It was great to read Cath’s update last week – there certainly are some really exciting projects happening across the borough’s leisure, arts and culture scene.

December has been a busy month so far and last week started with a meeting of the Executive; I welcomed the latest version of the council’s Corporate Plan which details how the authority is performing across all sectors.

I was particularly pleased to see the successful progression of School Streets, with more planned for next year.

As the leader of Trafford Council, I’m proud of our aims to increase, and complete, affordable housing developments and for our efforts in managing the borough’s recycling rates.

A refreshed Corporate Plan is currently under revision and due for publication next year, however, you can access the latest report here.

I also attended the launch of the Greater than Violence 10-year strategy, at Gorse Hill Studios, aimed at preventing serious violence across the city-region.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor Kate Green are leading on the project alongside key partners.

I’m pleased to see this vitally important piece of work geared towards providing a safer city-region for everyone that lives, works, and visits the area.

It was also great to join Cath on a recent tour of Altrincham Leisure Centre. Work on site is really progressing and I’m particularly pleased to see a focus on making the building more energy efficient.

Reducing the borough’s carbon footprint is at the top of my agenda – and I welcome all plans to tackle the climate crisis especially during times of austerity and enforced budget constraints.

I joined Andy Burnham and Kate Green for a second time last week at Stretford Public Hall for Mayor’s Question Time.

It was great to listen to Andy responding to a vast range of questions and setting out his vision for young people in Greater Manchester.

On Friday I joined colleagues in Stretford to see how much progress has been made with the regeneration work in the Town Centre.

A lot of demolition has taken place and we’re beginning to see what the new King Street will look like. A lot more work to do, but exciting times ahead.

I then travelled to Manchester to present three reports in my capacity as the GM portfolio lead for Green City-Region.

I won’t go into too much detail here; however, the first paper contains information on home insulation schemes geared towards improving the least energy efficient homes while helping vulnerable and low-income families in fuel poverty.

Read more by clicking here.

The second and third reports covered aspects of our waste and recycling services in place across Greater Manchester, including anticipating changes that may happen as a result of the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy being implemented.

This week started with a visit to our first ‘cyclops’ junction in the Borough.  Earlier this year Trafford Council secured investment from Greater Manchester to improve a number of road junctions along Chester Road and Talbot Road so that we can improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

I tried out the junction on my bike and it was good to see it used by plenty other people whilst I was there.

In much less positive news, I was extremely disappointed by the implications of the local government settlement announced by the Government earlier this week.

The settlement confirms what financial support we can expect to receive from the Government, for example via grants, over the course of the next financial year.

Last week I wrote to the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, to ask for fairer funding for Trafford residents.

The Government’s response so far has been bitterly disappointing and as a council we’re now working on proposals to bridge a remaining budget gap for next year of around £7m.

Local Government has been treated appallingly in recent years and I worry for the impact this proposed settlement will have on councils across England.

In happier news it was lovely to join some of our wonderful staff at the Town Hall on Wednesday to listen to some Christmas carols performed by children from King’s Road Primary and to judge a festive photograph competition.

It was very difficult to choose a winner among so many amazing entries.  Colleagues also held a bake sale in aid of our Community Hubs that do so much good work supporting people across Trafford.

This is my final review before the holidays begin.

I would particularly like to mention those colleagues who are working over the festive period and pass on my grateful thanks to you all.

I sincerely hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tom.