Stockport Independent Issue 207

3 SEPTEMBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk STOCKPORT Coun- cil Fostering Service’s ground-breaking Mock- ingbird programme is cele- brating 10 years of helping support Stockport’s foster- ing community. Stockport Council Foster- ing Service’s ground-breaking Mockingbird programme is celebrating 10 years of help- ing support Stockport’s foster- ing community. Mockingbird, led by The Fostering Network in the UK, delivers sustainable foster care. It is an evidence-based model structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides. The model nurtures the rela- tionships between children, young people, and foster families supporting them to build a resilient and car- ing community. Following a successful pilot back in 2015, Stockport was one of the first local author- ities in the UK to launch its Mockingbird scheme. Now in its 10th year, there are five hubs supporting nearly 50 local families. Councillor ColinMacAlister, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “We are extremely proud of our Mockingbird scheme here in Stockport and we recognise the importance of having this invaluable support network available for all our local fos- ter carers and their families. The fosters carers at the centre of our Mockingbird hubs are like the glue that hold a family together, and their dedication and commitment make such a positive difference to a local child’s or young person’s life.” Being part of Mockingbird provides the children and young people with a sense of belonging, care and the sta- bility of being surrounded by adults who genuinely care about their wellbeing. It’s also a vital support network for fos- ter carers and their families— a space to share experiences, get advice, and feel connected. Based upon the most recent 12 months’ data, Stockport’s Mockingbird programme has provided over 1,000 hours of daytime and at least 300 instances of overnight support for local foster families. Stockport’s Mocking- bird families celebrated its 10th birthday at a party MERSEYWAY Shop - ping Centre celebrated a bumper week this sum- mer, with its busiest foot- fall since 2020. The centre recorded 269,000 visits during the first week of August, an increase of 24 percent com- pared with the same period last year. The Krazy Races event on August 9 proved particularly popular, drawing an esti- mated 50,000 visitors to the centre in just one day. Merseyway also credits its other summer events with helping to draw visi- tors, including its outdoor beach and weekly fami- ly-friendly events. The centre has also wel- comed five new openings in the last year: Søstrene Grene; The Grape Tree; Lovisa; Shoezone; and The Zip Yard – all of which have drawn new visitors. Cllr Micheala Meikle, Stockport Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said the quar- ter of a million visits in a sin- gle week was ‘a real boost for Stockport town centre’. “What’s encouraging is that people are coming into our town centre for lots of dif- ferent reasons, whether that’s shopping, attending major events like Totally Stockport’s Krazy Races, using services, visiting places like our much- loved Stockroom or simply spending time with family and friends”, Cllr Meikle said. “These figures show the confidence people have in Stockport and I’d like to thank everyone who contin- ues to spend their time here as we build on the momen- tum that comes with leading the UK’s largest town cen- tre regeneration.” Victoria Nichol, centre manager at Merseyway Shop- ping Centre, similarly said the team were ‘delighted’ with NEWSINBRIEF TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft after stolen bikes were recovered from an address in Stockport. Police discovered an e-bike and two motorbikes on the Bridge Hall estate near Adswood, which were suspected stolen. A 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft and handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed pending further investigations. A NEW Costa cafe has opened at the Sainsbury’s in Hazel Grove. It comes after the Hazel Grove Sainsbury’s closed its original cafe in April 2025. Stockport Events have announced the date and return of their Autumn Wedding Fayre. It will take place on Sunday, October 18 from 11am- 3pm at the Town Hall, Edward Street, Stockport. Merseyway celebrates record week Cllr MacAlister with Mockingbird Hub carers (Image: Stockport Council) Fostering Service marks 10th birthday in Brinnington, all coming together to sing the Beatles classic, “All you need is Love.” this ‘fantastic milestone’. “We’re very much a commu- nity-led shopping centre and we’ve recognised that people want a little bit more from the town centre than a day of shopping”, she said. “They want to see some- thing different when they come into the town, so events such as Krazy Races undoubtedly bring a real buzz to Stockport, while our own summer programme, includ- ing our free beach and super- hero activities, gives families even more reasons to visit and spend time here.” WHYSTOPAT CARD AND CANS? YOUR CRUSTS AND CORES CAN BE RECYCLED TOO Start using your food recycling service today! Visit recycleforgreatermanchester.com/food