Present Mike Corlett (Chair), Carol Wilkinson, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Mary Christie, Mark Clayton
Apologies for absence Gordon Browne, Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick and Cllr Leslie Bell
Acceptance of the Minutes for the 10th November 2025
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mike Corlett
Matters arising
No update from MCC on the Parrs Wood Veranda. The structure possibly appears to have had panels removed? Cllr Leech has raised the issue as a dangerous building. His email appears to be being passed around MCC to identify a council officer to attend site and inspect the structure. Cllr Hilal agreed to remind Cllr Simcock who agreed to raise the problem with those responsible after the November 2025 meeting. Discussion followed regarding the potential danger of any falling glass onto pedestrians including school pupils, though technically the area is not part of the public footpath. Mike C thanked Cllr Leech for also taking up this matter.
No update on street lighting/overgrowing trees
The roads previously mentioned Palatine (Marie Louise to Northenden Bridge) and Wilmslow Road (Didsbury Hotel to Beaver Road School) along with others. Are still dark and inadequately lit for road users and pedestrians alike. At a recent Didsbury West Ward meeting, papers advised that as part of the Climate Plan up to 55,000 street lamps had been upgraded to LED, reducing emissions by 86%. How is the saving being achieved, is it by reducing the Lumens output hence the increased road darkness to compliment a usage reduction? How is the road safety being assessed against the reduced visibility?
Business Agenda
Increased parking issues
Parking problems are increasing on the Didsbury Park estate attributable to some inconsiderate parents usually picking up at Beaver Road School, resulting in the Barlow Medical Practice initiating a new parking policy and camera technology to enable patients to park in the practice grounds rather than parents taking up spaces. Sandhurst Road is also problematic with waiting cars parked up straddling the double yellow lines and also making the entrance and exit to Wilmslow Road dangerously congested due to stationary traffic both on Wilmslow Road and Sandhurst Road (see attached photograph). This problem was perceived during the initial planning application for the school by both the DCS, Barlow Medical and residents.
Sandhurst Road recent parking and traffic problems
River Mersey Flooding
It was advised at the Didsbury West Ward Meeting that the repairs to the river banks have been completed. However, we have seen 4 major flooding issues in the last 4 years, with significant costs to the public purse and insurance claims etc. Are there any reassurances that the banks will hold against the water coursing through, or the increased water volumes due to the recent increased rainfall?
Carol Wilkinson advised that the dislodged tree at the Manchester Road/Waterside bridge is still stuck, having been reported several times and being advised that it will be removed soon. Unfortunately, it still remains wedged. The public have done their bit by reporting and following up. Surely it is within the Environmental Agencies management Key Performance Indicators to do their part and bring about its removal?
Parrs Wood Railway Bridge Artwork`s Bridge Number STY/32 Wilmslow Road
The bridge on the north bound/Manchester side continually suffers from graffiti in one particular spot and appears to be a battle of “strength” with the perpetrator repeatedly tagging it after it has been cleaned. Can we ask that MCC speak with Northern Rail or Railtrack regarding this ongoing saga? Could signage be installed with “Smile you are on camera” to see if the vandalism can be deterred or even have a temporary Fly Tipping camera installed for a couple of weeks after a clean-up?
Parrs Wood Railway Bridge Graffiti
The current artwork under the bridge is now deteriorating on the Tesco side, the DCS were not the leads at the start of this project, which had a grant we understand of approximately £7k, spent when the artwork was commissioned. The paintings were also then stored in the deteriorating and damp Stenner Barn for several years before installation. A question was raised as to why the maintenance and deterioration had now become a DCS matter, especially when the installation and infrastructure maintenance was the responsibility and part of the railway maintenance contracted out to either Northern or Network Rail. Also, what will happen to the artwork when any replacement, tiling, iron work cleaning or painting requires work undertaking?
Blocked roadside grids
Leaf clearing is being carried out later each year. It has been observed that leaves are being blown from pavements into the gutters for a
secondary clean up. Whilst in the gutter the leaves are then able to block the grids resulting in an increased and larger amount of puddling which is dangerous to pedestrians. There is also the resulting compressing of the leaves taking place whilst they are being driven over by vehicles using the roads. Didsbury Park Road for example appears to still have past years leaves in place. It was explained that parked cars add to the problem. Surely signage can be put in place explaining when clean- up work will take place, and what the consequences are such as towing away for leaving a vehicle and ignoring the signage.
DCS Finances:
Within HSBC Bank we have deposits of £17156.53 which includes reserves
for the Garden of Contemplation.
Any other Business:
Next year will be the 60th Anniversary of the DCS and we are looking for a
land mark project in celebration. We will also need to complete the following:
The Parrs Wood pocket park
Establish a permanent Christmas Tree and lights.
The provision of an external water supply for the garden.
The delivery of a Community Event to continue bringing local organisations together.
Discuss ownership of the Orchard project to the rear of Beaver Road School Wilmslow Road and Didsbury Sports Ground land.
With very best wishes.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy andprosperous New Year.
Posted: January 19, 2026 by Ellie
General Meeting 8th December 2025
the Old Parsonage
Present Mike Corlett (Chair), Carol Wilkinson, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Mary Christie, Mark Clayton
Apologies for absence Gordon Browne, Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick and Cllr Leslie Bell
Acceptance of the Minutes for the 10th November 2025
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mike Corlett
Matters arising
No update from MCC on the Parrs Wood Veranda. The structure possibly appears to have had panels removed? Cllr Leech has raised the issue as a dangerous building. His email appears to be being passed around MCC to identify a council officer to attend site and inspect the structure. Cllr Hilal agreed to remind Cllr Simcock who agreed to raise the problem with those responsible after the November 2025 meeting. Discussion followed regarding the potential danger of any falling glass onto pedestrians including school pupils, though technically the area is not part of the public footpath. Mike C thanked Cllr Leech for also taking up this matter.
No update on street lighting/overgrowing trees
The roads previously mentioned Palatine (Marie Louise to Northenden Bridge) and Wilmslow Road (Didsbury Hotel to Beaver Road School) along with others. Are still dark and inadequately lit for road users and pedestrians alike. At a recent Didsbury West Ward meeting, papers advised that as part of the Climate Plan up to 55,000 street lamps had been upgraded to LED, reducing emissions by 86%. How is the saving being achieved, is it by reducing the Lumens output hence the increased road darkness to compliment a usage reduction? How is the road safety being assessed against the reduced visibility?
Business Agenda
Increased parking issues
Parking problems are increasing on the Didsbury Park estate attributable to some inconsiderate parents usually picking up at Beaver Road School, resulting in the Barlow Medical Practice initiating a new parking policy and camera technology to enable patients to park in the practice grounds rather than parents taking up spaces. Sandhurst Road is also problematic with waiting cars parked up straddling the double yellow lines and also making the entrance and exit to Wilmslow Road dangerously congested due to stationary traffic both on Wilmslow Road and Sandhurst Road (see attached photograph). This problem was perceived during the initial planning application for the school by both the DCS, Barlow Medical and residents.
Sandhurst Road recent parking and traffic problems
River Mersey Flooding
It was advised at the Didsbury West Ward Meeting that the repairs to the river banks have been completed. However, we have seen 4 major flooding issues in the last 4 years, with significant costs to the public purse and insurance claims etc. Are there any reassurances that the banks will hold against the water coursing through, or the increased water volumes due to the recent increased rainfall?
Carol Wilkinson advised that the dislodged tree at the Manchester Road/Waterside bridge is still stuck, having been reported several times and being advised that it will be removed soon. Unfortunately, it still remains wedged. The public have done their bit by reporting and following up. Surely it is within the Environmental Agencies management Key Performance Indicators to do their part and bring about its removal?
Parrs Wood Railway Bridge Artwork`s Bridge Number STY/32 Wilmslow Road
The bridge on the north bound/Manchester side continually suffers from graffiti in one particular spot and appears to be a battle of “strength” with the perpetrator repeatedly tagging it after it has been cleaned. Can we ask that MCC speak with Northern Rail or Railtrack regarding this ongoing saga? Could signage be installed with “Smile you are on camera” to see if the vandalism can be deterred or even have a temporary Fly Tipping camera installed for a couple of weeks after a clean-up?
Parrs Wood Railway Bridge Graffiti
The current artwork under the bridge is now deteriorating on the Tesco side, the DCS were not the leads at the start of this project, which had a grant we understand of approximately £7k, spent when the artwork was commissioned. The paintings were also then stored in the deteriorating and damp Stenner Barn for several years before installation. A question was raised as to why the maintenance and deterioration had now become a DCS matter, especially when the installation and infrastructure maintenance was the responsibility and part of the railway maintenance contracted out to either Northern or Network Rail. Also, what will happen to the artwork when any replacement, tiling, iron work cleaning or painting requires work undertaking?
Blocked roadside grids
Leaf clearing is being carried out later each year. It has been observed that leaves are being blown from pavements into the gutters for a
secondary clean up. Whilst in the gutter the leaves are then able to block the grids resulting in an increased and larger amount of puddling which is dangerous to pedestrians. There is also the resulting compressing of the leaves taking place whilst they are being driven over by vehicles using the roads. Didsbury Park Road for example appears to still have past years leaves in place. It was explained that parked cars add to the problem. Surely signage can be put in place explaining when clean- up work will take place, and what the consequences are such as towing away for leaving a vehicle and ignoring the signage.
DCS Finances:
Within HSBC Bank we have deposits of £17156.53 which includes reserves
for the Garden of Contemplation.
Any other Business:
Next year will be the 60th Anniversary of the DCS and we are looking for a
land mark project in celebration. We will also need to complete the following:
The delivery of a Community Event to continue bringing local organisations together.
Discuss ownership of the Orchard project to the rear of Beaver Road School Wilmslow Road and Didsbury Sports Ground land.
With very best wishes.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
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