I applaud those people who have taken the risk starting their own business, people who are working late and getting up early – those new businesses are the lifeblood of our economic recovery. We now have over three-quarters of a million more private sector businesses than we did four years ago because of these fantastic new businesses.

Empty offices and shop fronts on Mellor Road in Cheadle Hulme are also being demolished, clearing the way for new properties helping those wanting to get a foothold on the housing ladder. The project funded by the Homes and Communities Agency will bring 11 new two bedroom apartments.

With the investment in new houses in Cheadle Hulme, this is exactly the kind of common sense approach we need in our area.

 We live in such a terrific area and seeing local people working hard to make our area even better is simply wonderful.