Venue – The Old Parsonage
Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Geoff Bridson, Janine Cottingham, Mark Clayton, Gordon Browne, Carol Wilkinson.
Apologies for Absence: Cllr John Leech, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Mary Christie, Ellie Sams.
Acceptance of the Minutes for the 9th June 2025:
Proposed Gordon Brown, Seconded Carol Wilkinson
Minutes:
Update on the Heritage Days programme for September 2025
The local banners have been put in place in the heritage areas. A mixture of DCS new banners, some NT banners and bunting and last season`s DCS ones. The new banners contain the programme`s corporate colours, our social media, website and QR code details. The programme will commence on Friday 12th September with a talk starting at 18:30 by Diana Leitch at Didsbury C of E. Admittance by donation.
Update on the Social Trip to St Annes and the Winter Gardens
The coach is fully booked with a high demand for places. We have applied for a community grant from a charitable funder, which we hope we will be successful in securing.
The increase in graffiti in Didsbury
We continue to see graffiti across the Ward which looks to be increasing. Janine asked if the tags were recognisable. It was advised that there seems to be some new ones appearing within the Ward and change from Maca. Has the time not come for GMP and MCC to review the problem which is criminal damage that is taking place, especially as the perpetrators sign their vandalism and probably leave other evidence and certainly degrades our community areas.
The Cadent Gas pumping station in the Parrs Wood Park was graffitied again about 3 weeks ago. We can advise that the added anti-graffiti coating again withstood the clean up process. We have photographs of the tags for any liaison meetings to follow up on.
It was suggested that the Didsbury Ward invests in an emergency graffiti kit which could be stored at the local library for issue to the community on a call in, pickup and clean up basis?
Garden of Contemplation water shortage problem
The recent problems of reduced rainfall and temperature rises are becoming a problem reducing the ability of the community volunteers to carry out regular watering. We have a large water butt which collects rain water, but which can soon be emptied in hot weather or drought including a hose pipe ban. The lack of water presents a serious threat to the new garden. It was suggested that the Ward supports a request to enable an underground pipe to be installed out of the library at ground floor level, under the pathway and a standpipe arrangement installed in the border close to the disability access path, which could be lockable? It is recognised by the DCS that the library is a Grade 2 listed building but importantly the feed pipework could be easily concealed and mostly underground. Importantly a watering facility has been requested on several occasions and certainly for over 10 years by Didsbury in Bloom and the DCS.
We cannot expect volunteers of a certain “vintage” to continue to fetch and carry heavy watering cans etc ad infinitum with all the risks to Health and Safety. MCC prides itself on volunteering and time has come to deal with and resolve this problem. Though the Will has to be there to do this, and as far as we are aware no response has ever been issued to why this work cannot be done?
Planning issues arising in the Didsbury Heritage area M20 2DN
Recently concern has been raised by Didsbury West councillors, the public and the DCS regarding the external painting and decorations of Kennedys Irish bar and the next-door Bunnies Outpost. MCC Planning have not been reviewing or updating to control the current external changes being carried out, specific to conserving the heritage, its protection or enhancing these important areas. We have been advised that the owners and developers can paint the exterior of a building any colour they like, which indicates that Kennedys bar could have been painted orange, green and white and Bunnies can continue to operate a shabby façade outside, despite the communities wishes. Has the time not come for MCC Planning to review and change the Bye Laws to protect these important areas? It may have a cost but surely it`s not difficult or impossible to make change for the communities’ benefit.
– Is there any Enforcement Status Report on the recent issues in the library garden?
Has there been any MCC update on actions and outcomes regarding the current drinking of alcohol, bad language, the taking over of its bench area and the reported public urinating which is taking place. The DCS and local Councillors have both received letters and communications from community members on this matter?
– Recent road and pavement work`s in Didsbury, traffic issues, resultant pollution issues and barriers
Do MCC Planning and Highways review and manage the current significant diggings up (certainly telecoms and gas) taking place, the increased and resultant pollution and traffic congestion which is currently affecting Didsbury`s roads and pavements. There can be little doubt that it adds to the pollution and vehicle traffic congestion at key times.
– Traffic plans for the hatched area in the Didsbury Triangle
The problems of driving around the Parrs Wood Park area gets worse with inconsiderate car drivers including some Bee Bus drivers blocking the hatched area. It was rumoured that traffic cameras were soon to be installed to monitor and control the traffic due to some drivers still persisting in blocking the road rather than ensuring that their exit is clear. North bound buses also still cause traffic problems when awaiting relief drivers, to the traffic exiting Tesco. Also, when drivers are turning right and also the northbound traffic heading towards the Parrs Wood railway bridge.
Finance
HSBC balance at the 29th August 2025 stands at £17673.14 including reserved funds.
HMRC Gift Aid recovery for 2024
We are pleased to advise that we received a refund of £535.79.
Next Meeting
13th October 2025
Last Updated: September 28, 2025 by Ellie
DCS General Meeting 8th September 2025
Venue – The Old Parsonage
Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Geoff Bridson, Janine Cottingham, Mark Clayton, Gordon Browne, Carol Wilkinson.
Apologies for Absence: Cllr John Leech, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Mary Christie, Ellie Sams.
Acceptance of the Minutes for the 9th June 2025:
Proposed Gordon Brown, Seconded Carol Wilkinson
Minutes:
Update on the Heritage Days programme for September 2025
The local banners have been put in place in the heritage areas. A mixture of DCS new banners, some NT banners and bunting and last season`s DCS ones. The new banners contain the programme`s corporate colours, our social media, website and QR code details. The programme will commence on Friday 12th September with a talk starting at 18:30 by Diana Leitch at Didsbury C of E. Admittance by donation.
Update on the Social Trip to St Annes and the Winter Gardens
The coach is fully booked with a high demand for places. We have applied for a community grant from a charitable funder, which we hope we will be successful in securing.
The increase in graffiti in Didsbury
We continue to see graffiti across the Ward which looks to be increasing. Janine asked if the tags were recognisable. It was advised that there seems to be some new ones appearing within the Ward and change from Maca. Has the time not come for GMP and MCC to review the problem which is criminal damage that is taking place, especially as the perpetrators sign their vandalism and probably leave other evidence and certainly degrades our community areas.
The Cadent Gas pumping station in the Parrs Wood Park was graffitied again about 3 weeks ago. We can advise that the added anti-graffiti coating again withstood the clean up process. We have photographs of the tags for any liaison meetings to follow up on.
It was suggested that the Didsbury Ward invests in an emergency graffiti kit which could be stored at the local library for issue to the community on a call in, pickup and clean up basis?
Garden of Contemplation water shortage problem
The recent problems of reduced rainfall and temperature rises are becoming a problem reducing the ability of the community volunteers to carry out regular watering. We have a large water butt which collects rain water, but which can soon be emptied in hot weather or drought including a hose pipe ban. The lack of water presents a serious threat to the new garden. It was suggested that the Ward supports a request to enable an underground pipe to be installed out of the library at ground floor level, under the pathway and a standpipe arrangement installed in the border close to the disability access path, which could be lockable? It is recognised by the DCS that the library is a Grade 2 listed building but importantly the feed pipework could be easily concealed and mostly underground. Importantly a watering facility has been requested on several occasions and certainly for over 10 years by Didsbury in Bloom and the DCS.
We cannot expect volunteers of a certain “vintage” to continue to fetch and carry heavy watering cans etc ad infinitum with all the risks to Health and Safety. MCC prides itself on volunteering and time has come to deal with and resolve this problem. Though the Will has to be there to do this, and as far as we are aware no response has ever been issued to why this work cannot be done?
Planning issues arising in the Didsbury Heritage area M20 2DN
Recently concern has been raised by Didsbury West councillors, the public and the DCS regarding the external painting and decorations of Kennedys Irish bar and the next-door Bunnies Outpost. MCC Planning have not been reviewing or updating to control the current external changes being carried out, specific to conserving the heritage, its protection or enhancing these important areas. We have been advised that the owners and developers can paint the exterior of a building any colour they like, which indicates that Kennedys bar could have been painted orange, green and white and Bunnies can continue to operate a shabby façade outside, despite the communities wishes. Has the time not come for MCC Planning to review and change the Bye Laws to protect these important areas? It may have a cost but surely it`s not difficult or impossible to make change for the communities’ benefit.
– Is there any Enforcement Status Report on the recent issues in the library garden?
Has there been any MCC update on actions and outcomes regarding the current drinking of alcohol, bad language, the taking over of its bench area and the reported public urinating which is taking place. The DCS and local Councillors have both received letters and communications from community members on this matter?
– Recent road and pavement work`s in Didsbury, traffic issues, resultant pollution issues and barriers
Do MCC Planning and Highways review and manage the current significant diggings up (certainly telecoms and gas) taking place, the increased and resultant pollution and traffic congestion which is currently affecting Didsbury`s roads and pavements. There can be little doubt that it adds to the pollution and vehicle traffic congestion at key times.
– Traffic plans for the hatched area in the Didsbury Triangle
The problems of driving around the Parrs Wood Park area gets worse with inconsiderate car drivers including some Bee Bus drivers blocking the hatched area. It was rumoured that traffic cameras were soon to be installed to monitor and control the traffic due to some drivers still persisting in blocking the road rather than ensuring that their exit is clear. North bound buses also still cause traffic problems when awaiting relief drivers, to the traffic exiting Tesco. Also, when drivers are turning right and also the northbound traffic heading towards the Parrs Wood railway bridge.
Finance
HSBC balance at the 29th August 2025 stands at £17673.14 including reserved funds.
HMRC Gift Aid recovery for 2024
We are pleased to advise that we received a refund of £535.79.
Next Meeting
13th October 2025
Category: Uncategorized
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