Agenda and draft 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 made at the meeting.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

A presentation will be given at the meeting.

Klare Rufo Assistant Director of Learning, Children, Young People and Culture attended the meeting to report on the second stage of the libraries consultation which was running until 27 April 2017.

It was explained that the first part of the consultation had been held from June 2016 and had concentrated on the principles that a library service should provide. The consultation asked for residents’ input on the principles to ensure that they were in line with service requirements.

Principle 1 – To provide a Library Service across the borough which provides all residents with access to libraries and electronic services sufficient in number, range and quality  to support reading for pleasure, lifelong learning, the development of new skills and the effective use of information.

Principle 2 – To ensure that the needs of more vulnerable residents and groups protected by Equalities legislation are taken fully into account in the provision of these services.

Principle 3 – To ensure that the resources committed to the library service are used as efficiently as possible by exploring options to reduce running and maintenance costs and to share premises with other Council services.

Principle 4 – To explore options for investing in technology to improve access to the library service for example, by extending opening hours , increasing digital services and enhancing provision for those with sensory impairments.

Principle 5 – To welcome the contribution that members of the community can make to the borough’s library service as volunteers, supporting both traditional and digital services, including training to promote digital inclusion.

Principle 6 - To meet local aspirations for a network of community spaces across the borough in which the council and local communities can work together as partners in meeting local needs.

4000 submissions had been received for the first part of the consultation and had agreed with the core principles as set out.

Klare explained that the Council had had its budget cut by £65m to date with a further £32m of cuts up to 2020 at which point the Council will have to be self sufficient. The libraries budget was reduced by £870,000 in 2013/2014 with a further reduction of £1m up to 2018/2019.

Following the initial consultation a number of options were developed for the future delivery of a library service in the borough consistent with the Council’s statutory duties.

The current consultation is asking residents to consider 2 options:

Option 1: Retain Bury, Ramsbottom and Prestwich Libraries plus a service wide team.

Option 2: Retain Bury, Ramsbottom, Prestwich and Radcliffe Libraries plus a smaller service wide team.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments and the following pointes were raised:-

·         A member of the public stated that the reduction in the library service is indicative of what will happen across all services and stated that volunteer forums should be established to pick up what can’t be provided by the Council anymore.

Klare explained that a new neighbourhood working model was being developed that would  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTNM.623

Inspector Russell Magnall will give an update at the Meeting.

Inspector Russell Magnall attended the meeting to update those present on the work of the Police in Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor.

Inspector Magnall reported that there had been a spike in burglaries recently and officers had worked very hard to identify and catch those responsible. 9 offenders had been recently been jailed in connection with the offences and one remaining suspect had been arrested two weeks ago.

Inspector Magnall asked that with the weather starting to improve residents be vigilant and make sure that they lock their tools away after carrying out DIY and gardening as thieves will use anything available to break into properties. He also reported that although residents had house alarms fitted, many didn’t us them and asked that they get into the habit of setting their alarms.

Inspector Magnall explained that cyber crime was currently one of the biggest threats to residents. Bury Police were bringing together an ‘Active Citizen’s’ group to help train communities and groups about cyber crime, how to spot it and how to avoid it. Santander Bank are also involved with the initiative. Inspector Magnall asked that if anybody wished to take part as a volunteer they contact him.

Inspector Magnall also reported that Bury is the safest borough to live in in Greater Manchester.

It was agreed:

That Inspector Magnall be thanked for his update.

The Chair invited questions from those present.

·         Mr Graham explained that two posts had been erected on the pavement on Tottington Road near to Scobell Street. Mr Graham had written to the Council to ask why the posts had been installed only to receive a reply stating that the question would not be answered.

Mr Graham asked if somebody could explain what the posts were for and why they had been installed.

·         Anne Booker representing Friends of Hunt Fold explained that the Council were currently consulting on selling three parcels of land on the Huntfold Estate in Greenmount. The Friends of Huntfold had been established to raise awareness of this issue and ask as many people as possible to object to it. The Friends were hoping that the land could be managed by the residents of the estate which would save the Council the money for maintaining it. Mrs Booker explained that the 3 areas were designated as protected recreational purposes. Those present were asked to have a look at the website that had been set up and sign up for e-mail updates. The website also has information on how to support the campaign.

·         A member of the public explained that she had witnessed two burglaries in Ramsbottom that were being carried out in the early hours. She had telephoned the police and they had responded quickly but had not been in time to catch the perpetrators. The lady asked that businesses be advised to take in their signs before closing as this was what the burglars had used to gain entry. She also stated that it had taken the Police 5 days to carry out a follow up after the incident.

Inspector Magnall stated that sometimes the Police do get things wrong and that if the service isn’t up to expectations then it should be reported.

·         Mr Nally explained that since the parking review had been undertaken in Ramsbottom he had noticed that a lot more cars were parking on the pavements. This was causing issues for pedestrians and people with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

·         Mr Nally also asked whether something could be done with regards to the bus service through Ramsbottom. The timetables had been changed which now meant that there was a bus at 9pm and then nothing until 9.45pm

·         A member of the public asked whether the yellow lines opposite St Andrew’s School could be re-instated. Parents dropping off children at the school were regularly parking on the pavements obstructing access to the pavement for other parents.

·         Mr Schwartz stated that the Toby Carvery (Bulls Head) at Greenmount was now charging for parking. The first fifteen minutes of parking were free but this wasn’t advertised anywhere. Mr Schwartz asked whether the  pub should be advertising this.

·         A representative of Friends of Bury Folk explained that an e-petition had been submitted which has been signed by 2700 people asking why Bury had been allocated such a high figure for residential properties in the GMSF. He stated that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTNM.625

The Township Forum Funding Report is attached for information

The Township Forum Funding Report was submitted for information.