| PTF.678 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| PTF.680 | In respect of Minute PTF.585, St Mary’s Park Music Festival, Neil Long, Assistant Director of Operations, reported that the event was now being proposed to take place over the first weekend in September and would still be subject to consultation with residents and local Councillors.
During discussion of this issue, David Stanley highlighted the possibility of the park being booked for football during this weekend.
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| PTF.681 | Paul Allen, Head of Planning Policy & Projects, attended to give an overview in relation to the issue of Section 106 agreements. These agreements result in Section 106 monies being paid in connection with new housing developments for off-site play, leisure, recreation and allotment provision.
A briefing note was submitted setting out details of the Section 106 funding received along with a number of proposed projects for the money to be put towards in the Prestwich area.
In response to concerns that monies were being used as an alternative to planned maintenance for play areas, the Assistant Director of Operations explained that the Council had to look at 106 monies as an option because planned maintenance budgets did not exist for play areas.
Councillor Mary D’Albert expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with Councillors and residents in respect of how Section 106 monies were spent and suggested that the Township Forums could be used to make the process more transparent. Councillor James highlighted that this issue could be fed into the current review of Township Forums.
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| PTF.682 | Following a request from the last meeting, John Foudy, Car Park Supervisor, attended the meeting to respond to questions relating to car parking in Prestwich. The following issues were raised at the meeting:
• In response to a question from Paddy Heneghan, Councillor Isherwood, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, explained that the Council had reviewed costs and parking charges had been removed from today at Fairfax Road car park.
• Councillor Garner placed on record her thanks to the Car Parking Supervisor for recent help in addressing inconsiderate parking in the Sedgley area during rush hour.
• In response to concerns about displacement and the monitoring of the effect of the parking changes at Fairfax Road, the Car Parking Supervisor reported that control measures could be required if the car park was flooded with long stay parkers.
• With regard to issue of parking at the Metrolink Station, the Executive Member for Environment and Transport reported that Transport for Greater Manchester were looking at the issue of extra parking at stations along the line.
• Councillor Quinn raised the problems of parking around Heaton Park Metrolink and highlighted the importance of providing free parking as a means of supporting businesses in the Whittaker Lane area.
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| PTF.683 | 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.
Luci Roper, representing Local in Prestwich, reported on the work done to date in relation to how to regenerate the town centre and explained that the Group would look to take forward any ideas arising from the bid.
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| PTF.684 | Siobhan Treader addressed the Township Forum to report on the development of the Prestwich Life website and Twitter account. The website, which would be launched imminently, will provide a hub of information related to events and businesses in the local area. It was reported that a Twitter account was already set up on @prestwichlife.
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| PTF.685 | The Chair, Councillor V D’Albert, 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.
• Michael Slater raised issues in relation to a fractured sewer in Simister that had yet to be cleaned up and also the structural effect on older cottages in the area from large vehicles delivering to the Arrow Oils Company. The Chair, Councillor Vic D’Albert, undertook to raise the issues with the relevant departments as a matter of urgency.
• Alf Wentworth enquired what steps the Council was taking to improve prospects for young unemployed residents of Bury and suggested the Longfield Suite be used more to provide services for young unemployed people. Councillor Garner highlighted that the issue of youth unemployment had been looked at through the External Scrutiny Committee and reported that courses were delivered at local libraries through Jobcentre Plus.
• Ann Huchinson raised concerns about a ‘grot spot’ in the Rainsough area on the Cussons site at the bottom of Moor Lane. Mrs Huchinson highlighted the lack of security on the site and the associated health and environmental safety issues. The Chair, Councillor D’Albert, requested that the issue be dealt with as an agenda item at the next meeting of the Forum.
• Kevin Hodges enquired how small businesses could be expected to thrive when the Council’s Core Strategy document was supportive of supermarket led retail development in Prestwich. That Chair, Councillor D’Albert, undertook to clarify the issue at the next meeting.
• Peter Thompson requested more publicity to notify the public of the dates and venues for future Township Forum meetings.
• Tom Gribben provided an update from the Prestwich Heritage Society and reported that a further 15 monuments and buildings had been granted listed status in the Church Lane and Church yard area.
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| PTF.686 | Kim Griffiths, The Township Co-ordinator, submitted the Draft Prestwich Township Area Plan detailing the key achievable priorities for Prestwich arising from the discussions which had taken place at the last meeting of the Township Forum. It was explained that the Plan was a working document and suggestions were still welcomed.
In relation to youth provision, Frank Adam enquired whether the Youth Pod equipment, previously used in Rainsough, was still available for use.
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