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.

Councillor Fitzwalter declared a personal interest in item 8 - Bury West and North Children's Centre Hub as she is a member of the Advisory Board.

Following the Tottington by election held on 22 October 2015, Councillor Gregory Keeley was elected to represent the ward.

Councillor Hodkinson explained that the Tottington by election had been held on 22 October 2015. Councillor Greg Keeley had been elected to represent the ward at the by election. Councillor Hodkinson welcomed Councillor Keeley to the meeting and congratulated him on his election.

Councillor Keeley thanked those present and explained that he had been elected until the next local elections which would be held in May 2016.

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Township Forum held on 16 September 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Further to Minute RTNM.321, Public Question Time, Councillor Fitzwalter explained the Mr Jonathan Ali had raised a number of issues in relation to Hawkshaw Lane. The blocked gulleys had been first reported over 12 months ago and nothing had been done and no responses received from the complaints that had been submitted.

The other issue raised by Mr Ali relating to the Village Link information had not been resolved.

Councillor Fitzwalter also referred to the car parking survey that had been carried out in Ramsbottom and reported that Councillors were due to have a meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss the survey outcomes and possible solutions.

Councillor Gunther referred to the questions that had been raised by Mr Booth in relation to Councillors' surgeries. She stated that the North Manor Councillors did hold regular surgeries across their ward and they were usually well attended.

Dr Binns referred to the issues that she had raised in relation to the junction at Factory Street and Ramsbottom Lane and asked if any work had been carried out to resolve the issues.

Dave Thomas explained that he had passed her concerns onto the relevant officers within the Traffic Management Team and they had  carried out some initial investigations and observations. A review of the car parking bays would be undertaken and then possible options could be reviewed.

Dave Thomas explained that there were no police representatives available to attend the meeting but work was being carried out to try and arrange for regular attendance at the Township Forum Meetings and a possible Market Place event before each one.

A number of people present raised concerns in relation to a a lack of PACT meetings, particularly in Ramsbottom and asked if the PACT meetings could be incorporated into the Township Forum Meetings.

It was explained that the Councillors had been invited to attend a meeting this coming Thursday with the Police and Councillor Fitzwalter stated that she would raise these concerns there. She also stated that she would pass the Forum's concerns onto Councillor Sandra Walmsley.

An update will be given at the meeting.

Dr Falmai Binns explained to the Forum that she had been in conversation with a number of people about reinstating the water in the Urn water feature on Market Place in Ramsbottom.

A meeting had been held with Officers of the Council, Councillors and herself to discuss this issue.

It had been agreed that if viable to water would be switched back on as long as community representatives were willing to undertake the regular maintenance and monitoring that was required.

Falmai explained that she would be contacting the relevant people to get the work required started and it was hoped that there would be grand switch on in the spring.

A briefing will be given at the meeting

Reverend Steve Openshaw explained that a consultation had been carried out early in 2015 to look at the options around the Children's Centres and the services they provided. Following this consultation the Ramsbottom Centre had     closed and the services it had provided were now co-ordinated from the Hub based at Woodbank.

Reverend Openshaw was a member of the Advisory Board who were looking at the outreach work it provided and      trying to get this into place in and around Ramsbottom.

There had been some concerns in relation to funding for outreach venues, staffing and whether the levels were adequate. There were also concerns regarding staff training - particularly in relation to health and safety and reporting of safeguarding issues.

A new Hub Manager had started in October 2015 and was addressing a lot of the issue that had been raised which had not already been addressed.

Councillor Fitzwalter explained that the community were already taking on some of the provision that had previously         been offered when the Children's Centre was operating and communication across the area was excellent at promoting classes and events. It was reported that new venues were always required as was funding.

It was agreed:

That Reverend Openshaw be thanked for his update.

Information will be provided at the meeting.

A presentation was given about the current flood action campaign that the Environment Agency was running.

The campaign was running from 2nd to 13th November as was aimed at making more people aware of the flood risk    to their homes and businesses, how to prepare for a flood if their property was at risk and other agencies that could offer support and advice.

The website allowed a postcode check to be carried out and gave you information about the risk of flood. If your property was at risk you could register for free flood warnings.

Those present were asked to assist in promoting the campaign by sharing on social media and telling friends and family about it.

Those present were invited to ask questions or make comments and the following points were raised:-

·             Councillor Fitzwalter referred to the AA campaign 'Think don't sink' that had joined up with this campaign and highlighted the fact that you should never drive through flood water as this could cause the vehicles' electrics to cut out and trap you in your car.

It was agreed:

That the contents of the presentation be noted.

·             Mr Noel Booth referred to the skate park that had been located near to Ramsbottom Leisure Centre which had been removed. Mr Booth asked why it had been removed and whether it would be reinstated.

Councillor Fitzwalter explained that there had been ongoing issues with vandalism to the site which had left the equipment dangerous to use. The Council had removed the equipment but could not afford to reinstate new.

·            Mr Booth explained that on a number of occasions there had been people flying drones on the land to the rear of his property. The land in question was owned by the Council. Mr Booth asked what the Council's stance was when it came to their land being used for this sort of activity.

It was explained that officers would take this question away and bring a response to a future meeting of the Township Forum.

·            Mr Farlow referred to the project to install a new war memorial at St Paul's in Ramsbottom and the need for funds and asked whether the Township Fund could be used for this.

It was stated that this would be something that the fund could be used for and an application would need to be submitted to the Township Co-ordinator.

·         Mr Booth asked whether there had been any plans announced for Marshals Quarry.

Councillor Bevan stated that that the statutory deadline was the end of November 2015.

An update will be given at the meeting

Dave Thomas presented the Township Plan for information.

The funding report was presented for information.