I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer despite the weather throughout August not being particularly kind to us.

In this review, I will give an update on just some of the fantastic projects going on across the borough from housing developments, town centre regeneration, including the successful Purple Flag status awarded to Altrincham, employment opportunities, and so much more.

It has certainly been an eventful summer!

Let me start by mentioning the exciting scheme to regenerate unused properties with the aim of providing nine social rent apartments at Lindow Court, Northenden Road, Sale Moor.

I’m delighted that work has started on such an amazing project. You can access further information here.

Without sounding bias, the work to transform Stretford Mall is also fantastic.  I was fortunate to visit the site recently with ward colleagues, Jane Slater and Stephen Adshead accompanied by Cllr Liz Patel who is doing a great job leading on these projects in her capacity as the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration.

It was good to see how much the scheme has progressed and that the shops in the mall remain open whilst the transformation takes place around them.

I was also invited to Altrincham to attend the Purple Flag assessment tour! Essentially, a Purple Flag is an accreditation process like the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue for beaches.

And I’m delighted to say Altrincham has been awarded Purple Flag status meaning the area surpasses the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy.

The members of Altrincham BID did an amazing job putting their application together.  You showed Altrincham at its very best. Congratulations.

Meanwhile, it was an honour to attend the opening of the new premises of global manufacturing giant, Max Fame, located at Carrington Gateway.

The company is a world leader in producing luxury packaging and this is the first time it has based itself in the UK making this a brilliant investment opportunity for Trafford.

It is expected the group will also create 100 jobs in the next three years as part of the company’s expansion plans while significantly boosting the local economy.

I recently visited the Imperial War Museum North (IWMN) with Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Cath Hynes, guided by Exhibitions Manager Claire Wilson. We were there to see a new piece of public art.

Tim Shaw’s powerful Man on Fire sculpture is just incredible and joins the ceramic artist Paul Cummins’ and designer Tom Piper’s sculptural form, Poppies, which cascades down the IWM North’s Air Shard.

It really is spectacular.

I’ve also visited Catherine from the Green Little Sock Project. The brilliant work this charity does cannot be understated.

The amazing team strive to help reduce the financial burden of clothing for families in need by reusing and gifting children’s items donated to them by the community.

Thank you for all the incredible work you do.

Finally, and it goes without saying, a huge thank you to the thousands of spectators who turned out in Altrincham for the start of the Tour of Britain cycling race on Sunday.

The top-class sporting event put the eyes of the world on Trafford and Altrincham as the crowds gathered to see the best teams and riders compete for the title.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

I’ll sign off for now – and as always have an enjoyable weekend.

Best wishes,

Tom.