Have Your Voice heard on May 3rd: What Liberal Democrats offer YOU

Liberal Democrats are proud of their strong record in the running of Stockport Council

Elections are being held across Stockport tomorrow to decide who should run Stockport Council.

Liberal Democrats believe that in difficult times we must make sure we do all we can to help ordinary working people.

That is why, unlike Labour or the Conservatives, every Liberal Democrat council in England has frozen council tax. It is why Liberal Democrat councils are more likely to earmark funds for the lowest paid than any other.

And it is why this month Liberal Democrats in Government are delivering tax cuts for 25m working people.  A cut for millions, not for millionaires.

According to the Local Government Chronicle, Liberal Democrat run councils were more than two times likely to give the lowest paid workers a pay rise compared to Labour, and five times more likely than Conservative run councils.

Only Lib Dem council’s have frozen Council tax.  In Stockport this is for the second year running.  It is a small, practical way to help residents in tough economic times.

In Stockport, Liberal Democrats have overseen an 11% increase in the number of new Business Start-ups – the highest of anywhere in the North West.  Stockport out-performs every neighbouring Labour council on new apprenticeships.

Lib Dem Stockport Council has kept all libraries open.  Labour’s Manchester City Council has slashed thousands of jobs, closed almost all public loos and many libraries – all while keeping £100million tucked away in its bank account.

They aren’t alone.  In Liverpool, the council’s cash reserves are increasing to £121.7 million – enough to build four new secondary schools – while nurseries, libraries and leisure centres are stripped of funds.

More and more people are experiencing Labour’s disastrous record at local level.

One Labour Council planned to spend £120,000 on an executive wine terrace for its headquarters. Liberal Democrats blocked it.

Manchester’s Labour councillors voted against the pupil premium – that’s the Lib Dem policy that directs money directly towards poorer children, which in Stockport alone has delivered £2.6m extra for local schools.  Stockport Academy got nearly £100,000 extra.

Stockport has an ‘Excellent’ Council – but more needs to be done.  That’s why Stockport  Lib Dems are working hard to promote businesses in the Borough;  to improve our town centre – the Grand Central revamp is just the beginning – and to deliver a cleaner, greener, safer Stockport.

Getting Behind Local Small Businesses

Ann throws her weight behind local Shaw Heath businesses

Councillor Ann Smith has welcomed the Council decision that means businesses in Stockport are set to benefit from changes to the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme.

As of this month businesses with a rateable value below £6,000 will pay no Business Rates for the 2012/2013 financial year.

“The Council knows that every little helps in the current climate,” said Ann, who praised local residents Vicky and Angela from Davenport who opened their new business in Shaw Heath recently.

Their family pottery painting café ‘Brooklyn Pottery’ is just across from Harry Bates.  Residents can enjoy a cup of tea while a little one creates something unique!

Information regarding criteria for the changes to the new Small Business Rate Relief Scheme can be found at the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/businessrates.

Twitter users can use and follow the hashtag #SKbusiness for the latest business news in Stockport.

Boost for Award-winning Merseyway

Stockport's Merseyway continues to buck the trend

Merseyway Shopping Centre in Stockport is celebrating a prestige award for the best property re-branding campaign in Europe.

Judges for the Transform awards handed victory to Merseyway’s marketing campaign, which together with pro-active management and financial investment, has turned around the fortunes of the shopping centre.

In 2011 footfall hit the 10m mark thanks to an increase of 670,000 from 2010; and high profile retailers have opened new units including Primark, Virgin Media and Costa Coffee.

Unique visitors to the website increased by 113% whilst 100% of current tenants renewed their leases such as Superdrug, Clarks and WH Smith.

Stockport’s Solar Shines On

Stockport is leading Greater Manchester in gnenerating its power from solar electricity

Solar panels are helping to power almost 2,000 homes in Stockport and nearly 30 Stockport Council buildings to help the environment and save money.

As part of a multi-million pound investment to provide low carbon improvements including solar energy, wood chip fuel, thermal cladding and updated boilers, Stockport is the only Greater Manchester borough to deliver a solar panel programme on this scale.

It is estimated that the installations, which began in autumn 2011, cut energy bills by £130 and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 600kg per home.

The residential programme has seen residents living in Stockport Homes’ managed properties across the borough benefit from roof installed solar photovoltaics which capture the sun’s energy and generate electricity – even on one of Stockport’s cloudy days!

Other Council-owned properties such as Stopford House, Romiley Forum, libraries and the borough’s Target Life and Fitness Centres have also benefitted from the investment, saving money and carbon and putting Stockport at the forefront of sustainable change in Greater Manchester.

“The investment not only saves local residents money on their bills, but brings income back to Stockport Homes from the government’s feed in tarrif,” said Cllr Ann Smith.  “The panels will last for 25 years, but will have paid for themselves after ten.”

A message from John Fitzpatrick to all Stockport County fans

”The Liberal Democrats have consistently been the only party in Stockport to stand by County over the last five years. I personally feel that without such strong support from the Liberal Democrats at local government level the Clubs very existence could have been at risk. Dave Goddard is a real friend of Stockport County FC and his party the Liberal Democrats have been true supporters of Stockport County FC.”

The statement above was made by Jim Gannon last Monday in response to Labours behaviour regarding a request by Labour leader Cllr Verdeille and Cllr Bailey for an article to promote better relationship with the club and the local community in Edgeley.

Jim supplied the following article in good faith. Labour promptly deleted the first paragraph and put the rest on every Labour leaflet in Stockport claiming he was writing for Labour.

I sat in the public gallery with many of you at Stockport Town Hall last year and listened to Labour councillor after Labour councillor rubbish this great club, claiming we add no value to Stockport, and saying Edgeley would be better without us on match days, then voting not to support a vital sponsorship deal to help us financially.

Later Cllr Harding who is Cllr Bailey’s husband reported me to the Police for holding a Help the Hatters car boot on Booth street.

This is not about national issues, not about the coalition government, this is about local issues, local councillors, and which ones will stand up for Stockport County, it’s as simple as that.

One day the full story of how much Dave Goddard has done to keep this club alive will be revealed, and that’s why I am backing Dave in Offerton with his fight against a party that will go to any lengths, distort the truth, misrepresent the facts and try to drag our club through the mud for a few grubby votes.

It has to stop, we need all the friends we can get and Dave Goddard for all his faults is a Stockport lad who will do everything he can to support us which is more than can be said of any other party.

John Fitzpatrick, Director Stockport County FC

This is Jims article in full.

Article for Labour Edgeley Newsletter

“I am delighted to be invited to write a piece for this newsletter. During my time as a player at Stockport County I lived in Edgeley for more than ten years. I still bank, shop and use the amenities of the area. I have always loved the sense of community in Edgeley and never wanted to leave.  I am so pleased to be able to return to work in Edgeley, albeit now in the more unaccustomed role of Director of Football at County.

We have all been saddened by the recent fall from grace of our proud Club, and also how it has become a little detached from its supporters and local community. But we are determined to turn its fortunes around, and much of the driving force will be to the new energy the club has been given by ‘Your Town Your Team’ group. My return to Edgeley Park was primarily due to their desire to resurrect the Clubs fortunes, and build a stronger, more fan driven and community orientated football club.

I believe Stockport County has a huge part to play in the sense of civic and community pride within Stockport, and can also play a vibrant role in the provision of community interest projects within Edgeley. It is my main role to create a dynamic young team that can excite and entertain our fans and represent this town with pride and honour. However, in tandem with our work on the pitch we hope also to bring a greater interconnection between ourselves and the local community.

I hope you can all play a part in our rise, and more importantly, share in the enjoyment of the return of the ‘Friendly Football Club’ to Edgeley Park.

Kindest regards and best wishes.”

James Gannon

Ann Smith Praised forHelping Davenport Commuters

Ann has been praised for her work in helping secure Sheffield stands for local rail stations.

Work from local Councillor Ann Smith means that Hazel Grove rail station is to get 50 secure cycle spaces, to be provided by a special Government grant.

Hundreds of residents in Davenport and Cale Green ward use Hazel Grove station for commuting around the North West and beyond.  Ann has been fighting for extra capacity for cycle spaces so local residents can cycle to Hazel Grove station in confidence.

Sheffield stands (pictured) will be installed at Hazel Grove as well as cover, lighting, CCTV and swipe card access.

Craig Wright, Stockport’s representative on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, praised Ann’s campaign work, saying “This has only happened as a result of the persistence of Kevin Hogg, Wendy Orrell and Ann Smith.”

Sue Confirms: No Traveller Site at Offerton School

Sue Derbyshire has reassured residents about the future of the site

Sue Derbyshire reports to residents in the latest Manor FOCUS that following a local consultation there is no possibility that the Offerton School site would be used for a gypsy or traveller base.

There will be a use of a temporary sports hall for the groups displaced by the Dialstone development.  Work on a Planning Brief begins this summer to explore uses for the site and will include a public consultation.

Sue will lead the fight against any large-scale plans like major housing development as the site is in the green belt and has limited access.

Stockport Council Tax: Frozen Again

This month Stockport residents are seeing the benefits of their Council tax having been frozen after a decision by Lib Dems on Stockport Council.

The decision is common with all Lib Dem-led authorities throughout over the country.  Both Labour and Tory councils have raised taxes this year.

In freezing the tax frontline services were kept – despite Labour scaremongering. No library services have been cut, and additional money has been put into repairing potholes and other services.

“More is going into social services for older people and those with learning difficulties  – a crucial extra £1.5m,” said Sue Derbyshire.

‘I am particularly pleased that when other councils nearby are announcing cuts to their services to vulnerable people, we are investing.”

Labour Betray Young People

Sue was astonished that Labour prioritised a Heatons club with 400 members over Stockport's apprentice scheme

Local Councillor Sue Derbyshire has criticised local Labour councillors for voting on a Tory plan to spend £750k of local money on a sports club in Heaton Moor.

Labour kept their own budget plans secret, but Labour councillors did vote with Tories from the Heatons to divert £750k of local money to a sports club with just 400 members.

Sue said “this £750k Labour wanted would have come from wards such as Manor, and from vital local services throughout Stockport.”

One project that would have been lost if the Tory/Labour proposal had succeeded is the excellent work being done to establish a Construction Academy and to help unemployed young people get into apprenticeships.

Manor’s former Labour Councillor Patrick McAuley slammed the vote:

“I am absolutely furious to be honest. To vote for a Tory budget and against getting people on the jobs ladder to win a few votes in the rich areas of the Heatons is not just a disgrace, it is sick.”

“I will never forgive Labour’s betrayal and treatment of those young people.”

Stockport Lib Dems get £1million for green and priority schemes

Sue announced the spending on key schemes in Stockport

Stockport Council’s Lib Dem Executive has announced £1 million to be spent on priority and green spending in the borough in 2012/13.

Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Manor Councillor and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “This funding will support Stockport’s businesses and build on a strong and sustainable economy and strong levels of educational attainment and skills. The Council aims to lead the way in creating a sustainable future for our environment and economy.”

“In difficult times for local authorities being able to bring additional investment into jobs and environmental projects to benefit our communities shows our commitment to the future of Stockport,” Cllr Derbyshire added.

The money will be used for:

-  Portas Pilot Bid (£100,000 match-funding): Stockport is bidding to be a ‘Portas Pilot’, seeking government funding to support the regeneration of the town centre. £1m is being offered nationally to be shared between 12 pilot town centres. The aim is to increase footfall across the town centre and support existing and new businesses.  Successful bids will be announced in May.

-  Develop a Construction Academy in Brinnington (£250,000 contribution):  The Council, working with Stockport College, Stockport Homes and other partners, is proposing a Construction Academy/Learning Centre in Brinnington to reduce youth unemployment and improve skills of local residents. The proposed Academy/Learning Centre could, for example, help local, unemployed people work towards a Level 2 certificate in Construction Operations and gain literacy and numeracy skills.

-   Replacement of trees (£150,000): Stockport has 15,000 street trees maintained on an on-going basis. Trees play an important role in enhancing the urban environment, and bring a sense of the countryside into the heart of the town. Around 800 new trees will be planted in 2012-13.

-   Green Regeneration Fund (GRF). Following the excellent recycling efforts by Stockport residents, the Waste Disposal Levy will be much lower than originally forecast.  The savings have been re-invested in the GRF and used for:

-   Eco-neighbourhoods (£125,000): The aim is to build on existing community led initiatives in the Heatons and Marple, and the Big Lottery short-listed ‘Eco-Plan’ for Brinnington, Reddish and Lancashire Hill and Heaton Norris. Neighbourhood eco-plans will be developed for priority areas. This will support the setting up of new resident-led sustainable living groups and community projects.

-   Sustainable Energy (£375,000). Funding will be invested in viable renewable electricity and heat schemes and providing local training and employment for priority groups. Stimulating demand for training and employment in green jobs is through delivering specific schemes. Specific project areas to be developed include local biomass supply chain development, solar PV and small scale hydro schemes.