It’s has been a big ten days in Manchester, which is hopefully a sign of things to come as welfare cuts strike harder and deeper in the urban north. There’s lot more coming up so check the bottom for more details.

WIthington Baths Demo - 02/02/13

At least 500 people turned out to oppose the closing of the local baths, people of all ages angered by the lack of consultation and the council’s destruction of a swimming pool that has served the community for over 100 years.

Meetings have had atleast 150 attendees, and have learnt the lessons of the successful save Levenshulme Baths campaigns - getting large numbers out and pressuring the council in whatever way they can. Hopefully more is to come.

Levenshulme Library Occupation - 08/02/13

Over 50 people helped occupy the Levenshulme library after closing hours, including teachers, firemen, grandparents, kids, local councilors, and basically proud residents of Levenshulme of every stripe.

This is part of the campaign to save Levenshulme baths, and their library (which are opposite each other and a cornerstone of the community), that was successful two years before due to the large community support. Several weeks ago they had demonstration with over 1000 people on it, and more are getting involved in every way possible.

Legal Aid and Advice Conference - 09/02/13

Dispiriting news is coming fro the legal aid and advice sectors. Workplace tribunals are going to have to be paid for by employees, funds are being decimated, advice deserts are opening up in Cumbira and Chester, universal credit, the bedroom tax, workfare, ATOS and numerous other horrendous policies require more help than ever, yet there are no resources to do it with.

Hope comes in the form that so many attended, professionals and community activist alike, and have been coming up with campaigning plans, new methods and support mechanisms and making links with each other. Lets hope the advice professionals, trade unions, and community activists can work together to achieve their tied in goals.

Anti EDL Campaigning - 01/02/13

Flyering has been successfully going on in the town centre for the past few weekends unmolested and warmly supported by the people of Manchester - despite EDL threats to the contrary. Also community outreach and outreach around the universities and colleges has been going on with good support.

Also a couple of fundraisers have been planned are coming up in Manchester, more news on that soon. The groups undertaking this - Unite Against Fascism and Manchester Against Racism and Fascism have been working well together, and putting plenty of hours in, as the national UAF conference in London is going to be on the same day.


UPCOMING

Tue 12/02/13
Northern Police Monitoring Project - Moss Side Leisure Centre - Moss Lane East, Moss Side, Manchester, M15 5NN - 6.30pm

Fri 15/02/13
Great Fuel Poverty Rip Off - Banner Drop at Barton Moss against Fracking - 5.30pm

UAF Rally - 5.00 - 6.00pm UMSU

Sat 16/02/13
Health Emergency Conference - fight ward closures - Midday Friends Meeting House

Welfare Cuts Demo - Midday - Piccadilly Gardens

Tue 19/02/13
Stop Fracking in Barton Moss Organising Meet - Friends Meeting House - 7.00pm

Thu 21/02/03
Reclaim the Night - Say no to Sexual Violence, Light up the City -  tabz.obrien-butcher@manchester.ac.uk

Sat 23/02/03
Fracking Focus Lancashire - Preston -  https://network23.org/wintermoot2013/

EDL Counter Demo 02/03/03
Piccadilly Garden 11.00 am Be there!


Get in touch with for more details on planning meetings, or any other questions