Present: Mike Corlett (chair), Cllr Debbie Hilal, Ellie Sams, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Geoff Bridson, Mark Clayton, Cllr Leslie Bell, and new member Arafat Mirza.
Apologies: Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Janine Cottingham, Cllr John Leech, Mary Christie, Gordon Browne.
Acceptance of Minutes for 8th September 2025:
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mark Clayton
1. Proposed MCC Planning Consultation:
Initially there was a good discussion regarding the differences between heritage areas and listed buildings status in heritage areas. This was mainly specific to Kennedys Irish Bar, which after the past discussions on opening hours, the colour etc, everyone expressed how it had improved the area and was reported as being well run. Congratulations to all involved.
Attached is a letter of invitation for the public to give their views on future MCC Planning proposals at one of their “walk in” venues to comment on the Manchester Plan. The main discussion point from the attendees on the night was whether MCC Planning need to review the Bye Laws specific to allowable external paint colours in heritage areas and the use of shabby external decorations which are not in keeping.
2.Garden of Contemplation Christmas Tree Discussion
A discussion took place to explain that the 2024 installation of a 30-foot tree was by far too much for the area concerned. It was advised that the electricity was also off for most of the 2024 Christmas period. Within the discussion it was favoured that a smaller tree could be installed. A suggestion has been sent to the Neighbourhood Manager on 14/10/25 after the meeting that a 10 – foot tree above ground would be more acceptable. Along with a favourable attitude to the absence of industrial standard barriers and the use of solar lights rather than a full electricity connection would be a good solution. Cllr Simcock agreed to pursue why barriers are required for solar lights with Amey. Since the meeting it is understood that the ideas for the 2026 festivities will be discussed during January 2026.
3. DCS NIF Grant Submission for the Festive Season
The DCS had applied for a NIF Grant of £1500, but understands that our requirements have now been rolled into the traders and community request. The request covered the purchase of a tree, festive lighting and any electrics if required within the new garden. We were advised by Cllr Simcock that
the Ward Neighbourhood Manager had taken action to include retrospectively the amount for the garden costs resulting in 2025 costs now being covered off.
Within the 2026 discussion it was suggested that new alternatives could be put in place with a planted tree to the soft area where the BT phone boxes were previously installed. Alternatively a suitable potted decorative tree compatible to any shading by the current trees in the area, new electrics if necessary and the use of lighting strings along the concourse with soft ambient lights solar powered. This would provide a greener solution in line with the MCC climate plan and also removing the need and cost to annually cut down a living tree and its disposal each year.
4. Blair Grant Award for September 2025 Social Trip
The DCS has applied for and received confirmation of an award grant for the above social trip of £1095. Its arrival to the bank is still awaited and missed our travel date to the Winter Gardens. It will be a bonus for use in our 2026 visits reducing costs.
5. Parrs Wood Glass Veranda
The state of repair of the glass and iron works is still a cause of concern. We have previously asked for the Planning Enforcement team to contact the Landlords and request that urgent maintenance is carried out. Cllr Simcock had that day asked that the team visit the owners/landlords regarding their responsibility as owners to carry out the maintenance. We have been advised that regular inspections every 6 months are taking place, however the repairs still remain outstanding. There are approximately 7 of 40 panels of the wired security glass missing, cracked or broken. It is understood that the absence affects the stability and integrity of the actual structure and is a Health and Safety issue. Importantly the pavement area below forms part of the footpath for pedestrians including school children.
6. Didsbury Street Lighting
The street lighting in several areas is being severely reduced due to roadside trees becoming a problem with the lighting units being overgrown by the tree branches and leaves. Whilst the two areas mentioned are not unique the A5145 Wilmslow Road from the Thorn Bank Wood bus stop up to the Auld Alderman, plus the B5167 Palatine Road from Barlow Moor Road to Northenden Bridge are two good examples, along with the additional dangers of black clad cyclists and scooter riders on the route some without lights. Certainly, these two highway areas need some work being carried out.
Finance
HSBC Balance £17776.68 including reserves.
Any other Business
- Didsbury in Bloom who carry out the central Didsbury clean ups have asked if a clean-up financial levy could be considered by MCC on the pubs forming part of the Didsbury Dozen. The event now covers most weeks on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Biffa do a great job on the aftermath with two daily morning clean ups. Is this enough?
- On these nights we are also seeing large numbers of male and female parties spread across the pavements, some with bottles and glasses in hand and loud voices prompting people to take evasive action and perhaps cause discomfort to others? Could MCC licencing visit to check that the licensees are operating in line with their responsibilities, specific to outside drinkers being outside of the premises curtilage?
- It is understood that the possibility of a garden watering facility within the central area is still progressing via the Neighbourhood Team for installation in the Disability Access/ Pram access area of the library.
- Geoff Bridson raised again the number of new trees being planted within the grassed area of Didsbury Park. It was advised that MCC has taken up the problem with the Friends of Didsbury Park.
- It was agreed that we will progress the purchase of a metal cut out “Tommy” silhouette for the Garden of Contemplation as previously agreed, Carol Wilkinson will pursue.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Posted: October 24, 2025 by Ellie
Minutes of the General Meeting of the 13th October 2025
Present: Mike Corlett (chair), Cllr Debbie Hilal, Ellie Sams, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Geoff Bridson, Mark Clayton, Cllr Leslie Bell, and new member Arafat Mirza.
Apologies: Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Janine Cottingham, Cllr John Leech, Mary Christie, Gordon Browne.
Acceptance of Minutes for 8th September 2025:
Proposed: Carol Wilkinson Seconded: Mark Clayton
1. Proposed MCC Planning Consultation:
Initially there was a good discussion regarding the differences between heritage areas and listed buildings status in heritage areas. This was mainly specific to Kennedys Irish Bar, which after the past discussions on opening hours, the colour etc, everyone expressed how it had improved the area and was reported as being well run. Congratulations to all involved.
Attached is a letter of invitation for the public to give their views on future MCC Planning proposals at one of their “walk in” venues to comment on the Manchester Plan. The main discussion point from the attendees on the night was whether MCC Planning need to review the Bye Laws specific to allowable external paint colours in heritage areas and the use of shabby external decorations which are not in keeping.
2.Garden of Contemplation Christmas Tree Discussion
A discussion took place to explain that the 2024 installation of a 30-foot tree was by far too much for the area concerned. It was advised that the electricity was also off for most of the 2024 Christmas period. Within the discussion it was favoured that a smaller tree could be installed. A suggestion has been sent to the Neighbourhood Manager on 14/10/25 after the meeting that a 10 – foot tree above ground would be more acceptable. Along with a favourable attitude to the absence of industrial standard barriers and the use of solar lights rather than a full electricity connection would be a good solution. Cllr Simcock agreed to pursue why barriers are required for solar lights with Amey. Since the meeting it is understood that the ideas for the 2026 festivities will be discussed during January 2026.
3. DCS NIF Grant Submission for the Festive Season
The DCS had applied for a NIF Grant of £1500, but understands that our requirements have now been rolled into the traders and community request. The request covered the purchase of a tree, festive lighting and any electrics if required within the new garden. We were advised by Cllr Simcock that
the Ward Neighbourhood Manager had taken action to include retrospectively the amount for the garden costs resulting in 2025 costs now being covered off.
Within the 2026 discussion it was suggested that new alternatives could be put in place with a planted tree to the soft area where the BT phone boxes were previously installed. Alternatively a suitable potted decorative tree compatible to any shading by the current trees in the area, new electrics if necessary and the use of lighting strings along the concourse with soft ambient lights solar powered. This would provide a greener solution in line with the MCC climate plan and also removing the need and cost to annually cut down a living tree and its disposal each year.
4. Blair Grant Award for September 2025 Social Trip
The DCS has applied for and received confirmation of an award grant for the above social trip of £1095. Its arrival to the bank is still awaited and missed our travel date to the Winter Gardens. It will be a bonus for use in our 2026 visits reducing costs.
5. Parrs Wood Glass Veranda
The state of repair of the glass and iron works is still a cause of concern. We have previously asked for the Planning Enforcement team to contact the Landlords and request that urgent maintenance is carried out. Cllr Simcock had that day asked that the team visit the owners/landlords regarding their responsibility as owners to carry out the maintenance. We have been advised that regular inspections every 6 months are taking place, however the repairs still remain outstanding. There are approximately 7 of 40 panels of the wired security glass missing, cracked or broken. It is understood that the absence affects the stability and integrity of the actual structure and is a Health and Safety issue. Importantly the pavement area below forms part of the footpath for pedestrians including school children.
6. Didsbury Street Lighting
The street lighting in several areas is being severely reduced due to roadside trees becoming a problem with the lighting units being overgrown by the tree branches and leaves. Whilst the two areas mentioned are not unique the A5145 Wilmslow Road from the Thorn Bank Wood bus stop up to the Auld Alderman, plus the B5167 Palatine Road from Barlow Moor Road to Northenden Bridge are two good examples, along with the additional dangers of black clad cyclists and scooter riders on the route some without lights. Certainly, these two highway areas need some work being carried out.
Finance
HSBC Balance £17776.68 including reserves.
Any other Business
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Category: Uncategorized
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