| 670 | Members of the Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from Police Officer Peter Eccleston, Greater Manchester Police, the presentation contained the following information:
Police Officer Peter Eccleston reported that there had been a reduction in car crime in Bury West. From the 5th December to the 17th January there have been 6 burglaries from dwellings, in Church ward, compared to 12 for the same period last year and 2 in the Elton ward compared to 7 for the same time period. There had been six reported incidents of anti social behaviour in Elton Ward and six in church ward compared to thirteen for Elton in the same time period in 2011/12 and 9 in Church ward.
Police Officer Eccleston reported that sixty-four cannabis plants had been seized from a property on Tottington Road, the Crown Prosecution Service would consider whether charges would be brought.
In response to a question from Councillor Nuttall, Police Officer Eccleston reported that there had been an increased police presence on Dow Lane following reports of anti social behaviour.
Police Officer Eccleston reported that the police had acquired anti-theft screws for use on car number plates and would arrange a session within Bury West to assist residents with the installation.
In response to a question from Councillor Walker, Police Officer Eccleston reported that there would be a police staffing restructure in the Bury area. The north division would now include the townships of Bury West, Bury East and Ramsbottom. Neighbourhood policing would remain the same.
Councillor Connolly reported that it would be useful for all Councillors to receive a briefing from Greater Manchester Police in relation to the proposed restructure.
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| 671 | The Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Connolly and the Assistant Director of Resources, the presentation contained the following information;
Between April 2011 and March 2015 the monies the Council receive from central government would be significantly reduced.
The Plan for Change Programme approved by Budget Council in February 2012 outlined savings of £9m for 2013/14 to 2014/15. In the current Draft Programme of Savings the Council would revise these forecasts to include almost £9m over the next 2 years. The overall savings target would increase from £17.7 million to £26.5 million.
The Assistant Director reported that key elements of the system of Local Government Finance would change on 1 April 2013. There would therefore be continued uncertainty regarding the level of government grants the Council would receive as well as a change in the Council Tax Benefit system.
The Assistant Director of Resources reported that the Council’s financial position going forward looks very bleak. Additional savings may now have to be made in 2013/14 and 2014/15 beyond those shown in the Plan for Change.
The Assistant Director of Resources reported that, alongside the immediate financial pressures there would also be further challenges ahead as the economic outlook suggests that the Council would continue to have to make difficult choices in subsequent years. As a result of a reduced workforce the Council would face more demands on employees’ time. 423 council employees have left the organisation since 2010.
The Assistant Director of resources reported that the Council propose to make the following internal efficiencies:
• £527,000 consolidating discretionary spending
• £188,000 building costs
• £786,000 staff car allowances
• £705,000 increased income
• £820,000 restructuring vacant posts
• £363,000 additional funding
• £40,000 energy efficiencies
• £90,000 savings from purchasing
The Assistant Director of Resources reported, that the new proposals for 201314 and 2014/15 would include; £350,000 savings from home to school transport; £360,000 savings review from how Bury employment and support services would be delivered; £250,000 reduced funding for children’s centres; £430,000 further savings from the parks and countryside review; £270,000 savings from the library review; £140,000 from the reconfiguration of street cleaning team.
The Leader of the Council reported that consultation would run until the 30th January 2013 and encouraged members of the public to get involved.
In response to a question from a member of the public, the Leader of the Council reported that there were no plans to reduce the BEATS service, currently provided at the Castle Leisure Centre.
In response to a question from Councillor Walker, the Assistant Director of Resources reported that an audit of all Council property would be undertaken.
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| 672 | The Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from the Executive Director of Environmental and Development Services, the report contained the following information;
Included within the Health and Social Care Act 2012, would be the introduction of a number of new health bodies, these would include the Health and Well Being Board, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Healthwatch.
The health and wellbeing board would be made up of key leaders from the health and care sector. The Board would Develop a strategy for the Bury Area, involve patients in decision making, influence and inform local commissioning of health services and involve local people in the development of the strategy for local health and social care services.
The CCGs, would be responsible for commissioning (designing and purchasing) services and would be made up of all 33 GP Practices in Bury.
Healthwatch would represent the needs and views of service users in the commissioning of health and social care services in Bury. The aim would be to give individuals and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and care services would be provided within their locality.
The Executive Director reported that there would be large differences in life expectancy across Bury. The Bury West township area would be worse than the Bury average for: Male life expectancy; Child Obesity (reception year) and Teenage Conceptions.
The Executive Director reported that members of the Health and Wellbeing Board would pledge to improve health through life; from ensuring a positive start to life for children, young people and families to supporting older people to be safe, independent and well.
The Executive Director reported that the Health and Wellbeing consultation would run until the 15th February 2013.
In response to a question from Councillor Southworth, the Executive Director reported he would provide the Township Forum with information regarding life expectancy rates in the Bury West area.
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| 675 | 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, reported that a strategy had been devised to deal with obesity at St.Stephen’s school. The 6 week session would include the use of the mobile gym, smoothie bike, as well as, targeted advice for children and parents, this would commence on 8th February 2013.
The Township Co-ordinator reported that the Bury West Area Plan had been re-designed to include a traffic light system to highlight areas of performance.
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| 676 | Councillor Walker reported that the Highways sub group had met on the 8th January 2013, to discuss Highways issues within Bury West.
Councillor Walker reported that, the budget to resurface the Borough’s road had been cut dramatically.
Councillor Walker reported that, the traffic calming measures for Garside Hey Road, would be put out to tender, the Council would hope to appoint a contractor in February 2013 and the work would commence in March 2013.
Traffic enforcement officers would continue to visit Brandlesholme Road on regular occasions.
Councillor Walker reported that responses to the consultation in relation to Ainsworth Road had been circulated to Councillors, the pole for the vehicle activated sign is now in position, with power, and the sign would be installed imminently.
The Council would be consulting in the near future on plans to introduce 20 mph speed limits in residential areas.
In a response to a question from a member of the public, Councillor Walker reported that the speed limit on Bury/Bolton Road would be reduced to 30mph but its introduction had been delayed due to changes in traffic enforcement regulations across Greater Manchester.
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| 677 | 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.
• Advisory group member, Philip Jones reported that the new bridge in the Kirklees valley had become a “grot spot” due to vandalism, including graffiti.
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| 679 | 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. |