| BWTF.49 | The Chair began by welcoming everyone to the meeting. |
| BWTF.50 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| BWTF.51 | Councillor R. Walker nominated Councillor M Hankey as Chair of the Bury West Township Forum and this was seconded by Councillor J Walton.
Councillor M Hankey nominated Beryl Park as Vice Chair and this was seconded by Councillor J. Frith.
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| BWTF.53 | Cecelia Oakley, Greater Manchester Police, attended the meeting to provide an update on Police issues in Bury West.
Cecelia Oakley reported that there had been a rise in thefts from motor vehicles in the Bury West area, as well as, an increase in incidents of shoplifting. The Police would be conducting a traffic operation on Bolton Road on Wednesday 6th June 2012.
Questions and comments were invited and the following issues were raised:
Members of the Public expressed concern regarding an increase in anti-social behaviour on the Woolfold Estate. Concern was expressed about the increasing number of young people in gangs intimidating residents on the estate. The Police and Community Support Officer confirmed that the ring leaders were known to the Police and the Police would continue to work with Six Town Housing to eradicate the problem.
A member of the public suggested that it would be useful if the police conduced a traffic operation on Higher Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe. Cecelia Oakley agreed to review this suggestion.
A member of the public reported that she had recently took part in a police survey. Cecelia Oakley confirmed that the police had conducted a survey of residents, but the information had not yet been published, once available, it would be discussed at a future meeting of the Bury West Township Forum.
The Community Support Officer reported problems with parking around, Greenhill Primary School. Traffic wardens would continue to attend periodically to monitor the situation.
Members of the Township Forum discussed public attendance at meetings of Police and Communities Together (PACT). Members of the public would be encouraged to attend these meetings.
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| BWTF.54 | Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator, submitted a Draft Bury West Township Area Plan detailing the key achievable priorities for Bury West. It was explained that the Plan was a working document and suggestions were still welcomed.
Key Outcomes contained within the document were as follows;
• Increased number of apprenticeships for young people in Bury West.
• Increased number of volunteering opportunities.
• Reduced anti-social behaviour by early intervention and prevention.
• Ensure children are school ready
Councillor Walker expressed concern regarding the availability and frequency of bus services within Bury West. Christine Maksymowski reported that she would approach First Bus and request a representative from First Bus attend a future meeting of the Township Forum.
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| BWTF.56 | The Chair, Councillor M Hankey, 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.
• A member of the public asked for confirmation as to when the speed limit on Bolton Road would reduce from 40mph to 30mph.
• A member of the public asked that a report be brought to a future meeting of the Bury West Township Forum providing information and feedback on the Bolton Road bus lane.
• A member of the public asked that the council consider providing another pedestrian crossing on Bolton Road near Mile Lane
• Councillor Frith requested that the agenda item Public Question time could be included as the first agenda item, at future meetings of the Bury West Township Forum.
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| BWTF.57 | Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator reported that ward funding was still available in Elton and Church wards and if any member would like to apply for funding to support the work of a voluntary or community group, they should contact Liz Saunders, Bury Council Programme Support Officer. |