I started the week with a Sunday trip to Trafford Town Hall for the fantastic Trafford Live.

This is an event organised by Trafford Council and neighbouring Lancashire Cricket Club, and it’s safe to say the weather was kind to us, and the day was a resounding success.

During Trafford Live, it was honour to be present, to witness a cadet raise our Armed Forces Day flag in front of Trafford Town Hall in the presence of our Mayor, Dolores O’Sullivan, veterans, and our Armed Forces Champion Cllr Judith Lloyd.

I also signed Trafford Council’s Armed Forces Covenant.

Congratulations to all involved.

On Monday, I travelled to Manchester to attend the Good Employment Charter plaque presentation. I’m very pleased that Trafford Council is now a full member of the Good Employment Charter, you can read more about the charter and GM Good Employment Week here.

The afternoon was spent in internal meetings followed by the public meeting of the Executive.

There were some very interesting items on the agenda as the plans to roll-out additional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points were rubber-stamped.

In addition, the work undertaken by the council’s planning team to get the supplementary planning document – Trafford Design Guide and Code – to the final stages of consultation is nothing short of outstanding.

It is expected the code will be adopted as a supplementary planning document and will be a material consideration when determining the outcome of planning applications in the future.

The code was designed to send a clear message to developers that we are raising the bar for housing standards in Trafford.

The final consultation will be launched this month, and last for six weeks, alongside some community drop-in events with final adoption expected in the Autumn.

On Tuesday, I chaired a meeting of Trafford’s Locality Board. Our Locality Board brings together partners from the Council, NHS Trusts, Primary Care, Healthwatch and our voluntary and community sectors.

It’s a relatively new body that forms part of the wider health and care landscape across Greater Manchester.

During the meeting it was good to hear from Trafford Healthwatch and review their annual report.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was an honour to attend the commemorative blue plaque unveiling of legendary calypso singer Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) with councillor and Deputy Leader, Catherine Hynes, and my good friend and former councillor Whit Stennett.

This date was especially chosen to honour Lord Kitchener due to it marking the 75th anniversary of his arrival to Britain on HMT Empire Windrush.

The unveiling took place at his former residence at Brooks Road, Old Trafford.

I’m so pleased that Trafford Council has celebrated such a remarkable life. Lord Kitchener and the Windrush Generation made such a significant contribution to this country.

Later that day, I attended Trafford Council’s Real Living Wage Launch event in Stretford Public Hall.

Being a Real Living Wage accredited council, it supports just one of our key priorities as we strive to assist people out of poverty by maximising their income.

The event was also a great chance to catch up with officers and partners involved with the Real Living Wage movement.

On Thursday, I was joined by colleagues at Trafford College’s Altrincham campus, to hear a general update and to learn about plans for the college moving forward.

It’s always very interesting to hear how the college will deliver courses that will equip students with the skills they need when they leave education to embark on their career pathways.

I’ve visited Trafford College a few times now, since becoming Council Leader earlier this year, and I’m always impressed by the breadth of courses and opportunities on offer.

Further Education is so important and I’m very proud to call Trafford College one of our key local partners.

I’m also deeply proud of the swathe of cultural assets Trafford has to offer.

So, I jumped at the chance to visit the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, to watch a production of Stephen Sondheim’s – Into the Woods.

Before watching the show, Mandy White and Joseph Meighan, took me on a backstage tour.  They explained how important the Garrick’s volunteers are – highlighting the fantastic work they do from dress making to set building, and from backstage to the front of house.

I’m confident the Altrincham Garrick will continue to thrive, thanks to its committed staff and volunteers, and will remain a very important part of Trafford’s cultural map.

On Friday morning, it was my turn to host.

I was delighted to welcome pupils from Stretford High School for a tour of Trafford Town Hall.

I really enjoy welcoming students to the Town Hall; as they always have great questions about how local government operates, and express a keen interest in the Council and Town Hall building.

It has been another very busy and enjoyable week – and I look forward to sharing further updates with you, however, in the meantime have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Tom.