Councillor John Warmisham's Blog: July 2012

Saturday 28 July 2012

Wake up to the toxic reality / Features / Home - Morning Star

Tuesday 24 July 2012

We've got the fight of our lives on our hands / Features / Home - Morning Star

Monday 23 July 2012

Plans for Pendleton’s transformation on show at Festival

Pendleton residents will get the chance to see the £430 million plans for their homes and community at a festival on Saturday 28th July. The Pendleton Festival at the Broadwalk Training Centre, between 11am and 3pm, will have information about the plans and the type of improvements proposed for residents’ homes, as well as fun activities for all ages. The event is open to those that live, work or are thinking about moving into Pendleton which is set to be transformed over the next 11 years as part of the Creating a new Pendleton project. A planning application was recently submitted to Salford City Council, outlining the refurbishment of more than 1,250 homes and the development of more than 1,600 new homes over the next 11 years. The application involves the creation of new streets and footpaths; an array of parks and open space; allotments and sports pitches; a small shopping parade; a new community facility; and a city farm. If approved, the plans will result in 500 new jobs, as well as 2,000 work experience opportunities and job training for 3,200 people. The festival is being organised by the consortium behind the plans, SP+ which is made up of a housing organisation, developer, bank and various specialist support. Residents attending the festival will have the opportunity to meet the SP+ team to put their own questions to them about what the investment means for their homes and community. A team from Salix Homes will also be there and local residents who will remain tenants of Salix Homes in Pendleton can discuss investment plans and services for their homes. Other festival activities include a mini farm, sports competitions, a graffiti wall, a DIY orchestra, gladiator duel and a make-over pamper zone. Tom Miskell, Group Chief executive of the Together Housing Group, the organisation leading the SP+ consortium, said: “We want residents to find out more about the plans for their homes and community and at the same time enjoy some summer fun. “Residents’ views have been critical in shaping these plans and we want them to now see how their homes and communities will be transformed.” John Warmisham,local ward councillor, said: “Plans to create a new Pendleton have taken a major step forward recently and this is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the progress that has been made. “This is also a further chance for local residents to meet the Consortium and continue to play their part in the regeneration of the area.” If residents cannot attend the festival but want some more information on the regeneration, there will be exhibitions held at The Gateway Centre on July 31st and August 1st between 10am-6pm. If unable to attend these events residents can call Freephone 0800 2300 704. Source: Together Housing Group.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Improvements planned following Pendleton Way closure

On Monday 2 July, Salford City Council formally closed Pendleton Way to through traffic, marking the first step toward further significant investment in the area. The closure has allowed Salford Estates, the owners of Salford Shopping Centre, and Tesco to work in conjunction with the council to bring forward major improvements that will transform the busy road into a new and vibrant public space. The plans for the public space include new high quality paving, green spaces, public seating areas and a central main square featuring public art. This will create an enhanced shopping experience between Salford Shopping Centre and the Tesco foodstore, linking the two together to the benefit of both shoppers and businesses. Together with the planned improvements to Salford Shopping Centre and the completion of the new Tesco store in November 2012, these proposals will transform the area into a premier shopping destination for the people of Salford. Debbie Illingworth, spokesperson for Salford Estates said: “The closure of Pendleton Way allows us to begin delivering the significant investment the area needs. The plans for the public realm have been drawn up in partnership with the council and Tesco to give Salford the very best shopping environment.” “Securing the closure of this road has been a top priority for us for a number of years, and we are now in a position to put our vision into practice. The plans will create a vibrant and considerably more attractive environment for shoppers visiting both the Salford Shopping Centre and Tesco. Our plans will also benefit local businesses and market traders at the centre as the location becomes even more attractive to shoppers.” Matthew Magee, Tesco Corporate Affairs manager commented: “We are pleased that Pendleton Way has now been shut, helping to create what will be a fantastic pedestrian-friendly heart for Pendleton. We want to see a thriving shopping area here in Salford and this is a key element which we hope, alongside our investment, will encourage further regeneration.” Councillor John Warmisham local Langworthy Ward Councillor said: “The closure of Pendleton Way offers an exciting opportunity to create a new public area linking Salford Shopping Centre with the new Tesco development. This will support the ongoing regeneration of Pendleton.” Cars will still be able to access the Salford Shopping Centre car park on Pendleton Way via a new entrance at the top of Pendleton Way, near to Rossall Way. This will ensure it is business as usual for traders in the centre while improvement works are carried out. The improvement work will begin in August 2012 with completion at the end of October 2012 and in time for the opening of the new Tesco store.

Saturday 14 July 2012

Spanish Civil War

Did you live in Seedley or Langworthy in 1937? Do you remember the Spanish Children arriving at Harold’s Orphanage on Seedley Road and being schooled at The Quaker Meeting House on Langworthy Road (now the British Legion)? It is 75 years since Basque children were evacuated to Salford after the bombing of Guernica in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. I am a local artist researching this forgotten piece of Salford history and would like to interview anyone who remembers the Basque children, however small that memory is! I would also like to interview anyone who had a relative who went to fight in Spain, or who was involved in fundraising or supporting the Spanish cause. Please phone me on 07952 178708 Or e-mail me at info@clairehignett.co.uk if you would like to share these memories. Thank you Claire Hignett