| RTF.668 | The Chair, Councillor Bailey, paid tribute to Ray Vevers, Advisory Group Member who sadly passed away recently. Ray had worked tirelessly on behalf of the Radcliffe community especially in organising the Radcliffe Carnival and his fundraising efforts in support of local charities. Ray had become a highly regarded member of the Forum and, prior to that, the Local Area Partnership and the Local Area Committee. A minute’s silence was held in memory of Ray. |
| RTF.669 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| RTF.671 | The Township Co-ordinator submitted the Draft Radcliffe Township Area Plan detailing the key achievable priorities for Radcliffe arising from the discussions which had taken place at the last meeting of the Township Forum. Councillor Bailey invited comments/questions on the Plan and the following issues were raised:-
• Councillor Bury provided an update in relation to the Outcome identified to increase the number of Apprenticeships for young people in Radcliffe. The Council were looking to secure internal and external funding for a 3 year Apprenticeship scheme.
• Tony Taylor informed the meeting that Groundwork were involved in a 5 year work programme, based at Silver Point, supporting young people back into work through work placements. Also, the work with Six Town Housing supporting a Construction Training Programme.
• Colette Jones provided an update on some forthcoming Close Park events:-
- Picnic in the Park event during the Queen’s Jubilee week
- Forest school was now open
- Sports Party in the Park - Easter Week
- Manchester Dig - coming to Radcliffe in June. Looking for volunteers to take part in the archealogical dig on 23 June. All Radcliffe schools had signed up to take part.
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| RTF.672 | The Chair, Councillor M Bailey, 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.
• Coronation Park is in dire need of a clean up. Could this be looked into?
• Dog fouling in New Church Walk/Howarth Close/Barlow Street - could we introduce on the spot fines for people who do not clean up after their dogs who foul in the streets?
• Query regarding current charges for replacing grey bins. We should be charging for replacing all bins.
• Council operatives should ensure that bins are returned to each householder after being emptied rather than being left at a collection point on street.
• Books by Radcliffe authors are not available in Radcliffe or Central Libraries. If they were to be made available, could this be part of improving Radcliffe’s profile?
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| RTF.673 | Rukhsana Haq, Community Engagement Worker for BARDOC (Bury and Rochdale Doctors on Call) gave a presentation providing information regarding the recent changes to BARDOC’s Out of Hours GP Services in Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and Bury.
As well as informing the meeting of the range of Out of Hours Services provided by the organisation, it was a reported that BARDOC had become a Community Benefit Society and under the new constitution, were looking to elect members of the local community as part of their Council of Governors in order to ensure that BARDOC’s vision and strategy meet the interests of the Community.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the work of BARDOC were invited to complete a membership form.
The Chair, Councillor Bailey thanked Rukhsana for her presentation.
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| RTF.674 | Paul Allen, Head of Planning Policy & Projects informed the meeting of the Portas Review, an independent Review into the Future of High Streets across the UK.
It was reported that following publication of the review in November 2011, the Government would contribute £1 million in support of 12 pilot schemes across the country which would test the ideas and recommendations arising from the Review.
Mr Allen provided details of the proposals for the Council to support 2 bids for pilot schemes, one in Radcliffe and one in Prestwich and invited anyone interested in helping to shape the bids to attend a meeting on Tuesday 6 March, at 5.30 pm, at Radcliffe Civic Suite.
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| RTF.675 | The Chair, Councillor Bailey reported that applications for funding up to a maximum of £250 and £750 for cross-ward group applications, were still being invited from constituted groups within Radcliffe. Application forms would be circulated to those interested.
Colette Jones informed the meeting that the funding for Friends Of Close Park had been approved. Colette also reported on the Government Funded “Community First” initiative. Radcliffe East and Radcliffe West had been awarded £33,000 from this fund and volunteers were required to form a Panel to allocate funding for initiatives that would benefit the whole of the community.
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| RTF.676 | The Chair, Councillor Bailey reported that applications for funding up to a maximum of £250 and £750 for cross-ward group applications, were still being invited from constituted groups within Radcliffe. Application forms would be circulated to those interested.
Colette Jones informed the meeting that the funding for Friends Of Close Park had been approved. Colette also reported on the Government Funded “Community First” initiative. Radcliffe East and Radcliffe West had been awarded £33,000 from this fund and volunteers were required to form a Panel to allocate funding for initiatives that would benefit the whole of the community.
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