It’s been good to spend a lot of time out and about across the Borough this week.

On Monday, I was based at Trafford Town Hall, where I had the opportunity to prepare for the week ahead.

That evening there was a meeting of the Executive Committee – and I’m delighted we had the chance to approve the Sale Moor and Hale Place Plans.

These high-level plans will provide a framework for future investment into each area when funds become available.

A copy of the report can be accessed by clicking here.

On Tuesday, I met with the council’s Cyber Security Team to discuss the work they have been involved with to raise awareness around keeping the organisation, and its staff, safe.

The team organised the council’s first internal cyber awareness month, which has resulted in fantastic feedback and engagement from staff.

Having robust cyber security arrangements in place is critical to any organisation and I was pleased to hear about the work the team has been doing to support Trafford Council.

During the afternoon it was great to join my ward colleagues, Cllrs Jane Slater and Steve Adshead, responding to some local concerns raised by residents in Stretford recently.

On Wednesday, I enjoyed visiting my old school, Altrincham Grammar, to do a talk and Q&A for members of the History and Politics Society.

It was good to discuss my role and to explain diverse it is.

I also talked about my Greater Manchester Green City-Region position and the exciting activity taking place across the region.

I was asked lots of questions around housing, the environment, the recent (disappointing) Autumn Statement, and the subjects I studied at A Level – Economics, German, English Literature and General Studies.

Thank you for the invitation- it was good to be back.

In the afternoon, I visited the Stretford Storytellers exhibition, hosted by Yellow Jigsaw, which also included being interviewed by a Lostock High School student – what a great way to gain media experience!

This project brought two generations together to talk about Stretford, including what they liked about the area and what they are keen to see happen in the future.

In the evening, I attended a vigil at Holy Angels Church Hall, in Hale Barns, organised by Altrincham Interfaith Group.

This was a very moving occasion that brought together people from all faiths and none to reflect and pray for peace in the Middle East.

I’m very grateful to Altrincham Interfaith Group for bringing the community together.

On Thursday morning, I visited UA92 with my executive colleagues Liz Patel and Rose Thompson to meet the Chair of the Board, Marnie Millard. I was a great opportunity to talk about how we build on our great partnership work with the university and Trafford Council.  It was also good to hear about how the facility is growing and the way students are supported.

In the afternoon, I travelled to Manchester following an invite to attend the meeting: Investing in Greater Manchester’s Natural Environment.

The event was hosted by Greater Manchester Environment Fund (GMEF) and is the UK’s first regional environmental impact fund benefitting the area socially, environmentally, and financially.

It was a fascinating hearing from a host of speakers, including GM Mayor Andy Burnham.

You can find out more by clicking here.

On Friday, I travelled with colleagues to Jackson House, Sale, to attend a Business Breakfast hosted by Mike Kane MP.  After hearing an inspiring speech from the Chief Executive of Timpson Group, James Timpson, attendees focus turned to our collective ambition for Sale.

As leader of Trafford Council, I recognise that thriving towns are vital for the health of our communities – and at a time of national and international uncertainties one of my roles is to is provide the right conditions for businesses to flourish.

Have a great weekend,

Tom.