Trafford Council was formed on 1 April 1974 following the merger of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford Municipal Boroughs; Bowdon, Hale and Urmston District Councils; and the parishes of Carrington, Partington, Dunham Massey and Warburton.  A rich and diverse range of places that continues to influence of the Trafford of today.

Over the last 50 years has had 50 mayors, 13 different leaders, Labour and Conservative administrations and periods of no overall control.  Many memorable people have served this Borough since 1974.

Local Government remains a keystone in society and there’s a lot Trafford Council can celebrate.  From attracting national venues such as the Imperial War Museum North and working in partnership with our big sporting arenas to building thousands of new homes for people to live in, meaning that our young people can remain close to the place they grew up. From investing millions into  regenerating our town centres, revitalising our leisure services and transforming Trafford’s biggest park to working with our incredible schools, colleges and now UA92.  From providing support and reassurance to people in our communities through the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis to taking the necessary steps to tackle our climate crisis through active travel, reducing carbon in public buildings and progressing new ideas like district heat networks and greening Trafford Park whilst celebrating Trafford’s mighty industrial heritage.

As we celebrate our first 50 years we must also look to how we shape the future.  We must aim to give every child the best start; ensure people live healthy and independent lives; provide a thriving economy and homes for all; address our climate crisis; and ensure culture, sport and heritage are accessible to all.

Local Government services are integral to our communities and those services are nothing without the workforce providing them- from librarians to social workers, street cleaners to waste collectors, teaching staff to registrars, planners to bereavement service staff.  Those are just a few with many, many more besides.

This council therefore resolves to:

-          Note and celebrate Trafford Council’s achievement on our 50^th anniversary;

-          Thank every council employee, past and present, for their service to this Borough.

RESOLVED: That the Motion be withdrawn.