From the Canal to Sevenways

Author: admin

  • Local Government’s approach to cuts

    I’m posting a link here to a very dry (almost Open University c1980s) discussion on council efficiency. Despite its dryness, it does capture the current serious debate going on in councils across the country, in this case it’s the procurement directors of Linconshire and Worcestershire; it could easily have been Trafford and Salford.

    Responses to the cuts aired in the programme include a centralised project hub and greater reliance on the voluntary sector. My nagging worry is that these project hub’s or Transformation (Trafford’s version) always recruit new staff and add to the bill; in times of crisis we always seem to need a new level of management to tell the old level of management what it should do.

    Using the voluntary sector; all for it. But do council chiefs really understand the dynamics of the sector?

    Anyway, it’s heavy stuff and you’ll have your own views. I’d be interested in hearing them.
    link to localgovernment channel

  • Libraries – their future

    All the library authorities in Gtr Manchester are taking part in a ‘Future Libraries’ pilot with the following aim;

    Working Together – Greater Manchester Libraries
    (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan)
    The project will conduct a feasibility study and options appraisal to identify efficiency savings and customer service improvement opportunities and consider alternative governance models. This work will identify business models for a collaborative approach to library services for the Greater Manchester Region that will maintain and improve these statutory services. These models would be flexible enough to allow involvement of other library authorities and/or cultural organisations within the NW region.
    The future model whilst acknowledging local accountability will go beyond delivering current services at less cost. It must release capacity to transform the services in order to invest in new developments that fit with social, economic and technological change. A vibrant, high quality, relevant and economically sustainable service for the 21st century is the ultimate aim. Improving services together; enhancing quality together; achieving value together.
    There’s an opportunity with this pilot to really engage on the role of ‘the library’ at the heart of a community. What do you think?
    Is the library just another service which we use occasionally or perhaps not at all? Perhaps it’s no more special than having access to an MOT garage?
    Personally I believe libraries are special but we need to get more out of them; and I do welcome the challenge of trying to achieve this.
    Mike Cordingley

  • Fao Herb

    To Herb on Urmston Net

    We’re still here. I’m currently without access to Urmston.net though.

    Mike

  • Playschemes for the summer

    The following news release has just been added to the council website:

    More fun summer school holiday activities in Trafford

    04/08/2010

    The latest of Trafford Council’s school summer holiday playschemes and activities have been announced. All playschemes and play sessions are open to disabled and non disabled children and pre-booking sessions is advisable.

    The Lostock inclusive playscheme offers morning or afternoon sessions for 5-12 year-olds. Running Monday to Friday, though to 20 August, children can attend a session a day, 9.15am-12.15pm or 1.30pm-4.30pm. The playscheme is being held in the Sports Hall at Lostock College, Selby Road, Stretford and each session costs £2.50. To book Lostock playscheme places people should ring 07711 454527

    Free family play sessions are also available at Partington Community Centre, Central Road. The sessions for 0-8 year-olds and their parent or carer run from 1.30pm-3.30pm on Wednesdays (11 and 18 August) and Fridays (13 and 20 August).

    For more information or advice people can contact Trafford’s Children and Young People’s Information Service on 0161 912 1053.

    Coppice and Woodsend libraries are holding family craft sessions for 0-12 year-olds (children must be accompanied by an adult). At Coppice Library on Coppice Avenue there will be two sessions (9.30am to 10.30am and 11am to noon) on Wednesday, 11 and Wednesday 18 August. Each session costs £1 per child. To book a place people should contact the library on 0161 912 3560.

    At Woodsend Library, Woodsend Road, the sessions will be on Mondays, 9 and 16 August, between 10am and noon. Each session costs £1 per child. Places can be booked by contacting the library direct on 0161 912 2919.

  • Trafford’s Playbuilder schemes stopped but Tory council can still find funds for a dogs playground

    Humphrey Park, Victoria Park, Lostock Park – Our kids are having the funding pulled for much needed play areas but down in Conservative stronghold of East Herts – they can afford a playground for …..Dogs!

    Absolutely sick

  • Parliamentary Debate

    Kate Green is to be applauded for raising the issue of unequal treatment from Trafford in favour of the most affluent areas. A reminder of how we were treated in the winter snow compared to Hale.

    See video