The underlined section (1) is a cut and paste of Manchester City Council response to petition, no surprises- they don't address the moral issues or offer assistance but I do think this, the paper petition and the City Council online, along with people writing in has made a difference, so we should keep it up! The bold section (2) has been sent via Chorlton Voices (ex Chorlton Civic Society) today. Please pass the information on. 

(1) Stage 2 complaint investigation undertaken by Paul Farrell, Complaints Officer
Thank you for your complaint, of 31/05/2023
The complaint has previously been considered by Pete Whiteley (Neighbourhood Manager)  and has now been submitted to the Feedback and Complaints Service for review.
I have now investigated the issues you have raised and report as follows.
•    You have been told this by the local councillor and the South Manchester neighbourhood manager that despite membership of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) governing board, Manchester City Council (MCC) cannot lobby (GMPF) on behalf of Chorlton residents.
The information you have received is correct. The Council is unable to lobby GMPF with regards to this matter.
•    You would like MCC and GMPF to rescind the notice to quit given to Chorlton Precinct traders
The Council does not own the relevant premises. As such, we are not in a position to make or inflluence any decision with regards to notices to quit issued to traders. 
•    You would like MCC to pause all the different building and redevelopment plans to review Chorlton as it stands now, so that a coherent plan is made and priorities set for the area which will benefit the current and future residents. You say doing so will continue to bring in revenue for MCC with Chorlton remaining a pleasant place to live and bring up a family.
The Council does not have the power to pause building and development at will. Building and development takes place in the context of the various relevant statutory frameworks, including planning legislation and building control.
Over the coming months the Council will undertake a study that looks at potential improvements to the public realm in Chorlton district centre, building on the work currently underway to create new cycle lanes and improved pedestrian routes. Residents and businesses in Chorlton will be consulted on this study, and it will produce a coordinated plan that can be implemented in the years ahead as funding becomes available. 
•    You would like MCC to take active action to support the precinct shops to relocate at a favourable business rate, when keeping the precinct open is no longer possible.
We will be directly engaging with the businesses including setting up drop in sessions in early July for the businesses who require support.
Business Growth Hub will provide a dedicated Business adviser: offering  
•    Business planning 
•    Cashflow and costs 
•    Marketing strategy 
•    Business Coaching 
•    Training & personal development 
•    On-line presence 
•    1:1 Support 
Sixteen Real Estate  - will offer advice about possible local commercial space available
•    Your understanding is that since your petition has been signed by 1000 people, you should be given a chance to raise concerns about the demise of Chorlton at a MCC Planning and Finance scrutiny committee. You would like MCC to confirm if this is the case.
This element of your complaint relates to democratic process, I have asked our Democratic Services team to look into whether your petition meets the relevant criteria for it be  considered by the relevant Scrutiny Committee. Democratic Services will respond to you directly to advise what will happen next in due course.
Conclusion
In summary I find no evidence of fault.
Paul Farrell
Complaints Officer
Corporate Complaints Team
Date 4 July 2023 

(2) From the Councillors via Chorlton Voice. My thoughts: you may want to ask the traders in passing to confirm some of this information. I have been given different feedback from one but not spoken with the rest, If however, this information represents the big hitters Frosts and Quality Save who I know for certain wanted to remain and who bring in 8000 shoppers a week so are central to the health of the surrounding shops & also The Art Market want to remain, then its a vast improvement, 

(2) We are sending you this information, which has come from our Councillors, about consultations re the precinct. It reads as follows:

In the next few days,  PJ Livesey ( the developers) are to post letters to over 20,000 homes, to inform residents about the next steps regarding the Chorlton Precinct development and seeking  views.  This should be followed up in October by multiple in-person events with residents and ongoing engagement which could continue right through until the formal planning meeting. 

Local councillors say have pressed hard to ensure that our community’s voices will be heard as part of this process.  

On the future of the traders currently operating in the precinct... Councillors asked that Manchester City Council coordinate the putting in place of a package of support for traders on the Chorlton Precinct  to ensure that as much as possible is done to support traders who wish to continue trading in Chorlton and/or return to trading on the redeveloped site once completed
Progress from the support team:

The Council's Work & Skills Team, alongside the South Neighbourhood Team, and the Business Growth Hub visited the Chorlton Precinct and met withbtraders on 11th July. The agent, responsible for managing the precinct, Avison and Young sent letters to all traders informing them that the team were in the area on the day offering support.

The aim was to meet individual traders, understand and establish their needs/requirements and offer one-to-one information and specialist business advice and support.  

Initial feedback from traders has been generally well received and they welcomed the opportunity to meet with and talk to named contacts and appreciated the team’s support.

Some key features from conversations with traders:

There is an acknowledgement that there is limited retail space in Chorlton, those that are actively looking for new premises have the offer of support through Sixteen Real Estate. Some traders are looking to attend the Makers Markets after Jan 2024 and also seeking to increase their online trading.   Linked to this Business Growth Hub have offered support with marketing and growing a business online. A few traders are interested in a vacant large space located close to the precinct but would need this space to be split, with rents shared, which can be explored. Some traders are keen to secure new premises in Chorlton, to continue to trade in the area. Some suggested they might return one the development is completed.  

Ongoing support and information will be given by the team.

I'll keep updating this petition as long as possible. Kind regards Michelle