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, held on 6 January 2016, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

An update will be given at the meeting

An update was provided on policing matters in respect of Elton and Church Ward.

Statistical information relating to crimes in the area were outlined and it was reported that the figures were available on the GMP Website.

It was reported that a crime prevention day was planned and it the importance of intelligence sharing was stressed by the Offices present at the meeting.

Sergeant Hussain reported that there would be an increase in neighbourhood policing and undertook to create an email database to send out monthly newsletters

It was agreed:

That the update be noted.

Representatives from First Bus will attend the meeting to give an update on service provision and answer questions.

Mr Dwayne Wells from First Bus attended the meeting to provide an update on bus services in the area.

With regard to the provision of a bus to the Medical Centre it was acknowledged that there was merit in the idea but potential logistical problems around rostoring was an issue. An undertaking was given to look into the suggestion and provide an update

An analysis of passenger journeys on the 98 service was provided which highlighted the following:

·         50% travelled between Manchester and Radcliffe

·         30% travelled between Radcliffe and Bury

·         20% travelled across Radcliffe

In response to a suggestion from Councillor Walker to terminate the service at Whitefield, Mr Wells explained that the fact that 25% of journeys were travelling across Whitefield meant this would not be viable.

In response to a question raised by Councillor Walker, on behalf of Mr Burns, an undertaking was given to respond concerning the failure of the 98 service to arrive on 1^st March.

With regard to the provision of real time bus information at the Interchange it was explained that TfGM was responsible for any potential provision as it is they who provide the infrastructure at stations.

It was agreed:

  That the update be noted.

Verbal updates will be given at the meeting.

Councillor Walker, Chair of the Highways Sub Group, provided an update on the work of the Group since the last meeting of the Township Forum.

With regard to 20mph zones, the Scheme for Brandlesholme West had been consulted on with residents and the response rate was good. Officers were in the process of reviewing the responses and if deemed necessary the proposals could be changed.

The consultation for the proposed 20mph zone on Seddons Farm estate had produced a varied response. 76% of respondents would like a 20mph zone put in place but less that 50% wanted speed humps. Councillor Walker reported that the option to introduce dummy humps rather than physical features would be looked at again

It was explained that the Group had raised the issue of inconsiderate parking  and access problems on Melrose Avenue near to the primary school.

It was agreed:

That the update be noted.

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

The Chair 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.

·         In response to concerns about pot holes, Councillor Southworth explained that an extra £0.5m had been allocated as a result of the flooding. 

The updated Township Plan is attached for information.

It was agreed:

That a performance report be submitted to the next meeting of the Forum.

The current funding report is attached for information.

The Township Co-ordinator reported that there had been no applications for funding since the last meeting of the Forum

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.