Hale Independent Issue 164

MAY 2024 4 AN Altrincham teenager who successfully cam- paigned for a new road crossing in the town has been praised for her efforts by Greater Man- chester’s Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey. Dame Sarah also met with local schoolchildren to see how the new crossing is making it safer for them to walk, wheel and cycle to and from school. The new signalised cross- ing on Dunham Road has been installed thanks to a three-year campaign by local schoolgirl Eleanor Horner, who found the former road lay out dangerous to cross. Eleanor, who was 13 at the time, launched a peti- tion calling for a new cross- ing and then presented her case to members at a Traf- ford Council meeting. The council’s executive committee went on to approve proposals for new walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure on the A56 Dunham Road, between its junctions with Gorsey Lane and St Marga- ret’s Road. Dame Sarah met with Eleanor at the crossing and was joined by pupils from Altrincham CE Primary School and Youth Travel Ambassadors from Altrin- cham Grammar School for Girls. Eleanor, now 18 and a sixth former at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, said: “Originally there was just a small island in the middle of Dunham Road and people told me that they found it too narrow for a bike or a pushchair. “I would have liked to have cycled to school myself, but it just didn’t feel safe enough Postcode hits the jackpot THE latest funding rounds available for Traf- ford voluntary groups and organisations working to help improve people’s health through art have been announced. The grants scheme aims to support local activities which focus on arts, culture and heritage. Trafford voluntary, com- munity, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organ- isations can apply for up to £3,000 to develop and deliver activities for community spaces, including youth cen- tres and libraries. The grants can help fos- tering a sense of local pride and belonging, through investment in activities that enhance physical, cultural and social ties and amenities. Nathan Atkinson, Trafford Council’s corporate director for adults and wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve already been able to give out grants to worthy recipients but now we want more groups to apply. “The benefits of art engage- ment are enormous. Partic- ipation helps us to express ourselves, boosts confidence and improves our wellbeing. “Engaging with the arts can also help at a commu- nity level helping commu- nities to deal with major challenges, such as ageing and loneliness.” To be awarded funding, groups will need to demon- strate how their application will increase pride in Traf- ford, help to reduce loneliness and social isolation, improve residents’ health and wellbe- ing, reduce health inequali- ties and celebrate diversity. This project has been made possible thanks to Greater Manchester Combined Authority securing funding to deliver UK Shared Pros- perity Fund (UKSPF) pro- jects, which forms part of the government’s wider Levelling Up agenda. A total of £40.3million will be invested in Greater Man- chester’s 10 local authorities to improve pride in place, support creating space for businesses in city and town centres as well as increas- ing investment to create attractive and exciting high streets, green space, arts and heritage events across Greater Manchester. Locally, the fund is admin- istered by Trafford Collective the organisation which sup- ports VCFSE organisations within Trafford. The deadline for the latest round of funding is April 28. A fourth round will be open from July 1-28. For more information on the application process, including how to apply, visit the Trafford Collec- tive website. Putting funding in the picture Crossing campaigner Eleanor’s achievement is ‘astronomical’ Safety first: Altrincham CE Primary School pupils with Dame Sarah at the crossing (Photo credit: Transport for Greater Manchester) Meeting: Dame Sarah Storey with Eleanor Horner, who campaigned for the new crossing (Photo credit: Transport for Greater Manchester) to do so at the time. When I launched the campaign, I never imagined it would result in the set up that we have now. “It’s incredible that there are now several places for pedestrians to cross, a cycle lane and a cycle crossing as well. I’m now able to cycle to school and safely cross the road – you just follow the green path and you’re there.” Dame Sarah sa id : “Eleanor’s achievement is astronomical and we can’t overemphasise the positive impact the new crossing is having on people in the local area. “Not only do you now have a signalised crossing point for people walking and wheeling, but there is also the cycle crossing and the linked cycle track into the quieter streets which allow Eleanor and others to now cycle safely across this busy road. Making it safer for children to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school is a priority as we build the inte- grated Bee Network and it was clear from my visit that this new crossing is already benefitting young people in Altrincham.” A community and fam- ily fun day took place at John Leigh Park to cel- ebrate the completion of the new crossing with a range of cycling and walk- ing activities. Around 200 people attended, with more than 30 children attended a balance bike session including four who learned to cycle on the day. Meanwhile more than 40 pre-loved cycles were purchased from The Renew Hub and around 50 people had their bikes serviced at the ‘Dr Bike’ stall. MORE than 220 people living in the same postcode in Hale are celebrating their big lot- tery win. A total of 226 lucky resi- dents living inWA15 9 picked up People’s Postcode Lottery cheques for at least £9,211 with two winning a stagger- ing £407,032 each. They received the good news at a winners’ recep- tion held at the Bowdon Rooms which revealed their exact share of a £3.2mil- lion jackpot. The winning postcode is an area of Hale that includes part of Ashley Road, Westgate, Leigh Road, Cecil Road, Harrop Road, Planetree Road andWarwick Drive.