Dare I start my weekly review by mentioning the weather!

I do sincerely hope it hasn’t impacted residents too much.

Firstly, it was a pleasure to be invited to join the team at Nationwide Building Society’s Stretford branch on Monday to see how the new ‘Speak Easy’ tool works.

The fantastic initiative that consists of a custom-made set of printed cards with phrases and pictures available in branch made specifically for customers with communication difficulties.

The material can be used to assist customers who may be non-speaking or for those with cognitive impairments or other forms of disabilities that may impact how they communicate.

This is a fabulous idea to help some of Trafford’s most vulnerable residents and I applaud Nationwide for the support they are offering.

And a personal thank you from me to everyone who has been involved in delivering this amazing scheme.

On Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning I was delighted to host the final Let’s Talk Session for council officers.

The sessions were an opportunity to update staff on various work happening within the council and for me to introduce my new Executive Members and discuss their roles.

On Tuesday evening, I attended a meeting hosted by Positive Partington Partnership, which is a resident association that meets once a month to discuss what’s happening within the local area.

I was asked to give an update on the current situation and Trafford Council’s vision for Partington and Carrington going forward.

I was fortunate to be able to give an update regarding the development of New Carrington, bus reforms on the horizon and Partington’s successful levelling up bid that will transform the local leisure centre.

On Wednesday, I was delighted to meet with postmaster Arif Matadar who will manage the new permanent Post Office in Stretford Mall from September.

Meanwhile, and as a temporary solution, residents will be able to use Post Office facilities at 48-49, Broady Street, when it opens its doors a within the next month.

Securing a new Post Office in Stretford has been a huge issue for the residents I represent so I was really pleased to see the news confirmed this week.

On Wednesday evening I attended a meeting at Victoria Park Junior School where I am a school governor.

Thursday was spent attending back-to-back meetings finishing the day attending the Corporate Parenting Board.  All local councillors are corporate parents and it is always very important to hear from our care experienced children and young people and the people that support them.

On Friday, it was fantastic to hear that further investment in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points was announced.  Plans include 24 state of the art EV chargers to be installed over the summer with a target to put Trafford residents within 10 minutes of a charger.

In my role as lead member for the Green City-Region at the GMCA, I’m delighted that Trafford is forging ahead on plans to deliver a cleaner, greener borough.

It was also good to see Ruth and her team at The Hideaway, located in Partington.  This is a vital not-for-profit organisation that supports many local families.

Ruth and I discussed the support provided in Partington and the importance of our community hubs in Trafford as we work to address the cost of living crisis.

The afternoon was spent listening to student members of Trafford College’s Debate Club at the Altrincham Campus.

It was lively and very interesting, and all the students involved did an outstanding job.

It was an honour to be asked to attend and to present some well-deserved awards to students for their engagement in a range of extracurricular activities throughout the academic year.

I’m confident you all have bright futures ahead as you embark on your career pathways.

Congratulations!

I then attended my first briefing in my role as lead member for the Green City-Region for the GMCA.

There’s a lot happening in Trafford, and it has been a very busy and enjoyable week.  I look forward to sharing further updates and in the meantime have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Tom.