Droylsden East Labour

WHISTLES TO BE SILENCED AT LITTLEMOSS LEVEL CROSSING

Sunday, 13 February 2011

Cllr Kieran Quinn and David Heyes MP along with local residents affected by the Whistle Board

In September last year Network Rail installed boards instructing train drivers to sound their whistle as they approached the Littlemoss level crossing. We first became aware of the whistle board problem when Littlemoss residents contacted both of us separately to say that every train, from early in the morning until late at night, was sounding a very loud whistle and that the noise was making their lives a misery.

Despite several letters from each of us as Council Leader and Member of Parliament Network Rail proved very difficult to pin down. Requests for Network Rail to meet and discuss the problem seemed to meet with delaying tactics. We decided that we needed to join forces to tackle Network Rail on behalf of the residents and we demanded a meeting with Network Rail bosses.

At the meeting Network Rail told us that they had installed the whistle boards because they had concerns about pedestrian safety at the level crossing. During the meeting Network Rail gave vague answers when they were asked about the investigations that had led to the whistleboards being installed. They could not give any evidence of any risk assessments or of any serious consideration of alternative solutions. We advised Network Rail that if the whistles continued the Council would use its powers to take them to court for Noise Nuisance.

At the end of the meeting we insisted that Network Rail go away and consider alternative options. A meeting was set for 11 February 2011 for Network Rail to come back with some answers. In the meantime, to keep the pressure on, a letter went from the Member of Parliament to the Chief Executive of Network Rail with a Freedom of information Request for all internal paperwork on the issue. This week, before that second meeting could take place, Network Rail contacted us to say that they would impose speed restrictions instead and that the whistles would stop in three weeks time. RESULT!!!

By working together with residents and refusing to be fobbed off we have at last been able to force Network Rail to see sense. This has taken longer than we would have liked to reach a successful conclusion and we would like to thank you all for your patience and for continuing to trust us to do our best for our constituents. We hope that you are as pleased as we are that our joint efforts have delivered the desired outcome.

Cllr Kieran Quinn - Droylsden East Councillor

David Heyes - Member of Parliament

Help keep a Droylsden No7 Bus Route

Thursday, 27 January 2011

RESIDENTS are up in arms at plans to axe a popular bus route through Droylsden.

The No7 bus travels from Ashton to Stockport via Droylsden. It is a bus route that is both essential and also well used. Operators Stagecoach say the running of the number 7 that goes through the town has been adversely affected by work on the Metrolink so are asking users to give their views in an online questionnaire.

One of the options is to cut Droylsden out completely, the idea being to ‘alter the route to omit Droylsden by running via Ashton Old Road between Openshaw and Ashton.’ It is this option that the Droylsden councillors along with residents who use the bus are campaigning against.

The other two options are to cut the frequency of the bus or change the route through neighbouring Reddish. The company plan to implement one or more of the options.

On their website Stagecoach said: “Customers will be aware that our performance on this service has been adversely affected by roadworks in the Droylsden and Audenshaw areas, caused by construction of the new Metrolink line. As these works are set to continue for a further significant period of time, we have been looking at the options available to us to try to ensure that we can maintain an attractive and reliable service.”

Droylsden Councillor and Executive Council Leader, Cllr Kieran Quinn said: "Get on board to save popular bus service"

"It is really important that as many of our residents as possible take part in this consultation if they want this popular bus to remain coming through our town.

As Cllr Susan Quinn added “There is no point failing to take part then complaining if the service gets axed from Droylsden. I know it is very popular with our residents, so they need to let Stagecoach know as well. Remember Stagecoach may decide to implement more than one of the options and I’m sure that once the service has been cut we will find it extremely hard to get it back on track, even once the Metrolink is up and running.

In finishing Cllr Jim Middleton added “We are all aware that the construction work is causing problems for everyone who lives in the area, but that should not be used as an excuse to cut services to our town even more.”

Stagecoach plan to implement their changes from January 30 so residents should make their views known by then by clicking on: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=71D4VhehtwVK9Y6bT3Y1gA%3d%3d.

The above photo shows Cllrs Susan & Kieran Quinn with local residents who have petitioned Stagecoach to keep the No7 travelling through Droylsden.

A Happy & Prosperous New Year

Thursday, 30 December 2010

Your Droylsden East Labour team work hard for residents all year round. Our reputation has been built up over many decades. Local people know we are always available to help.

Your Labour team care what local people think and are the only party that listens to and regularly ask for your comments. Last year we delivered 6 separate leaflets as well as our annual Christmas card. Something no other organisation can match.

Our pledge for 2011 is to continue listening to you and working hard to help make sure that Droylsden improves. We will also be keeping a close check on the Metrolink works as it moves through Droylsden.

As we welcome in the New Year can we wish all our residents a happy and prosperous 2011.

Merry Christmas to Droylsden Residents from your Labour Team

Saturday, 25 December 2010

Cllr Kieran Quinn, Cllr Susan Quinn and Cllr Jim Middleton wish all residents a very Merry Christmas.

This is the time of year that we think of family and friends.

It is also right that we spend a moment to think about those who are on their own at this time.

Whatever your circumstances we hope you have a peaceful and joyous holiday.

Thanks for Voting Labour in Droylsden East

Wednesday, 1 December 2010

The May 2010 election result in Droylsden East showed how voters appreciate the excellent work your 3 Labour Councillor’s do - ALL YEAR ROUND.

Once again, given a clear choice at this election, voters in Droylsden put Labour first.

Local people know it is not by chance that Tameside’s Labour Council is one of the best performing Councils in the country.

The BNP had a disastrous election. Not only did their actual vote fall, their share of the vote halved.

The Tories had privately talked up their chances of coming second, however they missed out by only 16 votes. Voters in Droylsden stuck with Labour - for that we are indebted.

Our pledge to local people is to make sure your faith in Labour is returned with continued hard work and dedication.

UPDATE - Who put this here

You may recall the frustration of your 3 Labour Councillors with Metrolink's designers and planners when they decided to put this street light right in the middle of the new footpath, blocking its use for anyone with a pram or a motorised buggy.

Common sense has prevailed and they have agreed to move it back and create space.

This won't however be done for a while yet because to do so requires part of the road to be coned and the last thing we need are further traffic restrictions in the Town centre.

We will let you know when this is scheduled

Another Droylsden East Labour leaflet Delivered to 5000 homes

Monday, 29 November 2010

Below is the most recent leaflet delivered FREE to residents in Droylsden East.

All our leaflets are delivered jointly by your 3 Labour Councillors along with help from volunteers who live in the Droylsden area.

We are the only Party that regularly informs local people about what is happening in our town as well as consulting with local people on any issues that are considered important.

In 2010 residents received 5 separate leaflets as well as some individual personalised letters.

This backs up our pledge to work all year round for you.