Christmas Lights switch on with ex city star Alex Williams

Do bring your family and Friends along this Wednesday the 10Th of December at 7pm at the Christmas tree outside Fallowfield Library (Platt Lane).

Fun and Christmas Carols sung by Children from Wilbraham Primary.

The Pride of Manchester

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester Labour's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure has expressed his delight for the Mancunians who have been selected for Great Britain's Olympic team.
Manchester will be well represented at the Beijing Olympics next month, with ten local athletes making the grade to represent the country.
Ian Jones, Joe Murray, Shanaze Reade, Rebecca Romero, Vicky Pendleton, Jason Kenny, Rick Wadden, Natalie Jones, Simon Miller and Emma Kettle, will all be representing Great Britain alongside a number of other national squads who train in the city.
Councillor Mike Amesbury said: "On behalf of the city of Manchester, I would like to congratulate these athletes on what they have achieved by being selected to compete in the Olympic Games.
We are so proud that they will be representing not only their clubs and their city but their country as well, and I would like to personally wish them all every success in Beijing."
Although Water Polo isn't included in the Olympics this year, athletes representing the Manchester-based Great Britain team are also attending Beijing in preparation for the Olympic Games 2012.
The sportsmen and women from Manchester attending the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics are:
Ian Jones, Wythenshawe, Athletics, Paralympics Joe Murray, Levenshulme, Boxing Shanaze Reade, East Manchester, Cycling Rebecca Romero, East Manchester, Cycling Jason Kenny, East Manchester, Cycling Vicky Pendleton, Wythenshawe, Cycling Rick Wadden, East Manchester, Cycling, Paralympics Natalie Jones, East Manchester, Swimming, Paralympics Simon Miller, Manchester, Swimming, Paralympics Emma Kettle, Manchester, Swimming, Paralympics

THE BEST PARKS IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Manchester has been named as the lead authority in the country for the third year in a row, as 27 of its green spaces were placed in the list of best parks in England and Wales.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by the Civic Trust, is the national standard for parks and green spaces. Manchester Labour has ensured that it has maintained its top position by continuing to build on its success, after securing a further six awards this year.
Winners vary from Victorian parks and town centre gardens to nature reserves, country parks and cemeteries.
Sites must meet the criteria of being welcoming, safe and well maintained, with a strong involvement from the local community.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester Labour's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This is a great acknowledgement to the council staff and the community groups who maintain and improve our parks.
“It is also a credit to the city’s many friends of parks groups, who make a vital contribution. We have many diverse open spaces from pockets of greenery in the city centre to the vast landscape of Heaton Park. The parks in our city are indeed something to celebrate and the awards are testimony to this."
I am especially pleased this year as our very own Platt Fields Park regained it's Green Flag title.

SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES

MossCare Housing working alongside Manchester Housing has been drafting proposals to build housing on the green spaces on parts of the Bethnall Estate in Fallowfield. Cllr Mike Amesbury stated: "I am incredibly disappointed that both MossCare and Manchester Housing have failed to consult local residents and Councillors. Together with other local Councillors I have expressed both my concern and opposition to these plans. I am not opposed to building additional homes per se as they are desperately needed for Manchester residents but they must be built in appropriate places. To fell mature trees and build on green space, which is at a premium in my opinion, is wrong". To support the campaign email me at cllr.m.amesbury@manchester.gov.uk

Thank you

The residents of Fallowfield and Whalley Range once again have given the local Labour Team a vote of confidence re-electing Councillor David Royle by a comfortable margin. David, I and Peter are proud to serve all residents and will put your concerns and ideas to the city council.

Over the last few weeks one of our regular leaflets has been distributed to ensure we are taking up your priorities. Please complete the survey and return to the Freepost Address provided or email me at cllr.m.amesbury@manchester.gov.uk

VOTE FOR FALLOWFIELD AND WHALLEY RANGE

RE-ELECT DAVID ROYLE THIS THURSDAY 1ST OF MAY

Dear resident,

I have been honoured to serve you as one of you councillors for over 14 years now. I was born in Fallowfield and still live on the estate. I have a record of getting things done such as securing money to improve social housing, regenerating our shops and getting more police and PCSO's on our streets. Compare this record with the Lib Dem candidate from Cheethham Hill. He was rejected by the voters there.

Please reject his divisive and incompetent style of politics here.

David Royle.

POLLS OPEN AT 7AM AND CLOSE AT 10PM

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY ON APRIL 23rd

FROM DAVID & THE LABOUR TEAM

104 Extra Police for Manchester

As part of Manchester Labour's budget settlement this year we have provided funding to recruit an extra 104 Police Officers from this April.

Labour Councillor David Royle stated: "I and my colleagues have responded to residents priorities. These extra Police Officers are on top of the new Neighbourhood Police Teams and Police Community Support Officers. My Police Pledge is for residents to see a more visible approach to policing in our community".

Your Priorities Are My Priorities

Councillor David Royle has once again been put forward by the local Labour Team to be
our candidate for the forth coming local elections on May 1st.
Councillor Royle who has lived in the Fallowfield area all his life said: “it is a great honour to
be put forward by the team but it is an even greater honour to help improve my local
neighbourhood for residents, tenants, friends and family.
Together with my colleagues Councillor Mike Amesbury and Councillor Peter Morrison we
are determined to tackle the issues that matter most to you. Your priorities are my
priorities – please email me with your ideas to help us improve our
local community". mailto:community”cllr.d.royle@manchester.gov.uk

Councillor Mike Amesbury backs Unite calls for windfall tax on energy companies

Unite the union, Britain's biggest union has today called for a windfall tax on energy companies and has branded their recent price hikes as excessive.
The union is warning that the latest round of price increases will damage British industry and hit the vulnerable, old and poor. According to Ofgem, power companies are in line for a £9 billion windfall from the European Emissions Trading Scheme. Coupled with the significant profits energy companies are making the union believes there is a strong case for the Treasury to levy a windfall tax to help the vulnerable struggling to pay their energy bills.
“There is a strong case for the government to levy a windfall tax on energy companies. By any standards these recent increases are excessive. Many of my constituents are already struggling to cope with fuel bills, these rises will have a detrimental effect on the vulnerable, old and poor.

Please lobby below

Rt. Hon. Alistair Darling MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA
:darlinga@parliament.uk

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.