SALIX HOMES

Had an excellent meeting this afternoon with Colin Mannion to discuss the caretaking review, workman's toilet's and general issues.

Colin gave me a very detailed insight into the thinking behind it all and reassured me that lots of consultation was going on(and proved it). He promised to meet with those tenants who are upset about the workman's toilet issue, and promised to attend a Forum meeting to discuss with its members.

I felt a lot happier after the meeting. I still have concerns about no physical presence in the area for tenants and that some of the officers are not keeping elected members up to date, as they should(I believe some are scared of meeting with us,which is ridiculous).

I've always had good relationships with area managers and housing staff in the past and worked well together for the benefit of the community, but for now that seems to have stopped. Perhaps it's my suspicious mind,but maybe somebody has told them to!

BUILLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

It was great being able to spend the morning at Buille Hill's Democracy Day. Explaining how the Council worked and all about elections.

The young people, many from Langworthy Ward were toally engaged and asked some fantastic probing questions. They also had a debate on lowering the voting age to 16, which the majority voted in favour of.

Vin Joseph from Democratic Services was also in attendance and gave the officers point of view on procedure etc.

A very worthwhile exercise.

SALIX HOMES

I am getting really frustrated with Salix Homes. They have upset residents on Salford precinct by trying to open work men's toilets on all blocks. No consultation with ward councillors or residents.

There is no face to face contact in the area now the office is closed. People, including members are getting very disillusioned with them. The sooner the PFI is sorted out and somebody else is managing the properties in Langworthy Ward the better.