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.

Congestion charging - make your voice heard.

Politics has got to be a two way street of ideas, opinions and values. That is why it is essential that as many Mancunians as possible are given the chance to be consulted on proposals to address the ever growing problem of congestion in Greater Manchester.

Please visit Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) here www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk to have your say.

Gordon Brown - Time for Bold Labour Politics

It was a privilege to be at the Bridgewater Hall to see Gordon Brown confirmed as our leader and next Prime Minister yesterday. A historical and proud day for the city of Manchester and our country.

I came away from the leadership conference feeling reinvigorated and sure that Gordon Brown will renew our party, restore faith in politics and deliver a socially just Britain.

To see the speech click on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_BhhTZvjB8

Mike Amesbury elected as Assistant Executive Member for Arts and Leisure

Councillor Mike Amesbury has been successfully elected to serve alongside Councillor Mike Kane as the Assistant Executive Member for Arts and Leisure on Manchester City Council.

Cllr Amesbury stated "it is a great honour to help shape arts / leisure policies and services throughout this great city. Over the last three weeks Cllr Mike Kane and I have been meeting with heads of services to drive Manchester Labours political priorities forward

These are outlines below

1. 
   We will continue to invest in Library services to improve life long learning opportunities and access to the highest quality information services and educational opportunities. To ensure where possible the Council extends library-opening hours.
   



2. Increasing the number of parks achieving green flag status in the City over the next two years and increase the range of cultural, sporting and other activities accessible by all to improve health outcomes for Manchester people.
   



3. Seek to support the Manchester International Festival developing it into a world-class cultural event and attract other national and international sporting and cultural events to the City.
   



4. We will make sure that we continue to support the cultural economy - the music scene including Manchester's musical heritage, the Northern Quarter, new media & creative industries in the City
   

World-class arts, world-class leisure, world-class Manchester.

Better housing for Fallowfield

Vote, Vote, Vote

Councillor David Royle is encouraging tenants to vote in
the forthcoming ballot to determine whether to set up a
locally owned and controlled housing company.
Speaking at a recent tenants meeting Cllr Royle stated,

“this July tenants will have the important opportunity to
vote on the proposals to create a local not for profit
housing company called City South Manchester.
If tenants decide to vote yes a multi million pound
investment programme will help to improve our estate
and environment”.

For more information, call the Transfer Project Team on 834 1618 or email:
housing.investment.options@manchester.gov

N.B. Your Labour Councillors hold Advice Bureau EVERY Saturday morning 10am - 12pm
in Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane/Lloyd St South. (except August +Bank holidays).

A Better Shopping Parade

An Environmental improvement programme will begin on the Fallowfield Triangle shopping parade in September of this year.

The work will include new paving stones, ornamental street furniture including new lighting and new shop frontages.

Cllr Mike Amesbury said "Your local councillors together with traders & residents have campaigned for these improvements for a long time. Just under £1 million has been secured to invest in this shopping area, this will help to regenerate the immediate environment and attract new traders to Fallowfield".

If you would like further information please email cllr.m.amesbury@manchester.gov.uk

Pictured are Cllr Mike Amesbury and Cllr David Royle

APPLY FOR CASH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 2007/08

This year's Cash grants programme has been launched and once again you can apply for any amount up to £40,000 per ward.
Councillor Mike Amesbury said "This is your chance to make a real difference to your community and to tackle some of the problems in your area. Projects can range from landscaping waste ground, improving existing community facilities, installing a community work of art - anything in fact, that creates lasting benefits for local residents".
Almost anyone can apply, whether friends and neighbours, community and residents' groups. All you need is a project that will be based in Manchester and will benefit Manchester residents.

More information
For further information call David Hilton on 0161 234 3016 or email voluntary.sector.grants@manchester.gov.uk

Peter and the Labour Team toast election success.

Peter Morrison Labour candidate for Fallowfield Ward received a ringing endorsement from the electorate on Thursday 4th of May. Labour has extended its majority over its nearest rivals the Lib Dems to 737.

Cllr Peter Morrison in his acceptance speech stated" I am once again honoured to serve the residents of Fallowfield and Whalley Range as their Labour Councillor. Together with my colleagues Councillors Mike Amesbury and David Royle we will continue to make this community a safer, cleaner ad greener area for all".

The Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Green candidates failed to make an appearance at the count displaying contempt for the residents of the ward and the whole electoral process.

Full Result

Peter Morrison Labour 1215

John-Paul Wilkins Liberal Democrat 478

Rachel Sills Green 251

Ashton J E Cull Conservative 230

An election message from Peter Morrison

Local elections are about electing Councillors who will work hard for their
community all year round. I am a long standing resident who cares a great deal
about our area and our city. I have been proud to serve you as a Councillor for this ward for 25 years and I have a proven track record of getting things done.

For example you asked me & my Labour colleagues Cllr Amesbury & Royle to get tough on anti social behaviour and promote a greater sense of respect in our community.
Where necessary we have secured ASBO’s on the minority of that have tried to make residents life’s hell.

We campaigned for visible neighbourhood policing teams, I’m sure many of you have seen the additional Police Community Support Officers patrolling our streets.

And I am determined to make our area cleaner and greener clamping down on those that litter and graffiti our streets while campaigning for an extension of recycling to include plastic.

It will be a great honour to serve you again if you re-elect me on Thursday May 3rd.
My key priorities are to work towards providing the best services we can to attract additional investment in our schools, shopping areas and social housing.

Please vote for a safer, cleaner greener community on Thursday 3rd of May.

GORDON BROWN TELLS LEECH TO START PACKING HIS BAGS



Lacklustre Lib Dem and absentee Manchester city councillor John ' two jobs' Leech MP gets a right mauling in the South Manchester Reporter this week from Chancellor Gordon Brown. See the link below . www.southmanchesterreporter.co.uk/news/s/226/226992_im_coming_to_get_you.html
Leech responds with a Lib Dem "wimper of a whinge" about not being told about the visit.

Cllr Mike Amesbury stated: "Between now and the next general election Labour activists and supporters will ensure that Lucy Powell kicks Leech into touch. We have seen off the Lib Dems in Fallowfield and we will see them off in Manchester Withington.

Labour launches campaign – your NHS: better with Labour

New campaign and website shows how Labour’s investment is changing communities and encouraging healthier life choices.
Labour Ministers be campaigning around the country to launch the Labour Party’s new campaign that the NHS is better with Labour.
Throughout the week we will be demonstrating that the NHS is saving more lives, treating more patients and is quicker than ever before.
Ministers are highlighting the huge strides being made to reach Labour’s 18 week manifesto commitment on waiting times. Health Ministers will be visiting hospitals that are on course to meet the target by the end of this year – a full 12 months ahead of schedule.
Labour’s Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt MP, commenting on the launch of the campaign from Walsall Hospital, said:
“Health is a Labour issue. It always has been, and it always will be. This will be a front foot campaign, with Labour on the streets setting out our message.
“The NHS was made by Labour and since 1997 it has been saved by Labour. The NHS is crafted in Labour values – it is health treatment for all, free at the point of need.
“We have also produced a great website where people can see for themselves how Labour’s investment in the NHS has made a difference in their communities. Give it a try – visit http://www.betterwithlabour.co.uk/
“David Cameron gives a good impression but his actions speak louder than warm words on the NHS. He has voted against Labour’s extra investment in the NHS, voted against the dramatic falls in waiting times, voted against the extra nurses and doctors and simply cannot be trusted with our Health service.”

Show your support for St George’s Day & have fun at this year’s parade

Parade Sunday 22nd of April, St George's Day Monday 23rd


Labour candidate Peter Morrison is urging residents to go along to what promises to be a great St George’s day parade this year.

The Parade leaves Nicholas Varley School, Miles Platting at 12noon and will make its way into Piccadilly Gardens at approximately 12.30pm.
Included in this years parade are: Knights and Damsels from Nicholas Varley School, Veterans and cadets from the Armed Forces, several bands including Brass, Pipe, Jazz, Steel and Samba to name a few. We will also see The Sealed Knot (English civil war re-enactment group) Clan of the Dragon (Viking re-enactment group), Belly Dancers, English Shire Horses including National Champion Titan, Rose Queens from around Manchester and of course St George, Henry VIII and Queen Victoria will also be there.
With over 700 people participating in the Parade, and estimated crowds to be in the thousands, it promises to be an exciting and colourful event.
On the Friday and Saturday 20th / 21st April there will be an English Themed Market in Piccadilly Gardens.

Local election launch in Fallowfield Manchester

Optimism & Hope

"A strong economy is the basis for a prosperous and fair society", Peter Morrison Labour Party candidate has said at the launch of the local elections campaign in Manchester.
Peter Morrison stated that "10 years of investment in local communities by Labour had improved health, schools, created jobs, and cut crime".
Peter Morrison has told supporters that Labour must offer the public "optimism and hope".He praised the leadership of Manchester Labour for transforming our city with effective stewardship of the economy making Manchester arguably the real second city.
Labour colleague Cllr Mike Amesbury said that "tackling anti-social behaviour was a key issue for voters and Labour had worked hard to push through laws to tackle it".

We are detemined to make Fallowfield & Whalley Range a safer, cleaner and greener area for all.
Residents are looking for optimism and hope from Labour. We should give it to them. We are a party who has achieved so much and have even more to do."