We’ve heard this week that work on some of the more run-down areas of Trafford to improve the quality of life for residents has paid dividends.

Areas in Trafford described as ‘deprived’ according to national statisticians have improved more than anywhere else in the country over the past three years. Two areas of Clifford ward in Old Trafford, which were in the worst three per cent in the country, and Partington and Sale West have seen major improvements. The new figures come from the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), published by The Department for Communities and Local Government. They show that Trafford is the most improved borough in the country. The indices measure aspect of life such as low crime, clean local environment, affordable housing, schools, training and job opportunities.

Aimed at the over 50s, a new directory of local services covering the north of the borough is now out. People living in Old Trafford, Gorse Hill, Stretford, Urmston, Flixton, Carrington and Partington can pick up a copy from council offices, health centres, advice centres and local libraries or from Gillian Renshaw on 0161 976 4320 or 07921 109260. It includes information on housing, finance or health advice and support, volunteering opportunities and much more and mirrors the directory for the south of the borough which was published in autumn.

There’s still time to get that health check at your local neighbourhood forum. Turn up at 6pm and have a body MOT, get your blood pressure checked and pick up a free cyclometer and a free one-day pass to your local leisure centre.
More than 15 different services will be at the events including Trafford Leisure Trust, Trafford PCT's cancer information service, community dental service and health improvement team, Salford PCT Stop Smoking, advice about healthy eating, Diabetes Care, Alzheimer's Society, Access 2 drug service, Trafford Council's Greenspace and Sustainability Department, LINK, Age Concern, Cancer Research UK, CSSC, and Fair Trade - Sale.

* Stretford, Tuesday 22 January, Trafford Town Hall
* Altrincham South, Tuesday 29 January, Altrincham Town Hall
* Altrincham North, Tuesday 5 February, Timperley Methodist Church
* Sale West, Tuesday 12 February, Ashton on Mersey School
* Old Trafford, Tuesday 11 March, Shrewsbury Street Community Centre