Monday, 31 December 2012
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Monday, 17 December 2012
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Salford agrees scheme to raise housing standards
A scheme to encourage landlords to raise the standards of rented properties in Salford has been re-introduced in parts of Langworthy and extended to cover Seedley and Weaste for the first time.
Salford City Council has approved the plans which went through extensive consulation.
The scheme will come into effect on March 4 next year and will require landlords who privately rent out properties in the designated areas to obtain a licence from the council. They will need to show basic safety checks have been carried out and they have appropriate management arrangements in place.
It is a criminal offence to operate a privately rented property in the designated area without a licence or fail to comply with any of the conditions of the licence.
Salford was the first local authority in the country to obtain government approval for selective licensing and it was first introduced successfully in the Seedley and Langworthy regeneration area in 2007. Since then it has been launched in Broughton.
“Tenants renting private accommodation have the right to expect decent homes. This scheme has proved successful in helping raise and maintain standards over the last five years,” said Gena Merrett, assistant mayor for housing and environment.
“I have taken into account the views of tenants, residents,local councillors,landlords and their representatives and these have been reflected in the final scheme. I hope the scheme continues to build on improvements in this area which are encouraging more people to choose to live there and strengthening the housing market.”
Friday, 23 November 2012
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
NEW TESCO
It's really good when you a positive response from a local resident. I thought I'd share this one with you that I received today.
Hi John,
In the past I have been in touch with you enquiring about the proposed PFI & Tesco plans for Pendleton. Isn't it marvellous how it is all coming together? The new Tesco store is just wonderful, I don't drive so it is great to have the new store on my doorstep so I can get all my shopping needs, the wide choice, especially fresh fruit and vegetables and good value is second to none. The city council is to be commended for its perseverance and Pendleton is becoming a great place to live.
Regards,
Owen
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Monday, 12 November 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Monday, 29 October 2012
SPOOKY GOINGS ON
Halloween in Pendleton promises to be a bit brighter this year thanks to support from the community.
On Tuesday 30 October from 11.00am, Salix Homes are teaming up with Youth Services, Community Payback and local volunteers to clean up Brydon Close and plant winter bulbs. Free hotdogs will be given to those that volunteer.
A Halloween event will take place from 2.30pm, when the hard work has been completed. The event is open to the whole community and will include pumpkin carving, spooky arts and crafts as well free winter warming food. Young people can have their faces painted in scary styles before a fancy dress competition.
Ward Councillor, John Warmisham said: “This event has been organised to pull the whole community together and make a positive difference in the area. The interest we have had from residents has been overwhelming. It promises to be a fun day, particularly for young people, who will be able to get involved in lots of themed activities in a safe environment.”
WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY
Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the World Forum for Democracy.
The highlight for me was to attend a number of sessions and hear one of the 2011 Nobel Peace prize winners Tawakkol Karman speak. A most inspirational women.
I was also lucky enough to meet her.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Friday, 19 October 2012
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Friday, 28 September 2012
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Friday, 17 August 2012
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Monday, 13 August 2012
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Friday, 3 August 2012
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Monday, 23 July 2012
Plans for Pendleton’s transformation on show at Festival
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
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Monday, 25 June 2012
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Friday, 22 June 2012
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Creating a new Pendleton PFI press release.
Plans to transform Pendleton have moved a step closer after the vision for Salford’s biggest ever housing led regeneration project was unveiled.
Salford City Council has selected a preferred partner for the “Create a New Pendleton” scheme, which will revive this 200 hectare area of the city by creating 1600 new homes and refurbishing a further 1200 existing homes.
The preferred partner is the SP+ consortium, led by Together Housing Group member Chevin Housing Association Ltd. They were selected after a four year competitive tender process that involved significant consultation with the local community in Pendleton.
As well as housing, the scheme will also provide new sports pitches, green space, walk ways and cycle paths for local residents to enjoy.
The SP+ consortium is expected to submit a full planning application in the summer, with work set to begin later in the year. Consultation with local residents will continue throughout this process to make sure the plans create space people will want to live, work and play in.
As well as the housing improvements, the work proposed will create 500 new jobs, 2000 work experience placements and training opportunities for 3200 people. They will also create opportunities for local suppliers to benefit from contracts.
Councillor John Warmisham, Langworthy Ward Councillor said: “This is an incredibly exciting and much anticipated regeneration scheme for the area. The plans put forward by the preferred bidder not only build new housing, they will also make the most of what is already there, refurbishing some of the existing properties and creating parks and green space that will create a much nicer environment for local residents to enjoy.
"It has taken many years to get to the stage where we are ready to start the scheme, but it is so important we get a scheme like this right as it has major implications for the community. Good housing and facilities can make a big difference to a community, having a positive impact on everything from health and wellbeing to crime and disorder. I am pleased to see this scheme coming forward, and that the community has had such a big impact on shaping it."
City Mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart, said: “There is no doubt that this is a good thing for the city, bringing much needed regeneration to this area of Salford. Throughout this process we have worked closely with the community, local councillors and the local MP to develop a scheme that everyone could be happy with.
“But this work isn’t over. In the coming months the community will have a big role to play in finalising the plans for this development. This collaborative approach is something I want to see happening across the city, making sure communities are actively engaged in development schemes.”
The process to “Create a New Pendleton” began in 2003 when the council recognised that the housing available in the area needed investment. They consulted with local residents, who agreed that a Private Finance Initiative was the best way to make the improvements that were needed in Pendleton.
Throughout the process residents’ opinions were sought and built into the regeneration plans. A final evaluation of the plans selected the SP+ consortium as the preferred partner to bring the vision for a new Pendleton to life.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Friday, 8 June 2012
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Monday, 4 June 2012
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
SALFORD TO LIVERPOOL TERRY TORCH WALK
ALBION TOWERS, SALFORD – CHILDWALL, LIVERPOOL
Louise Charity Walk
Starts 8am, Fri 11th May
Albion Towers, Cross Lane, Salford
This Friday, the manager of the Windsor Albion Co-operative is to walk over 30 miles to Liverpool carrying a symbolic torch to both commemorate the work of Terry Edis, who died last November after helping many tenants groups take control of their own housing, and to raise money to help tenants in the future.
Tenants are increasingly having the right to manage their own housing, and Terry Edis, who died last November, was one of the main movers and shakers of that philosophy. To commemorate his work, and to raise money to help future tenants form their own management co-ops, Windsor Albion Co-operative manager, Louise Clarke, is to walk from Salford to Liverpool this Friday carrying a symbolic `Terry Torch'.
Louise will leave Albion Towers, on Cross Lane, at 9am this Friday and walk 29.7 miles to Childwall Valley EMB in Liverpool, arriving around 6pm.
"The walk is to remember a great man Terry Edis who has helped many struggling council tenants to get together and to take power away from councils and give it back to the tenants" says Louise "The walk is very much about raising funds to help support tenants to take control of their communities in a positive and productive manner."
Louise's walk is one of many Terry Torch walks which are carrying the torch around Tenant Management Organisations across the country, ending in Stratford upon Avon in June for the National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations Annual Conference.
Louise is asking people to donate money for her Salford to Liverpool walk to which will go to the new Terry Edis Trust, helping future tenants to manage their own housing.
Louise Terry Torch Charity Walk
Starts 8am, Fri 11th May, with tea and biscuits and information on the 1000 Communities Campaign which raises awareness of how tenants can get involved in management
Albion Towers, Cross Lane, Salford.
Further information on the Walk and how to donate – click here
Further information on Windsor Albion Co-operative at www.windsoralbion.co.uk
Also see Facebook `Terry Torch Salford to Liverpool walk'
And follow Louise on Twitter @louisetorchwalk
Monday, 7 May 2012
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Friday, 20 April 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Monday, 16 April 2012
MAY DAY MARCH AND RALLY
MAY DAY MARCH AND RALLY
Celebrate International Workers Day
From Manchester to Salford
Manchester, Salford, Bury and Oldham Trades Union Councils
Guest Speakers:
Matt Wrack - FBU General Secretary
Ian Stewart - Salford Labour candidate for Mayor of Salford
and former TGWU regional official.
Supported by Greater Manchester TUC, Salford Against Cuts,
Salford Unison, Manchester Campaigns Collective, Salford and
Manchester Pensioners, Blackley and Broughton Constituency
Labour Party and many more.
Email salfordtuc@hotmail.co.uk to add your organisation to the
list of sponsors
11am - Assemble Bexley Square, Salford
near Salford Crescent Train Station, lots of buses from Manchester
Breakfast buttes and speakers
12 noon - March departs
12.15pm - March joins up with people with disabilities assemble outside the moon under the water pub, deansgate
1pm - Rally at Cathedral Gardens
2.30pm - Social Event at Friends Meeting House
Entertainment, food and activities for children
The organisers would like to welcome as many trades unionists and community campaigners as possible to these events.
email salfordtuc@hotmail.co.uk
phone 07817434240
Join us on Facebook.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Friday, 23 March 2012
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Friday, 2 March 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Concessionary Travel Passes
Concessionary Travel Passes
TfGM are responsible for managing more than 420,000 National Concessionary Travel passes for people in Greater Manchester – and the majority of them are due to expire in the next 12 months.
The passes, issued to people aged 60 and over and to people with disabilities, provide free travel on many buses, trams and trains in Greater Manchester. They are part of a national scheme, but we are responsible for administering them locally on behalf of the government.
The majority of passes were first issued five years ago and will start to come up for renewal from April – which will involve a considerable amount of work for our Passes and Permits team.
TfGM have been planning for this for a long time and have worked with stakeholders, including the local authorities and bus companies, to ensure that the renewals process runs smoothly.
The next stage in the process is to send letters to all pass holders six weeks before their pass expires, to explain the process for renewals and prompt them to do it. The first of these letters will start arriving through people’s doors over the next few days.
When they do, other pass holders may start to question when their pass will be renewed; some pass holders may ask you for advice. If they do, please just reassure them that they will receive a letter within six weeks of their pass expiring, and that they do not need to do anything in the meantime.
If you would like to speak to someone about the process for renewing passes, please contact Stuart Johnson, Customer Relations Manager, on 0161 244 1716 or email him at: Stuart.Johnson@tfgm.com .
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
Budget battle for Labour’s values: elderly and vulnerable protected
Salford City Council will be asked to cut its budget by £24 million when it meets on Tuesday.
A series of announcements have been made Salford’s Cabinet members outlining what the cuts mean for the services they run.
One of the most controversial areas has been in adult services which provides care for the elderly and disabled as well as community facilities such as libraries. The budget has had to be cut by £6.5 million – almost 10%.
Lead member Cllr John Warmisham said: “Given that central services have been cut by 15%, we have seen the Cabinet prioritise our services. But our share of the cuts still means difficult decisions.
“I have been very clear that the Labour Party wants to protect the most vulnerable and that means maintaining standards of care.
“We are one of very few councils who still provide a comprehensive care system because we believe the people of Salford want the best standard of care for the elderly. Their values are our values.
“By protecting this service, there are 6,000 vulnerable adults in Salford who are receiving care that our opponents want to withdraw.”
Most of the cuts in that budget area have been made by moving libraries and other facilities into shared building and cutting grants to other bodies.
The Cabinet member responsible for culture, leisure and neighbourhoods, Cllr Paula Boshell, said: “We have made some of the biggest reductions in budgets but we have tried to maintain the basic facilities.
“Although we have had to reduce the grant to the Lowry, we will work with them to support the ‘Inspire to Aspire’ programme.
“At a time when the Tory government is hitting young people the hardest, we want to make sure that in Salford young talent is not wasted but given every opportunity.”
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
DAY CENTRES REVIEW
The Council is facing unprecedented reductions to its budgets and cutting back on support services, back office functions, and making efficiencies in procurement alone, cannot address the size of the reductions needed.
The biggest commitment the Council has made to protecting vulnerable people has been to retain our Fair access to Care criteria at a level lower than most other Local Authorities. So in Salford we continue to provide a social care service to people with Moderate, Substantial and Critical needs. We are one of only 17% of Authorities in the country to do this as most others have tightened their criteria to support only those with Substantial and Critical needs. We have therefore sought to keep as many people receiving support as possible in the City.
This has meant that we have had to change the way we work with people and help them to purchase their own support through Direct Payments and individual budgets.
Over the last few years we have built up community support through low level community activity and groups, especially for older people. The Health Improvement Service is specifically engaged in this kind of support, establishing walking groups, kurling groups, healthy hips and hearts, all designed to provide the right kind of thing to keep people fit and active into their old age.
In Day services, the population has changes in the city so some parts have less older people in them than previously, this meant that last year we closed Humphrey Booth Day Centre in Broughton. (People are also choosing to do different things with their personal budgets).
We also know that people don't like spending lots of time in the buses that take them to the Centres and have been working out ways in which services can be more local and not just based in one building but help them to use their local community facilities.
There is no intention to stop supporting people and if they have assessed needs we cannot remove any care without reviewing their needs and making sure that they can still be met, but this doesn't always have to be in a day centre.
There are also some people for whom there is unlikely to be any alternative options than a specialist centre especially people with significant physical and learning disabilities.
This will ensure that the Council can do what we have said and protect those who are vulnerable, but it is difficult for people to not feel anxious about these changes and the fact that we need to reduce spending.
We are currently using all the feedback we got through the consultation to assess the original proposals and consider what this mean for the Council.
I can assure you that we will take care in this process to think about as many ways as possible to implement the reductions making sure we can still support people who need it.
COUNCILLOR JOHN WARMISHAM
The biggest commitment the Council has made to protecting vulnerable people has been to retain our Fair access to Care criteria at a level lower than most other Local Authorities. So in Salford we continue to provide a social care service to people with Moderate, Substantial and Critical needs. We are one of only 17% of Authorities in the country to do this as most others have tightened their criteria to support only those with Substantial and Critical needs. We have therefore sought to keep as many people receiving support as possible in the City.
This has meant that we have had to change the way we work with people and help them to purchase their own support through Direct Payments and individual budgets.
Over the last few years we have built up community support through low level community activity and groups, especially for older people. The Health Improvement Service is specifically engaged in this kind of support, establishing walking groups, kurling groups, healthy hips and hearts, all designed to provide the right kind of thing to keep people fit and active into their old age.
In Day services, the population has changes in the city so some parts have less older people in them than previously, this meant that last year we closed Humphrey Booth Day Centre in Broughton. (People are also choosing to do different things with their personal budgets).
We also know that people don't like spending lots of time in the buses that take them to the Centres and have been working out ways in which services can be more local and not just based in one building but help them to use their local community facilities.
There is no intention to stop supporting people and if they have assessed needs we cannot remove any care without reviewing their needs and making sure that they can still be met, but this doesn't always have to be in a day centre.
There are also some people for whom there is unlikely to be any alternative options than a specialist centre especially people with significant physical and learning disabilities.
This will ensure that the Council can do what we have said and protect those who are vulnerable, but it is difficult for people to not feel anxious about these changes and the fact that we need to reduce spending.
We are currently using all the feedback we got through the consultation to assess the original proposals and consider what this mean for the Council.
I can assure you that we will take care in this process to think about as many ways as possible to implement the reductions making sure we can still support people who need it.
COUNCILLOR JOHN WARMISHAM
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Finance chief hits out at Council Tax ‘bogus claim
Salford’s finance chief Cllr Bill Hinds has described a promise that Council Tax will be halved if people vote ‘Yes’ in Thursday’s referendum for a directly-elected Mayor as “a complete lie”.
He said: “The referendum is about how Salford should be run. The level of Council Tax has nothing to do with the constitution of the Council which is the only thing affected by the referendum.
“The promise that a Yes vote will mean Council Tax being halved is a completely bogus claim which most people will take with a pinch of salt.
“This referendum is about whether we vote ‘Yes’ so the city is run by a £100,000 a year dictator or we vote ‘No’ to that and save our traditional impartial Mayor.”
Cllr Hinds said that people did not believe the tax could be halved because many of the cuts promised by the ‘Yes’ campaign were impossible or unacceptable.
The Yes campaign had promised to illegally cut
Care for children at risk irrespective of need
Statutory planning duties
Even minimum highways repairs to keep roads safe
They had also promised to
Cut care for 6,000 vulnerable elderly people
Remove all school crossing patrols
End road safety schemes
He said: “The referendum is about how Salford should be run. The level of Council Tax has nothing to do with the constitution of the Council which is the only thing affected by the referendum.
“The promise that a Yes vote will mean Council Tax being halved is a completely bogus claim which most people will take with a pinch of salt.
“This referendum is about whether we vote ‘Yes’ so the city is run by a £100,000 a year dictator or we vote ‘No’ to that and save our traditional impartial Mayor.”
Cllr Hinds said that people did not believe the tax could be halved because many of the cuts promised by the ‘Yes’ campaign were impossible or unacceptable.
The Yes campaign had promised to illegally cut
Care for children at risk irrespective of need
Statutory planning duties
Even minimum highways repairs to keep roads safe
They had also promised to
Cut care for 6,000 vulnerable elderly people
Remove all school crossing patrols
End road safety schemes
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Face your demons! Salford City Council launch Stop Smoking Campaign
Unhappy? Unfit? Feeling the effects of Christmas on your wallet and annoyed that your new year’s resolution hasn’t gone to plan? Don’t bury your face in the sand – get ready to face your demons for a healthy and happy 2012!
If you’re looking to boost wellbeing, fitness and the health of your bank balance... and you’re a smoker, Salford City Council together with a number of partners in the city are here to help.
If you’re looking to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke, alter your smoking habits to protect children and pets or feel ready to take the plunge and quit altogether, there are a range of services to help you on your way to taking the first steps towards a more positive future.
Councillor John Warmisham, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“A huge percentage of people living in Salford smoke. This campaign will highlight the range of services we offer without preaching, blaming or guilt-tripping. Any kind of positive change in smoking behaviour is a good thing and our team have worked with hundreds of people just like you over the years that started out by cutting down or ‘practicing to quit’.
“We know that by simply offering a one size fits all approach just doesn’t work, each individual has their own special relationship with smoking and motivations for seeking help. What we do know however is the value of accessing support, reflected in the high quit rate of those we work with.”
The Salford Stop Smoking Service, which has been established for twelve years, has some great success stories, with 60% of participants achieving their goals, whether it be reducing their smoking or giving up. The service run drop-in sessions across the city where you can just turn up, or you can arrange a one to one appointment at a time and place to suit you.
This campaign aims to increase the awareness of the Stop Smoking Services support available in Salford, and the different ways and products that can be used to achieve success.
A special event in Buile Hill Park on Wednesday 14th March, National No Smoking Day, will celebrate the positive steps towards a smoke free future. There will be the chance to meet other people from the community who share similar motivations for quitting or preparing to quit. Lanterns will be lit and there will be the chance to pledge your commitment and reasons for wanting to give up.
Councillor Warmisham continues:
“Smoking is a huge problem for our city and it affects the physical, mental and the financial health of our residents. With a little help and support, some tips and advice from those who have been through it, we hope to engage those people, who in the past didn’t think they could change their smoking habits, showing it is possible to tackle those demons.”
For further information visit www.faceyourdemons.co.uk or to reach the Stop Smoking Service directly call 0161 212 4050.
If you’re looking to boost wellbeing, fitness and the health of your bank balance... and you’re a smoker, Salford City Council together with a number of partners in the city are here to help.
If you’re looking to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke, alter your smoking habits to protect children and pets or feel ready to take the plunge and quit altogether, there are a range of services to help you on your way to taking the first steps towards a more positive future.
Councillor John Warmisham, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“A huge percentage of people living in Salford smoke. This campaign will highlight the range of services we offer without preaching, blaming or guilt-tripping. Any kind of positive change in smoking behaviour is a good thing and our team have worked with hundreds of people just like you over the years that started out by cutting down or ‘practicing to quit’.
“We know that by simply offering a one size fits all approach just doesn’t work, each individual has their own special relationship with smoking and motivations for seeking help. What we do know however is the value of accessing support, reflected in the high quit rate of those we work with.”
The Salford Stop Smoking Service, which has been established for twelve years, has some great success stories, with 60% of participants achieving their goals, whether it be reducing their smoking or giving up. The service run drop-in sessions across the city where you can just turn up, or you can arrange a one to one appointment at a time and place to suit you.
This campaign aims to increase the awareness of the Stop Smoking Services support available in Salford, and the different ways and products that can be used to achieve success.
A special event in Buile Hill Park on Wednesday 14th March, National No Smoking Day, will celebrate the positive steps towards a smoke free future. There will be the chance to meet other people from the community who share similar motivations for quitting or preparing to quit. Lanterns will be lit and there will be the chance to pledge your commitment and reasons for wanting to give up.
Councillor Warmisham continues:
“Smoking is a huge problem for our city and it affects the physical, mental and the financial health of our residents. With a little help and support, some tips and advice from those who have been through it, we hope to engage those people, who in the past didn’t think they could change their smoking habits, showing it is possible to tackle those demons.”
For further information visit www.faceyourdemons.co.uk or to reach the Stop Smoking Service directly call 0161 212 4050.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson opens Disabled Living Centre in Salford
Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a break from the stressful world of football to help Salford City Council and Disabled Living launch their new £750,000 purpose-built, state of the art ‘Disabled Living Centre’.
Sir Alex spent an afternoon learning all about Disabled Living’s new headquarters and range of services, taking a tour of the brand new building, meeting staff and users and unveiling a special plaque.
Located in Burrows House, Worsley, the Disabled Living Centre has been developed in partnership with Salford Disability Equipment Services to provide a ‘centre of excellence for assistive technology.’
The Centre will provide free independent advice, and information to ensure disabled people living in the Northwest are able to make informed choices to lead an easier, safer and more independent life.
The centre will include ‘real life’ demonstration areas such as a living room, bedroom, bathroom and two kitchens for users to try out equipment in a safe environment.
There are also a number of training areas for health and social care professionals. The New Year will see the opening of a Simplyhealth retail shop to compliment existing services.
Debra Evans, Chief Executive at Disabled Living said:
“Our brand new Disabled Living Centre has been many years in the making, a real challenge and a true delight. It hasn’t always been easy in the tough economic climate in which we find ourselves, making today’s launch even more special. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sir Alex and we really appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to meet staff and users.”
Councillor John Warmisham,Lead Member for Adult Social Care of Salford City Council said:
“This year the city of Salford has enjoyed some great achievements, and the opening of the Disabled Living Centre in Worsley gives us another reason to celebrate. Despite all the economic woes affecting local authorities and charities alike, the team at Disabled Living are providing a great service to ordinary men, women and children, as well those who support them. With people living longer and wanting to remain independent for as long as possible, we must work hard to continue to meet individual needs. As Greater Manchester’s oldest charity, it seems only apt that we welcome the Premier League’s longest serving Manager who has never forgotten his roots and is proud to put something back into Salford.
For further information visit www.disabledliving.co.uk
Monday, 9 January 2012
MPs disown pro-Mayor campaigners
Roger Lightup
Salford MPs claimed to be backing the ‘Yes’ campaign for a directly-elected Mayor have come down on the side of ‘No’ campaigners.
The ‘Yes’ campaign put out leaflets saying that Labour’s Hazel Blears and Barbara Keeley were supporting their bid .
But in a joint statement the MPs said: “We have never endorsed the ‘Yes’ campaign. We urge citizens of Salford to vote ‘No’ in the referendum on January 26th. Statements appearing in the ‘Yes’ campaign leaflets are out of context.
“We are proud to have belonged to a Government that gave people the right to decide on a directly-elected mayor. Believing that people should have a choice does not mean that it should be in favour no matter when or where.”
Ms Blears added: “I remain in favour of elected mayors but believe they are most effective when they cover large areas such as Greater London, encompassing a number of local authorities. In single Council areas there is a danger that the costs are disproportionate to the benefits.
"At this time when the Government is inflicting severe cuts on Salford Council, now is not the time to be incurring extra costs which would be better spent on frontline services.”
Ms Keeley said: ““I do not support the idea of a directly-elected Mayor in Salford as I believe we do not need an American-style City Boss here.
"Salford Council has to deal with deep budget cuts from the Government. The referendum is a costly distraction from the council’s important work of keeping services going and developing the local economy.”
No Campaign chair Roger Lightup welcomed the clarification. He said: “The Yes campaigners cannot be trusted. This is the second time they have been caught out.
“In the public debate before Christmas they admitted that their main claim that the Council Tax would be halved was not true. They admitted a directly-elected Mayor could increase Council Tax.
“All moderate, sensible political parties think this is the wrong time for a costly referendum which will bring no benefits.”
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