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Communities for Stability in the News

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh, (Gift from the Sea)

As a very active campaigning Group C4S have been featured in the press on many occasions for their work in developing refreshhing and innovative alternatives such as the Belle Vue 2020 Vision but also for the work we do in supporting individuals and groups of local people who no longer feel that they are being listened too.

On this page we will give details of campaigns C4S are involved in and have received media attention with a link to each of the features if possible.

Belle Vue 2020 Vision in the Manchester Evening News - 7th April 2008

'Bring Back Belle Vue'

(click the heading to go to the original article including a TV clip filmed with members of Gorton Visual Arts Group)

Chris Osuh - 7/ 4/2008

IN the glory days of Belle Vue, millions flocked to east Manchester seeking family fun.

Now campaigners hope to recreate the magic of yesteryear - while offering a regeneration-boosting alternative to the failed supercasino bid.

Local activists Communities for Stability have written to Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, who is considering casino alternatives, to discuss plans for a `linear park' stretching across east Manchester.

The scheme aims to build on the legacy of Belle Vue, where a zoo and amusement park became a major tourist attraction until the late 70s.

Using east Manchester's existing attractions and open space as a starting point, the plans include a new amusement park, a zoo and a deer park.

The scheme, organisers say, would create thousands of jobs and encourage spending in some of east Manchester's most deprived neighbourhoods.

Communities for Stability spokesman the Rev David Gray said: "What we want to do is promote the voice of ordinary people who in the end are going to have to live with the changes regeneration schemes bring.

"The casino consultation was a token one, and although everyone wanted the jobs, as an attraction it was aimed only a certain class of person, predominantly male, with money to throw around.

Investment

"When I ask people about the kind of investment they would like to see they remember Belle Vue, and the days when clowns, giants, dwarfs and elephants walked the streets of Manchester.

"We're not saying `lets bring Belle Vue back', but we could create a linear park that appeals to families as Belle Vue did, and offers real educational and employment potential."

Mr Gray worked as an ape-keeper at Belle Vue Zoo.

Manchester unexpectedly won the supercasino bid last year. But the government changed its mind - costing the city a potential £265m, and 3,000 jobs.

If you'd like to contact us, need help in your local campaign or would like to join one of our information loops please e-mail us at c4stability@googlemail.com and we'll get back to you ASAP.