| RTF.458 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| RTF.460 | Mike Earnshaw from Radcliffe Girls and Boys Club gave a presentation on the valuable work undertaken at the club with young people in Radcliffe. The meeting was informed that there were currently 3 qualilfied youth work staff who worked on a voluntary basis at the club, however volunteers were becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and staffing issues had forced the club to cancel the senior youth group. Funding was also an issue for the club as the management committee were struggling with ever decreasing funding levels. The club were looking for innovative ways to raise funds towards the running costs of the club and to recruit volunteers. Advisory Group members discussed a number of ideas which could be helpful to the club. |
| RTF.461 | Paul Allen, Head of Planning Policy and Projects informed the meeting of the current Bury Core Strategy Consultation, inviting local people to comment on the draft Bury Core Strategy, which will set the Council’s planning framework and will shape how the Borough will develop in the future. In terms of the Radcliffe Township Framework, the 15 year plan will focus on future housing, employment and retailing and will consider where development can be accommodated, whilst promoting the green agenda. It was reported that the full document was available on the Council’s website and in local libraries and comment forms were available for the public to have their say.
The Chair invited questions and comments from members of the public present at the meeting and the following issues were raised:-
• Are their plans to knock down buildings in Radcliffe Town Centre?
Councillor Isherwood reported on the plans to enhance the Town Centre through retail redevelopment, including redeveloping the Market Hall, rather than demolishing buildings. Meetings with Transport for Greater Manchester were also taking place regarding the aspirations for a new bus station in Radcliffe.
• The need for less reliance on discount stores in Radcliffe.
• Which areas of Greenbelt in Radcliffe would come under the plan?
It was reported that Greenbelt proposals in the Plan were North of the Borough. Their were no plans to change the Greenbelt boundaries in Radcliffe.
• A question relating to managing the flood risk in Radcliffe.
It was reported that the Council were involved in guiding development away from flood risk areas, in line with the Government guidance and as part of a multi-agency approach to tackle this issue.
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| RTF.462 | The Township Co-ordinator provided an update on the priorities since the last meeting of the Township Forum on the 11 September, 2012, as follows:-
• Following the “Empty Properties in Radcliffe” presentation at the last meeting of the Township Forum by Sharon Hanbury, Head of Urban Renewal - this issue had now been incorporated into the Radcliffe Township Area Plan and future updates would be given to the Forum in terms of a progress report.
• “Making Radcliffe Safer” - on the first Wednesday of each month a Police mobile unit would now be sited on the Radcliffe Metrolink car park providing security advice and intelligence gathering. The next unit would be sited on 6 December from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.
• In response to a question relating to the possibility of a bus route direct to the Metrolink Station in Radcliffe, Councillor Isherwood agreed to pass on the comments raised to Transport for Greater Manchester.
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| RTF.463 | Keren Murphy, Democratic Services informed the meeting that an application had been received from Gill Stainthorpe, representing Withins Community Association which had been considered by Core Members of the Forum. Core Members were requested to formally approve this application at the meeting.
The Chair, Colin Jones invited Advisory Group members to inform the Township Forum of events or news relating to the work of their group and the following information was provided:-
(a) Friends of Close Park - The Car Park at Close Park had been lit up on Friday evenings holding lots of events for local young people. There had been positive feedback from the police and no complaints from local residents.
The Archaeological dig was now into it’s second phase, involving many developments over the next 18 months such as the planting of trees along the river, cycle path through the wooded area, the goit would be dug out and cleaned, the sensory path would be redeveloped and a community garden would be created.
RAFT Flood Forum Group had been set up as a sub-group of Close Park. Council representatives would be attending the next meeting to be held on 28 November at 6 pm in order to give advice to residents.
The Park had won an award for gym equipment.
Garden Hampers were still available to anyone who volunteers just one hour of their time to help at the Park. The next event would be held in April.
(b) Radcliffe Carnival Committee - were looking for volunteers to help
Radcliffe Township Forum, 8 November 2012
out eg. Float making.
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| RTF.464 | The Chair invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting.
• A resident of St Thomas’ Estate raised concerns about the inadequate cleaning of the drains on the roads around the estate. It was reported that Six Town Housing would be responsible for this and should be the first point of contact.
• Gill Stainthorpe enquired about the excessive numbers of environmental services employees seen counting wheelie bins. Councillor Isherwood reported that these employees were working as part of the current drive to increase recycling in Bury. A resident reported that they had waited over a month for their green bin to be emptied. The resident was advised to contact their Ward Councillor.
• Colette Jones raised concerns about the recent road traffic accident in Bury and the poor motorway lighting around the M60 near Bury. It was reported that motorway lighting was a responsibility of the Department of Transport and any concerns should be raised with the Highways Agency.
• A resident raised concerns about criminal activity in Radcliffe and the lack of reporting of crime in the area. Members of the Forum commented on the collective benefits of forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The Chair, Colin Jones suggested that the police continue to be invited to attend meetings of the Township Forum and that the concerns raised would be forwarded and a formal response would be requested from the police.
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| RTF.465 | A report from the Programme Support Officer was submitted providing an update on Council funding to support the work of voluntary and community groups in Radcliffe, since the last meeting of the Township Forum. A resident of St Thomas’ estate requested an update on the grant received to plant fruit on the estate. The Head of Planning Policy and Projects would make enquiries with the officer involved. |
| RTF.466 | The Chair informed the meeting that the Adult Learning Service would
like to bring key providers, community and voluntary sector representatives and local people in a “Community Learning Partnership” to help shape local adult learning and develop the learning offer to meet the needs and aspirations of local communities. Anyone interested in representing the Radcliffe community were invited to attend an initial meeting, facilitated by the Adult Learning Service who will brief the group in more detail, look at developing terms of reference and explore further the make up Partnership members.
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