Agenda and minutes

Members of the Township Forum are asked to consider whether they have an interest in any of the matters on the Agenda and if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.    

The Minutes of the last meeting held on 15 January 2015 are attached.

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Township Forum held on 15 January 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Open Forum Actions from previous meetings – document attached

There were no matters arising from the Minutes of the last meeting.

Councillor Wright explained that all residential properties in the borough had been sent a letter regarding electoral registration asking that residents check the information is correct and that they are registered to vote.

If the information is correct then nothing needs to be done but, if the information is not, the letter explains what the resident should do to register.

Councillor Wright explained that this exercise had been funded by the Government to ensure that all those eligible to vote would be able to.

A representative from GM Police will attend the meeting (subject to availability).

Angela Freudenburgh, Beat Office in Ramsbottom, Ashleigh Oxton, Beat Officer in North Manor and PCSO Dave Johnson attended the meeting to update those present on police issues across Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor.

It was explained that the Police had been carrying out some work in relation to young people causing a nuisance which was happening when the schools were on holiday. Angela explained that she was working with Ramsbottom Youth Project to try and sort out some activity options.

It was explained that crime in general across the three townships was low.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and the following points were raised:-

·           Councillor Hodkinson explained that he had been made aware that a recent planning application had been submitted to the Council for a change of use of premises on Bridge Street in Ramsbottom from a retail unit to a bar with a late license.

Councillor Hodkinson asked whether this was something that the Police should be concerned about with regards to anti social behaviour due to alcohol.

PCSO Johnson explained that the Police were aware of the application and if successful they would keep an eye on the area to ensure that any anti social behaviour was stopped. There had been a new wine open on Bolton Street late 2014 and this had not caused any issues in the area.

·            Councillor Bevan reported that there had been a number of burglaries on Bury New Road and asked if a police presence could be stepped up in the area.

It was explained that the Police were aware of the rise in the number of burglaries in the area and they were keeping an eye on this.

·            Councillor Bevan also reported that speeding vehicles was an issue along Bury New Road and asked if something could be done in this area.

It was explained that work was being carried out and the Police were in the process of identifying suitable locations where vehicles could be pulled over in order for the drivers to be spoken to. It was also explained that the possibility of undertaking a joint operation with Lancashire Police was being discussed.

·             Councillor Wright referred to the Community Speed Watch programme and asked if this project could be carried out across the three Townships.

It was explained that work was being carried out to try and get this up and running. Ramsbottom was on target to submit an application for the loan of the equipment and a number of volunteers had been identified to carry out the training. Once this had been done the speed watch equipment would be loaned to them for a three month period during which time speed watch exercises would be carried out across Ramsbottom and further afield as required. It was stated that this would be carried out this year.

It was also hoped that similar applications would be submitted for Tottington and North Manor and would be completed towards the back of 2015.

Angela stated that an  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTNM.788

A representative from the Highways department will attend the meeting to report on issues and answer questions.

Alex Holland, Head of Property and Asset Management, Ian Lord, Engineering Manager and Mike Owen, Executive Director of Resources and Regulation attended the meeting to report on work that had been carried out in relation to a number of issues raised at a previous meeting of the Township Forum.

It was explained that issues had been raised regarding the market in Ramsbottom. The market took up too many parking spaces meaning fewer visitors could park, the containers were old and unsightly and the traders' toilets were smelly and also unsightly.

Alex explained that a number of options had been considered including moving the Saturday market up to the site at the Toppled Urn at the top of Bridge Street. This was used for the artisan markets which were held monthly and had proved a popular site. It was explained however, that this site would not be suitable for the Saturday market as it was not a big enough site to accommodate the stalls. It was also reported that the current traders had been consulted and had stated that they would not be happy to move up to the Urn.

The other option that had been considered was to shrink the market to half of its current size and change the containers for newer, more attractive ones that were available now that the work at Radcliffe Market had been completed. It was suggested that this option should be the recommended option.

Those present were asked for their opinion and the following points were raised:-

·         It was suggested that the artisan market at the urn should be a weekly event.

·         Union Street should be re-opened on a Saturday to allow for more parking.

·         The mess created from empty packing boxes was unsightly - could anything be done about this.

·         The parking spaces should be altered to be on an angle which would be more user friendly

·         The toilets near to the Urn need to be open if a market is going to be operating from the site on a regular basis.

Those present agreed that the Market should be shrunk to half its current size and the issue with the containers be reviewed. The market needed to be as vibrant as possible to attract visitors. It was also agreed that options for a more regular artisan market at the Urn site be researched.

Councillor Fitzwalter explained that a survey of parking options had been carried out with the businesses in Ramsbottom. The majority of businesses felt that two hour parking restrictions on Bolton Street would be beneficial to them. It was also explained that there were a number of other issues across the town relating to parking and depending on where a business was located parking requirements changed.

Ian Lord explained that parking was always a difficult area to tackle and involved balancing competing demands. It was difficult to get the right balance of short stay and long stay spaces. Ian suggested that Bolton Street be looked at first and other options  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTNM.789

The Chair invited those present who had a question relating to Council services

·                Mr Booth referred to Summerseat PLC being relocated to Radcliffe and asked what Summerseat House would be used for in the future.

It was explained that those present at the meeting were unaware of the ownership of Summerseat House but enquiries would be made.

·                Mr Booth reported that he had received some unwanted phone calls from private companies and one from the Conservative Party. Both had stated, when asked that they had bought his telephone number from Bury Council.

It was explained that the Council was obliged to provide a copy of the open electoral register on request but would never sell details of a resident as Mr Booth was describing.

·                Councillor Bevan reported that the Planning Inspectorate's Enquiry relating to the Application to build an anaerobic digester in Ramsbottom was due to start on Tuesday 10 March in the Elizabethan Suite of the Town Hall. Councillor Bevan asked that people attend if they were able to.

Councillor Wright explained that this was the last meeting of the Forum for the 2014/2015 municipal year and thanked      all those present for their attendance and input.

It was agreed:

That the Forum thanks Councillor Yvonne Wright for her excellent contribution and hard work as Chair for the past Municipal Year.