Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Sunday, 19 May 2013
TORY MINISTER REJECTS LABOUR PLEA TO BLOCK GREENFIELD HOUSING
TORY MINISTER REJECTS LABOUR PLEA TO BLOCK GREENFIELD HOUSING
Tory planning minister Nick Boles has rejected a plea from Salford City Council to block developers’ plans to build on greenfield sites in Worsley.
Labour assistant mayor for planning Cllr Derek Antrobus wrote to the minister in March asking him to close a loophole in planning laws.
Labour argues that how land is used in future should be decided democratically through a local plan which involves local communities in making decision about where housing should go and what greenery should be kept.
But, when a plan is still being prepared, the Tories’ National Planning Policy Framework allows developers to cherry pick any site and instructs local planners to support such applications.
Cllr Antrobus said: “I wrote to Nick Boles pointing out that we were following the localist agenda by involving local people in making a local plan.
“I pointed out that people’s involvement would count for nothing if developers could make opportunistic planning applications which would effectively allocate land before the public had the chance to.”
His letter urged the minister to bring in new rules which would prevent developers going for new sites while local people were still debating a local plan. His plea was backed by groups like the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
But he has now received a reply – after a two-month wait – which rules out any change.
Cllr Antrobus: “I am disappointed. It shows that ‘localism’ is just a charade – Tory planning policy is about putting power in to the hands of developers. It’s hardly surprising. They have always been on the side of big business.”
Friday, 17 May 2013
Salford tackles homophobia with 'Don’t Assume' photos
Cllr Paul Dennett
Youth groups in Salford have created a thought provoking photo exhibition called ‘Don’t Assume’ to help promote international day against homophobia and transphobia, known as IDAHO day, on Friday 17 May.
The photos show young people and youth workers posing with placards in well known Salford locations, with slogans such as ‘Don’t assume because I date girls, I don’t date boys aswell’.
The ‘Don’t Assume’ campaign is run by the LGBT Youth North West group, with the aim of getting more people to support LGBT people’s experiences, and understand that not everyone is heterosexual.
The photos were showcased at the Beacon Youth Centre as part of LGBT Youth North West multimedia art competition, which saw performances as well as illustrated art from young people across the whole region.
Salford City Council is flying the LGBT rainbow flag outside the Civic Centre in Swinton and promoting the day across the council’s social media channels.
‘Out in Salford’, the city’s LGBT network group, is also hosting an evening event at the Angel Centre off Chapel Street from 7pm to 9pm on Friday 17 May.
And a play called ‘Exceeding Expectations’ by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation which tackles homophobia and people’s derogatory use of the word gay will be touring Salford’s schools from next week.
Cllr Paul Dennett, assistant mayor for Workforce Relations said: “I’m encouraged by the amount of support in Salford to help tackle homophobia. By flying the LGBT flag and promoting the international day through social media we are playing a small part in helping to challenge people’s prejudices.”
Amelia Lee, strategic director for LGBT Youth North West said: “We’re really excited to be working in partnership with Salford council. It’s important to mark IDAHO day giving young people something practical and useful to help them build resilience and challenge attitudes.”
http://collateral.vuelio.uk.com/RemoteStorage/salford/Releases/3529/Don't Assume.jpg
Thursday, 16 May 2013
City lauds Salford Quays visionary
Salford has celebrated former council leader Les Hough – whose vision inspired the rebirth of Salford Quays.
The city unveiled a plaque commemorating his efforts and his tenure as council leader from 1974-1987.
He also presided over the historic transition of five separate districts that became the modern city council.
The plaque was unveiled on the corner of Trafford Road and Waterfront Quay, opposite Fit City Ordsall, as a tribute to his vision for a new Salford Quays after the loss of 3,000 jobs as industry at the docks ended.
Claremont councillor Joe Murphy, who worked with Mr Hough in the early days of the city council and became a close friend, paid tribute to the former leader.
He said: “He was a shining example of a Salfordian and he was only concerned with this city.
“Les set up a small team and pursued his idea of a revitalised Quays. It was a calculated risk but it has clearly paid off.
“He died before he had the chance to see the real value of what he helped to create. Les would be overwhelmed by what Salford Quays has become.”
Salford Quays has become a tourism hotspot since its rejuvenation, contributing millions of pounds and creating thousands of jobs in the city.
“That is Les Hough’s legacy,” added Councillor Murphy.
“The start of that process was all down to him. He was very firm, but very fair. Above all, his love was for Salford.”
Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “Les Hough was a true visionary. He had the remarkable foresight to plan ahead and buy up the land at Salford Quays.
“It was an opportunity that could not be missed. We can see now that the risks he took 30 years ago have been vindicated as the world’s most respected broadcaster has a huge new base in our city.
“This plaque will stand as a permanent reminder of his determination to make Salford Quays the jewel in our crown.”
Monday, 13 May 2013
Friday, 10 May 2013
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