At this week’s meeting of Stockport’s Liberal Democrat Cabinet, a report was received from the Werneth Area Committee following a local scrutiny review they conducted into sewage discharges into rivers and waterways. The Cabinet welcomed this report and endorsed its findings and recommendations.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Lisa Smart, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Hazel Grove Constituency and Chair of the local review, said: “There are local people who want to swim in our rivers, who want to allow their children or pets to paddle in our rivers and they are simply not clean enough for that to be encouraged or for wildlife and nature to thrive. The state of local rivers and the situation being allowed to”persist where it is acceptable for water companies to pump sewage into them – as a norm rather than just as an exception – is a disgrace.
“National government must change the law to stop this and it must enforce the laws that already exist.”
Cllr Tom Morrison, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Cheadle Constituency and Councillor for Cheadle West and Gatley, added: “This is an issue that impacts Cheadle as well as Hazel Grove and we share the same concerns as our Liberal Democrat colleagues on the other side of the borough.
“Water companies should be transparent with the data about sewage pollution, and that includes letting local people know that their rivers aren’t safe to swim in and when there have been sewage outflow events locally. They need to invest, and invest quickly, in building a water system that is fit for today.”
At the meeting the Cabinet welcomed the report and fully endorsed its findings and recommendations.
Stockport Lib Dems deliver on additional Free School Meals pledge
As part of their budget proposals in February 2023, the Liberal Democrat administration at Stockport Town Hall promised to deliver additional Free School Meals over and above the national scheme during the next school year. Details of how this scheme will operate were announced by the council today.
Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “We know that the national scheme falls short and misses some young people whose families do not qualify for the trigger benefits that give access to the national Free School Meals scheme.
“We hope that by providing this additional support we can ensure more children get a decent meal in the middle of the day and are able to focus on achieving their potential in school.”
Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, added: “In the face of the ongoing cost of living crisis, this additional support will mean Stockport children from a family that receives Local Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit but do not already qualify for Free School Meals, will now get support from the council.
“This is in addition to the Family Support Vouchers, which the council will continue to issue through the government’s Household Support Fund. All eligible families are being contacted directly with clear information about how to request these meals.”
Stockport Lib Dems oppose reduced service at Offerton Fire Station
Speaking after a meeting with the Chief Fire Officer, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Council and of the Liberal Democrats at Stockport Town Hall, said: “I have made it very clear to the Chief Fire Officer that we have grave concerns about the proposal to reduce the service at Offerton Fire Station by removing full-time firefighters overnight, particularly as this could lead to delays in attending incidents across the east side of Stockport Borough.
“I have asked the Fire Service to think again and find other ways of making savings which will not have such an impact on residents in Stockport. We simply cannot support what is proposed.”
Cllr Lisa Smart, the local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate, added: “I’m really concerned for local residents. Every minute counts in a fire or road traffic accident.
“This is a gamble on no serious incidents happening when teams are responding elsewhere.”
Stockport Interchange ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony Marks important milestone of the residential part of the building work
(Picture: Manchester Evening News)
Leader of the Council, Cllr Hunter attended a ‘topping out ceremony’ on the roof of the new 14-storey residential building in Stockport’s Interchange. The completion of the 14-storey residential building is a milestone in the development of Stockport’s interchange, part of £1bn of investment in the borough.
Cllr Hunter was joined by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and representatives of the companies delivering the project.
Cllr Hunter said: “The Interchange is more than just a transport hub. It is a clear statement about the future of the town centre and our borough as a whole and we are really looking forward to it opening next spring.”
Upon completion, the Interchange will offer 2 acres of urban greenspace, as well as providing walking and cycling links to the town centre and across the borough. The Interchange will be accessible to all, with a spiral ramp enabling a seamless journey for everyone travelling from the station to the town centre. The Interchange will also be the site of 4,000 new homes, leisure space, workspace and amenities.
Cllr Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, added: “This transformational development within the wider Mayoral Development Corporation regeneration area will bring much-needed homes literally on top of purpose-built transport infrastructure. This approach to town-centre living will help us transform the Town Centre West area whilst maximising accessibility and creating a brand new green open space.”
Stockport Announced as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2023
(Photo: Manchester Evening News)
Earlier this week Council Leader Mark Hunter was joined by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and local stars Mercury-nominated band Blossoms and Stockport County’s Macauley Southam-Hales to announce Stockport as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture.
Stockport is already recognised nationally as having a thriving arts and culture sector. Home to the iconic Strawberry Studios, where artists including Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and Paul McCartney recorded, the borough is also the birthplace of TV Stars including broadcaster Dame Joan Bakewell, and actors such as Claire Foy, Sally Lindsay and Sacha Dhawan.
There is also several historically important public buildings across the borough such as the Edwardian Central Library, built with the assistance of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and the Town Hall, which has become a popular filming location for a number of primetime TV shows such as Peaky Blinders.
The bid was centred around the One Stockport Vision to support the local economy, connect communities and promote health and wellbeing.
Cllr Hunter said: “Winning this accolade at the very first attempt is a real achievement that comes at a great moment for the borough as there are so many exciting projects happening here and a real cultural buzz around the town. We want our Town of Culture programme to give everyone the opportunity to be active and creative right across our borough and we want to make sure we use it to really celebrate the people, places and stories of Stockport.”
“We also want Town of Culture to give a real boost to our cultural heritage and creative organisations and other businesses.”
Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, added: “An announcement will be made in the next few weeks about funds being made available so creative organisations and communities can bid to develop their own activities linked to the Town of Culture themes of Stockport Makes, Stockport Moves, Stockport Sounds and Stockport Tastes.
“During Stockport’s year as Town of Culture, the Council will also continue to invest in the borough’s cultural assets, with the completion of the Hat Works refurbishment and fully refurbishing Stockport’s Central Library.”
Lib Dems announce a gender-balanced Cabinet for Stockport Council
Following the re-election of Councillor Mark Hunter as Leader of Stockport Council, the Liberal Democrats have formed a gender-balanced Cabinet that will build on the successes of the Lib Dem administration formed last year.
In his role as Council Leader, Cllr Hunter will continue to focus on as strategic partnerships, including those within Greater Manchester, as well as Council communications.
Cllr Mark Roberts, will continue as Cabinet Member for the Climate Change, a portfolio first created last year, and will also take on the role of Deputy Leader of the Council.
Cllr Wendy Meikle, a Councillor for 19 years, past Mayor and Deputy Mayor and an experienced Cabinet Member, is Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education.
Cllr Colin MacAlister, a past Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Stockport, continues his role as Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, a role he has held in both the Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet.
Cllr Grace Baynham, who has been a Councillor for 4 years, is Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services.
Cllr Keith Holloway, is Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, having worked for many years in the NHS, as well as representing Stockport at a GM Health level.
Cllr Frankie Singleton, who has worked in political campaigning and messaging, is the new Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture.
Last but not least, Cllr Jilly Julian, an experienced professional in HR and operational design, is the new Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and her responsibilities include leading on the development of next year’s Council Budget.
Councillor Mark Hunter said: “I am delighted that we have been able to form another Liberal Democrat administration following the recent all-out elections and look forward to working with Cabinet colleagues as we face another year of opportunities and challenges. I am particularly pleased to welcome our new Cabinet colleagues, Cllrs Frankie Singleton and Jilly Julian.
“Stockport borough has a big year ahead. We have just been named GM’s Town of Culture, which will bring a whole host of events to the borough across the coming year and, as a Cabinet, we are ambitious for the future. I am confident that, with a strong Cabinet team and continuing to build on our hard work from the past year, we will be able to deliver for our residents and businesses.”