ALMOST half of children are growing up in poverty in some areas of Trafford according to new statistics.

Research by End Child Poverty Coalition of charities show that 49 per cent of children in Clifford ward in Old Trafford, in the north of the borough, are in poverty.

The figures show huge contrasts in the levels of child poverty across the borough.

41 per cent of children are growing up in poverty in Bucklow St Martins, which includes Partington, Carrington and parts of Sale, compared with just six per cent in Timperley.

The contrast is particularly stark between the north and south of the borough. Across Stretford and Urmston, 30 per cent of children are in poverty compared with 14 per cent in Altrincham and Sale West.

The lack of affordable housing in the borough is thought to be a factor.

According to the housing charity, Shelter, Trafford is one of the most unaffordable boroughs in the North West for renters

Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, has expressed her anger at the new statistics and has written to the leader of the Council, Sean Anstee, to demand action to reduce child poverty locally.

Kate said, “I’m appalled that, in some areas of Trafford, almost half of all children are growing up in poverty.

“It’s disgraceful that any child should have to start out in a household where their parents are trying to make ends meet and struggling to afford things like school uniforms.

“I find it especially shocking that there are such great differences in the levels of poverty between different wards in Trafford. It’s obvious that under the Tories, where you grow up really affects your chances of a good start in life.

“We can’t tolerate such unequal treatment of children. I’ll press the government and the Council at every opportunity to reduce the number of children in poverty in our area.”

Executive Member for Children & Families, Cllr Mike Whetton said: “Helping families to ensure that all children get off to a good start is of enormous importance to Trafford Council and parents in our borough.  It is why as a Conservative administration in Trafford, we maintain a health visiting service, offering support to all families as part of a comprehensive early years pathway.  We also offer a range of early help services and targeted interventions to those identified as needing extra support as any child growing up in poverty is one too many.


"We are determined to narrow the development gap between children from poorer backgrounds and the rest of the population, to make a reality of our goal of ‘no one left behind, no- one held back’ and includes action to reduce the disparity that exists within Trafford.   


"It should be noted in direct response to Kate Green MP, that under the Conservatives, Trafford outperforms every Labour council area in the North West and sees the highest levels of social mobility against all indicators compared to anywhere else in the region.  In addition, unlike the opposition, we steadfastly support our school system in Trafford, which does so much to get our young people off to the best start in life and will work across party to further reduce poverty across the borough.”