The Leader's blog

Reflecting on a busy year

Welcome to my final blog of 2019. The last 12 months seem to have flown by because so much has been happening across the borough.

From a personal point of view one of the highlights of the last year was Labour gaining full control of the council in the local elections in May. As someone who was born and bred in the borough this was a very proud moment for me.

I am determined that my administration will continue to strive to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works in this great borough regardless of anyone’s political persuasion.

2019 saw us strengthen our reputation as a place to stage international events as we hosted some world class sporting action including the Cricket World Cup and cycling’s prestigious Tour of Britain. These events attracted thousands of visitors to the borough and showcased Trafford to a global audience of millions.

It is also important for any organisation to have the right leadership and that’s why I was delighted to welcome Sara Todd as our new Chief Executive earlier in the year. Sara is using her knowledge and experience of local government to help us improve the way we deliver services to residents and businesses.

There are plenty of opportunities and challenges that will face us in 2020. Our exciting plans for Streford are taking shape and earlier this year saw the opening of the University Academy 92 (UA92) next to the cricket ground. We also become owners of Streford Mall so we can continue to direct the regeneration of the area.

Altrincham continues to go from strength to strength and we are also investing across all areas of the borough including in Urmston and Sale.

Cleaning up the air we breathe is one of the major challenges we face in Trafford and the wider region. We need to make sure the government does its part and comes up with the finance to help local businesses to upgrade polluting vehicles, so we can clean up our streets as soon as possible.

The next 12 months will continue to be challenging from financial point of view but we are determined to protect the services that matter to you.

I know many of you will be enjoying a welcome break over the festive season so special thanks to the council staff, and those in the health and emergency services, who are providing essential services.

Finally, I hope everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2020.