It’s been another varied working week – with important community events and celebrations including the launch of the council’s draft budget proposals for next year – and some very valuable time spent with Trafford’s Human Resources team.

Firstly, on Sunday morning, I joined residents and councillors from the Stretford and Old Trafford area at our annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in Stretford.

Each year this service gives us all the opportunity to pause and remember the service men and women who gave their lives in both world wars and more recent conflicts.

It was a very moving occasion.

That afternoon I was delighted to attend the launch of the Friends of Stretford Public Hall’s latest community shares scheme aimed at raising money to protect the future of this beautiful building.

Members of the group have achieved so much since taking charge of the property almost a decade ago – and this latest community shares offer will enable repairs to the building and investment in energy efficiency improvements.

To find out more about the community initiative or to donate to the fantastic cause please click the link here.

On Monday, I was based in my office at Trafford Town Hall where I held meeting and caught up with colleagues, emails and organised the rest of my week.

However, during the evening it was an honour to attend the official opening of the new 100-bedroom extension to the Hilton Garden Inn at Emirates Old Trafford, following an invitation from the Chair of Lancashire Cricket, Andy Anson OBE.

Thank you for a fantastic evening and congratulations to everyone involved.

On Tuesday morning I attended a meeting of Homestart Trafford, Salford and Wigan, in my capacity as a trustee.

It’s always great to hear about all the work going on – and currently there is a focus on providing support for new dads.

Thank you to all the staff and volunteers. You provide a remarkable service.

On Tuesday afternoon, I visited the council’s Human Resources team to meet the fantastic employees who support all aspects of Trafford’s HR sector.

It is vitally important for any organisation to have confident and gifted HR officers – and I’m delighted to say we are fortunate to have such a talented group working in Trafford Council.

I spent some really valuable time with the team plus the session was a good reminder about the numerous services they deliver.

The most important meeting I had on Wednesday was the meeting of the Executive Committee.

There were two important items on the agenda: Draft Revenue Budget Proposals and Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy.

My colleague, Cllr Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Finance and Governance, presented the draft budget proposals and gave a comprehensive explanation on the council’s current financial position.

In addition, Cllr Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, presented a report on the council’s new taxi licencing policy introduced to further reinforce the safety of all passengers using locally licenced vehicles.

You can read both reports by clicking the link here and watch the meeting, which was streamed live here.  And I’m pleased to say that both reports received the full support of the Executive.

On Thursday Morning, it was good to catch up with Cllr Barry Winstanley, who represents Davyhulme Ward, to discuss local matters.

Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, I travelled to neighbouring Salford following an invite from Sasha Deepwell, CEO of Irwell Valley Homes, to celebrate the company’s 50^th birthday.

The organisation has proudly been providing affordable housing and services across Greater Manchester for half a century, so I was delighted to help mark this special occasion.

We have a significant number of Irwell Valley homes in the borough – so I took the opportunity to have a good to catch up with Ralph Rudden from Our Sale West at the event.

Irwell Valley remains one of Trafford Council’s important strategic partners making this a particularly lovely occasion to join.

On Thursday evening, I was back at Stretford Public Hall with colleagues to celebrate the successful National Lottery Heritage Funding bid of more than £3m – money that will support the transformation of Longford Park, which is one of Trafford’s much-loved green spaces.

I’m so proud of everyone that worked immensely hard on this project – and for their courage and commitment to get the scheme to this stage.

This has been a great example of partnership work between the local community and Trafford Council.

A huge congratulations to everyone!

Below is some information on the fantastic initiative.

• Trafford councillors welcome multi-million pound transformation of Stretford’s Longford Park – Trafford Labour Party

Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Tom.