Agenda and minutes

A nomination was received and seconded for the appointment of Councillor Joan Grimshaw as Chair of the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum 2014/2015.

A nomination was received and seconded for the appointment of Councillor David Jones as Deputy Chair of the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum.

Delegated decision:

1.   That approval be given to appointment of Councillor Joan Grimshaw as Chair of the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum 2014/2015.

2.   That approval be given to appointment of Councillor David Jones as Deputy Chair of the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum.

No declarations of interest were made in relation to any items to be considered.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2014.

Delegated decisions:

1. That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to the inclusion of Mrs Sharon Bannister in the list of those submitting apologies.     

2. That the matters arising update be noted.

Representatives from United Utilities (Simon and Emma) attended the meeting to update local residents on the sewerage replacement work planned to take place on Croft Lane during the autumn 2014. This would involve the closure of the width of Croft Lane for a period of up to 16 weeks.

The work had been sanctioned to address concerns relating to ground settlement which if left could result in collapse of sewerage pipes.

Other services had been identified in the area concerned following test digging which involved cabling provided by Virgin Media, BT and Electricity North West. It was anticipated that these works to re-route these services would be completed in the next two weeks. Update letters would be circulated to those residents in the area.

United Utilities was arranging a public exhibition that would take place on Thursday 14 August at Hollins Social Club between 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Further information would be provided including art work showing the proposals. Any technical questions would be answered at the exhibition day.

Work on the main sewerage pipes would start in September. This would initially at the lowest point which was Croft Lane/Crofters View (cul-de-sac).

It was expected that work on Croft Lane / Crofters View / Melton Drive would begin in October.

During this time there would be a full width closure of the road, though this would not be a full length road closure.

Access arrangements for the health centre and the ASDA at Pilsworth would be notified by road signage and arrangements were being made for a shuttle bus would be provided by First Bus. The bus route and schedule would be notified nearer the time.

It was not known yet if the road will be closed next week (14 July).

If the Croft Lane was to be closed at any point it was intended to provide local provide residents and road users with a one week advanced notice.

The closure programme would be for 16 weeks the phasing of this would be clearer nearer to the time and additional information would be provided at the exhibition.

Checks will be made on the road signage to ensure delivery lorry drivers are aware of the road closures and don’t use Croft Lane for access to Pilsworth Industrial Estate.

Further information can also be obtained on a web site:  www.hollinsvillage.co.uk

Information will also be published in the Bury Times and Bury Journal.

The start time of works in September is due to an embargo by Virgin Media taking place during the World Cup.

The sixteen week period to complete the work is an estimation based on the test diggings that have taken place by the contractor involved. This should be sufficient to complete the works taking into account minor issues that may arise during the excavation work. Alternatively the work could be completed in a shorter time period. Residents will be kept informed during this time.

ASDA and the Health Centre have been made aware of the work taking place and that a  ...  view the full minutes text for item WUTF.92

The Chair reported that this item would be re-scheduled to the next meeting of the Township Forum on 23 September 2014.

An update will be given on Policing issues for the Whitefield and Unsworth area.

The Chair reported that a representative of Greater Manchester Police was not present at the meeting. An update would be provided at the next.

As part of the Township Forum’s work programme review and update, the Township Co-ordinator provided the meeting with the means to consider and discuss the Key Thematic Priorities within the Action Plan. The Township Action receives an annual update to ensure the priorities are kept relevant.

The Key Thematic Priorities are:

·         Improved Health and Well Being

·         Improved Employment Opportunities

·         Educational Attainment and Learning

·         Improved Community Safety

·         Improved Community Pride and Belonging

The meeting formed into groups to consider the priorities and then reported them back to the meeting.

The Township Co-ordinator thanked the groups for their work and took the suggestions to help amend and update the Township’s Action Plan for 2014/15.

Delegated decision:

That the suggestions made under the Key Thematic Priorities be used to update the Township’s Action Plan and be submitted for approval to the next meeting.

The Chair invited the members of the public present to askquestions or raise items of concern relating to the provision of local services.

Mrs Moore circulated details of problem regarding an overgrown leylandii cypress tree at 22 Sergeants Lane. The tree at the front of the property was encroaching on the footway and the rear of the property were 50 feet high (approx).

Councillor Caserta reported that he had been in touch with the owner of the property and had passed their contact details to the complainant. The Council had been informed about the front of the property however the trees at the rear were not the Council’s responsibility. This would require action to be taken by the complainant through the Council.

The Chair suggested that as the matter was being dealt with by Councillor Caserta as part of his ward work the issue was being addressed.

Sharon Bannister reported that there would be an Unsworth Dementia Friends Community Support event taking place on 16 July at 2pm at St George’s. The event is designed to raise awareness and educate all sections of the community.

‘I will if you will’ – the meeting was invited to take part in activities and to make contact with Officers to identify specific needs within areas of the Borough.

Pam Taylor reported that she had requested pieces of outdoor gym equipment for Hollins Park for the use of local people to ensure that a healthy legacy was left. No funding had been made available as a result. The Hollins Village Association was constituted and had filled in the forms correctly and members considered it unfair that no money had been allocated.

Councillor Mallon reported that Mr Melrose (landlord of the Eagle and Child PH) had been in touch to report that no work had been taking place to a development on Higher Lane. The property had a below level car parking area which had flooded and was now a dangerous site. He asked if the matter could be taken up by the Council’s enforcement officers.

The Township Co-ordinator invited members of the meting to get involved with their local friends of parks forum.

Mrs Marshall reported that a bids can be made to acquire funding for repairs to War Memorials and one had been made for the Whitefield War Memorial.

Councillor Adams reported that a musical ‘jamming’ session event would be taking place at the Elms Community Centre on Saturday 12 July.

Consideration was given to a Community Funding report which provided an update on the levels of funding available in the Whitefield and Unsworth wards for 2014/15.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

To note that the meetings of the Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum will take place as follows:

23 September 2014 at 6:30pm

18 November 2014 at 1:00pm

6 January 2015 at 1:00pm

10 March 2015 at 6:30pm

The Chair gave notices of forthcoming events that would be taking place within Whitefield and Unsworth.