Strines News: Number 1: April 2003

Wake up call for Strines

Recent events concerning the proposed development of Strines Print Works site have served as a wake up call to Strines. We were very nearly caught napping when Harrow Estates came calling. Their plan to demolish the buildings and erect 132 dwellings - more than doubling the population of Strines - would if successful change the face of our village forever. It became apparent at the meeting held at St. Paul's Church Hall on Wed 5th Feb 03 when over 100 residents turned out to voice their opinion that almost the entire village had concerns about the potential detrimental effects this could have on the area. Many objections were raised however the main one seemed to be the sheer scale. A unanimous vote was taken to object to this development as it currently stands. A letter was sent to Mr. Robinson at Stockport MBC Planning Department covering all the objections raised at the meeting.

What happens next?

The Marple Area Committee will meet on the 16th April 2003. The Proposed development of Strines Print Works Site will be on their agenda.

At that meeting a representative of the objectors and the developer will have three minutes each to address the committee. Andy Wood, a member of Strines Area Residents Association will speak on behalf of the objectors. He will reinforce the views expressed at the meeting, which previously took place at St Paul's Church Hall on Wednesday 5th February 2003.

Having had time to consider all the information made available to them including the recommendations made by the planning officer Mr Robinson and the many objection letters received, the Marple Area Councillors should make a decision to grant, refuse or defer for further information, or a site visit.

The meeting will take place upstairs at Marple Library on Wednesday 16th April at 6pm

Whilst the views of the objectors have been and will continue to be well represented it would give the developer an indication of the continued strength of feeling against their current proposal if a large number of residents were to attend.

Strines Area Residents Association under construction

The threat we are currently facing has highlighted the need to have an organised group who could represent the community as a whole to ensure our views on this and any other issues are heard.

A group of local people have come together to start the ball rolling. Their aims are to try to provide help and support to residents, with issues affecting the community. We wish to work with local people to protect our environment, build on our community spirit and achieve a stronger sense of identity for Strines. Whilst taking on the serious issues which effect our village we would also like to organise a variety of social events including reviving some which used to take place like the Strines Barn Dance and Bullsh*t competition.

This year we are well on the way to finalising the organisation of the barn dance which should take place on Sat 6th Sept. 2003 at Whitecroft Farm Barn. It will be a family event and we will let everyone know more details in due course.

If this event is successful we hope to combine it with a fun day and the Bullsh*t Competition next year. (We would welcome ideas for social events)

The group has been structured as a co-operative. Each member will have their own areas of interest and particular skills, however we will work together as a team to provide help and support to the community where needed. We would like the group to be approachable and wish to represent the interests of the entire community and would also have a group of project volunteers who wish to help out on an ad-hock basis and a group of advisors who can offer their experience and expertise to the group if needed.

We would like to hear from anyone who wishes to be involved in any capacity.

How will we know your views?

Our contact details will be placed on the community notice board (The Post Office Window)

We also have a web site, which has a community forum. The group will also organise community meetings when issues arise which could affect the village or to plan community events.

How will we keep you informed?

We aim to produce a newsletter (Quarterly to start with), which will help to keep everyone up to date with village issues and events these will be available from the Post Office, delivered house-to-house and posted on the web site.

We will post notices on the community notice board, web site and have approached the local press with a view to including Strines in their community news sections.

(If you are planning an event or wish to make an announcement please contact Mandy Hatch).

Other village issues

Strines Tennis Club needs members

Strines Recreation Ground, as it should be known - because it also has a Bowling Green, belongs to the people of Strines, as Strines Print Works gave it to the village. It is a registered charity run by a group of trustees on behalf of the community. Suprisingly there are still a few people who live in Strines Area who don't know about this facility or where it is!

It is in fact down on the far end of the print works site, just beyond the two white cottages. It is there to be used by the people of Strines and has two tennis courts, a sports pavilion with indoor table tennis and a bowling green in need of a great deal of work!

The Membership secretary Richard Hardisty has said he would welcome any group who would be interested in trying to revive it (note that anyone interested may be able to gain access to grants to help with the costs - call Mandy Hatch for more info). Unfortunately, unless we do more to support the club, we may find we loose it one day.

The membership fee is £35.00 PA or £55.00 for a family. The club has a web site, which gives more info: www.strinestennis.co.uk. Membership forms are available from Strines Post Office. If you do have any problems please contact Mandy Hatch or Sue Barns and we will try to help.

Strines Post Office

Keeping rural post offices open in this day and age isn't easy, but Bill and Jean battle on. Recently Camelot have added to their problems telling them they may loose the lottery as they don't sell enough tickets! This can only make things more difficult for them. I for one will be buying my ticket from there from now on!

Fund Raising

We are trying to raise funds for Strines Community projects (including helping the Tennis Club, fighting the Print Works Development and organising social events. Any donations would be most welcome and can be handed in to Bill Raymond at Strines Post Office who is The Group Treasurer. We would like to thank those of you who have kindly already made a donation.

Also please can we have your bric-a-brac, as we hope to do some car boot sales to raise money. Please phone 0161 427 2030 or see Bill at the Post Office if you have anything for us and we will call and collect it.

Contact Details

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