DCS General Meeting Minutes for the 9th February 2026
Attendees: Mike Corlett, Chair, Janinne Cottingham, Ian Johnson, Mary Christie, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Mark Clayton, Ellie Sams.
Apologies: Cllr Andrew Simcock, Gordon Browne, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Richard Fitzpatrick.
Acceptance of the Minutes from the 12th January 2026: Proposed: Ellie Sams, Seconded: Cllr Debbie Hilal
1. Matters Arising from the Minutes
Palatine Road Lighting
The chair advised that he had viewed the lighting on Palatine Road and advised that it had improved from Withington Golf course bus stop towards Northenden Bridge and was thought to be due to recent Arbor work. The opposite footpath was also improved towards the Hotel making it easier for walkers returning to the hotel from shopping.
Parrs Wood Veranda
Further deterioration appears to be occurring with part of the metal gutter now missing from the roof section of the Didsbury Solicitors with the open glass end now visible. It was requested that the Chair sends our photographs to Cllr Simcock to pass to MCC Enforcement. It was also agreed that Ellie Sams would arrange for a quotation of indicative repair costs which will be sent to the Landlords to request repairs take place.
Sandhurst Road Parking Problems Still Remain
Enforcement is still not doing enough. There are regularly 3-6 cars parked on the double yellow lines/or pavement most school days. Cars exiting onto Wilmslow Road are having to take the incorrect side of the road to get out. Forcing cars entering the estate to back up on the main road waiting to enter the estate, especially at the going home time.
Didsbury Library Porch
The problems still remain. Cllr Debbie Hilal confirmed that baggage and personal belongings are still left in the porch area. Cllr Hilal and Cllr Leech advised that a Community Protection Order has been sought, but has not been served yet by GMP. It was also asked what will happen if the Order is ignored and they do not move on. It was advised that some of the individuals had now also been offered some form of accommodation, though some have refused the offer.
2. Agenda
British Heart Foundation
The DCS have been selected to receive a wooden bench (pictured) awarded by the BHF for installation in the Parrs Wood Park. We will arrange installation with the cost being reimbursed by the BHF. The bench will be red painted and suitably mounted probably on one of the main grassed areas. The occasion, and bench be used for publicity by the BHF.
Parrs Wood Pocket Update
The park work is going very well with new wooden planters built and installed, including soil filled ready for planting. The paths have been tidied up and re-edged ready for tarmacking by Groundworks. The parks end facing the Gateway has now been levelled and the original “Kingsway” concrete posts removed. the actual road signs had disappeared many years previously. The DCS are currently applying for grants to help with replanting within the area. Janinne Cottingham advised that B&Q are currently taking grant applications from local organisations.
Future Didsbury Project and Pride of Place
It was agreed to update the project for 2026-2030. Ian Johnson who used to be involved in the DCS agreed to open up discussion with the School of Architecture at Manchester University who were a great support in the early life of the project and examine if it fits in with the Governments “Pride in Place” investment and support programme for any potential funding, or the availability of benefits if linked with the Future Didsbury Plan generally. The original proposals had a lot of “blue sky” thinking and benefits to Didsbury, especially if it can be coupled with the £800 million funding allocated. Mary Christie and Mike Corlett agreed to refresh the plan with the Pride of Place included if it fits.
Barrett Homes in the Community
The DCS has been approached by Barretts to discuss how they can help in funding projects to benefit the Trust especially in our 60th Jubilee Year. We sent them a sight of our project list including Bonded Resin for the G o C path refurbishing, the Barlow Moor finger post sign refurbishing, funding for the Pocket Park bulbs and perennials and refurbishment of the Parrs Wood Railway Bridge artwork. Cllr Leech suggested that we should add the Parrs Wood veranda for which we are awaiting costs, which is a great idea especially as a Heritage asset and would deliver some good publicity to Barrett`s. It was agreed that the Chair would follow up on progress.
HMRC Gift Aid 2025 Reclaim
The DCS has been refunded and received funds to the value of £1291.75.
Didsbury Park Estate Pavement Refurbishment
Work appears to be going well, though it can be noisy as the contractors load the salvage and spoil to the tipper vehicles in use. It is also not fully clear to the final scope of the works.
The Didsbury Community Orchard
A question was raised regarding the ownership of the Orchard/Land which is at the top end of the Didsbury Sports Ground/TOC H close to the back of Beaver Road (Wilmslow Road) and Thorn Bank Wood (Didsbury Community Wood). It was agreed that the Chair would contact MCC Neighbourhoods to check the Land Registry for ownership. Since the meeting this has now been done. The attached Photocopy was taken to the site to map the Orchards approximate location. The Orchard was planted many years ago with the involvement of the DCS and is not in a good state. Importantly this area is very saturated and muddy and may also be affected by the current flooding and waterlogging as reported in the Manchester Parks South letter.
Finance
The balance at the HSBC at the 31st January 2026 was £19,408.46 including reserves.
For those on Annual Membership. A gentle reminder that Membership in now due.
3. Any other business
Warburton Street – What is the status of the building refurbishment backing on to Eastern Revive is there any planning application? Ex Wishing Well is there any planning application for this building? Both locations being in Heritage Areas. One looking an eyesore, the other was shrouded in scaffolding through the Christmas period into February 2026.
Library area – During their planning application. Kennedy’s Irish Bar were restricted in their external decoration. However, the rules have not been as rigorously applied to Bunney’s Outpost, M1 Nail Bar or possibly Saints & Scholars who all appear to have not followed the rules when this area is also a Heritage Area. Cllr Leech advised that M1 Nails have had a case raised against them and which was re-opened on 12th November 2025 regarding their signage.
Fletcher Moss Park – At the last DCS Meeting a question was raised regarding the ground water along the Fletcher Moss Park main path from the old tennis courts to the Stenner Lane gates. A reply has been received back from Joanne Wakeman of Parks South regarding serious culvert and drainage problems which needs further investigation and, in all probability, extra funding.
Last Updated: March 9, 2026 by Ellie
DCS General Meeting Minutes for the 9th February 2026
Attendees: Mike Corlett, Chair, Janinne Cottingham, Ian Johnson, Mary Christie, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Mark Clayton, Ellie Sams.
Apologies: Cllr Andrew Simcock, Gordon Browne, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Richard Fitzpatrick.
Acceptance of the Minutes from the 12th January 2026: Proposed: Ellie Sams, Seconded: Cllr Debbie Hilal
1. Matters Arising from the Minutes
Palatine Road Lighting
The chair advised that he had viewed the lighting on Palatine Road and advised that it had improved from Withington Golf course bus stop towards Northenden Bridge and was thought to be due to recent Arbor work. The opposite footpath was also improved towards the Hotel making it easier for walkers returning to the hotel from shopping.
Parrs Wood Veranda
Further deterioration appears to be occurring with part of the metal gutter now missing from the roof section of the Didsbury Solicitors with the open glass end now visible. It was requested that the Chair sends our photographs to Cllr Simcock to pass to MCC Enforcement. It was also agreed that Ellie Sams would arrange for a quotation of indicative repair costs which will be sent to the Landlords to request repairs take place.
Sandhurst Road Parking Problems Still Remain
Enforcement is still not doing enough. There are regularly 3-6 cars parked on the double yellow lines/or pavement most school days. Cars exiting onto Wilmslow Road are having to take the incorrect side of the road to get out. Forcing cars entering the estate to back up on the main road waiting to enter the estate, especially at the going home time.
Didsbury Library Porch
The problems still remain. Cllr Debbie Hilal confirmed that baggage and personal belongings are still left in the porch area. Cllr Hilal and Cllr Leech advised that a Community Protection Order has been sought, but has not been served yet by GMP. It was also asked what will happen if the Order is ignored and they do not move on. It was advised that some of the individuals had now also been offered some form of accommodation, though some have refused the offer.
2. Agenda
British Heart Foundation
The DCS have been selected to receive a wooden bench (pictured) awarded by the BHF for installation in the Parrs Wood Park. We will arrange installation with the cost being reimbursed by the BHF. The bench will be red painted and suitably mounted probably on one of the main grassed areas. The occasion, and bench be used for publicity by the BHF.
Parrs Wood Pocket Update
The park work is going very well with new wooden planters built and installed, including soil filled ready for planting. The paths have been tidied up and re-edged ready for tarmacking by Groundworks. The parks end facing the Gateway has now been levelled and the original “Kingsway” concrete posts removed. the actual road signs had disappeared many years previously. The DCS are currently applying for grants to help with replanting within the area. Janinne Cottingham advised that B&Q are currently taking grant applications from local organisations.
Future Didsbury Project and Pride of Place
It was agreed to update the project for 2026-2030. Ian Johnson who used to be involved in the DCS agreed to open up discussion with the School of Architecture at Manchester University who were a great support in the early life of the project and examine if it fits in with the Governments “Pride in Place” investment and support programme for any potential funding, or the availability of benefits if linked with the Future Didsbury Plan generally. The original proposals had a lot of “blue sky” thinking and benefits to Didsbury, especially if it can be coupled with the £800 million funding allocated. Mary Christie and Mike Corlett agreed to refresh the plan with the Pride of Place included if it fits.
Barrett Homes in the Community
The DCS has been approached by Barretts to discuss how they can help in funding projects to benefit the Trust especially in our 60th Jubilee Year. We sent them a sight of our project list including Bonded Resin for the G o C path refurbishing, the Barlow Moor finger post sign refurbishing, funding for the Pocket Park bulbs and perennials and refurbishment of the Parrs Wood Railway Bridge artwork. Cllr Leech suggested that we should add the Parrs Wood veranda for which we are awaiting costs, which is a great idea especially as a Heritage asset and would deliver some good publicity to Barrett`s. It was agreed that the Chair would follow up on progress.
HMRC Gift Aid 2025 Reclaim
The DCS has been refunded and received funds to the value of £1291.75.
Didsbury Park Estate Pavement Refurbishment
Work appears to be going well, though it can be noisy as the contractors load the salvage and spoil to the tipper vehicles in use. It is also not fully clear to the final scope of the works.
The Didsbury Community Orchard
A question was raised regarding the ownership of the Orchard/Land which is at the top end of the Didsbury Sports Ground/TOC H close to the back of Beaver Road (Wilmslow Road) and Thorn Bank Wood (Didsbury Community Wood). It was agreed that the Chair would contact MCC Neighbourhoods to check the Land Registry for ownership. Since the meeting this has now been done. The attached Photocopy was taken to the site to map the Orchards approximate location. The Orchard was planted many years ago with the involvement of the DCS and is not in a good state. Importantly this area is very saturated and muddy and may also be affected by the current flooding and waterlogging as reported in the Manchester Parks South letter.
Finance
The balance at the HSBC at the 31st January 2026 was £19,408.46 including reserves.
For those on Annual Membership. A gentle reminder that Membership in now due.
3. Any other business
Warburton Street – What is the status of the building refurbishment backing on to Eastern Revive is there any planning application? Ex Wishing Well is there any planning application for this building? Both locations being in Heritage Areas. One looking an eyesore, the other was shrouded in scaffolding through the Christmas period into February 2026.
Library area – During their planning application. Kennedy’s Irish Bar were restricted in their external decoration. However, the rules have not been as rigorously applied to Bunney’s Outpost, M1 Nail Bar or possibly Saints & Scholars who all appear to have not followed the rules when this area is also a Heritage Area. Cllr Leech advised that M1 Nails have had a case raised against them and which was re-opened on 12th November 2025 regarding their signage.
Fletcher Moss Park – At the last DCS Meeting a question was raised regarding the ground water along the Fletcher Moss Park main path from the old tennis courts to the Stenner Lane gates. A reply has been received back from Joanne Wakeman of Parks South regarding serious culvert and drainage problems which needs further investigation and, in all probability, extra funding.
Next Meeting 16th March 2026
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
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