Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Delegated decision:

The Minutes of the meeting of the Bury West Township Forum held on
16 January 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Minute 692 – Councillor Southworth reported that she is due to meet with the Assistant Director, Environment Development Services on the 14^th March and will highlight concerns raised in relation to the bridle paths at Elton Vale.

PC Peachy, Sue Ecksersley and Shelly Flitcroft, Police Community Support Officers provided members of the Township Forum with a verbal update in relation to police issues in Bury West, the update contained the following information:

PC Peachy reported that agreement has been reached for officers to spend more time patrolling the local areas.  An operation is currently underway at Bury Market to target handbags thieves operating in that area.

PC Peachy encouraged members of the public to report instances of anti social behaviour and noise nuisance on the Kirklees trial to the Local authority.

In response to a question from a member of the public in relation to an instance of anti-social behaviour at Bolton Road Methodist Church, PC Peachy reported that the police service is currently under-staffed and calls would have to be prioritised.

In response to a question from Councillor Walker, PC Peachy reported that the instances of anti-social behaviour at the Children’s Home on Freckleton Drive had reduced.  The Police are aware of past problems at the home and will continue to work with the residents to alleviate any issues of anti social behaviour.

PC Peachy reported that following the robbery at the Mace Convenience Store on Brandlesholme Road, the CCTV and pictures of the assailant have been circulated.

It was agreed:

PC Peachy, Sue Ecksersley and Shelly Flitcroft, Police Community Support Officers be thanked for their attendance.

The Bury West Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from Stuart North, Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Commissioning Group and Howard Hughes Chief Pharmicist, Clinical Commissioning Group, the presentation contained the following information:

The CCG Chief Executive reported that Healthier Together is initially a Community ‘Conversation’ about transforming health and social care across Greater Manchester.

The purpose of the conversation will be to update communities and gather views about; joining up health and social care services, enhancing GP and community services and transforming hospital services.

The CCG Chief Executive reported that the service review will be about enhancing the level of care and will result in centres of excellence supported by local fit for purpose, smaller units.

 The CCG Chief Executive reported that no decisions have been made about the location of hospital services, the final decision will be made by the Association of Greater Manchester Clinical Commissioning Groups once the public conversation and consultation had been completed.

The Chief Pharmacist encouraged members of the public to complete the consultation feedback forms and to get involved in the “conversation”.

             Questions and comments were invited from the Township Forum and members of the public present at the meeting and the following issues were raised:

·         The Chief Executive of the CCG reported that the CCG is underfunded by £20 million.

·         All GP practices within Bury have access to Summary Care Records, as of yet they are unable to share these records with Acute and Community services.

·         The CCG are reviewing access to medical records and this will inform the consultation process.

·         The CCG have submitted a bid to the Prime Minister Challenge fund for additional monies to rollout increased access to GP services to all of Bury residents (Similar to the Healthier Radcliffe pilot).

·         Representatives from the CCG are in discussion with Pennine Acute NHS Trust in respect of providing pre-operative assessment services in local health centres.

·         Reform of health services across Greater Manchester is required

·         Fairfield hospital would remain a centre of excellence for stroke services.

·         It is expected that teams of consultants will operate across more than one hospital.

It was agreed:

The Clinical Commissioning Group’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Pharmacist be thanked for their attendance.

The Bury West Township Forum considered a verbal presentation from Fran Carbery, Health Improvement Specialist, in relation to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, the presentation contained the following information:

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is an assessment of local health and social care needs both now and in the future, it defines where inequalities exist and should be used to inform and guide commissioning of health, well-being and social care services.

The JSNA provides commissioners with the required data intelligence to inform and influence commissioning intentions and target health resources.

The JSNA detailed statistical information has highlighted a number of areas of concern these include; early access to maternity care, breastfeeding take up, dental care, obesity, teenage conceptions and emergency asthma admissions.

The Health Improvement Specialist reported that after analysis of the health inequalities that exist within the Borough representatives have identified the following priorities:

·         Address health inequalities: causes, deprived communities, understand needs of vulnerable people

·         Emotional wellbeing and mental health

·         Ensuring a best start in life for children

·         Promoting independence for older people

·         Promoting healthy lifestyles: Alcohol, Obesity, Physical Activity, Smoking

·         Preventing premature mortality (especially cancers and circulatory diseases)

·         Anticipating rising demand and need

Representatives are currently consulting on the identified priorities and asking members of the public if …

–             Are these the right priorities?

–             Are there other issues that would benefit from further exploration and why these are important?

The Consultation will run from 18 February to 31 March 2014 and members of the public are encouraged to get involved.

It was agreed:

1.   Fran Carberry, Health Improvement Specialist be thanked for her attendance.

2.   The Health Improvement Specialist would provide figures in respect of the expected life expectancy for the current population to the Township Co-ordinator, this information would be reported at the next meeting of the Township Forum.

Councillor Roy Walker provided a verbal update in relation to the meeting of the highways sub group which took place on 25^th February 2014. 

Councillor Walker reported that the review of the speed limit on A and B roads would be completed this financial year and legal consultations were underway.

Councillor Walker reported the following update in respect of 20 mph speed limits on residential streets within Bury West:

              Rudgwick Drive   – Operative from October 2013

              Elton Scheme       - Operative from November 2013

              Ashington Drive   – Operative from 13 February 2014

              Haig Road           - Consultation process is complete. Responses will now be evaluated to inform future report.

Councillor Walker reported that the group discussed residents concerns about Hunstanton Drive being used as a cut through and requested that the road be included within the consultation; the Principal Engineer had reported that due to the nature of the road, any scheme would require the introduction of physical measures.

Councillor Walker reported that micro-asphalting on Glenboro Avenue had now been completed.

It was agreed:

Councillor Walker be thanked for his attendance.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator, reported that a performance reported in respect of the Bury West Township Forum Area Plan is being developed.  The Performance Report will inform the round table discussions due to take place at the next meeting of the Township Forum.

It was agreed:

The Bury West Area Plan would be a standing agenda item

In response to a question from Councillor Walker the Township Co-ordinator reported that the proposed Community Café at Whitehead Park had been awarded a grant of £750.  The Township Co-ordinator reported that she will provide members of the Forum with an update in respect of Whitehead Park at the next Township Forum Meeting.

It was agreed:

The community funding report be noted.

Councillor Hankey informed the meeting that the Bury West Township Forum young person’s representative has resigned from the Forum

It was agreed:

That a note of thanks be forwarded on to Catherine Baker, Young Persons Representative.

The Chair, Councillor M Hankey, 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.

Phil Jones, Brandlesholme Residents Association reported that work at Purpeck Park will commence on 24 March 2014.  The Residents Association have had to re-evaluate the proposed work due to financial restrictions, as they have been informed they are no longer able to reclaim the VAT. Councillor Hankey agreed to query the issue concerning VAT with the relevant Council Officer.

The Township Co-ordinator agreed to look into the cost associated with providing red dog fouling bins and will provide an update at the next Township Forum Meeting.

Councillor Hankey’s expressed his thanks and support to the Township Forum, members of the public and officers.

It was agreed:

That Councillor Hankey be thanked for his commitment and valuable contributions to the role of Chair during the last year.