Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting held on 8 January, 2015.

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Township Forum held on 8^th  January, 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Prior to questions from the audience, the Chair read out a statement regarding the current Electoral Registration procedures in Bury.  The meeting was informed that over the coming weeks, all Bury households would be receiving a letter confirming the names of all those eligible to vote and requesting that people check the details and inform the Council of any changes so that all those eligible to vote will be able to at the General and Local Elections in May.  For those who needed to make changes to the electoral register, or who needed to register, the simplest way to do this was online at www.go.uk/register-to-vote, or to telephone the Council on 0161 253 5252.  Residents would need to provide their date of birth and National Insurance Number.  Poll Cards would be sent out in the post at a later date.

A member of the public commented that they had tried to register twice on-line and had sent an email to the Council but had not received a response.  The Chair asked all members of the public to be vigilant and to use the contact details provided if they needed to contact the Council so that they did not lose their right to vote in the forthcoming elections.

Radcliffe Township Forum, 24 February 2015

The Chair invited questions/comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting.  The Township Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters that could not be dealt with directly at the meeting:-

A member of the public requested an update on the current situation regarding United Utilities and the road closures and raised concerns regarding the timeframe for completion of the works in particular in relation to the Carnival?

Cllr Isherwood reported that Dale Street was due to reopen on 2nd March.  The Bus Station would be due for completion in November 2015.  Councillors Isherwood and Cummings were in the process of securing a meeting with United Utilities to discuss their concerns regarding the road closures.  It was unlikely that the works would be completed in time for the Carnival but it was hoped that the roads would be temporarily re-opened on the day of the Carnival.

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

Inspector Cottam and PC Flanaghan attended the meeting in order to provide an update on key police issues in Bury.  Inspector Cottam informed the meeting that he was new to the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Bury, having previously served as a Detective in the Police Force and that he welcomed the opportunity to meet with residents in Radcliffe and discuss local police issues at the Township Forum meetings, in his new role.  The Chair, Colin Jones welcomed Inspector Cottam to the area and suggested that future updates include information on crime statistics, trouble hot spots and current police cover in Radcliffe, alongside the “questions and answers” sessions. 

Inspector Cottam provided an update on recent developments including the introduction of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts which would restrict the movement of local criminals in Radcliffe; the recent arrests relating to burglary in Radcliffe; the funding secured for a further 12 months for the Rock Football Project and an update on the recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Radcliffe.

The Chair invited questions/comments from the audience:-

There were concerns raised at the meeting regarding the police response to the recent anti-social and criminal behaviour incidents in the town.  Inspector Cottam assured the audience that these incidents were being thoroughly investigated.  The meeting was informed that two youths, who were known to the police, had been arrested.  Adequate resources were available to the police to conduct the investigation.

In response to a question from the audience, it was confirmed that the Rock Football Project was attracting between 50 and 60 young people in attendance each week.  Gill Stainthorpe raised concerns regarding the funding situation for Radcliffe Boys and Girls Club.

In relation to a question regarding the reporting of a serious sexual assault at Banana Walk, it was reported that there had been some difficulties regarding the statements and account of events of those involved and that the police were confident that, following conclusion of the initial investigation, there was no risk to the community in this area in relation to this alleged incident.

A member of the public raised concerns regarding the levels of police

patrols in Radcliffe in the evenings.  Inspector Cottam accepted that the cuts to the police service had affected the number of police patrols and was happy to take on board the comments as feedback for the police service in Bury.  Gill Stainthorpe commented that the changes in police personnel in Bury had had a detrimental effect on dealing with some of the issues of anti-social behaviour.  Inspector Cottam commented on the vital role of the Neighbourhood Teams, in particular of the PCSO’s in Bury and of the need to publicise their work in Bury.

It was agreed:

That the information provided be noted and Inspector Cottam and PC Flanaghan be thanked for their contribution to the meeting.

George Heron, representing the “Incredible Edible” Project in Prestwich and District (IEPAD) gave a presentation providing details of the project with the aim of encouraging and assisting the Radcliffe community to launch and develop a similar group in the township.

It was reported that the project was already active in Ramsbottom, Tottington and Prestwich, the aim and objective was to increase awareness of and consumption of locally produced food which is produced by and made available to their communities.  The meeting was informed that there had been two previous efforts to establish the project in Radcliffe.  George reported on the recent success of the Chapelfield “Grow Your Own” project in the hope that, with support from the “Our Place” initiative, the project could be started again and maintained in Radcliffe.  It was reported that the national “Big Dig” on 21 March could provide the opportunity for the Radcliffe launch with some land having already been identified near to Radcliffe Library, on the heritage site and at Wellspring House as potential plots.  Support was now needed from local volunteers.  Some work had already begun at the Metrolink site with support from Metrolink.  The Incredible Edible team were currently engaging in publicity exercises in Radcliffe and were inviting local residents to sign up, to get involved in the planning processes, to contribute on the day of the “Big Dig” in Radcliffe, and to move towards a full Radcliffe takeover. There would be activities for children on the day of the “Big Dig”.

The Chair thanked George for his contribution to the meeting and encouraged those present to sign up and to help publicise the initiative in Radcliffe.

It was agreed:

That the presentation be noted, with thanks.

A report from the Township Co-ordinator is attached, for information.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator submitted the draft Township Forum Plan which provided an update on the progress of the themes contained within the Action Plan for 2013/14.  Christine also provided a progress report on the Our Place initiative:-

·      March 2014 –  Successful funding bid of £3000  

·      May 2014 -  Logic Model/Development Plan submitted – awarded

   £17000 including £7000 for participatory budgeting

May to October 2014 – Series of community events and projects group meetings held to gather information for inclusion in the Our Place operational Plan

·      November to December 2014 – Draft Operational Plan written and presented to various groups.  12^th December 2014 – Plan submitted to Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

·      January 2015 to date – Draft Operational Plan approved.  Further Peer Review of Plan undertaken – Comments received – “Excellent Plan”

·      Participatory Budget Pack developed and distributed.  Closing date for applications 6^th March, followed by Participatory Budget Event on 19 March.

·      2-Day Appreciative Inquiry Training developed in conjunction with Tim Slack – Relationship Manager Training dates 3^rd and 19^th March.

Future dates –

10^th March - Enhanced Logic Model and Final Operational Plan to be submitted

31^st March – Final sign off by DCLG and Final Grant Monitoring Form

It was reported that all funding would have to be allocated by 31^st March 2015 and any unspent monies would have to be returned.  The DCLG had also announced that no further Our Place funding would be allocated to the project and that the project would cease on 31^st March 2015.  Feedback was welcomed on how to take the project forward.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

David Lewis, Chapelfield Residents Association provided the following

update:-

Photography Exhibition of local residents – to provide a snapshot of people living in Chapelfield during Summer (date to beconfirmed).

Nature Reserve - Voluntary Rangers Tidy Day on 4^th March and Pond Dipping Event on 4^th August.

Stand United Reform Church – 350 Years Celebration – 21^st June.  Also Luncheon Club now every other Wednesday – open to all – 1.00 to 2.30 pm, home-cooked food at an affordable proce.

Contour Homes, Stand Lane development have contributed towards the cost and installation of two “Welcome to Chapelfield Village” signs on either side of Stand Lane.

Rev Nigel Atkinson informed the meeting of the Churches Together – Service of Celebration and Blessing for Radcliffe in the 50^th Year of the Carnival on Wednesday 3^rd June, at 7.00pm.  Members of the public were invited to attend and share stories and contribute to and visit a display of photos of Radcliffe through the decades.  Any contributions to be sent to Rev Atkinson at nigelatkinson@gmail.com or leave them at Radlciffe Library.

It was agreed:

That the information provided be noted, with thanks.

An update will be provided at the meeting.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator informed the meeting that there was still some funding available to community groups in Radcliffe, £330 in Radcliffe East, £190 in Radcliffe North.  Any ward funding remaining would be collected and distributed from “one pot” and would be distributed on a first come first served basis to any community groups in Bury who had submitted an application form. The meeting was informed of the £750 cross ward funding and £250 single ward funding remaining.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

The next meeting of the Township Forum would be held on, 2015 at 6 pm, at Radcliffe Civic Suite – to be confirmed.