Executive Member for the Environment

Tony Ayres, who lives and works in Manchester asked:

Last year in March 2006 it was announced that Tesco wanted to build a new super store in Gorton and that the market maybe the location. However since then not much has been said. So my question is simply...

• Will there be a new Tesco?
• Where will it be?
• When will it be finished?

Many thanks and I look forward to your response.

Councillor Neil Swannick, the Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

The regeneration of the Gorton Centre is a high priority for New East Manchester and Manchester City Council. This will see a Tesco superstore developed on the site together with a number of smaller retail units, a refurbished market and petrol filling station. The estimated timescale for this work is as follows:

Works to refurbish the former Co-op building for a new indoor market have already started with a completion date of June 2008.

Start on site for construction of a new Tesco store and associated works is due very shortly with a completion date of September 2008.

This investment will significantly improve the shopping offered in the Centre triggering more wide-ranging improvement of this area. New East Manchester are currently consulting on the Draft Regeneration Framework which will help guide and control future development and identify key projects for the City Council, New East Manchester and other partners to take forward within the District Centre focused on the renewal and upgrading of public facilities in the area.

Some initial facelift work is due to commence on 929 / 933 Hyde Road shortly, which will be followed by more extensive works to the building and the adjoining site over the next 2 years and, following consultation, urban realm and traffic management works will start to improve pedestrian and vehicle movement throughout the Centre for local residents and businesses.

1 November 2007

 

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Sharon Williamson, who lives in Manchester, asked:

Can you tell me what is happening regarding the regeneration of Gorton shopping centre and when the proposed Tesco store will be built?

Councillor Neil Swannick, the Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

The regeneration of the Gorton Centre is a high priority for New East Manchester and Manchester City Council. This will see a Tesco superstore developed on the site together with a number of smaller retail units, a refurbished market and petrol filling station. The estimated timescale for this work is as follows:

Works to refurbish the former Co-op building for a new indoor market have already started with a completion date of June 2008.

Start on site for construction of a new Tesco store and associated works is due very shortly with a completion date of September 2008.

This investment will significantly improve the shopping offered in the Centre triggering more wide-ranging improvement of this area. New East Manchester are currently consulting on the Draft Regeneration Framework which will help guide and control future development and identify key projects for the City Council, New East Manchester and other partners to take forward within the District Centre focused on the renewal and upgrading of public facilities in the area.

Some initial facelift work is due to commence on 929 / 933 Hyde Road shortly, which will be followed by more extensive works to the building and the adjoining site over the next 2 years and, following consultation, urban realm and traffic management works will start to improve pedestrian and vehicle movement throughout the Centre for local residents and businesses.

31 October 2007

 

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Shelagh Smith, who lives and works in Manchester, asked:

In the past the Council took a responsible view and refused to permit the degrading and exploitative use of animals in circuses and other similar events within the City. I would like to know if the Council policy in this regard has changed. If this is not the case, why did it allow the recent debacle at The Royal Exchange Theatre when a bull was made to perform a deplorable simulated sex act with a car on stage. This was advertised widely before and during the week it took place, giving the Council ample time to take preventative action. The RSPCA were also vociferous in their condemnation of this so-called performance. Furthermore, why did it not condemn the proposed actions of the New Islington Festival organisers who had planned to spray paint a live sheep at the event last Saturday (MEN 3/9/07)? The only reason they did not carry out this shocking act was because of foot and mouth restrictions - not because of City Council intervention. Irrespective of whether these events take place on Council premises, there must surely be powers available to the Council to prohibit them as it undoubtedly would if the performance were to degrade and exploit any other individual or group unable to defend itself. I would welcome an explanation for the lack of Council intervention in the above instances, and clarification of Manchester City Council's policy with regard to the abuse of animals in the name of entertainment.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

The City Council adopted a policy in the early 1980s to prohibit circuses with animals on council land and this policy still exists.

Performance by animals is controlled by national legislation dating from early in the last century, the Performing Animals (Regulations) Act 1925. The law requires that persons who exhibit or train a performing animal must be registered with a local authority. This law does not apply to animal performances in circuses.

Where animals are used in any event in the city, the Council will verify that a licence exists for the animal and that the animal is being properly cared for in terms of adequate food, water and shelter. The welfare of an animal is also covered by the Animal Welfare Act, which can be enforced by the Local Authority, the RSPCA and the police.

15 October 2007

 

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Sharon Williamson, who lives in Manchester, asked:

I live in a small avenue with limited parking. I have no car. On one side my neighbours have a van which is parked on the pavement (in front of my shared access gate) and a car which is parked on their drive. on the other side they have 2 cars neither of which they ever park on their own driveway, one of these is parked in front of my other private gate on the pavement. This obstucts my access and recently has meant almost injuring myself trying to get my bins past. Is there a policy whereby people are obliged to use their driveway and/or be banned from parking on pavements.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

As I am sure you appreciate, car ownership continues to increase and this translates into tremendous pressure on kerbside space for residents in many areas throughout the city, especially in places where not all residents have off-street parking space, also in areas where households own more than one vehicle.

Greater Manchester Police are currently responsible for enforcing obstructions of the highway and footpaths where no other parking restrictions are in force e.g. yellow lines, however they will only enforce where a total obstruction is taking place, i.e. where people are forced into the road.

Currently there are no pavement parking restriction orders within the city and as such parking attendants do not have the powers to deal with pavement parking unless there are waiting restrictions (yellow lines) on the highway adjacent to the pavement. In these instances, a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued, as the vehicle would be parking in contravention of a traffic order. Waiting restrictions cover the highway from the centre of the highway to the back of footway, but they do exclude any private forecourt that may be behind this.

Whilst I do sympathise with the parking problems that you are encountering we currently have no policy in place to force vehicle owners to park on their own driveway. Also, any obstruction of the pavement outside your property will need to be dealt with by Greater Manchester Police.

15 October 2007

 

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Ross Hickman, who lives and works in Manchester, asked:

I would like to ask about the bus lanes on Wilmslow Road near the junction with Willow Bank are timed from 7am to 7pm when on each side of this 100 or so yards there is a break in the day. I used one of the side roads to turn round and noticed that there was no warning for traffic coming out of the side road to say this was different than the rest of the bus lanes surrounding this location. This could mean numerous motorists could find themselves driving in a bus lane and subject to fixed penalty notices when they believe they are complying with the law. Can you get this message to those responsible and get me their thoughts on it.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

The lining and signing on Wilmslow Road, are now all in place and can be easily seen as you turn left out of Willow Bank towards the city centre. They clearly show the time of operation for the next section of bus lane.

We are however missing the small black and white sign that should be in Willow Bank, advising of the bus lane on Wilmslow Road, and as such we have arranged for the missing sign to be fabricated and installed.

2 October 2007

 

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Marc, who lives in Manchester, asked:

How many road casualties have there been on Stockport Road in Longsight over the last 3 years, and what traffic calming measures are planned to avoid casualties in the future?

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question. I am very keen to reduce the number of collisions on our roads and over the last few years, the City Council has undertaken traffic management work all over the city to make our roads safer. I am pleased to be able to report that in spite of continued increases in traffic volumes, last year's casualty figures showed a significant reduction in the number of killed and seriously injured. I hope that trend continues.

There have been a total of 86 collisions resulting in 109 casualties along Stockport Road between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Matthews Lane, Longsight in the last three years. Of these, 1 collision resulted in a fatality and 6 resulted in serious casualties.

Whilst these collision rates are high there has been an overall reduction in collisions from May 2004 - May 2007. These results are summarised in the table below

Year	Fatal Collisions	Serious Collisions	Slight Collisions	Total Collisions	Casualties
May 04 - May 05	0	0	32	32	38
May 05 - May 06	1	2	30	33	40
May 06 - May 07	0	4	17	21	31
Total	1	6	79	86	109

In previous years Local Safety Schemes have focused resources on junctions where there has been a high incidence of killed or seriously injured (KSI) collisions. This targeted approach has focused resources on treating junctions with the worst severity records. Further to this, investment to promote quality bus corridors has also improved traffic and road safety conditions along Stockport Road.

Recent schemes implemented include the following:

• 2002/2003 - Stockport Road (East Road - Matthews Lane) Improvements included crossing upgrades from pelican to puffin crossings.
• 2002/2003 - Stockport Road (Swallow St - Crowcroft Road) Improvements included pedestrian crossing upgrades to signals.
• 2004/ 2005 - Stockport Road (Broom Lane - Slade Lane) Improvements included new pedestrian stages at all signals. All pelican crossings were upgraded to puffin crossing facilities.

Future year schemes may include the following;

• Stamford Road/ Stockport Road - This is a committed scheme being funded through the 2007/2008 Capital Programme. Under this scheme Stamford Road will become one-way. This will reduce the number of conflicting traffic movements on the A6.

Furthermore through the quality bus corridor initiative we are currently applying for funding from the GMPTE for a considerable scheme for Stockport Road throughout Longsight. The scheme could potentially include a range of elements, which may include:

• narrowing the road;
• raising the carriageway to near footway height;
• pedestrian crossings facilities;
• cycle facilities;
• bus lanes; and
• bus gate signals.

The scheme would improve bus journey times along the route and also improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by providing safer and more convenient crossing points throughout Longsight District Centre. If funding is awarded the works are likely to be carried out between 2008/2010.

2 October 2007

 

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A resident who asked to remain anonymous and who lives in Manchester asked:

I live overlooking the delapidated Ex Baguley Police Station. The building has been empty for some time and falling into decay. It is an eyesore and currently devalueing my property and our outlook.

There has been a developers sign for some time but nothing is happening. Is there a problem with planning permission and what is delaying the development?

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you are experiencing problems with the site. Outline planning permission was granted on 20th June 2005 for the erection of a part 3 to part 4 storey apartment building, consisting of 25 apartments, with basement car parking and associated landscaping. Before this consent can be implemented, the applicants are required to submit for approval details of the design of the proposal, external appearance of the residential units and the landscaping of the site, i.e. the "reserved matters". As of yet no "reserved matters" applications have been submitted. In effect, the delay in progressing the scheme further rests with the applicants and not the City Council.

If the state of the site is causing concern, then I would recommend that the Street Environment Manager be contacted via Environment on Call (0161 954 9000). The Street Environment Manager can look into any issues you have with the site. I am told that they were involved a couple of years ago in resolving a similar issue on this site.

2 October 2007

 

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Ian Richardson, who works in Manchester asked

Why are the roads in Manchester in such a diabolical state? My road in particular is full of pot holes. One of the roads next to me has been resurfaced, it seems strange to just stop at the one, when all the roads needed doing. I cycle to work, and it is now dangerous with all the pot holes between Chorlton and the MRI.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question. I understand your concerns about the maintenance of our highways particularly if you are a cyclist.

In general, all highways are inspected at least every 6 months and actionable defects identified for repair within timescales varying between 24 hours and 10 days, depending on the location and severity. In addition, the City Council undertake a limited annual programme of carriageway resurfacing works at locations that have been assessed and prioritised as most in need of attention. The proposed programmes are produced throughout the year within available budgets, and issued to various stakeholders, including ward councillors and ward coordinators for consultation, with most of the work being carried out during the summer period.

We are scheduling Cranbourne Avenue, footway, to be refurbished this financial year with the intention to resurface the carriageway next year, subject to finance and meeting the criteria set for inclusion.

The Council's officers have met with one of your local councillors (Sheila Newman) regarding this particular part of the network and discussed some of the issues regarding the maintenance design for your avenue and others locally. I am also sure you will appreciate that there are limited funds available and that we have to prioritise the needs of the network accordingly.

Street faults such as potholes, worn road markings and missing signs should be reported to contact@manchester.gov.uk

3 August 2007

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Lee Grimshaw, who lives in Manchester, asked

Can you tell me when building work is going to begin on the site of the old football ground on Maine Road, it's been 3/4 years and nothing has happened?

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thanks for your question. Legal negotiations on a development agreement between Manchester City Council and our preferred developer, Lowry Homes, were scheduled to be concluded in July. Once a development agreement has been signed, Lowry Homes will take possession of the land for phases 1 and 2 and will be able to start on site. Although no firm date for start on site has been set, the current schedule is for start on site by late summer 2007.

3 August 2007

 

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Peter Meddows, who works in Manchester asked

Are there any plans to collect plastic waste for recycling? I currently have to take my plastic to the supermarket. Lancaster city council is beginning a plastics collection from households (www.lancaster.gov.uk). If they can surely Manchester can do this.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your query about plastic recycling. As I am sure you will agree, there is no point in collecting materials unless there are companies which can use the materials. The industry for recycling some plastics within the UK is still quite limited and plastic products need to be sorted first as there are so many different types of plastic, which cannot be recycled together. Plastic bottles are easier to separate into the different grades of plastic for recycling which is why we collect these at our larger Bring Sites at supermarkets.

Manchester City Council is very keen to increase recycling and the future contractors to the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority plan to build facilities in Greater Manchester to separate co-mingled glass, cans and plastic bottles. Once the facilities are in operation, the collection of plastics from the kerbside will be easier and more cost effective. Until then we actively encourage Manchester residents to utilise the Bring Sites across the city.

3 August 2007

 

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David Rose, who lives and works in Manchester, asked

I would like to know why is it that motorcyclists cannot use the bus lanes in and around the city centre, as this would help congestion and make the roads safer for motorcyclists?

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thanks for your question. The issue of motorcycles using bus-lanes has received a lot of attention over the last few months. The Department for Transport has recently published guidance on this area and believes that each local authority should look at both the positive and negative effects of allowing motorcycles into bus lanes and should come to a balanced view in deciding what is best for all of the highway users.

Within Greater Manchester, discussion has taken place between traffic engineers of all ten councils and they have recommended that bus lanes are reserved solely for the use of buses, cycles and Hackney Carriages. The reasons for this are predominantly safety as trials in other parts of the country have suggested that the number of road accidents within bus-lanes can increase when motorcycles are allowed to use them.

Whilst I understand that this is not the response that you were hoping for, I support the conclusion of the traffic engineers.

3 August 2007

 

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P Booth, who lives in Manchester, asked:

Why is it, that the estate I live on, has not been given recycling bins? The estate is managed by Willow Park, Northern Counties and various other housing trusts.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question about recycling services on the Willow Park Estate.

I understand that your street was provided with the kerbit twin bin recycling service for the collection of glass, paper and cans in 2004. Residents were provided with a blue bin for the collection of paper, and a brown bin for the collection of glass bottles and jars, with a sack for the collection of food and drinks cans.

In 2005, the kerbit green service was rolled out for the collection of garden waste in a green bin.

When the services were introduced some residents chose not to have the bins delivered and for this reason not all properties will have the recycling bins. If you would like to arrange for recycling bins to be delivered to your property please contact Environment on Call on 954 9000. They will arrange for the bins to be delivered along with the relevant information and collection dates.

3 August 2007

 

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Miss V Hark, who lives and works in Manchester, asked:

Is it possible to change the traffic lights at the junction of Alan Turin Way and Manchester New Road, near the big ASDA and Manchester City FC stadium? There is always a huge queue of traffic in rush hour at night, if you are travelling away from Manchester towards Droylsden. Yet there is never a queue on Alan Turin Way.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your enquiry.

The site you have highlighted has been visited, and the signal timings have been altered to better reflect the traffic conditions. The green time on Ashton New Road has been increased.

3 August 2007

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Michael Boardman, who lives in Manchester, asked:

I would like to know what timescale, if any; the council has to improve and to maintain the environment around the bridleway / footpath, which separates Hyde Road from Kirk Street in Gorton. This could and should be an area of beauty but it is regularly blighted by either fly-tipping and or litter. The footpath itself is poorly maintained and becomes a quagmire during rainy times of the year, in the past, I and friends have spent time and money digging the area out and placing flagstones down to maintain access. Furthermore, the lighting is broken and is a cause for concern as the potential for crime along this pathway is a constant worry.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thanks for your question.

The footpath/bridleway has previously been identified to be in need of significant works to improve its condition. Unfortunately, the funding to carry out such works has not been available.

Since receiving the report from you, the footpath has been inspected and all the lighting was reported as now working, although some of the woodland area trees were blocking the lights. Arrangements have been made for some tree pruning to be carried out. There are also a number of deep potholes in the footpath caused by surface water erosion, and arrangements are in place to carry out repairs to these areas.

There was also evidence of fly tipping, and this is being cleared. The Ward Coordinator has been contacted and informed of the proposed actions. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

19 July 2007

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Robert Hayes who lives and in Manchester, asked:

Melland Road and Levenhulme Road are in a very poor state of repair. I contacted the highways team and they stated that they were aware of the issues, but nothing was planned to put it right. The tarmac has sunk significantly around the speed cushions on Melland Road, making them incredibly high - catches on the bottom of cars, and Levenhulme Road close to the junction of Melland Road is very poor in condition. What is going to be done about this?

I appreciate that the area is being regenerated, and there is a high volume of construction traffic, but in the meantime, do we have to destroy our cars on these roads? They are getting worse by the week, and the longer the destruction continues, the more it will cost to remedy in the long run. I await your comments.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

You will no doubt be pleased to hear that the section of Levenshulme Road between Ryder Brow Road and approx 20m past the bridge is included in this year's programme for carriageway resurfacing. Other sections of Levenshulme Road will be considered for inclusion in the 2008/09 programme.

The sections of Melland Road that are breaking up in the vicinity of the road humps, are to be repaired within the next 2-4 weeks.

19 July 2007

 

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Dr Matthew Jackson, who lives and works in Manchester asked:

I regularly cycle to work. I have thrice been knocked off my bicycle in a hit and run manner in the last 6 month. The first time was by a public bus. I informed the operator of the bus route, location, time and nature of the incident. The indicated that they were not interested in investigating the issue and dissuaded me from informing the police due to a lack of licence number. The second time was by a private car. I notified the police who were unable to further investigate the issue, as I did not have a licence plate to report. The third time was again by a private car. As the driver fled from the accident I had no licence number, therefore I did not bother to inform the police, as they appear unconcerned with such incidents.

In addition to these three incidents, I routinely experience other potentially harmful road habits by motorised vehicles:

• Failing to stop at traffic lights
• Driving or stopping in areas of the road reserved for cyclists
• Pulling into a main carriageway without due caution for approaching cyclists
• Dangerous overtaking of cyclists

Pondering the frequency of offences I propose that the reason that many road users do not comply with the law, do so, because the prospect of being caught is low. Therefore, to the driver, a hit and run accident bears few consequences at least for themselves.

What has Manchester City Council done to ensure the safety of cyclists and deter the reckless driving of motorised vehicles to the detriment of cyclists?

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Environment, replied:

I was very concerned to hear about your bad experiences and the delay in my replying was in order to request a response from the City Council officers who meet regularly with the bus operators and from the police. I hope they go some way to addressing your concerns.

The issues relating to bus driver awareness of cyclists and driver standards have been raised in the past with individual bus operators. We are assured that bus operators will investigate all individual complaints brought to their attention which involve their bus drivers. The general issue of bus driver awareness of cyclists will be raised again for discussion at the next Bus Operators Group, which is co-ordinated by GMPTE. This will enable us to further query individual bus operators on the driver training processes in place and identify if any improvements are required. Furthermore, we will bring this issue to the attention of the Manchester Cycle Forum at its next meeting.

Greater Manchester Police state that they take the issue of road safety very seriously, especially where the more vulnerable road users such as pedal cycles are involved. When collisions are reported to them they will investigate as fully as possible. Where no registration number is available then in the absence of other witness evidence the tracing of the vehicle involved can be difficult. This should not however preclude anyone reporting such matters. Fail to stop collisions are a concern and many of them stem from drivers who may be uninsured etc. Through the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology GMP have been actively targeting such drivers and in the past year have seized some 15,000 uninsured, untaxed or unlicensed vehicles across Greater Manchester. GMP are also pleased to be partners with the Manchester City Council in ensuring road schemes cater for cyclists in as safe a manner as is possible.

Street faults such as potholes, worn road markings and missing signs should be reported to our Environment on Call contact centre using contact@manchester.gov.uk

Manchester Cycle Forum is a public forum which aims to raise and address issues relating to improving cycling across Manchester, and your input into this forum would be welcome. More information on the Cycle Forum can be found at:

www.manchester.gov.uk/transport/walkingcycling/cycleforum.htm

or contact the Transport Policy Unit on 0161 234 3562 or cycle.forum@manchester.gov.uk

19 July 2007

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Joseph Maloney, who lives and works in Manchester, asked:

Hi, can you please explain why the double yellow lines on Whitworth Street west between Oxford Road and Cambridge Street do not seem to apply on evenings and weekends when nightclubs and the palace theatre are open? I as a resident find it extremely frustrating to see people park here constantly and get away without penalty when I have to pay for a space in a local NCP to park my car. I do not attempt to park here because yellow lines are there for a reason. If it is indeed safe to park here then please take the yellow lines away for the benefit of residents, if not then please enforce the rules. The worst occasions are on Wednesday/Friday nights and when concerts and theatre performances are on. Sometimes coaches/buses can be parked for over 12 hours on a Sunday without ever getting a ticket. How can this happen? Due to the nature of people parking here I don't think random passes by parking wardens will help. Doormen/bus drivers simply move along if a parking attendant comes along, to return a couple of minutes later when the attendant has moved on. Constant attention is needed to stop this blatant disregard for road laws.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, replied:

Thank you for your question.

Parking restrictions are enforced at Whitworth Street West on a regular basis 7 days a week. We are aware however that there has been a history of buses stacking up waiting to pick people up from the Palace Theatre both in the evenings and on matinee days (usually Thursday). Our Parking Attendants have been told to direct these buses to recognised bus parking places and not to allow them to park when they are not in the process of picking up or setting down passengers.

There has also been a problem with doormen from certain clubs parking their vehicles, only to move them when Parking Attendants approach the vehicles. We are collecting evidence on this particular issue and will therefore ensure extra attention is given to enforcement of parking restrictions at this location over the coming weeks.

19 July 2007