Agenda and minutes

Members of Bury East 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.

Minutes of the meeting and matters arising from the meeting held on 17 September 2015 are attached.

                   Delegated decision:

                   That the minutes of the last meeting held on 17 September 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

                In respect of Minute BETF.333, The Chair, Councillor Holt reported that the Council were in contact with the Developers concerning street names/numbering in the Pimhole area.

An update on local Police issues will be provided at the meeting, subject to the availability of an Officer from Greater Manchester Police.

                Sergeant Matt Doyle and Andy Bigland, 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 following information was reported:

·         Inspector Eddison had now returned to oversee the Bury North Division.

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

·         Regular “Priority” meetings and Joint Engagement meetings were taking place to identify and tackle issues affecting the local community.

In response to a question from a Rod Boardall in relation to dangerous cycling on the pavement in the Heywood Street area, Andy Bigland explained that discretion was exercised by the Police on this issue but fixed penalties can be issued.

        In response to a question from Jimmy Hill, Andy Bigland stressed the continued value of Homewatch Schemes and explained his aim to try and interlink with PACT meetings.

During discussion of this item, Andy Bigland highlighted that the majority of his current workload involved visits to vulnerable premises following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris

It was agreed:

        That the update be noted.

Subject to availability, an Officer from Highways will be in attendance at the meeting.

         The Chair, Councillor Holt, reported that an update from Highways would be provided at the next meeting of the Forum.

An overview will be given on the evening.

                 Rachel Henry, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, attended the meeting to raise awareness of the upcoming Illegal Money Lending Week of Action.

                 The Bury Organised Crime Team undertakes regular weeks of action on specific areas. During week commencing 30^th November a press campaign will concentrate on reaching vulnerable people who may be susceptible to loan sharks in the run up to the Christmas period. Partnership work with the Police, Six Town Housing and Trading Standards will be carried out to warn of the dangers of illegal money lending and promote alternatives such as Credit Unions.                                  

                         During discussion of this item, Jimmy Hill requested that whole areas could become no cold calling zones with signs posted on lamp posts. Councillor Kelly explained that such measures required all residents of the area concerned to give their consent.

                    It was agreed:

                        That Rachel Henry be thanked for her presentation.

The Bury East Township Plan is attached for information.

The Township Co-ordinator, Dave Thomas, submitted a copy of the Bury East Township Plan setting out the key priorities and actions for the Township.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting on issues of concern relating to the provision of local services.  Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Public Question Time, if required.

The Chair, Councillor 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.

·         Harry Reed referred to the changes on the horizon as a result of devolution in Greater Manchester. Mr Reed requested that a presentation be given to the Forum on the implication for Bury arising from devolution. The Chair, Councillor Holt, highlighted the role of the Leader of the Council within the Combined Authority and suggested he was well placed to update the Forum at a future meeting.

·         Jimmy Hill highlighted the costs to the Council as a result of fly tipping in the Borough. Over the last year £135k had been spent tackling the 3061 incidents of fly tipping. Mr Hill stressed the need for tough penalties for those found guilty of the offence.

·         Mick Ainsworth expressed concerns about the large puddles forming on Heywood Street and reported on the need for grids and gullies to be cleared on Bell Lane.

·         WajidIqbal highlighted the concerns throughout the community following the recent Paris terrorist attacks and stressed the need for continued strong community relations. Councillor Tariq provided an overview of the Local Authority response to the attacks and referred to a statement from the Leader of the Council which had been sent to all local Mosques in the Borough.

·         Kath Bond highlighted the dangers of speeding traffic and inconsiderate parking on Willow Street. PCSO Andy Bigland explained that there was an ongoing traffic operation in the area and that he had been working with the School Head teacher to limit inconsiderate parking.

·         Annette McKay enquired what local residents could do to re-assure all sections of the community following the recent terror attacks in Paris. Members of the Forum and the public present stressed the need to continue the strong community relations work undertaken through the Forum and consider holding a future meeting at the Mosque.

A funding report is attached for information.

It was agreed:

                The report be noted.