Leading Trafford Labour politicians have welcomed the outcomes of a report that details how their plans for the borough are performing.

The authority’s Corporate Plan was discussed during the meeting of the Executive on Monday where council leader, Cllr Tom Ross, listed a catalogue of achievements delivered over recent months.

Cllr Ross pointed to the successful progression of School Streets – where temporary restrictions are placed on motor traffic at school drop off and pick up times – with more planned for next year.

He also cited an increase in the number of affordable housing developments that have been completed while highlighting the borough’s successful recycling rates.

Cllr Ross said: “There is clearly a lot of good news to report despite finances remaining a challenge, which we are fully aware of, given the work we are undertaking around the budget setting process.

“You can see from the information within this report, the breadth of what we do from housing, recycling, addressing public health issues to delivering many other public services.

“We impact positively on people’s lives in Trafford – and it makes me immensely proud to lead this council and to have experienced Executive Members, and officers, in place to deliver on our corporate priorities.

“I want to also highlight the efforts of our incredible frontline staff who work tirelessly supporting residents on our behalf.”

The council’s three key priorities include:

• Reducing Health Inequalities
• Supporting People out of Poverty
• Addressing the Climate Crisis

Cllr Aidan Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change, also praised the report and welcomed the appointment of a new head of Climate Change and Sustainability who will lead on the council’s response to the crisis.

He also highlighted the innovative Bike Library scheme that has been introduced in parts of the borough.

Bike Libraries are local hubs that allow people to borrow a bicycle, like a book, to try out. They aim to boost access to cycles and give people a chance to give cycling a go.

“I’m really pleased to see this offer in Sale and Flixton with a further scheme planned for Stretford,” said Cllr Williams.

“This is a positive piece of work, and I would like to congratulate officers and my colleagues Cllrs Barry Winstanley and Sue Maitland for all of their efforts to secure this provision.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, described the report as ‘open and transparent’ which effectively documents the work the council undertakes.

“It details where we have done well and where improvements are needed,” said Cllr Patel.

“However, I’m really pleased to see the outcomes of the Poverty Truth Commission in addition to the funding to improve Longford Park – and the Developer Hub aimed specifically for those wanting to build in Trafford.”

Speaking during the meeting Cllr Jane Slater, Executive Member for Health, cited the positive work being undertaken around smoking and vaping.

Trafford Labour Group recently tabled a successful motion calling for central government to tighten regulations around the sale of vapes in a bid to protect children amid a surge in young people taking up the habit.

“Our assessments have shown positive changes here,” said Cllr Slater.

“In addition to this, there is important work being done by our public health team around oral health especially reaching those at pre-school age.

“And we are supporting those dealing with substance misuse aiming our approach at the less affluent communities where the problems are far greater.”

Comments supporting the document were also made by Cllr Karina Carter, Executive Member for Children and Young People.

“We can see that even from the early-stage children have a good level of development meaning they are getting a great start,” said Cllr Carter.

“It is well known that our students achieve great educational results in Trafford.

“The number of schools that have good or outstanding status is fantastic and we really need to highlight that more as an authority.”

A refreshed Corporate Plan is currently under revision and due for publication next year.