Last night was the regular meeting of the “Local Area Partnership” in Prestwich. This is the body that brings together your local councillors, together with partner agencies (health, police, schools, voluntary sector etc) and community reps.

We received an update on some of the important work that the Partnership is involved in to improve our local community:

Cllr Donal O’Hanlonreported on the work of the Town Centre Working Group. This group is looking at how we develop the Prestwich town (or “village”) centre. The Council is paying for a study to be undertaken over the coming nine months which will hopefully ensure we have a clear plan for a better village centre.

I clarified that traffic would be considered in the study as well as redevelopment (yes!), and also that we find ways to consult with everyone who lives in Prestwich, not just those in the Village area.

Cllr Ann Garner reported on the important work around Developing Communities. Prestwich has been given some money to improve the community in the some of areas of Prestwich that perhaps need money most (Rainsough and Polefield have been identified first off). Improved community facilities, and hopefully a children’s centre outreach are planned for Rainsough, and we’re looking at more facilities for young people in Polefield.

Two main issues were raised by members of the public. The first was around the Whittaker Lane shopping area, although just outside our ward, the facilities on Whittaker Lane (apparently the oldest shopping area in Prestwich!) are used by many of us. Shopkeepers are concerned about parking and the lack of parking in the area and we agreed to take the issue forward.

A large number of residents from Beeston Grovecame to voice their concerns about the possible siting of a young people’s recreational facility on the Heaton Park Primary School site on Cuckoo Lane. I have an enormous amount of sympathy for the residents who back onto the site. Next week there is a consultation “drop in” at the school (Wednesday 3.30-6.30pm) where local residents will be able to see the plans and chat to council officers and councillors (I’ll be there in the afternoon!). I really hope we can find a solution - there aren’t any play or recreation facilities between Bailey Street and Simister - leaving a massive gap right in the heart of our area - but clearly it will only happen if its what the local community want.

Please get in touch if you need to know more or have any views.

Tim