| BWTF.509 | Members of the Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from Inspector Bryn Williams and Police Officer Peter Eccleston, Greater Manchester Police, the presentation contained the following information:
Inspector Williams reported that Anti Social Behaviour had reduced by 70% in Bury West. From 1st April to the 31st October there have been 145 incidents of Anti Social Behaviour, 82 in Elton ward and 63 in Church ward.
Inspector Williams reported that there had been 6 recorded Burglaries in Elton ward (the lowest reported for any Council Ward in Bury) and 18 in Church ward. Inspector Williams confirmed that there had been 12 reported other Burglaries (burglary of an out building/shed) in Elton ward, compared to 32 reported in 2011/12. There had been 9 other burglaries reported in Church ward, compared to 28 for the same period in 2011/12.
The police asked members of the Township Forum to suggest areas within Bury West where they may wish to see an increased police presence. Residents suggested, a re-visit to the Woodlands Flats to provide crime prevention advice to residents; speeding on
Brandlesholme Road; anti social behaviour on and around Dow Lane Park; police presence requested on Purbeck Drive.
In response to a question from a member of the public, Inspector Williams reported that the numbers of Police and Community Support Officers have reduced and he would envisage fewer police stations across Bury as a result in cuts to Police funding.
Police Officer Eccleston reported that there had been an increase in the number of thefts of Catalytic converters from cars/vans and asked members of the public to be vigilant.
|
| BWTF.510 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| BWTF.512 | A member of the Township Forum raised concerns that there had been no new, low level buses on the First Bus routes 472 and 474, as reported by Mr Warren at the last meeting of the Township Forum.
In response to a question from a member of the public, Councillor Frith reported that Bury Council operates a Backing Young Bury scheme, to assist young people in the Bury area to find work.
|
| BWTF.513 | The Chair reported that a further revised version of the Bury Core Strategy would be made available for consultation. The Chair reported that the plan is important as it would set the policies which would guide and control the future development of the Borough over the next 15 years or so. Policies would also be used to decide planning applications.
Consultation would run from the 19th October until 30th November 2012 and a planning officer would be in attendance at the meeting should members of the public have any questions or require any further information. Summary leaflets would also be available to take away setting out how the Core Strategy affects the Bury West area and how members of the public can make comments.
The Planning Officer reported that the Core Strategy would replace the Unitary Development Plan and planning decisions would be made in accordance with the Core Strategy.
|
| BWTF.514 | Councillor Walker reported that the Highways sub group had met on the 10th October 2012, to discuss Highways issues within Bury West. The Highways sub committee considered a report on 20mph speed limits within residential areas, priority would be given to residential estates containing sensitive properties, including schools. The strategy promotes the introduction of 20mph speed limits or 20mph zones as appropriate. Entry points to these areas would be emphasised where existing mean traffic speeds exceeds 25mph.
Councillor Walker reported that the sub committee would consider roads in need of resurfacing within Bury West and report back to the Township Forum.
The A58 has undergone a speed limit review and it would be proposed that the speed limit between Starling Road and Watling Street should be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.
In response to a member’s question, Councillor Walker reported that the necessity for double yellow lines near the Abbeyfield Nursing home, Bury/Bolton Road would be considered at the next meeting of the Highways sub group.
|
| BWTF.515 | Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator, reported that the Bury West Area Plan would continue to be developed and reported that progress had been made, in the following areas:
• The Township Co-ordinator, as a member of the Management Board at the Daisyfield Community Centre have devised a strategy to deal with obesity at Christchurch and St.Stephen’s schools. The 6 week session would include the use of the mobile gym, smoothie bike, as well as, targeted advice for children and parents.
• An extra bus would be added to the number 98 route.
|
| BWTF.516 | 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 the Township Co-ordinator. |
| BWTF.517 | 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.
• In response to a question from a member of the public, Councillor Southworth reported that Peel Holdings had been granted outline Planning Permission for 191 houses on the Spen More site and that the further detail, in relation to the type of houses, access routes etc, would still need to be determined.
• In response to a question from a member of the public regarding a shelter on the playing fields adjacent to Purbeck Drive, the Chair reported that this would need to be raised with the Brandlesholme Residents Association.
|
| BWTF.518 | There was no urgent business reported. |