans
Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green is demanding public involvement in decisions about urgent care at Trafford General Hospital – amid claims it could be downgraded by the summer.
Kate's insisting people in the borough must be involved and fully informed about decisions about the future of the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Trafford General Hospital.
This follows reports that the centre will soon be downgraded to a nurse-led unit.
...reports of changes are causing uncertainty and concern for both the public and staff. NHS managers need to share all the data they have about who’s using the UCC now, and what would happen to those patients in future. We can’t have decisions taken behind closed doors.
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
Revealed: Greater Manchester's hospitals facing massive £114m deficit
All our acute trusts are predicting huge shortfalls in their revenues, apart from Bolton.
The biggest problem is at Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, which at current rates is expecting a £30m deficit by April, rising to £60m next year if no action is taken.
Board papers from last month admit the position is ‘wholly unsustainable’, although it is unclear how the gap between the rising costs of running the hospital and tightly-controlled budgets will be closed.
Thursday, 14 January 2016
The Tories just voted down a rule requiring landlords to make homes fit for human habitation
Tory MPs today voted down a rule that would have forced landlords to ensure their properties were fit for human habitation.
Shadow housing minister Teresa Pearce called for the new rules to be added to the new Housing Bill, currently being rammed through Parliament by the Government.
The new rules would require all private sector landlords to make sure their properties are fit for people to live in.
Friday, 8 January 2016
Operations cancelled and emergency rooms packed as only one Greater Manchester hospital meets A&E waiting target
All hospitals across Greater Manchester are creaking under winter pressures, exclusive new figures show. Almost all A&Es in the region failed to meet their four-hour waiting target over Christmas and New Year as over-worked doctors and nurses battled to cope.
Mary Mannion, from Trafford, was one of those elderly patients waiting hours to be admitted - despite the best efforts of medical staff around her. She was taken via ambulance to the A&E at Manchester Royal Infirmary with a suspected stroke. What shocked her family was the length of time paramedics had to wait with Mary until a bed became available in A&E.
They waited three hours in a corridor at the Manchester Royal Infirmary until a bed became free.