The man who has best represented this Region for 10 years is someone I have known for a lot longer; he is very much an individual who is passionate about what he does and does what he is passionate about.

Whilst others were busy wondering what levels we should be aiming at for carbon reduction, Chris was busy beavering away at making it illegal for printer manufacturers to prevent their toner cartridges being re-filled and recycled.  His legislation made recycling toners a reality for so many people, and whilst others were talking about carbon reduction, he was achieving it.

Whilst most MEP’s were trying to ensure that an audit into MEP’s expenses was covered up, Chris cut right through the red tape by blowing the whistle on MEP’s expenses.  Okay it didnt make him popular in Brussels, but it was the right thing to do.

Whilst other MEP’s were wondering how to represent a region that is larger than 10 EU countries, Chris was on the ground delivering leaflets, knocking on doors, and motivating the party in this region to egage with the people who elect us.  I know, I’ve delevered those towerblocks, and knocked on those doors at his side.

Chris Davies doesnt talk politics, he does politics, and that is one of the reasons that so many Liberal Democrats have been out there on the streets delivering leaflets, knocking on doors and making a difference.

I’ve yet to meet anyone in this region who hasnt heard of Chris Davies, and whether they like him or loathe him, they can’t deny that they know him.

I’ve already voted in the European elections and I can say without hesitation I have have voted for the best MEP in this country.

Local residents on Woodbray Avenue were tired of cars turning into their tiny cul-de-sac at high speed from Kingsway, under the misconception that they were taking a short cut to Parrs Wood Road, and so they asked their local councillors if they could have a cul-de-sac sign on Kingsway, approaching Woodbray Avenue, to disuade motorists from repeating this error.

After much debate with the City Council it was agreed that the sign would be errected, and duly it has so been.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

The first picture shows the sign as seen from Kingway, approaching Woodbray Avenue. Can you spot the sign?

The second picture shows the sign once you have turned into Woodbray Avenue. Can you spot the sign now?

The third picture shows the sign once you have passed Woodbray Avenue.

Isnt that a nice looking sign, and how fortunate you were not one of those people who turn into Woodbray Avenue at high speed thinking that you could take a short cut to Parrs Wood Road. How fortunate the sign is there, or you may never have known that.

I have now written to the relevent Council Officers asking them to put things right!

Recent press reports have caught up with the appalling fact that thousands of people are now having to resort to loan sharks, as banks are refusing loans.

There are already a lot of credit companies which seem to operate at the margins of legality, and residents in Burnage, Withington and Didsbury certainly receive more than their fair share of fliers offering loans at staggering rates of interest (150% in some cases), and also numerous offers to buy their homes with the right for them to remain as tenants, with the rents guaranteed for a whole six months.

With only no bank branches in Burange Ward it is easy to see how many might feel that they have no alternatives than the sharks.

However, there is always the alternative of the Credit Unions, which are literally a lifesaver for many hard-pressed families.

The South Manchester Credit Union has collection points in Burnage Ward on Tuesdays from 10am to 11.30 am at Christ Church Hall on Fog Lane, on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8 pm at St Bernards Church Hall on Burnage Lane amongst others.  Further details can be obtained by visiting their website at http://www.smcreditunion.co.uk/

Liberal Democrats in Manchester, and across the Country, have been raising the Housing Crisis that faces the country at all levels of Government.

More details of the Campaign can be seen on the ‘Housing In Crisis’ website at www.housingincrisis.org.

Recent coverage in the MEN emanating from the ‘Housing In Crisis Campaign’ can be read here!

Very interesting Executive meeting this morning.

The Helping Hands campaign is off to a good start (blimey did I just say this council has got a campaign involving IT projects, communications and private and voluntary sector partners off to a good start?  - Yes, I think I did).

The project is basically incorporating all the E-Gov proposals that members on both sides of the Chamber have been calling for for years, and the report made a welcome change from the ususal bluster, blunder and bravado.  Really refreshing, but then it was from a new officer so lets see how long it lasts.

Moving to the Northern Quarter, and to housing in general, according to Sir Richard people who are on the housing waiting list only count as being on the waiting list for City Council purposes if their current accomodation is not good quality, and houses that are empty only count for City Council purposes if they are not in the period between being occupied and … oh yes, being occupied!

On a brighter note I managed to raise the problems of speeding traffic on Arbor Avenue and Arbor Drive in my ward, and the fact that officers dont seem to be taking the City’s neighbourhood funding strategy very seriously. Admittedly it was somewhat tangental to the report being discussed, but hey as shadow spokesperson I dont get a say in setting the Executive agenda.

 (nb.  Cllr Iain Donaldson is the Shadow Executive Member for Housing, Regeneration and Employment).

Click here to see the MEN Article 50,000 Houses Empty

Went well and I have two issues and one follow up from a colleague to raise tomorrow.

Spent time in the Constituency Office preparing the next mailing for taking to the clerical workers for stuffing, and then distributing them with Rod.  With it being bank holiday I ended up taking a thousand myself, which were finished by the end of play on Saturday.

The staffing meeting for Green End was in the afternoon.  Things seem to be running really smoothly at the school and the staff and particularly the Head Teacher are to be congratulated on the way they have turned round the school.

After going to the Constituency Office to do some casework, the evening was spent at an excellent discussion with lead speaker Norman Baker MP about the events surrounding the strange death of Dr Kelly.

We discussed Norman’s investigations into the events following the alledged suicide (there has never been a formal coroner’s inquiry completed into the death) of Dr Kelly following the release of his observation that the government had ’spiced up’ the dodgy dossier on weapons of mass destruction that led to Britains involvement in the illegal war in Iraq.

The debates on Question Time and This Week later that evening seemed a little palid in comparison.

The meeting was mainly to discuss problems people were having with the major works being done to the windows, doors and kitchens in Southway properties.  A very lively meeting at which a lot of questions were asked and answers given.

The Sports Alliance comprises four Burnage sports clubs working together with Councillors, Council Officers and local schools to increase the sports offer in the area.

There is a lot in the pipeline and the clubs are doing a great job.