THE site of a new £5million primary school to be built on a former dump site has been branded a "toxic minefield".
Furious Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne said plans to expose 550 young children to deadly poisons lurking beneath the site at Harcourt Street, Reddish were "outrageous".
Experts found dangerous contaminants in boreholes which included deposits of benzo-pyrene, which can cause bladder, skin and lung cancer.
And two hotspots in the holes drilled reveal high levels of deadly arsenic, nickel and lead.
The Greater Manchester Geological Unit’s report stated: "If all the remediation recommendations provided in the report are followed, it can be concluded that the site may be developed safely, and may be considered suitable for use."
[Click the headline for the full story on the Stockport Express website.]
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Mersey memo
What's this? A fishing pier on the Mersey? Has it occurred to the Council that the Mersey can be seen as something postive, not just something to hide with shopping centres and industrial estates? Difficult to believe.But talking of industrial estates, not far away new offices are being built next to the River.
Walking further west, I finally found the reputed WWII emplacement for an anti-tank gun, reported in April, after looking for it each time I went for a walk this way. It is much more over grown than shown on the WWII pillbox site.This is next to the recent work to shore up the river banks. The grass is slowly taking hold of the bare banks and Himalayan balsam is growing just as fast. I thought that when work was done on river banks, action was supposed to be taken to deter alien invasive plants. The balsam seems to have benefited from this work. I don't know if anyone is planning action to rescue the Mersey Banks. But if you feel inspired to take action against this invade, you might want to participate in the "Alien Invader" action days at Reddish Vale on June 17, July 8 & 16. See Future Events.
- Bill
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Save North Reddish School
[Quoted from the BBC Action Network. Click on the headline to see the site.]
We want to prevent our local council from closing our 98 year old primary school and amalgamating with another school in new premises, creating a very large building, with possibly 650 pupils
our school is a very special place. It is a beautiful Edwardian building. During the 1st World War, it was used as a military hospital, and it contains a memorial to those who served and died in the war from our area. It is a very popular school and the children love being there. The construction of a new school will cost council tax payers millions of pounds and it is possible that playing fields will need to be sold to fund it. We do not feel it would benefit our children attending such a large school.
We want to prevent our local council from closing our 98 year old primary school and amalgamating with another school in new premises, creating a very large building, with possibly 650 pupils
our school is a very special place. It is a beautiful Edwardian building. During the 1st World War, it was used as a military hospital, and it contains a memorial to those who served and died in the war from our area. It is a very popular school and the children love being there. The construction of a new school will cost council tax payers millions of pounds and it is possible that playing fields will need to be sold to fund it. We do not feel it would benefit our children attending such a large school.
The Railway is June's Pub of the Month
The Stockport & South Manchester has once again voted The Railway as its Pub of the Month, however, this is the first time it has achieved this accolade under its new landlord, Martin Wood, saying that he has arguably surpassed the high standards seet by his predecessors.
To enjoy this pub, you may need to get there fast. According to Opening Times, June 2006, "The long planned redevelopment of the area may now be rather more imminent that has been the case and the Railway might now have only 12 months or so left."
To enjoy this pub, you may need to get there fast. According to Opening Times, June 2006, "The long planned redevelopment of the area may now be rather more imminent that has been the case and the Railway might now have only 12 months or so left."
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Fred Perry's Stockport roots
[Excerpt from Cheshire Life June '06]
Cheshire's Wimbledon champion was not a typical tennis player of his time. The All England Lawn Tennis Club was a bastion of privilege and gave a cool welcome to this son of a cotton spinner, when Perry won the men's title in 1934.
While he relaxed in the bath after his victory, a member of the All England committee presented the champagne to the loser, Australian Jack Crawford, merely draping the winner's tie over a chair without even a handshake. Perry overheard the Wimbledon official congratulating Crawford saying, "This is one day when the best man didn't win."
The 'rebel from the wrong side of the tennis tramlines' was born on May 18th, 1909 at 98 Carrington Road, Portwood. His father was a committed socialist and an official of the Co-operative Party, affiliated to the Labour Party.
Sam Perry was not easily overshadowed by his tennis playing son. He was president of his trades union at the age of 21 and a magistrate before he was 30, the youngest on the Stockport bench. Sam stood unsuccessfully for one of the two Stockport seats in the 1923 general election.
Cheshire's Wimbledon champion was not a typical tennis player of his time. The All England Lawn Tennis Club was a bastion of privilege and gave a cool welcome to this son of a cotton spinner, when Perry won the men's title in 1934.
While he relaxed in the bath after his victory, a member of the All England committee presented the champagne to the loser, Australian Jack Crawford, merely draping the winner's tie over a chair without even a handshake. Perry overheard the Wimbledon official congratulating Crawford saying, "This is one day when the best man didn't win."
The 'rebel from the wrong side of the tennis tramlines' was born on May 18th, 1909 at 98 Carrington Road, Portwood. His father was a committed socialist and an official of the Co-operative Party, affiliated to the Labour Party.
Sam Perry was not easily overshadowed by his tennis playing son. He was president of his trades union at the age of 21 and a magistrate before he was 30, the youngest on the Stockport bench. Sam stood unsuccessfully for one of the two Stockport seats in the 1923 general election.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Business set to boom in Castle St
[Excerpt from Stockport Times 25/05/06]
Edgeley is Stockport's oldest shopping centre in terms of the age of it's buildings. This had seen it become outdated and previously there was a high vacancy rate for its units. But following a £1m investment to improve seating, lighting, access and the general environment on Castle St a coucil survey has found occupancy rates and footfall increased.
Edgeley is Stockport's oldest shopping centre in terms of the age of it's buildings. This had seen it become outdated and previously there was a high vacancy rate for its units. But following a £1m investment to improve seating, lighting, access and the general environment on Castle St a coucil survey has found occupancy rates and footfall increased.
Labour honours its eldest members
George Wardle, Stockport MP from 1906 to 1920, is the subject of a chapter written by Ann Coffey MP in a new book "Men Who Made Labour".
Mr Wardle began work in a woollen factory aged only eight-years-old and later became a railway clerk, following his father into the railway industry. He was a poet, preacher and journalist, as well as an MP and government minister in the 1917 coalition government, although he eventually fell out with his party and his trade union.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
Mr Wardle began work in a woollen factory aged only eight-years-old and later became a railway clerk, following his father into the railway industry. He was a poet, preacher and journalist, as well as an MP and government minister in the 1917 coalition government, although he eventually fell out with his party and his trade union.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
Terrorising terrapins
IMMIGRANT terrapins have been devastating the duckling population in Bramall Park.
The carnivorous creatures are not native to the UK but have somehow managed to set up home in both of Bramall Park's lakes.
Since their introduction, the turtle-like species of American origin have been feasting on the local bird population and park users now want them gone.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
The carnivorous creatures are not native to the UK but have somehow managed to set up home in both of Bramall Park's lakes.
Since their introduction, the turtle-like species of American origin have been feasting on the local bird population and park users now want them gone.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
Dreamers star Freddie dies, aged 69
During his time as a famous popstar, Freddie lived in Gatley, and was well known there and in other parts of Stockport. Offerton Community Council secretary and local historian, Ray Preston, recalled the time that the diminutive 5ft 4ins singer opened a shop in Offerton.
"It was called The Little Red Donkey and was in the Offerton Shopping Precinct around the time it first opened in the 1970s," said Ray. "It sold good quality children's clothes and was open for about four or five years. I think Freddie came to the opening and of course he had people running it for him," he added.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
"It was called The Little Red Donkey and was in the Offerton Shopping Precinct around the time it first opened in the 1970s," said Ray. "It sold good quality children's clothes and was open for about four or five years. I think Freddie came to the opening and of course he had people running it for him," he added.
[Click the image or the headline for the full Stockport Express story.]
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Gorsey Bank Planning Brief
I have a copy of the Gorsey Bank Planning Brief. I hope I am not treading on the toes of Kevin, our Conservation Officer, I just made a query to my local councillor about the fate of the Gorsey Bank footbridge.
I learn that the footbridge is thought to have been built sometime between 1872 and 1892. According to the council, it is in need of repair or replacement. They hope that the developer of Gorsey Bank site (shown in the background of Allen's photo) will pay for a new bridge.
Foundations of Cheshire Mill. This will
be preserved as an alignment
for Metrolink, but, until then, it will be
a car park to compensate
for the poor PT links.
Photo by A G 1.The development will cover the brownfield sites which were once:
the notorious Gorsey Bank housing estate;
as well as Cheshire Mill; and
Gorsey Bank Cotton Mill.
It also implies the demolition of Brinksway House, currently a window blind showroom amongst other functions, but is described as of no particular interest of merit. I think that is a bit harsh.
The site also includes the playground associated with the Pavilion. So, while that will be lost, it must be compensated for by an equivalent area of open land in the development, and the developer must invest in improved facilities for the disused bowling green in Gorsey Bank Park, which is outside the development.
The brief states that the development should be attractive and might include an iconic building (like the Pyramid is an iconic building for the Brinksway development) because it will be visible from the M60 and the Trans Pennine Trail.
There will be an 'informal recreation area' on the south bank of the Mersey (it already is for the local youths).
In the unlikely eventuality of Metrolink being built to Didsbury and then extended to Stockport, the last stop prior to Stockport bus station will be at this bridge. Which, as the brief admits, means that until that time public transport links will be poor.
The site includes a number of mature trees, but the brief notes that none of them have preservation orders.
I learn that the footbridge is thought to have been built sometime between 1872 and 1892. According to the council, it is in need of repair or replacement. They hope that the developer of Gorsey Bank site (shown in the background of Allen's photo) will pay for a new bridge.
Foundations of Cheshire Mill. This will
be preserved as an alignment
for Metrolink, but, until then, it will be
a car park to compensate
for the poor PT links.
Photo by A G 1.
the notorious Gorsey Bank housing estate;
as well as Cheshire Mill; and
Gorsey Bank Cotton Mill.
It also implies the demolition of Brinksway House, currently a window blind showroom amongst other functions, but is described as of no particular interest of merit. I think that is a bit harsh.The site also includes the playground associated with the Pavilion. So, while that will be lost, it must be compensated for by an equivalent area of open land in the development, and the developer must invest in improved facilities for the disused bowling green in Gorsey Bank Park, which is outside the development.
The brief states that the development should be attractive and might include an iconic building (like the Pyramid is an iconic building for the Brinksway development) because it will be visible from the M60 and the Trans Pennine Trail.
There will be an 'informal recreation area' on the south bank of the Mersey (it already is for the local youths).
In the unlikely eventuality of Metrolink being built to Didsbury and then extended to Stockport, the last stop prior to Stockport bus station will be at this bridge. Which, as the brief admits, means that until that time public transport links will be poor.
The site includes a number of mature trees, but the brief notes that none of them have preservation orders.
Reasons why the Abney Park cycleway was unacceptable
I have recieved from Christine Hession of Withington, a response February's posting Success for Friends of Abney Park, which asked why did the Friends object to the proposed cycleway.Actually the letter was originally sent to Stockport Heritage Magazine, but it was the Trust's blog which covered the cycleway.
Thank you Christine for answering the question.
I hope readers will find the attached photo's legible. If you click on them, you will get a larger image. Leave a comment below if you can't read these images, or if you wish to comment on the scheme. Note the cycleway proposal was rejected in February and, as far as I am aware, no alternative scheme has been proposed.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Networking Heritage
Stockport Heritage Trust officers met other delegates belonging to Building Preservation Trusts and Heritage Societies from all over the North West at a networking meeting held in Settle, North Yorkshire recently.
The delegates compared experiences of trying to preserve heritage and get people interested in their various projects and had some very similar tales to relate of bureaucratic indifference followed by eager credit claiming when success crowned the efforts of the conservationists. Does this sound familiar ?
“Meetings of this kind are very important to build up the heritage restoration lobby on a regional and national scale,” said Steve Cliffe, the Trust’s press secretary who attended the meeting. “We are hoping to attend a national conference later in the year to help develop strategy,” he added.Delegates toured a preserved 17th C. townhouse in Settle, now the Museum of North Craven Life, and a nearby labyrinthine Lime Kiln after the meeting.
At last - an eyesore is no more
The derelict former carpet shop at 71 Lower Hillgate was bulldozed last week to cheers from residents and local business people.
Built in the mid-19th century, the building has suffered 20 years of neglect since it was last used in the 1980s.
It was recently voted one of Stockport's top 10 most hated buildings.
The area will now be landscaped.
Click the image or the headline for the full story in the Metro News.
Built in the mid-19th century, the building has suffered 20 years of neglect since it was last used in the 1980s.
It was recently voted one of Stockport's top 10 most hated buildings.
The area will now be landscaped.
Click the image or the headline for the full story in the Metro News.
They shall not shop
Impromptu action at Aldi in Cheadle Heath on Sunday was led by ward councillor Sheila Bailey, Coun Philip Harding and Coun Richard Coaton who all stormed into the busy store at 1pm, and demanded the manager close the doors because it had no planning permission to trade on Sundays.
Click image or headline for the full story.
Click image or headline for the full story.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
'Sandstorm' over a new 90m wall
A 'hideous' roadside wall in Offerton's green belt does not require planning permission because it is a highways project, Stockport Council has confirmed. The 90m sandstone wall, along side Marple Road, was built when the old concrete retaining wall was deemed unsafe.
There was also confusion when builders recently began cutting the tops off the stones, while other parts of the wall remain unfinished.
A Stockport Council spokesperson said, "The new wall was castellated to give consistency in design and help prevent people walking across it. The castellation was levelled off, for aesthetic reasons, so that it matches the level of the adjacent road.
- an excerpt from a Stockport Times article
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Heaven-sent scheme is a big deal
'AN AMBITIOUS church-led project has arrived in Stockport hoping to transform people, places and perceptions across the borough.
'The Big Deal is a multi-agency programme also combining police, schools, the council and local communities aiming to make Stockport a safer, cleaner, better place to live.
'In the next year 50 community events - such as litter picks, regeneration work and crime reduction schemes - are to be organised with an emphasis on involving youngsters.'
Click headline for the full story.
'The Big Deal is a multi-agency programme also combining police, schools, the council and local communities aiming to make Stockport a safer, cleaner, better place to live.
'In the next year 50 community events - such as litter picks, regeneration work and crime reduction schemes - are to be organised with an emphasis on involving youngsters.'
Click headline for the full story.
Council leader rings changes with reshuffle
'THE man spearheading the £500m regeneration of Stockport town centre has been replaced.
'Coun David Goddard was one of casualties in a council re-shuffle which saw him dropped down the pecking order to take over transportation.
'Coun Sue Derbyshire takes over his hugely important regeneration portfolio.
'Labour leader Coun Peter Scott said: "I think the straight answer to why Coun Goddard has been moved is that the Lib-Dems were not satisfied with the rate of progress on the town centre masterplan. After all they have only announced Hopes Carr and Prince's Street development last week. There may be other tensions in their group as Coun Goddard challenged council leader Brian Millard for his job last year."
'A clearly disappointed Coun Goddard told the Stockport Express: "It's not for me to comment. "'
Click headline for the full story.
'Coun David Goddard was one of casualties in a council re-shuffle which saw him dropped down the pecking order to take over transportation.
'Coun Sue Derbyshire takes over his hugely important regeneration portfolio.
'Labour leader Coun Peter Scott said: "I think the straight answer to why Coun Goddard has been moved is that the Lib-Dems were not satisfied with the rate of progress on the town centre masterplan. After all they have only announced Hopes Carr and Prince's Street development last week. There may be other tensions in their group as Coun Goddard challenged council leader Brian Millard for his job last year."
'A clearly disappointed Coun Goddard told the Stockport Express: "It's not for me to comment. "'
Click headline for the full story.
"Town says Hopes Carr should stay"
"A RESOUNDING 92 per cent of people have voted against controversial plans to move the Stockport air disaster memorial at Hopes Carr.
"The proposed move is part a £70m scheme which will regenerate seven acres of derelict industrial land in the heart of the town centre.
"But despite the benefits of the project, the vast majority of people - responding to last week's Stockport Express phone vote - have asked for the memorial not to be moved."
Click headline for the full story.
"The proposed move is part a £70m scheme which will regenerate seven acres of derelict industrial land in the heart of the town centre.
"But despite the benefits of the project, the vast majority of people - responding to last week's Stockport Express phone vote - have asked for the memorial not to be moved."
Click headline for the full story.
Heaton Mersey Methodist Church centenary
Heaton Mersey Methodist Church complete their centenary year. "Heaton Mersey Methodist Church was opened in February 1906, the cornerstone being laid for it in May 1905".
Click headline for the full story.
Click headline for the full story.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Relocation of phone mast, Alex Hospital - planning application
DC022981
Relocation of telecommunication mast
Land at Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle
Information office: Cheadle Library
Consultation Expiry: 08-06-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Miss E Curle 0161 474 3538
This appears to be an alternative application to the Cheadle Heath application we recently opposed. The mast would still be on Green Belt land. The documents are rather lacking.
Relocation of telecommunication mast
Land at Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle
Information office: Cheadle Library
Consultation Expiry: 08-06-2006
Case Officer / Telephone: Miss E Curle 0161 474 3538
This appears to be an alternative application to the Cheadle Heath application we recently opposed. The mast would still be on Green Belt land. The documents are rather lacking.
Statue for Craig Rd Rec - planning application
DC022791Erection of 3.9 metre steel and bronze sculpture
Craig Road Recreation Park, Craig Road, Heaton Mersey
Information office: Heatons Library
Planning application: click here.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Ludworth Moor Meander
A big thank you to Steve Cliffe for a most interesting Historic and geological walk over Ludworth Moor on Sunday afternoon.
We were shown firstly the Bronze Age burial mounds, a disused quarry and coal mine. Then retracing our steps, we crossed the road and took the path up to Robin Hood's Picking Rods.
A further climb took us to Combs Rocks and a spectacular view across a Geological crater. We were shown and told about many interesting features on route.
Then a little further to climb, a battle with a fence and we walked along the ridge, then turning right we came full circle back down to the road. Where all seemed ready for refreshments of some kind or other.
The weather was kind to us, and Kath Taylor ended the day by thanking Steve for an enjoyable walk.
Scroll Bridge, Brabyns Park
The following was posted on the Marple Website in March. You may find it of interest. I suggest you click on the image to see the previous postings, and a recreation of a 1991 Stockport Heritage Magazine article about how Scroll Bridge came to be dismantled in the first place.
We spoke to SMBC about this during our Iron Bridge meeting earlier this week. They didn't overwhelm us with detail but the gist of it is that the investigations into what is missing and available has gone pretty well - a significant amount of the original stone has been identified and set out in the park. (I'll add some photos for those of you who have not seen them later.)
The money for the rebuilt / restoration is in next year's budget, so the work to rebuild cannot start until the new financial year. The officers we spoke to could not advise how soon after this the work would start, but hopefully it will not be too long.
We spoke to SMBC about this during our Iron Bridge meeting earlier this week. They didn't overwhelm us with detail but the gist of it is that the investigations into what is missing and available has gone pretty well - a significant amount of the original stone has been identified and set out in the park. (I'll add some photos for those of you who have not seen them later.)
The money for the rebuilt / restoration is in next year's budget, so the work to rebuild cannot start until the new financial year. The officers we spoke to could not advise how soon after this the work would start, but hopefully it will not be too long.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Bridge Repair Etherow Park
Moving Cobden's Statue - planning application
DC022830 & DC022832.
Relocation of Cobden Statue. To relocate off the highway to a more prominent position on the axes of St Petersgate and Lord Street (Statue to face Market Place)
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr J A Seymour 0161 474 3656
Consultation Expiry Date: Date 20-05-2006
Documents: click here and here.
Relocation of Cobden Statue. To relocate off the highway to a more prominent position on the axes of St Petersgate and Lord Street (Statue to face Market Place)
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr J A Seymour 0161 474 3656
Consultation Expiry Date: Date 20-05-2006
Documents: click here and here.
Hazel Grove phone mast - planning application
DC022789
Erection of 15 metre monopole mast including antennas, equipment cabinet and associated works
Rear of Brookside Garden Centre, Macclesfield Road, Hazel Grove,Stockport SK12 1BY
Documents: click here.
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr MR Robinson 0161 474 3543
Target Date: 16-06-2006
This is re-application after having to withdraw the original application.
Erection of 15 metre monopole mast including antennas, equipment cabinet and associated works
Rear of Brookside Garden Centre, Macclesfield Road, Hazel Grove,Stockport SK12 1BY
Documents: click here.
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr MR Robinson 0161 474 3543
Target Date: 16-06-2006
This is re-application after having to withdraw the original application.
Reddish mobile phone mast - Planning permission
DC022851
Erection of 11.8 metre (including antenna) high 'lamppost' type mast, equipment cabinet and associated works.
Pavement at Carousel Public House, 156 Reddish Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 7HR
Documents: click here.
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr J F Crowder 0161 474 3661 xn 3661
Consultation Expiry Date: 21-05-2006
This seems to be the repeat of an unsuccessful application DC022230, click here for more info.
Interestingly, the applicant admits that it is likely to be opposed by local residents, which is why the landlord of the pub is not interested.
Erection of 11.8 metre (including antenna) high 'lamppost' type mast, equipment cabinet and associated works.
Pavement at Carousel Public House, 156 Reddish Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 7HR
Documents: click here.
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr J F Crowder 0161 474 3661 xn 3661
Consultation Expiry Date: 21-05-2006
This seems to be the repeat of an unsuccessful application DC022230, click here for more info.
Interestingly, the applicant admits that it is likely to be opposed by local residents, which is why the landlord of the pub is not interested.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Single storey conservatory - Listed Building Consent
DC022693, DC022698 & DC022703
Single storey conservatory at rear and solar panels (Listed Building Consent)
2 Peeres Cottages, Peeres Road, Strines, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 7GJ
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr M Burgess 0161 474 3659
Consultation Expiry Date: 12-05-2006
Documents: click here.
Single storey conservatory at rear and solar panels (Listed Building Consent)
2 Peeres Cottages, Peeres Road, Strines, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 7GJ
Case Officer / Telephone: Mr M Burgess 0161 474 3659
Consultation Expiry Date: 12-05-2006
Documents: click here.
Work Starts on St. Mary's Church
An area of the market was cordoned off today as workers dismantled the offending finials on the top of St. Mary's church gateway.
Hopefully this will mean that some of the barriers can now be removed from around the pavement.
Bramall Hall Greetings Cards
They were at it again last Sunday, those crazy people who dress in period costume to try to promote the Trust and at the same time increase funds.
A small group gathered at Bramall Hall in Puritan dress on a dull Sunday morning and took a series of photographs. Six of these have been made into greetings cards to show to the Bramall Hall promotions team in the hope that might commission a set to sell in the gift shop. Four will be produced for sale at the St Mary's Heritage Centre and also for the Staircase House craft fair on Saturday 24th June.
The next set of photographs to be taken will be at Chadkirk Chapel.
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