It has been hectic last 12 months with so much going across Trafford. While there have been many challenges especially financially, we have still been able to deliver on our promises to you.
Our aims to provide the best start in life for children, help as many people as possible live healthily, create a thriving economy, play our part in tackling the climate crisis, while at the same time making the most of our sport, heritage and culture have guided our work.
Examples include reducing permanent admissions to care homes, supporting people with health conditions to stay in work while elsewhere making our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. With our partners we have built hundreds of desperately needed new homes and more are in the pipeline. Altrincham Leisure Centre was refurbished, our parks remain some of the best in the region and our schools are the envy of the country, and provide a great start in life for so many. A £400k state-of-the-art floodlit BMX track opened in Partington and Old Trafford Sports Barn is being refurbished ahead of a planned community asset transfer in 2026
We have invested in new electrical vehicle chargers and residents have given us their ideas about how we preserve our heritage assets in the borough over the next 10 years
We also have a new look website make the digital experience better for residents and partners while not forgetting those who are not online who we have been offering extra help to help them navigate the digital world we live in.
Importantly, I also know that delivering our ‘bread and butter’ services mean so much to you – fixing potholes, making sure bins are emptied, maintaining our parks, replacing street lights and clearing drains – and we will continue to invest millions of pounds doing this.
In recent times we have produced a monthly media focus on our thriving towns to showcase the great work that is happening in them. Hopefully you have read in the local media or on our social media channels, some of the great things happening in Sale and Altrincham and in the new year the attention will turn to Stretford and Urmston.
It has also been a year of inspections for us as well, starting back in January with the Corporate Peer Challenge. This independent review has praised our ambitious plans to help improve the lives of its residents and communities while acknowledging the financial pressure we are under.
2025 finished with a review of Adult Social Care which provides care for some of the most vulnerable in our society. We find out the results in the new year but I have been pleased with the improvements we have made in the last 12 months.
Next year will bring its challenges but also opportunities and I look forward to working with you all to help Trafford continue to thrive. All that is left for me to do is to wish everyone a wonderful festive period and see you in 2026.