| PTF.77 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| PTF.78 | Leigh Webb, Principal Democratic Services Officer, reported that Mr Paul Gresty had been appointed to replace Father Neil Shave as the representative of Churches Together in Prestwich and Kersal. |
| PTF.80 | Claire Tymon, from the Hamilton Group, attended the meeting to provide information in relation to the Olympic Torch relay which passes through Prestwich on Saturday 23rd June. It was reported that an event guide would be produced and given out on the day. Local businesses and residents were encouraged to attend on the day and a request for volunteer stewards was made. |
| PTF.81 | Kirsten Warren, Heaton Park Manager, and Mike Parrott, Head of Events Management at Manchester City Council, attended the meeting to provide a verbal update on preparations for the upcoming series of concerts by the Stone Roses. An overview of the event and information relating to security, transport, litter and noise levels was provided. It was reported that close work had been undertaken between relevant agencies and the promoters to mitigate against the impact of the concerts on local residents.
Questions and comments were invited from members of the Township Forum and the public present at the meeting, and the following issues were raised:
• With regard to public consultation, it was explained that a public information letter was being sent to 8,000 local residents and that a telephone information line would be available. Kirsten Warren also reported on public meetings and drop in sessions that had taken place, and were due to take place before the event.
• In response a question from Councillor Black, concerning working with the jewish community, Kirsten Warren explained liaison had been ongoing and that a drop in session was arranged for 14 June. It was also reported that work had been ongoing with the muslim community.
• With regard to concerns relating to noise levels, Mike Parrot explained that a sound management plan was in place which would be managed by a sound management company.
• Concerns were raised about the possibility of excessive drinking, low level crime, ticket touting, inconsiderate parking. It was explained that partnership work with the Police, Local Authority and other relevant agencies had been undertaken, with plans in place.
• Geoff Cohen enquired about provision in place for the disabled. It was reported that designated parking and a restricted mobility viewing platform would be provided.
• In response to a question concerning the revenue generated from the event, it was reported that the income received would go towards the income target of the park to help it balance its budget.
Mike Parrot explained that it was not possible to give a detailed breakdown of revenue due to commercial sensitivity.
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| PTF.82 | The Chair, Mr David Stanley, 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.
• Frank Shatcliffe raised concerns that the stalled village at Prestwich Carnival had been interpreted by the Council as a ‘Market’ and was subject to licensing. Alex Holland, Head of Property & Asset Management, explained the rationale behind the policy and accepted that a balance needed to be struck between temporary markets and community events. It was reported that work was being undertaken with the Economic Development Unit to take an overview of the issue and agree a programme community events that the Council would licence.
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| PTF.83 | The Chair, David Stanley, provided a verbal update on the Prestwich Festival which included a brief report on the events that had taken place and an outline of the up and coming events. Mr Stanley placed on record his thanks to all event organisers.
Frank Shatcliffe gave a verbal update on the Prestwich Carnival and outlined the steps taken to ensure the same level of Carnival activity with reduced levels of funding.
During discussion of this item, it was acknowledged that early planning and liaison with the Police was essential. With regard to the issue of traffic management, Inspector Kenny highlighted that other agencies, including the Council, needed to be involved with the Traffic Management Plan.
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| PTF.84 | Luci Roper, representing Local in Prestwich (LiP), gave an outline of a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging local spending, inclusion and participation to assist in the creation of a stronger community. A launch event for the Group will take place at Prestwich Carnival. It was reported that despite the unsuccessful Portas bid, a number of actions within the bid document were still being progressed.
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| PTF.85 | Kim Griffiths, Prestwich Township Co-ordinator, submitted a report setting out details of funding applications and awards in the Holyrood, St Mary’s and Sedgely wards of Prestwich.
The Council has allocated £1,000 per ward to support the work of voluntary and community groups, with the application funding decisions made by the relevant ward councillors. Individual grants to the ward fund are available for a maximum of £250. Additionally, a borough-wide allocation of £13,000 was available for cross-ward applications from third sector organisations, with a maximum individual grant of £750. It was reported that the £13000 cross ward funding had all been allocated for this financial year. However the £250 ward grants were still available in each ward.
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| PTF.86 | Inspector Kenny provided an update on Policing within Prestwich. The meeting was informed that in the months of April and May crime was down by 20%, equating to 120 less victims of crime. It was explained that residents should be vigilant during the summer months and were reminded to keep homes, garages and sheds protected by making sure doors and windows were locked. |
| PTF.87 | It was reported that the Prestwich Township Forum would meet on the following dates during the new Municipal Year:
18 July 2012
20 September 2012
14 November 2012
4 February 2013
13 March 2013
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