This is the website of the Whalley Range branch of the Labour Party. The ward is located in south Manchester and includes parts of Manchester Gorton and Manchester Central parliamentary constituencies. You can contact the branch team using this link.
Clean Air Day – what’s the plan?
Today (8 October) is International Clean Air Day, and local schools Manley Park Infants on York Avenue, Manley Park Juniors on College Road, and Our Lady’s Primary on Whalley Road are marking the occasion with temporary road closures at the start and end of the school day. They have three main aims:
- raising awareness for pupils and parents of the value of active travel and physical exercise
- involving pupils, teachers and parents in a symbolic day of action
- measuring changes in air quality to demonstrate the health benefit of reducing traffic at drop-off and pick-up times
Assia Shah (Whalley Range Labour candidate in May 2021) says “86% of UK children breath toxic air – this problem shortens lives. We all have a duty to take action”. Meanwhile Clean Air Greater Manchester have drafted a Clean Air Plan for the region, and they want to know what you think – the details and a link to a short questionnaire are here.
Taking action on eviction as the Covid-19 crisis bites
On 20 September the Tory government scrapped their temporary suspension of landlords’ rights to serve eviction notices. Tenants across the country can face losing their homes if they fall behind with rent due to short-term hardship during the Covid-19 crisis.
Assia Shah, Whalley Range Labour candidate in May 2021, says “I’m really concerned about the impact this may have, especially in Whalley Range and Moss Side with many people living in rented accommodation – it could lead to huge stress and worry for people who might be in temporary money difficulties through no fault of their own. The Councillors and I strongly support the Labour leadership in calling for the eviction ban to be extended at least until there is a proper plan to take us through this crisis”.
Continue readingGoing walkabout in Whalley Range
Thursday (October 1st) was International Older People’s Day – to celebrate the occasion Age-Friendly Whalley Range organised a (socially distanced) walkabout, visiting some of the age-friendly benches in Whalley Range and providing an opportunity for some of our less mobile older residents to meet others at their nearest bench for a quick chat.
Councillor Mary Watson joined the walkers – she says “We had such a good time – so lovely to see each other, the first time we’ve been able to (other than on screens) since the lockdown started in March!”. She adds “From the calls that Aftab, Angeliki and I have received in the last few months we know that that the Covid risks and restrictions on movement and socialising have disproportionately affected older people in the area, especially those living on their own. We all need to carry on looking out for and supporting our neighbours”.
More information about Age-Friendly Whalley Range is here, or you can call 0161 881 3744 or email agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com.
Road resurfacing work continues in Whalley Range…
Reduced traffic due to lockdown has helped the City Council press on with the £100m road improvement scheme.
Road resurfacing is currently underway on Mayfield Road, and on 1 September is due to start on Dudley Road and Hazel and Manor Avenues.
Assia Shah, Whalley Range Labour candidate at the next local election in May 2021, says “Poor pavements and roads cause problems for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. People who live on and near these roads have been talking to us about the poor surfaces for some time – it’s good to be moving ahead with the work now.”
Global Climate Lobby with Afzal Khan MP on 21 Aug
The Whalley Range Climate Action group has arranged an online lobby event with Manchester Gorton MP Afzal Kahn on Friday 21 August at 3pm. The discussion will focus on the global justice aspect of the climate emergency. Everyone in Manchester Gorton constituency is invited to take part. It is an opportunity to discuss the importance of global justice in our fight for a stable climate and to hear what he has been working on already.
To register to take part in this lobby event, please use this link.