Manchester can now have their say on how the council improve the city by sharing their visions for 2025.
Manchester City Council set up the initiative to make the region a ‘top flight’ world city.
They will be asking residents to get involved and tell them how they want their city to be improved.
Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, will be holding a Twitter Q and A session from 5-6pm on Monday 28 September to answer questions using #mcrstrategyQT.
Speaking about the strategy, he said: “Manchester has come a long way in the last 20 years.
“We’re recognised nationally and internationally as a dynamic place to be.
“But the challenges we face in the next decade are every bit as significant. We need to make sure Manchester is well-placed to realise its potential and to help its people flourish.
“This strategy means nothing unless it reflects the aspirations of Manchester people.
“We need to hear from them to help shape it and ensure it speaks with an authentic Mancunian voice.”
With this call-to-arms ringing in our ears, MM took to the streets to ask the people of Manchester what they thought needed improving within the city.
A majority of those asked suggested that improvements should be made to public transport, and this is a key part of the Strategy recently announced by Manchester Leaders’ Forum.
Robert Bracegirdle, 71, from Leicester stated: “Manchester should have an elected mayor.
“The transport authorities within Manchester ought to have more power and the buses should work with the trams rather than against them.”
Ty Griffiths, Bolton, said: “There needs to be a period of stability.
“Too much building work is happening at the same time.
“There should also be a greater number of small gig venues in the city.”
Julie Crook, 58, from Bolton, said: “There is too much building work happening in Manchester and the work is taking too long.”
Alan Hales 67, from Salford stated “The building work should be planned better.
“So many people have stopped me in the street to ask me where the nearest tram station is whilst St Peter’s is out of action. This is because it is poorly signposted.”
However, Anne Taylor, 72, from Manchester, disagreed with many of the surveyors, stating: “The buses and trams are good but pavements should be levelled out on local streets because it can be hard to walk on uneven streets.”
Chris Garwood 45, from Manchester, said: “The roads going south should be better, traffic needs to be directed towards Upper Brook Street.”
William Jones 52, from Manchester argued the cleanliness of the city was a concern.
He said: “The backstreets of Manchester are piled up with rubbish and the pavements are in a poor state.”
“There’s too many events happening within Manchester, everywhere you go there is something going on rather than there being places to relax. “
Ursula Cooley 87, from Manchester, focused on the galleries in Manchester. “The art galleries should go back to showing pictures rather than the new technology they show now.”
She also said that: “Granada TV should be forced to clear up their area.”
Adam Clayton 45, from Castlefield, said “There should be more trees on the street to make it look good.
“Whilst the building work is tiring to see, it is essential work that is being done however.
“There should also be a greater number of bike lanes and the capacity of the trains ought to be increased.”
Kayvon Dehghan, 30, from Cheadle Hulme, commutes to Manchester every day and stated: “There are too many different bus networks.
“Manchester should introduce a travel card system similar to what they have in London.
“Currently a journey could include a bus, train and tram to get across the city and you should not need to get 3 separate tickets.
“Public transport companies should work together.”
Image courtesy of Julius, courtesy of Wikipedia, with thanks.
