Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Ian Johnson, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Jannine Cottingham, Mark Clayton, Cllr John Leech,
Apologies: Ellie Sams, Gordon Browne, Mary Christie, Cllr Andrew Simcock.
Acceptance Of the Minutes: 14th September 2026, Proposed: Carol Wilkinson, Seconded: Debbie Hilal
Follow up on Café 200 Degrees + Photograph
It is understood that permission will be requested for a 10 outdoor table plan with chairs. We have been requested to await submission of proposed layout. The question will be who will manage the responsibility for and take action for any “seating creep” in such a tight pedestrian zone? Cllr Leech has asked for copies of the photographs taken during the MCC Planning visit. Currently none had been forthcoming. It was also stated that MCC do not appear to listen to constructive objections, of which we understand there have been some from the public, outside of this meeting.
Who will take responsibility for on pavement parking as per the attached photograph?
Follow up on Blue Badge Parking
Mike Corlett advised that the DCS has not had any updates from MCC, or if there has there been any progress or reports from Enforcement or GMP?
Cllr Debbie Hilal agreed to follow up and progress with Cllr Simcock. Currently this problem still appears to be very active around, and on the double yellow line parking at the junction of Sandhurst and Wilmslow Roads.
The situation can only be regarded at least as highly dangerous rather than inconsiderate.
Cllr Hilal advised that she believed more enforcement of the situation was required.
There is also now regular full vehicle pavement parking at the corner of Dalston Drive and Didsbury Park Road. Importantly the vehicles physically have to mount the new kerbs to carry out this action, which is illegal to drive on the pavement.
Can we ask why are enforcement not engaging in resolving this important matter with the Community? Can the DCS also be provided with information regarding the number of Enforcement visits at key times to the critical areas, the number of parking tickets issued and if any vehicles have been uplifted?
Follow up on the Library Enforcement
A meeting is scheduled for Friday 23rd October at DGN which Tom Collins of Neighbourhoods and Mike Corlett will attend to discuss the status of the situation, as previously requested from the September 2026 meeting. It can also be advised that on 19th October one of the females within the anti-social group who has a mini small bulldog type dog? was on top note in the garden being asked several times to lower the verbal tone and reduce the number of “F” words being used in a Garden of Remembrance as there were several school children coming and going into the library at the time. A passing individual also expressed his concern towards the commotion taking place. The community needs to see/hear that a new Order has been issued to this group. It is understood that new Alcohol Signage will be installed to remind users that the area is a “no drinking “area.
It is also understood that the perpetrators do have to be identified for Enforcement to be served, which was confirmed by Cllr Richard Kilpatrick. It was also suggested that it would be helpful if Businesses also complained if required.
It was also felt that the ASB Team still needs to be more proactive in these matters. Cllr Hilal agreed to investigate the current outstanding status of any maintenance programme for the library which appears to be unresolved.
Pedestrian pinch points and obstacles on Wilmslow Road
The narrowing of the Wilmslow Road pavement, due to directional signage needs some significant operational reconsideration/removal. Is this signage necessary in the days of “Satnavs” in cars, and hand-held terminals etc. No doubt we will be advised that the gap distances are in keeping but do not appear take any account of the pedestrian traffic levels or can even can we improve the situation we are living with? (see attached photograph) Does it really take account of disability in the 21C? Have highways checked the “Walking traffic figures” recently.
Heritage Open Days 2026
The Opening night donations appear to have been lower this year though, it is not clear whether visitor numbers were also reduced. The new multiparticipant banners were more inclusive with the logos of the Old Parsonage, Didsbury Library and the DCS. As a question do we need more publicity In the lead up to the Opening Night? Janinne Cottingham suggested that a closing night event might be helpful? Perhaps with a second donation on the last night with drinks and buffet etc? It was also asked if the coverage area was now too wide for older participants. Cllr Richard suggested a rotation or a split venues on an annual basis could remove any symptom of the repetition of site fatigue?
As an aside this year the Cheadle C S have made a great success with their Agatha Christie events along with tours of Abney Hall with both events being oversubscribed as free events.
Financial Report
HSBC bank balance at the 30th September 2026 stood at £16331.11
Any Other Business
It is advised that the DCS has received a Grant from the Duchy of Lancaster for £2500
The recent relaying of the pavements on Didsbury Park Road and area has attracted some complaints regarding the quality of materials used in the last phase including black footprints to the new edgings and damage to some ramps installed previously at the householder`s expense.
It was again felt that there was a lack of any MCC response to maintaining Didsbury Heritage, including why Bunney`s and M1 Nails were allowed to operate in this area of heritage when they are clearly not bothered about the history of the area?
The Wishing Well continues to deteriorate and now has a two-layer security fence?
Overgrowing trees are still an increasing problem along Palatine Road and it has become like driving through a tunnel with restricted street lighting.
The private garden at the corner of Sandhurst Road is starting to significantly over- hang the public side of the wall boundary wall on Sandhurst Road opposite ATMOS and needs cutting back. Along with some statutory tree pruning from its joining with Wilmslow Road.
The G o C Benefactors funding plaque is progressing towards completion at a cost of £315.
The DCS would request their reinstatement to the circulation list of Planning and Licencing Applications for Didsbury East and West as we have not been receiving email copies for some time?
The next meeting is scheduled for the 9th November 2026.
Last Updated: October 25, 2026 by Ellie
Minutes of the General Meeting 12th October 2026
Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Ian Johnson, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Jannine Cottingham, Mark Clayton, Cllr John Leech,
Apologies: Ellie Sams, Gordon Browne, Mary Christie, Cllr Andrew Simcock.
Acceptance Of the Minutes: 14th September 2026, Proposed: Carol Wilkinson, Seconded: Debbie Hilal
Follow up on Café 200 Degrees + Photograph
It is understood that permission will be requested for a 10 outdoor table plan with chairs. We have been requested to await submission of proposed layout. The question will be who will manage the responsibility for and take action for any “seating creep” in such a tight pedestrian zone? Cllr Leech has asked for copies of the photographs taken during the MCC Planning visit. Currently none had been forthcoming. It was also stated that MCC do not appear to listen to constructive objections, of which we understand there have been some from the public, outside of this meeting.
Who will take responsibility for on pavement parking as per the attached photograph?
Follow up on Blue Badge Parking
Mike Corlett advised that the DCS has not had any updates from MCC, or if there has there been any progress or reports from Enforcement or GMP?
Cllr Debbie Hilal agreed to follow up and progress with Cllr Simcock. Currently this problem still appears to be very active around, and on the double yellow line parking at the junction of Sandhurst and Wilmslow Roads.
The situation can only be regarded at least as highly dangerous rather than inconsiderate.
Cllr Hilal advised that she believed more enforcement of the situation was required.
There is also now regular full vehicle pavement parking at the corner of Dalston Drive and Didsbury Park Road. Importantly the vehicles physically have to mount the new kerbs to carry out this action, which is illegal to drive on the pavement.
Can we ask why are enforcement not engaging in resolving this important matter with the Community? Can the DCS also be provided with information regarding the number of Enforcement visits at key times to the critical areas, the number of parking tickets issued and if any vehicles have been uplifted?
Follow up on the Library Enforcement
A meeting is scheduled for Friday 23rd October at DGN which Tom Collins of Neighbourhoods and Mike Corlett will attend to discuss the status of the situation, as previously requested from the September 2026 meeting. It can also be advised that on 19th October one of the females within the anti-social group who has a mini small bulldog type dog? was on top note in the garden being asked several times to lower the verbal tone and reduce the number of “F” words being used in a Garden of Remembrance as there were several school children coming and going into the library at the time. A passing individual also expressed his concern towards the commotion taking place. The community needs to see/hear that a new Order has been issued to this group. It is understood that new Alcohol Signage will be installed to remind users that the area is a “no drinking “area.
It is also understood that the perpetrators do have to be identified for Enforcement to be served, which was confirmed by Cllr Richard Kilpatrick. It was also suggested that it would be helpful if Businesses also complained if required.
It was also felt that the ASB Team still needs to be more proactive in these matters. Cllr Hilal agreed to investigate the current outstanding status of any maintenance programme for the library which appears to be unresolved.
Pedestrian pinch points and obstacles on Wilmslow Road
The narrowing of the Wilmslow Road pavement, due to directional signage needs some significant operational reconsideration/removal. Is this signage necessary in the days of “Satnavs” in cars, and hand-held terminals etc. No doubt we will be advised that the gap distances are in keeping but do not appear take any account of the pedestrian traffic levels or can even can we improve the situation we are living with? (see attached photograph) Does it really take account of disability in the 21C? Have highways checked the “Walking traffic figures” recently.
Heritage Open Days 2026
The Opening night donations appear to have been lower this year though, it is not clear whether visitor numbers were also reduced. The new multiparticipant banners were more inclusive with the logos of the Old Parsonage, Didsbury Library and the DCS. As a question do we need more publicity In the lead up to the Opening Night? Janinne Cottingham suggested that a closing night event might be helpful? Perhaps with a second donation on the last night with drinks and buffet etc? It was also asked if the coverage area was now too wide for older participants. Cllr Richard suggested a rotation or a split venues on an annual basis could remove any symptom of the repetition of site fatigue?
As an aside this year the Cheadle C S have made a great success with their Agatha Christie events along with tours of Abney Hall with both events being oversubscribed as free events.
Financial Report
HSBC bank balance at the 30th September 2026 stood at £16331.11
Any Other Business
It is advised that the DCS has received a Grant from the Duchy of Lancaster for £2500
The recent relaying of the pavements on Didsbury Park Road and area has attracted some complaints regarding the quality of materials used in the last phase including black footprints to the new edgings and damage to some ramps installed previously at the householder`s expense.
It was again felt that there was a lack of any MCC response to maintaining Didsbury Heritage, including why Bunney`s and M1 Nails were allowed to operate in this area of heritage when they are clearly not bothered about the history of the area?
The Wishing Well continues to deteriorate and now has a two-layer security fence?
Overgrowing trees are still an increasing problem along Palatine Road and it has become like driving through a tunnel with restricted street lighting.
The private garden at the corner of Sandhurst Road is starting to significantly over- hang the public side of the wall boundary wall on Sandhurst Road opposite ATMOS and needs cutting back. Along with some statutory tree pruning from its joining with Wilmslow Road.
The G o C Benefactors funding plaque is progressing towards completion at a cost of £315.
The DCS would request their reinstatement to the circulation list of Planning and Licencing Applications for Didsbury East and West as we have not been receiving email copies for some time?
The next meeting is scheduled for the 9th November 2026.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Category: Minutes
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