Latest news with #AlanQuinn
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Labour should make a swift U-turn on bricks that provide nesting places
As a Labour councillor who has campaigned for over a decade to get developers to fit 'swift bricks' to new buildings, I found the decision by my party's government to block this very upsetting (Labour blocks proposal for 'swift bricks' in all new homes, 23 May). As cabinet member for the environment and climate change, I was instrumental in the decision of Bury council last year to mandate that all new buildings be fitted with swift bricks. This year I've only seen four swifts over where I live in Prestwich. I used to see dozens, and was delighted to hear their screams as they flew over my garden. What is my party so afraid of? The £35 charge on each new house from the building lobby? Being seen as 'woke'? Myopic decisions like this one make a mockery of Labour's pledges on the environment. For thousands of years swifts have migrated from Africa to spend their summers with us, but gradually their traditional nesting places in the nooks and crannies of old buildings have gone. Their numbers have declined by more than 60% in the last few decades. The government should reverse this shortsighted decision as soon as possible to prevent further embarrassment and losing voters to the Greens and Liberal QuinnPrestwich, Greater Manchester Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Bury Sinkhole: Repairs underway after major disruption
Repairs are under way on a huge sinkhole that caused a wave of disruption along a major commuter New Road in Prestwich, Bury - which links Prestwich to the M60 and Manchester City Centre - has been closed since Tuesday after the chasm opened have told how the closure prompted major delays and also affected local Council said the road should reopen late on Friday afternoon after contractors and staff from United Utilities moved in. The authority said its investigation found there had been a crack in a sewer pipe which caused the foundations of the road to erode. A spokesman said: "United Utilities has agreed to repair their sewer using an internal liner, which should be completed later this afternoon."This will allow us to reinstate the carriageway and fully reopen Bury New Road to traffic late tomorrow afternoon."Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: "I want to thank our hard-working and diligent engineers who have helped to get this main road re-opened so quickly." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Bury to get three new 20mph zones in bid to improve road safety
Three new 20mph zones are to be introduced across dangerous roads in Bury as part of plans to improve safety at crash Council wants to introduce the lower speed limit on Church Street, Charlton Avenue in Prestwich, and the Clough Street area of comes after the authority was handed more than £500,000 to spend on improving road safety by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).Bury Councillor Alan Quinn said: "The aim is to carry out relatively modest road safety schemes which can provide high value for money, at known hotspots." A stipulation on the cash spent from TfGM is that it must be spent to make problem roads safer or to reduce speeds and improve safety close to schools. The funds can also be used on schemes like new or upgraded crossing points to support pedestrians and for the 20mph zone on Church Street, which connects Bury with neighbouring Bolton, include traffic calming measures. Other road safety schemes included within Bury Council's most recent budget are a new mini-roundabout at the B6196 Bury Old Road and Arthur Lane, Ainsworth.A new zebra crossing is also planned at Sunnybank Road, Unsworth, near Bloomfield said the schemes "will improve road safety and reduce the risks of danger for all road users". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Why this country park has a duck vending machine
Do you and your family enjoy spending time outside amongst wildlife?Perhaps you like going to feed the ducks at the weekend, but did you know that what you feed them could affect their health?This is why a local council has installed a solar-powered vending machine at Burrs Country Park in Bury, Greater Manchester, selling duck-friendly at the park are hoping this will encourage people to feed them the right things, reminding members of the public that bread can be bad for ducks' health and the quality of their water.A duck's natural diet includes aquatic plants, small fish, seeds, grains, worms and other alternatives such as barley, oats, peas and chopped lettuce are also thought to be good for their stomach health. Visitors can use the machine to buy portions of duck-healthy snacks, and clear signs alert people to the issues of feeding the ducks bread. It is all part of the national Feed The Ducks Initiative, which has been working with local authorities across the country to install the vending machines in a push to reduce bread councillor Alan Quinn said the council was "delighted" to support the scheme, adding: "Don't let it be said that we duck the big decisions.""Everyone likes to feed the ducks and this initiative will help ensure that the birds are getting a healthy diet," he said.
