Once again, the weather has proved to be a mixed bag which, unfortunately, has mostly consisted of wind and rain!

However, that aside, it has been another busy week, starting with a chance to meet a group of young people who have just started on Trafford Council’s Supported Internship Scheme.

This is a programme delivered by Trafford College and Pure Innovations and it enables young people with special educational needs and disabilities to gain sustainable paid employment.

It was lovely to hear about the opportunities the group will have during their time with the council, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them over the course of the programme.

A meeting of Public Executive followed on Monday evening – and there were some really interesting items on the agenda.  But for this brief review, I will just focus on a couple of reports.

I’m delighted to see the Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs), more affectionately known as the autonomous robots, expanding their routes to cover areas in Sale, Flixton, Davyhulme, Ashton upon Mersey and Timperley Central.

It is such an innovative way for residents, particularly vulnerable people, to have access to groceries throughout the day and evening. More information can be accessed here.

In addition, the Amey contact was also discussed, and I’m pleased with the improvements that have been made compared to when the Labour administration in Trafford inherited the contract.

What the seven-year review aims to do is to improve the service our residents receive, improve our environment through the decarbonisation agenda and look for opportunities to bring more investment to the Borough.

This is a major development against a continuing backdrop of austerity and very tight local government finances. I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in the process. Further information on the review can be accessed here.

On Tuesday, I was delighted to attend Trafford Careers Conference specifically because it was the first time it has been held since before the pandemic.

The annual meeting brings schools, career leaders, coordinators, and enterprise advisers together in one space, so that they can work to give young people the best start to their working life.

It is vitally important to equip students with the skills they need to make the successful transition from education in to the world of work.

The most important thing is that our young people have access to good quality employers that represent growth and opportunity right here in Trafford and across Greater Manchester.

The rest of the week I spent working from Trafford Town Hall including attending internal and external meetings.

However, you can find out how I got on trialling an e-bike in aid of cycle September by clicking here.

Meanwhile, On Friday morning, I travelled to Manchester following an invitation to speak about Greater Manchester’s first low carbon hydrogen hub, based here in Trafford.

Trafford Green Hydrogen, being developed by Carlton Power, is a major green initiative which will help address our climate crisis by supporting the region’s bid to reach its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.

It is the largest of its kind in the UK to have secured planning permission–and will use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen fuel for use in industry, as well as transport.

It is exciting to be part of this project that I believe will lead the way for the decarbonisation of Greater Manchester.

The hub will have the capacity to decarbonise the equivalent of over 100 million road miles which are travelled by heavy vehicles and buses each year. Additional information can be accessed by clicking here.

Finally I would like to express my thanks to Adele New for her service to the local community following her decision to step down as a councillor this week.  Adele has been a fantastic advocate for Bucklow St Martins Ward since 2018 and I know everyone in Trafford Labour Group and the Council will miss her.

Best wishes,

Tom.