| WUTF.500 | No declarations were made in respect of the any items on the agenda.
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| WUTF.501 | With reference to Minutes number WUTF.308 Councillor A Audin reported that she was no longer a Patient Cabinet member of the Clinical Commissioning Group.
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| WUTF.502 | Councillor Grimshaw took the Chair for the item.
Following the meeting with representatives of First bus which took place on 2 November 2012, the Councillor Grimshaw introduced Mr Paul Turner (Director First Bus) to the meeting. Mr Turner had been present and had taken action following the input of local residents and bus service users. Mr Turner explained that from January 2013 the following changes to bus services would take place:
- The diversion of service 93 via Morrisons and Whitefield Metrolink is to be reinstated. This diversion is to apply Monday to Saturday daytime i.e the same times as the diversion previously operated on a 30 minute frequency.
- All journeys on service 94 will become service 92 and be diverted via Pilsworth. This is on a trial basis for 6 months. Pilsworth will be served every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime and hourly evenings and Sundays, First Bus will report on progress against targets between January and July 2013 with a view to making this permanent.
- Service 94 will also operate via Manchester Road rather than Market Street which will continue to be served by the 93. First Bus will continue to review this is following requests for both services to use Manchester Road.
- Additional running time has been added to improve reliability - this will remain under continuous review.
- First Bus has discussed siting of bus stops at Besses with Transport for Greater Manchester to improve interchange with service 135.
First Bus is producing posters and flyers promoting the changes and welcome the offers form Township forum members to help distribute these locally.
- First Bus will be represented at future Township Forum meetings on 8 January and 12 March and future dates to be confirmed. It is envisaged presenting our publicity material to the forum on 8 January and reporting on progress of the revised services at the March meeting.
The Chair Thanked Mr Turner for his involvement and work to address the concerns of local bus users.
Following a question regarding the cost of a fare for the Local Link it was subsequently reported that the operator Bullitt Cars had been requested to ensure that drivers charge the correct concessionary half-fare (£1.00 single or £1.60 return). To qualify for this concession, passengers need to quote their TfGM Concessionary pass number when booking and have their pass available to show to the driver.
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| WUTF.503 | The Chair invited questions form the members of the public present.
- Has the Council received any planning related proposals regarding the Whitefield House site?
Permission was granted two years ago however nothing has been done on the site since. Councillor FitzGerald undertook to enquire with the Planning Control Section.
- Kennedy Drive - there are droppings on the footpath can anything be done?
Will check on this.
- Is it possible to restrict the number of coaches going into Bury?
Bury is a market town and needs visitors to be sustainable. Coaches are bring people into the centre of Bury and are vital to its long term success.
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| WUTF.504 | The Township Co-ordinator gave a presentation to update the meeting on the Whitefield and Unsworth Area Plan with reference to the five Key Outcomes.
Mrs Marshall requested that reference was made in the Area Plan to the built environment so it could be crossed referenced with the Bury Core Strategy.
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| WUTF.505 | The Township Forum received a presentation from Rob Trueblood to inform people of the work to develop Grade II listed buildings (The Quadrangle). The site was currently being developed for use a garden to grow produce (fruit) for local people under the Incredible Edibles initiative. The Council is looking to work with smaller business with a view to the development of the buildings. In addition the National Cycling Academy provided cycle training and facilities for children and adults as well as volunteering opportunities for retraining and skill development.
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| WUTF.506 | The Chair informed the meeting that an officer was present to answer questions and provide information as part of the ongoing Bury Core Strategy consultation.
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| WUTF.507 | The Township Co-ordinator reported that the Bury Adult Learning Service was seeking the appointment of a representative from the Township Forum to serve on the Community Learning Partnership.
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| WUTF.508 | A report containing details of ward funding for 2012/2013 was submitted.
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