| PTF.206 | Councillor Bayley declared a personal interest in Minute PTF.208 below, Matters Arising, in relation to discussions about the Stone Roses Concerts as a Manchester City Council employee. |
| PTF.208 | In respect of Minute PTF.82, Public Question Time, Councillor Campbell reported that discussions had taken place regarding Community Events being charged market rates. As a result of these discussions Prestwich Carnival will be re-imbursed of the original charges that had been levied.
Further to the agenda for the meeting, the Chair, Mr David Stanley, explained that the Police were unable to attend. Members of the Township Forum placed on record their disappointment that the Police were unable to attend the meeting.
In respect of Minute PTF.84, Local in Prestwich, Luci Roper provided an update on the progress of the initiative. A launch event had taken place at Prestwich Carnival which promoted the local ‘Passport’, whereby shoppers were able to obtain discounts at local independent shops in Prestwich. It was reported that grant funding was being sought to help with the costs of setting up a website and that a bid had been submitted for the 2nd round of the national Portas initiative.
With regard to Minute PTF.81, Stone Roses Concerts, the Chair reported that arrangements had been made for representatives from Manchester Council to attend the September meeting of the Township Forum.
The Chair invited Members of the Forum to comment on the recently held events and the following issues were raised:
• Disappointment that no representatives of Manchester City Council were present at the meeting.
• Serious concerns over urination in public places and the issue of Health and Safety.
• Many residents did not receive information letters.
• Poor signposting of the event. Risks to young vulnerable people not being aware of how to get home.
• Need reassurances that Bury Council had been adequately re-imbursed of the costs incurred from the event.
• Metrolink were not pro-active in directing crowds to the appropriate stations.
• Concerns that the local infrastructure was not adequate to support such large scale events.
• The effect of the event on local schools.
• The complaints hotline was closed after the event on Sunday, which did not allow for people to contact with ongoing issues after the concerts had finished.
• Lack of enforcement in no drinking areas.
• No enforcement to close down car parks set up outside designated areas.
Further comments and questions were invited from the public present at the meeting and the following issues were raised:
• Mr James Reeve highlighted that many residents, including himself, did not receive information letter and commented that having seen the letters he considered them to be vague, evasive, unsubstantial and particularly inadequate in respect of parking arrangements. Mr Reeve raised further concerns in relation to the poor marshalling of people after the event which resulted in people still congregating in the early hours of the morning, with gardens being trampled and damaged.
• Mr Jim Wood commented that noise levels were lower than the Oasis concerts and felt the event had been better organised on the whole.
• Mr Frank Shatcliffe highlighted that the relevant authorities needed to look at how to overcome the issues raised and not simply stop these events happening.
• Mrs Linda Brown and Mrs Julie Fellone raised concerns about the lack of security and enforcement which had resulted in a burger van being sited on their driveway and in front of their houses. Mrs Brown highlighted the issue of noise and public health concerns. A request was made for environmental health the spray the area to prevent flies and spread of disease.
• Mr Barry Elliott expressed disappointment that representatives from Heaton Park, Manchester Council and the Police were not present to respond to the concerns of residents. It was suggested that a separate meeting be convened to consider the issues raised, with all relevant partners present.
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| PTF.209 | Mr Tim Ross, event organiser, attended the meeting to provide an update on the Festwich event which is to be held in St Mary’s Park. The event will take place over two days on 1st and 2nd September and will host a number of bands and local traders, with various forms of entertainment provided throughout the days.
Questions and comments were invited from members of the Township Forum and the public present at the meeting, and the following issues were raised:
• A number of residents expressed concerns about the lack of consultation. The Chair, Mr David Stanley, placed on record his disappointment that the survey of local residents had not been submitted to the Forum. Mike Bent, Parks and Countryside Manager explained that the Council needed to ensure all detailed plans were in place prior to consultation.
• In response to a question concerning noise levels, it was reported that a sound management plan was in place and that music would cease at 10pm. Tim Ross explained that stages would be located taking into account the proximity to houses. A local resident requested the music be stopped earlier than 10pm
• With regard to concerns relating to traffic and parking, Mr Ross explained that work was ongoing with Greater Manchester Police and that people were encouraged by the organisers to use public transport to travel to the event.
• Luci Roper explained that local businesses had been offered stalls at the event, which was seen as positive in terms of supporting the local business community in Prestwich
• Geoff Cohen enquired about provision in place for the disabled. It was reported that accessible toilets and a restricted mobility viewing platform would be provided.
• Concerns were expressed that areas of the park were easily accessible and people without tickets would be able to gain access.
• In response to concerns about the lack of consultation, the event organisers gave an undertaking to make arrangements to meet with residents and discuss the plans that were in place for the event.
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| PTF.210 | Tony Taylor, representing Groundwork, attended the meeting to report on two schemes that were being implemented in the borough, with a team starting in the Prestwich area on 17th September.
The Prince's Trust Team Programme is a 12 week personal development programme for up to 15 young people at a time aged between 16 - 25 years old. The programme is aimed at building confidence and provides a qualification at the end.
It was explained that the programme is free for participants and funded by local colleges. The programme includes a one week residential to build team work skills and a three week community project. Participants would also gain experience with CV writing and take part in a two week work placement. It was reported that there was also an element of fundraising within the programme.
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| PTF.211 |
The Chair, Mr David Stanley, invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting. Questions were asked and comments made on the issues detailed below. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters which could not be dealt with at the meeting.
• Hannah Cropper raised concerns with regard to changes to First Bus services especially the number 93 which no longer goes to Whitefield and therefore restricts access to Metrolink, the Interchange or Morrisons. Councillor Bayley explained full details of the changes and undertook to raise the concerns with the Transport for Greater Manchester. Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator explained that she had a meeting arranged with Transport for Greater Manchester and First Bus in Whitefield on 6th August and invited Mrs Cropper to attend to give views from a Prestwich perspective.
• Kevin Hodges enquired about justification and cost of the new CCTV Centre and asked whether there will be the facility to issue fixed penalty notices from number plate recognition from the system? Councillor Campbell explained that the new scheme would result in a saving to the Authority and undertook to provide a detailed response at the next meeting.
• Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator, reported on a proposal from British Telecom to remove a telephone kiosk at 199 Bury Old Road. It was explained that responses to the proposal were to be submitted within 90 days.
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| PTF.212 | The Chair, Mr David Stanley, presented the Township Forum Operating Framework to the Forum. It was explained that the Framework had been updated following the consultation and the updated amendments were highlighted within the report. |
| PTF.213 | Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator, submitted an updated Area Plan for Prestwich along with a copy of the Equality Impact Assessment. The Plan had been formulated and contained a number of key issues for the area. |