Work starts on Manchester’s world class BMX track

Cllr Mike Amesbury pictured with Joe Peace

I had the honour of being at the "digging of the turf ceremony" for the new BMX track in Platt Fields Park today. This will be yet another much needed youth facility for both Fallowfield and Manchester young (and not so young) people that residents of the Fallowfield ward have pressed for.

The BMX Track is being constructed by Manchester City Council in partnership with British Cycling Federation and Sport England, who have contributed £315,000 funding through the Community Club Development Programme. The track, which is due to be finished in April, will be home to the newly formed Manchester BMX Club who will deliver coaching, racing and practice sessions for local residents. Alongside the club, Manchester Leisure will manage the track, run drop in open sessions and specific Skills Training Sessions on weeknight evenings.
BMX Racing is a new Olympic discipline, with Great Britain having a genuine gold medal hope in Shanaze Reade. A current World Champion on the Velodrome as well as BMX, Shanaze will spend some of her training time at the Platt Fields track, providing a great motivation for local riders to follow in her footsteps.

Manchester City Council's executive lead member for culture and leisure, Councillor Mike Kane said: "After a lengthy design and consultation process the new track will cater for everyone from beginners to international racers. This track gives local residents of all ages an opportunity to sample bike racing in a safe and fun environment."
BMX Racing differs from freestyle and street riding, which many people will associate with today's BMX. In racing there is less emphasis on performing and more emphasis on getting through the obstacles and to the finish as quick as possible. Riders of any ability can safely ride around the track, regardless of their experience. The age range in BMX racing starts at 4 years old and has no upper limit, so it is a real family sport.
If you would like to try BMX racing, or have ridden in the past and would like to get involved again contact the club on manchesterbmx@hotmail.co.uk or Club Chair Joe Peace on josephpeace@btinternet.com

A Christmas Tree First For Fallowfield

Thanks to a grant form the city council and the wonderful support from Alma of the Fallowfield Residents Association the community now boast its very own Christmas Tree.

Pictured are my colleagues Cllr David Royle, Alma and Cllr Peter Morrison from Left to right.

Labour encourages youth political participation

Labour have launched a new £1 youth membership rate (http://www.younglabour.org.uk/). Open to everybody under the age of 27 and to all students in further or higher education, young people can now enjoy the benefits of Labour membership for just £1 a year.

Cllr Mike Amesbury said" When I was 18 I joined the Labour party thanks to Mrs Thatcher and her policies that caused misery for thousands of decent hard working people "I would say to any young person who feels strongly about social justice and equality, and to anyone that wants build a fairer society - that Labour is the Party for you." As part of Young Labour you can make a difference in your local community and make your opinions heard at the very top of Government." visit http://www.younglabour.org.uk/

GUNS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

As reported in this evenings MEN Firearms were seized by police in Manchester today as part of a national day of action against gun gangs.
More than 250 officers with Greater Manchester Police swooped on the homes of suspected gang members and their associates.
In one of the early raids in Manchester, officers found a sawn-off shotgun in a shed at Fallowfield and a search of houses, gardens and backyards is expected to continue for most of the day.
Police have made 15 arrests, including three who were held on suspicion of possessing firearms or ammunition, and revealed two stashes of amunition.
Councillor Mike Amesbury stated" Both I and my colleagues are pleased that the police have taken this firm and decisive action. Guns should not be tolerated in any community and those individuals associated with gun crime will be removed from our streets".

The police were believed to be targeting around 50 suspected gang members and their associates, mostly based around Fallowfield, Moss Side, Stretford, Sale, and Gorse Hill.

Leech no Friends

I think the article printed in last weeks South Manchester Reporter with reference to Leeche's lack of facebook friends was a little harsh. I am pleased to say that I am a Friend of the good Labour Parliamentary candidate Lucy but I'm far from impartial. I have thus tried to cheer John up by publishing this picture of him with all his Lib Dem colleagues in the council chamber. "whoops they also seem to have deserted him.

MORE RESOURCES NEEDED TO

TACKLE GUN CRIME IN

FALLOWFIELD

Following the second gun related incident in Fallowfield in a two-month period local councillors are calling for more resources in the community.

Councillor Mike Amesbury stated: "In recent months we have seen a number of initiatives targeted at the areas of Hulme and Mosside to deal with the situation in these neighbouring communities. While we welcome theses resource for dealing with this issue citywide we are making a strong plea to add to focus to the Fallowfield Community.

We have an excellent neighbourhood police team but they need the support of officers that have been specially trained to deal with gun crime. The community needs to be reassured that the unacceptable use of guns will be stamped out at the earliest possible stage".

THE QUEENS SPEECH

Education, Training and Opportunities For All Young People

Labour is taking real steps to promote hope and aspiration amongst young people by extending educational opportunities for all. In a highly competitive global economy, we have to make sure that all young people have the chance to meet their potential

The Education and Skills Bill does just that. For young people in Manchester, The Bill will raise the learning participation age from 16 to 18, so that every young person, regardless of their background, will have the right to stay in education or training until they are 18. This doest’t mean that young people will be forced to stay at school, but I do think that it will ensure young people think about their future. Young people will get a choice of how they want to be take part in education or training. Those that want to stay in school or college can do so. For others there will be a choice of work-based learning or attending college part time whilst working, massively extending the once popular Apprenticeship programmes.

RESPECT FALLOWFIELD

HAVE PRIDE IN FALLOWFIELD

Over 100 young people attended the Respect event in Platt Fields during the half term ( Thursday 25th ).

The day was organised by the Rusholme and Fallowfield Community Forum with the aim of consulting teenagers about what their ambitions are for the area and what services they would like from youth support agencies. Young people were able to take part in water adventure activities, bmxing, skateboarding and arts and crafts activities.

Cllr Mike Amesbury stated " This event showed that the vast majority of young people have real pride for the area they live in, thanks must go to all the youth support agencies and John Bynre that made this day happen".

The information given by the young people will be used to shape youth support services for the area and establish a youth forum.

For more information visit http://www.rfcf.org.uk/about

LABOUR IS WORKING



Unlike the dark days of life under Thatchers Tories Labour really is working

New figures showing employment is at a level of 29.1 million – the highest figure on record – have been welcomed by Cllr Mike Amesbury.The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance is down, while vacancies remain high at 668.8 thousand. Over 100 major employers have now committed to the Labour Government’s Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs), working with Jobcentre Plus to fast track long-term benefit claimants into work. Mike Amesbury said: “Today's vacancy figures, combined with the involvement of over 100 major companies in the LEP scheme, mean those who are able to work can find a job.“Those who ten years ago would have been left behind now have the chance to clock in, working for themselves and providing for their families."The challenge for us is to find new ways of helping people develop the skills and confidence they need to take advantage of these opportunities. The companies involved in LEPs have shown their commitment to British workers and we will give people the support they need to get into work."Our strong and stable economy has helped deliver record numbers in work and with unemployment continuing to fall we have in our sights the ambition of reaching full employment within a generation."

More Affordable & Social Housing


One of the most common issues that residents come to see me about is the lack of social and affordable housing. We simply do not have enough housing supply to meet demand.

I was therefore extremely pleased to hear that Yvette Cooper and Gordon Brown have promised a 50% increase in new social housing by 2011, and that they aim to meet Shelter's challenge of building an extra 20,000 a year soon afterwards.
All the evidence shows that homelessness and overcrowding have a devastating effect on the health, education and well-being of young children. If the extra homes that Labour has promised are delivered, we can begin to imagine ending bad housing for the next generation of children.
Even though this announcement is good news for those suffering at the sharp end of the housing crisis, there is already opposition to building new homes in some parts of the country. I strongly disagree with this.
I believe there are plenty of places for us to build the homes Britain needs, and that it is vital we do so. Careful planning can ensure that sustainable and mixed communities are created without concreting over the countryside.
We need to take on the NIMBY lobby. That is why I support Shelter in its campaign to ensure Manchester City Council support and deliver increased house building.

Lanterns, Fire and Fireworks at the Festival of Light

Hundreds of lanterns, a burning giant demon king and a fireworks finale will all light up a Mela to celebrate two of the most popular Hindu festivals, Dashehra and Diwali.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the family-friendly event in Platt Fields Park, Manchester, on Sunday 21 October.
Last year's Dashehra and Diwali Mela, the first held in Manchester, attracted more than 8,000 visitors, almost half of them from non-Asian backgrounds.
This year's event, organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council, will run from 3.30pm to 9pm.
Fallowfield Councillor Mike Amesbury & Assistant Executive member for Arts and Leisure, said: "The Mela will be a wonderful opportunity for all communities to come together and celebrate the richness and diversity of Manchester. It will be a family event with something for every one."
The climax, starting at 8pm, will be the burning of a 30-foot-high effigy of the ten-headed demon king Ravan, who Hindus believe was killed by Lord Ram.
The burning of the effigy and the flames signify the ridding of the mind and soul of impurities ready for a renewal of the human spirit.
More than 300 children in schools all over Greater Manchester have been preparing lanterns for a lantern procession.
Live performances on stage will include Indian dances, Bollywood, Bhangra and other folk, fire dance, Indian Wedding Brass Band, and live music by the award winning best Bhangra band DCS.
There will also be art and craft (Henna and face painting, Rangoli and paper craft) and Indian dance workshops.
Throughout the evening visitors will be able to enjoy a fun fair and shop or enjoy a mouthwatering variety of delicious Indian food at over 30 stalls. The event will end with a brilliant fireworks display.
Dashehra and Diwali have religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The festivals are celebrated by many communities in India and throughout the world. Both symbolise the power of good to triumph over evil. Diwali also marks the start of the Hindu New Year.
For more information visit http://www.dashehradiwali.co.uk/

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning.

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

I was pleased to lend my support and donate my money to a worthy cause this weekend in the town hall. Every cup of tea served by colleagues such as Cllr Basil Curley and Cllr Mary Murphy helped provide funds to improve the lives of people living with cancer.

A LOCAL VOICE AT THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT

Councillor Mike Amesbury who represents the Fallowfield ward in South Manchester has been successfully elected to the Labour Parties National Policy Forum at this years Labour Party Conference

Cllr Amesbury received 89% of the vote from delegates across the North West.

He stated - "I am immensely proud to receive such an endorsement and I promise to be the voice of the people of Fallowfield and South Manchester at the heart of Labour's policy making body. I will work alongside Government Ministers including Prime Minister Brown to tackle the key issues facing our community.

Key priorities to take top the table are the need to find a solution towards dealing with gangs & gun crime.

A strategy to provide affordable housing for all.

and to take forward the governments pledge to expand youth service provision in every community.

Young Bloggers

Date: 10th Sep 07 - 8th Oct 07
Every week
Location: Fallowfield Library
Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Think you could write the next Shameless or Coronation Street?
Work with a professional writer to create stories about Manchester and then share them with the world on your own blog.
Everyone who takes part will then go head-to-head to find Manchester's best young blogger as part of the Manchester Literature Festival.
For ages 8-13.
Please ring 0161 224 4153 for more information.
Cost: Free

Pride a huge success

This years Manchester Gay Pride festivities saw record numbers of visitors, events and Floats taking part in the Parade .

Councillor Mike Amesbury stated: "I was honoured to be asked to help decorate the youth float in my role as Deputy Executive Member for Culture & Sport. The enthusiasm and commitment of these young volunteers ensured that even more colour was added to the Parade".

Fallowfield Votes Yes for Better Homes

Council tenants in Fallowfield, will share a £92 million home-improvement package after giving a 68.5% YES vote to Manchester Labour council's proposal to transfer ownership of council homes in the area to a new, not-for-profit 'social landlord' - - City South Manchester Housing Trust.


Councillor David Royle stated "Local tenants have voted overwhelmingly in favour of this transfer," Like them I am a local tenant that has been born and bred on the estate in Fallowfield" I will work together with City South Manchester to bring every home up to the decent standard. With this vote they have ensured a future for good quality affordable rented housing for the area. Rents will remain affordable, and tenants will keep all their important rights."

Following the successful ballot, the new housing trust will take ownership of the area’s council homes in Spring 2008 and improvement work is expected to start immediately after that.

Improvements will include:

new uPVC double-glazed windows,
external front and back doors if needed
fitted kitchens - if its over five years old
new bathroom suites, including a shower over the bath
rewiring where required
security lighting
upgraded heating systems where necessary

MEGA MELA

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Mega Mela staged in Platt Fields within the Fallowfield Ward.

Organisers have informed that over 100,000 people attended this two day event celebrating Asian culture. It was wonderful to see so many families from all walks of life having a good time.

VOTE BY NOON 31ST OF JULY

AND LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Councillor Mike Amesbury is urging tenants to use their vote to determine whether to set up a locally owned and controlled housing company.

Cllr Mike Amesbury said "I and my fellow Labour councillors are determined to bring in the necessary investment to both improve properties and the surrounding environment. A yes vote will bring millions of pounds into our area helping to create a better Fallowfield for all"

Back from Holiday

After an absence of two weeks due to my holidays in sunny Cuba ( no US embargo for me ) I'm back to blog news views and comments.

Free Kylie

Cllr Mike Amesbury helped to launch "Kylie the exhibition" on Friday at the Manchester Art Gallery. The exhibit consists of Kylie's performance wardrobe and has been lent to Manchester by the Melbourne Arts Centre. This will be a free exhibition and will run until the 2nd September. Cllr Amesbury said" I encourage as many Fallowfield residents and Mancunians to attend and see this wonderful piece of popular culture"

The first weekend alone saw over 1500 people viewing the costumes each day.