Attendees: Mike Corlett, Chair, Gordon Browne, Mary Christie, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Cllr Leslie Bell, Ian Johnson.

Apologies: Cllr Andrew Simcock, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Mark Clayton, Ellie Sams.

Acceptance of the Minutes of the 9^th February 2026: Proposed: Ian Johnson, Seconded: Carol Wilkinson

Matters Arising

Parrs Wood Veranda

We are awaiting an indicative quote from Ellie Sams for repair work, allowing us to contact the parade Landlord to request repair action. Mike C to contact the Neighbourhood Team to ascertain the Landlord`s name and contact details.

Sandhurst Road Parking

Mike C reminded the meeting regarding the continuance of parking contraventions outside of ATMOS on the double yellow lines. Still no MCC Parking Enforcement action being carried out. There is a clear RTA danger on this very narrow road with, parents collecting children from Beaver Road School. Could this road be made “One Way” in from Wilmslow Road and out via the traffic lights at Didsbury Park or from Ruabon Road? Gordon B advised that there is no deterrent with the issue of Parking Tickets or Towing Away taking place. Enforcement Officers should be present before pick up time to impose some discipline as this is one of the main entrances to the Didsbury Park Estate. Importantly the vehicles are also regularly idling, which makes a mockery of the drive for clean air in Manchester.

Cllr Leech agreed to send an email to see if an Enforcement Officer could attend occasionally on Sandhurst Road to act as a deterrent?

British Heart Foundation Bench

Mike C is awaiting re-delivery of a replacement bench as the original one was seriously damaged during Courier transit. It was also due to be used for filming in the park as part of the current BHF promotions taking place on T V and in press etc. Update: Bench safely delivered on Friday 13th

Main Agenda

Library

The cleanliness and appearance of the library at the building front have improved recently. Also, the backyard area has been swept, albeit not adequately, as leaves still remain in situ. Mary C reminded that the drainpipes and probably other iron works require attention e.g. painting. Whilst it is acknowledged the rear area has been swept more work is required such as the cardboard waste removed underneath the window sill at basement level. Especially as this is a Heritage area, which we would remind that now has frequent problems and requires much more effort by MCC to ensure that problems and issues are picked up and dealt with early.

It was also acknowledged that there is a complexity of dealing with the rough sleepers who use the library doorway both in day and night time. Never the less a strategy is required to protect the public who use the area. During the night time hours toileting is also a problem and at other times when the library is closed to the public.

Pavements – Didsbury Park Estate

Mike C advised that there has been a great improvement to the pavement area, including the damaged ramps to properties, with new dropped kerb areas being constructed. However, the new kerbs have increased the incidence of driving on the pavements probably due to the new kerb heights. The teams doing the work have been mentioned as being pleasant, helpful and considerate to the residents.

Update on Pride in Place:

It was advised that there are 4 locations which were mentioned for Pride of Place Investment.

• Clayton Vale
• Gorton South
• Benchill and Wythenshawe Central
• Harpurhey South and Monsall

Didsbury is not regarded as a needy suburb. It does however have a high level of aged residents.             The investment is aimed only for deprived areas only in the City of Manchester. Ian Johnson also distributed a paper on the national Civic Society Conference which is soon to take place in Liverpool.  

Bunny`s Outpost

The management have submitted a further licencing amendment application to significantly increase a part of their opening hours to 03:00 am along with other changes (see attached notification).

After discussion it was agreed that the DCS would oppose this change on the grounds of:

• The prevention of crime and disorder.
• Public Safety
• The prevention of Public Nuisance.

Importantly there are also apartments above the next-door premises namely Kennedy`s who would also be troubled with additional night late night noise, taxis picking up and setting down and the general hustle and bustle of late-night closing. Along with additional requests from take aways and fast-food outlets for additional opening hours.

It is understood that Councillor John Leech and Councillor Debbie Hilal are both objecting to the changes.

Councillor Leech has also escalated the problem of their signage obliterating and barring the upstairs window frontage of Bunney`s Outpost, which does not have Planning Permission and could be a hazard in the event of fire.

During the discussion it was agreed that MCC do not defend the Heritage and Conservation issues strongly enough on behalf of the residents.

Community Ward Meetings

Didsbury East do not now currently have meetings which are open to the public. Prior to Covid-19 the meetings were always open to the various community groups in Didsbury. Can this not be reversed and be similar to Didsbury West who has theirs next one scheduled for 5pm 26^th March 2026 at the Islamic High School.

Groundworks Team at Parrs Wood Pocket Park

Mike C commented that the two persons team carrying out the agreed works were very helpful and obliging and have done a great job in improving the park area.

It was also advised that DCS had now raised a NIF Grant application to cover bulbs and perennial plant expenditure omitted from the agreed works costs, our grant application to Manchester Airports Trust also for bulbs and perennial`s has been deferred until our anniversary renewal date in 2027.

It was also agreed prior to the Pocket Park work starting that it was proposed to request AMEY to arrange for a power feed to be supplied to enable Christmas Lights to be displayed from the large Evergreen Tree growing at the circular convergence of the paths.

It had  been discussed with Parrs Wood H S for the 6^th Form to litter pick the area, we need to re-contact with the school to ascertain if the offer still remains in place.

Finances

HSBC Bank Balance stands at £19,406.20. With reserves still in place for the G o C. We also have a Social Trip grant from 2025 to use up on 2026 trips.

A gentle reminder to those on annual membership who have not paid, that subscriptions for 2026 are now due.  

Any other business

• We are pursuing quotes for the G o C to upgrade the paths to a permeable Resin Bound surface to aid wastewater to be returned to the water table.

• Cllr Leech suggested approaching United Utilities to ascertain if grant funding might be available under their various water recycling grants.

• It was also agreed that Mike C would raise the raise a question regarding The Jubilee Garden with Southway Housing Charitable Trust on the gardens continued maintenance and replanting.

Next Meeting 13^th April 2026