Agenda and minutes

Members of the Bury West 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.

It was agreed:

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

It was explained that it had been agreed that representatives from different organisations would attend prior to the meeting to offer advice on a one to one basis.

Laura McGuire introduced herself and explained that she worked for the Council supporting employed people with a caring responsibility. She asked that those present pass her details on to anybody who would benefit from her help.

Carol from Citizen’s Advice explained that she was delivering the Pension Wise scheme which would put the technical jargon into plain English to help people decide what to do with regards to their pension options.

It was agreed:

That Laura and Carol be thanked for their attendance at the meeting.

A verbal update will be given at the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE – This item is subject to the availability of officers on the night.

PC Pete Eccleston and PCSO Talha Sange attended the meeting to report on the work being carried out across the two Bury West Wards in relation to policing and crime.

It was explained that crime had reduced across the two wards in all areas apart from burglaries and theft from a person.

There had been incidences of thefts from sheds and garages targeting expensive pedal bikes.

PC Eccleston brought an example of a shed alarm that the Police recommended installing as a deterrent. They were battery operated and could be purchased for around £20.

It was reported that Halloween and Bonfire night had been the quietest in the area for years and reports of anti social behaviour were down compared to the same time last year.

There had been some recent reports of scams being carried out particularly on the old and vulnerable and PC Eccleston had brought some ‘no cold call’ stickers and some big scam books for people to take away. Those present were also asked to look out for chalk markings on gate posts and walls and remove them as these were a sign that money had successfully been taken from that property/resident.

It was explained that there would a crime prevention day on Sunday 22 November when a mobile police unit would be located at the Tesco Express on Tottington Road from 9.30am – 3pm.

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

A local resident referred to issues with illegal and dangerous parking around Elton Brook Close at the junction with Newbold Street. It was explained that this issue had been raised before. People attending football matches on the nearby football pitches were parking their cars on double yellow lines and at the junction and causing problems for residents.

PC Eccleston stated that he would visit the site to review the issue and speak to the owners of the vehicles. 

It was agreed:

That PC Eccleston and PCSO Sange be thanked for their update.

Verbal updates will be given at the meeting.

Mr Trevor Eastland representing Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club explained that the club were hoping to create charity/community carers days where their services would be offered for support and help to groups or nominated individuals who required it. The group was currently meeting 4 times per month to work on their offer.

Mr Eastland also reported that the Rotary Club Father Christmas would be visiting various streets and supermarkets in the borough from the start of December up to the 21^st. 

An update will be given at the meeting.

Christine Maksymowski explained that the  ‘I Will if You Will’ funding was still available for both current and new projects and encouraged people to apply for it. She also asked that

The Highways Sub Group met on Monday 2 November 2015. The Chair of the Group, Councillor Walker will give an update on the work of the group.

It was reported that the Highways Sub Group had met on 2^nd November. The Principal Engineer had taken the Members through the different 20mph schemes that were being implemented or consulted on across Bury West.

The Principal Engineer had brought plans relating to the schemes which showed physical features and locations of speed signs etc.

Also on the agenda were any other highways issues that had or were occurring within the two Bury West Wards. This had included the installation of  2 vehicle activated signs.

Members of the group had discussed the roundabout at the junction of Walshaw Road and Harvey Street, the traffic issues at the bottom of Bolton Road where the new Lidl supermarket had recently opened, parking on Belbeck Street and the planned new housing development at Spenmoor.

Those present were invited to comment or ask questions and the following points were raised:

A representative of Brandlesholme Residents’ Association referred to the 20 mph scheme planned for Birks Drive and the fact that the plans showed only 1 speed hump for this street. The resident suggested that more humps would be needed on Birks Drive as this was used as cut through for a lot of drivers.

It was agreed:

That the update be noted.

The Township Area Plan is attached.

An update will be given at the meeting.

The Township Area Plan was attached for information.

An update will be provided at the meeting.

The latest report is attached.

It was reported that Brandlesholme Residents’ Association had been granted £250 towards the planned welcome signs.

It was also reported that there was still money available and applications for funding were still being accepted.

Those present are invited to ask questions or raise issues of concern relating to the provision of local services.

A resident of Brandlesholme explained that the Residents’ Association were hoping to secure a defibrillator for outside the Tesco Express on Brandlesholme Road.

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

A presentation was given about the flood action campaign that the Environment Agency had recently run.

The campaign had run 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:-

It was agreed:

That the contents of the presentation be noted.

The next meeting of Bury West Township Forum will be held on Wednesday 6 January 2016 at 7pm at Bolton Road Methodist Church.

It was reported that the next meeting of the Township Forum will be held on 6 January 2016  at 7pm at Bolton Road Methodist Church.