Usually at this time of year election fever reaches its peak, but that wasn’t the case for Trafford.  As we elect our council in thirds, one year out of four is a fallow year.  This was the same across Greater Manchester and in many other metropolitan areas of England.  I didn’t escape the pull of polling day, where I joined colleagues from Greater Manchester and further afield in Runcorn for the by-election.  But the rest of my week looked very different.

On Monday I joined my colleague, Cllr Eve Parker, on a visit to ‘Feed my City’, an organisation based in Manchester that also supports people living in Trafford.  We discussed aspirations the charity has to provide more support to people in need.  It was impressive to hear how many meals Feed my City produces daily and the speed at which its volunteer base can provide support to people.

Later that day I joined my colleagues, Cllrs Liz Patel, Ged Carter, Dolores O’Sullivan and representatives from local housing provider, Mosscare St Vincent, on a site visit to Shawe View in Flixton.  It’s good to see this housing development nearing completion- another positive step we’re taking to address the housing crisis.  These new homes will provide much-needed housing for people who have experienced homelessness and rough sleeping.  This development will have a positive impact on people for many years to come.

Following the visit, I returned to the Town Hall to join the Mayor and host a group of Explorer Scouts from Sale.  We had a great time showing the Explorers and their leaders around the building and enjoyed being asked lots of questions.  It’s always a pleasure to host people at the Town Hall and I hope it’s something we can continue doing.

I started Tuesday across the road from the Town Hall on a visit with other councillors to UA92.  I’m really pleased to see UA92 go from strength to strength and the highlight of my morning was listening to students reflect on their experiences.  UA92 couldn’t wish for better advocates than the students and they, like the university itself, have very bright futures ahead of them.

Later that day I reunited with Eve Parker for a visit to Altrincham Film Club at Oyez Arts.  I’m so pleased to see Altrincham Town Hall brought to live as an arts venue and Eve and I were incredibly impressed with the film club.  We loved hearing about how the club select the films they screen and we both thoroughly enjoyed that evening’s screening of ‘Crossing’.

I was back at the Town Hall on Wednesday morning to meet our Financial Management Team and learn more about all the work that goes on to support council budgets and the reports considered by councillors.  We’re very fortunate to have such a highly-skilled workforce in this area at a time we continue to face financial pressures.  Later on I went on a site visit in my ward with colleague Cllr Jane Slater.  We were joined by Sgt Foster and representatives from L&Q following recent reports of antisocial behaviour.  It was good to agree some actions during the visit that should make a difference.

I then joined colleagues in Longford for a doorknocking session before heading across the water to the Lowry for a special event to celebrate the venue’s 25^th anniversary.  The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North were major catalysts for the regeneration of the Quays area at the beginning of this century.  Bold decisions by our political predecessors that continue to have a positive impact.

Following my trip to Runcorn on Thursday, I was back in Stretford on Friday for the official launch event for Stretford Family Hub.  The Hub is a building I’m very familiar with- it was Stretford’s Children’s Centre and I often attended meetings of the Sure Start Advisory Board there.  It has now been transformed into an amazing space for children and families- both inside and outside.  I had the chance to visit a play and stay session and talk with parents, carers and some of the children!  Although we weren’t successful in receiving national funding to support Family Hubs, our Children’s Services team in this area have worked incredibly hard with partners to bring this initiative to life.  They should be very proud of what they’ve achieved and the difference the Hub will make to many of our youngest residents.

Finally on Saturday I joined the Mayor, Andrew Western MP and Cllr Dolores O’Sullivan for the re-opening celebration at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Davyhulme.  It was lovely to see so many familiar faces at the event, and to see a new stained-glass window installed at the church.  The celebration was full of the themes of hope and renewal, and the power of hope is something we should not lose sight of in the current political climate.