It has been a very busy few weeks since my last review mainly due to the ongoing consultation work around the £18.2m pound Levelling up Fund redevelopment of Partington Sports Centre.

This is such an exciting project that I’m delighted to see happening in my capacity as the Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage.

Once the application was approved key partners began reaching out to the community to gain their views on the centre’s transformation.

Plans for the site include improvements to the BMX track, the redevelopment of changing rooms at Cross Lane Park, and a path around the park to improve access and support walking and running in the area

I look forward to providing further updates early next year.

Trafford Council’s Executive has committed to invest more than £50m pound to redevelop leisure centres across the borough and work is well underway at Altrincham Leisure Centre.

I was fortunate to visit recently with Cllr Tom Ross to see how the work was progressing.

I’m pleased to report that a majority of the site has been cleared, work has started on the extension to the front of the building for the gym and spa, and solar panels have been installed on the roof.

Another solid commitment from Trafford Labour is to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, so this was a great opportunity to make the building considerably more energy efficient.

It is expected that the leisure centre will reopen in the Autumn.

For information and regular updates click here.

The work being done to Altrincham Leisure Centre follows on from the extremely successful transformation of Urmston Leisure Centre – renamed Move Urmston – which I also visited recently along with the centres at Stretford and Sale.

It was time well spent finding out what goes on behind the scenes and how the centres operate given that they are viewed as the beating-heart within communities.

The popularity of our leisure centres cannot be understated as they offer a list activities for younger children and more experienced members.

It is vitally important that we promote sport and physical activity and make sure it is available to everyone regardless of age or ability.

In my previous review, I mentioned that Maria Bota had joined Trafford Council as Director of Cultural Transformation, tasked with driving the authority’s Cultural Strategy forward.

I’m delighted to say that Maria is settling into her new role and has already suggested several exciting ideas for Trafford’s 50^th anniversary celebrations, which I will report back in the new year.

Consider yourself a bookworm? Well, I’ve got great news! A new state-of-the-art library in the heart of Hale village is open.

You now have access to book loans and computers along with a host of activities or better still why not just enjoy a cuppa in the new café.

Further information can be accessed here.

I also joined managers, volunteers, and carers from Trafford Carers Centre, at Stretford Public Hall, recently where they talked about the work they do to support carers in addition to how they can improve the service.

It was an absolute pleasure to attend and to hear such heart-warming stories from people who spoke about their experiences with such resilience and passion.

The organisation supports young and adult carers to recognise their needs, help with their physical and mental wellbeing, and ensure they are fully valued and supported in their caring role.

Thank you for all the support you offer.

Click here for further information.

I joined colleagues and friends at Trafford College’s Aspire Restaurant recently to attend a fundraising event hosted by the Mayor, Dolores O’Sullivan.

The college students prepared a fabulous meal for everyone and looked after all the guests extremely well. Thank you.

Dolores has chosen to support three charities during her term:

• Little Green Sock Project
• Trafford Domestic Abuse Services
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

To donate online click here.

And finally, something a lot more Christmassy! On Friday evening, I visited Move Urmston, to watch a spectacular performance of Aladdin staged by the marvellous Urmston Musical Theatre.

The pantomime was an absolute treat and you all performed brilliantly!

To find out more visit: index (umt.org.uk)

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and a Happy New year!

Cath.