Agenda and minutes

Members of the Bury East Township Forum are asked to consider whether they have any interest in any of the matters on the agenda and if so, formally declare that interest.

Councillor Walmsley declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item BETF.334 Open Forum/Public Question Time, as an employee of Capita (O2).

A police representative will attend the meeting (subject to availability).

Andy Biglan, Police Community Support Officer attended the meeting to provide members of the Township Forum with an update in respect of policing issues within Bury East, the presentation contained the following information:

·         The Police Cadets continue to meet within Bury East, there is currently 34 cadets; the Cadets continue to participate in a large number of activities.

·         The PCSOs operate two youth clubs in Bury East in Topping Fold and Openshaw Park.

·         PACT meetings continue to take place in Pimhole and Topping Fold

The PCSO reported the appointment of a new Inspector, Inspector Shaw.  In response to a question from Cllr Cassidy, the PCSO reported that Inspector Shaw supports members of the public engaging with the police via PACT meetings.

In response to a question from a Member of the Public in relation to the visibility of PCSO; the PCSO reported that there has recently been a change in the PCSO shift patterns, the PCSO are now expected to cover a larger geographical area.

It was agreed:

That the Chair of the Township Forum would write to Inspector Shaw on behalf of the Township Forum to ask if PACT meetings could be re-introduced in Moorside.

Minutes of the last meeting held on Monday 13^th July 2015 are attached.

          Delegated decision:

That the minutes of the last meeting held on 13^th July 2015, be approved as a correct record.

Action log attached

There were no matters arising.

The Township co-ordinator will report at the meeting.  Report is attached.

The Township Co-ordinator, Dave Thomas, presented the draft report which included the issues raised by those who had taken part in the general round table discussions on each of the key priorities contained within the Township Action Plan for 2015/16.

Members were asked to approve the plan and the five priority areas which included, improved employment opportunities; educational attainment/learning; improved health and wellbeing; improved community safety; community pride and belonging in Bury East.

Members discussed the current refugee crisis and whether the plan should be amended to include an action in respect of this issue.  Councillor Walmsley and Councillor Holt reported that the Borough of Bury had a good record of welcoming refugees.  A motion was agreed at the Full Council meeting held in September re-iterating the Council’s support for refugees and asking that the government wworks directly with local authorities and ensure that adequate resources are made available to local authorities and government agencies to deal with the situation.

In response to a question from Councillor Walmsley, the Township Co-ordinator reported that the funding received to support a reduction in alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Bury East was no longer available.  The Township co-ordinator will continue to review other funding avenues and is due to meet with representatives from the Department for Communities and Local Government to discuss this issue.  Following this meeting, an update will be provided at a future meeting of the Township Forum.

It was agreed:

That the report be approved.

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

The Chair, Councillor Trevor Holt, 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.

·         Jimmy Hill raised concerns about street names/nameplates in Ingham Street/Oxford Street, Pimhole.

·         In response to a question from a member of the public in relation to residents parking near Fairfield School Jericho; Councillor Holt reported that following consultation, issues have arisen in relation to parking around Fairfield Primary School, this has delayed the implementation of the proposal however a decision is imminent.

·         A number of members of the public raised concerns about the implementation of the 20mph scheme across the Borough, including problems with enforcement.

·         Kath Bond reported that Willow Street continued to be very dangerous and she has witnessed a number of near misses involving pedestrians. 

·         In response to concerns raised about parking on Limefield Brow near the industrial estate, Councillor Walmsley reported that she would liaise with the highways department in respect of the issues raised.

·         In response to a question from Mick Ainsworth; Councillor Holt reported that questions relating to the recent conviction of a former Labour Councillor would not be discussed at the Township Forum meeting.

·         Councillor Walmsley reported that discussions are still ongoing with representatives at the Capita O2 site in respect of the recently announced job losses.

·         A member of the public reported that the Metrolink plan to introduce electronic signs providing information to members of the public on tram timetabling.  The Member of the public asked if the signage could be introduced at the entrance to the tram station.  Democratic Services reported that this would be an issue for Transport for Greater Manchester and the comments would be forwarded on to them on the resident’s behalf.

·         Councillor Haroon raised concerns on behalf of residents in Cook Street and in and around the Mosses Centre in relation repeated problems with rat infestation.

·         Kath Bond circulated photographs to members of the Board in respect of rubbish left in around the factory on John Dale Street/Maxwell Street and Dean Street.

         It was agreed:

That a representative from Bury Council’s Highways Department would be invited to attend a future meeting of the Bury East Township Forum to discuss 20mph zones.

Report attached.

It was agreed:

The report be noted.

There was no urgent business reported

Members discussed a proposal to reinstate the November Township Forum meeting.

It was agreed:

That the next meeting of Bury East Township Forum would take place on Thursday 19 November, 2015 at 7 pm, venue to be confirmed.