Charles Kennedy was an exceptional person, who has died far too young but will be remembered as someone who stood up for his beliefs and values, without attacking those who did not share those beliefs – he could debate and disagree without in anyway disrespecting those with different views.
Charles was a kind person. I will never forget how at an event when he was campaigning to be party leader, he took the time to talk to a shy 12 year old and encourage him.
Charles’ ill health meant he had to stand down as Leader and I was always one of those who hoped he would one day be well enough to take up a leading role. It is shocking that that will never happen now. The thoughts of the Liberal Democrats in Stockport are with his family.
Stockport Liberal Democrats last night secured their budget for 2015/16 which freezes council tax, protects key services and will see record investment in the borough. Neither Labour nor the Conservatives proposed any amendments.
Speaking after the Budget Council Meeting, Cllr Sue Derbyshire, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to set a balanced budget for the year ahead and, unlike many councils, without closing any libraries or parks. We are transforming council services to ensure we achieve the best outcomes with the money available, a task started back in 2009 when the then-Labour government told us about the cuts that were coming.
“Again we have been able to deliver a Council Tax freeze while setting out the largest programme of capital investment the borough has ever seen. Continued redevelopment of Stockport Exchange and the new Redrock development at Bridgefield sit alongside significant investment in our roads and public transport.
“We continue to work hard to ensure Stockport is a place people choose to live, work
and set up business in.”
Cllr Iain Roberts, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, said:
“It was disappointing that no other party offered an alternative budget or anyamendment to the Liberal Democrat proposals. Tory members were keen to say they supported our budget, while telling us our proposals were flawed, yet they had no alternatives to offer.
“Labour just attacked having any budget cuts at all, even though Ed Balls is proposing even more cuts if Labour win in May. We can only speculate why Labour failed to present an alternative budget.”
Stockport Council has been given confirmation it can begin work with Manchester and Cheshire East Councils on the long-planned A6 to Airport relief road.
Construction work is expected to begin soon, with some environmental works before the end of February and the main contract works commencing in March.
The work is expected to be open to traffic by autumn 2017.
Cllr Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council said: “As part of our ‘Investing in Stockport’ initiative we are committed to continually developing Stockport so that it is a great place to live, work and visit for all. Key to this is ensuring that residents and businesses have easy access across the borough and that our transport links develop so that they can meet the demands of modern life.
“We are delighted that the Secretary of State has considered the Public Inquiry Inspector’s report and confirmed the Order, which will allow an early start on the construction of the road scheme to be undertaken.”
The proposed scheme will provide approximately 10km of dual carriageway, linking the A6 at Hazel Grove to the eastern end of the existing A555 at Woodford Road, Bramhall and from the western end of the existing A555 at Wilmslow Road, Handforth to Manchester Airport.
By improving access to south east Manchester and east Cheshire, the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road will benefit communities and the local economy, in particular assisting the potential growth of Manchester Airport and Airport City as well as areas of Stockport, Manchester and Cheshire East.
I am pleased to inform you that that the Stockport Liberal Democrat Annual General Meeting will take place on the 12th of November, 2014 at Stockport Town Hall. The meeting starts promptly at 7.30pm and finishes at approximately 9.00pm. If you require access to the meeting rooms please meet in the Town Hall foyer at 7.25pm.
All party members are very welcome to attend. Please let me know if you can attend
A development agreement has been reached for Stockport’s new ‘Office Quarter’.
Stockport Council and Muse Developments have signed and sealed a Development Agreement, marking an important milestone in the development of a high-specification office quarter, next to the train station in the town centre.
The Council bought the Grand Central site last year to bring forward the office-led development, including hotel and improved car parking, as well as an attractive new gateway to the town centre.
National development and regeneration specialist Muse Developments were appointed by the Council as development partner to deliver the project.
Phase One consists of a new 1,000 space multi-story car park and a range of highway improvements, due to be completed at the beginning of 2014.
The new car park will meet increasing demand for parking next to the railway station and encourage more people to take the train. A temporary parking solution for commuters will be provided during its construction.
Phase Two has been masterplanned for the first commercial office building, new public space, a hotel and highway improvements by 2015.
Phase Three will include further office buildings, extension of the open space and further improved accessibility for pedestrians on a phased basis up to 2020.
Councillor Iain Roberts, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “The signing of the Development Agreement confirms both parties’ commitment to delivering a cutting-edge new office quarter and commuter destination for Stockport. It is a crucial part of our overall vision for the town centre – attracting jobs, investment and footfall. We’ve worked hard to make sure that it’s self-financing and at no extra cost to the Council-tax payer.”
Congratulations to Ann and all our other community champions!
Ann Smith has been awarded a ‘Community Champion Award’, presented by the local neighbourhood team “in recognition of an invaluable contribution to the community.”
Ann was “enormously grateful” to even be nominated. In all, 22 local champions of the community were recognised for their contribution to the area at the event at St Ambrose Church in Adswood.
Many congratulations to Ann and all our local community champions!
