Agenda and minutes

It was agreed:

1. That the appointment of Chair be deferred until the next meeting of the Township Forum.

2. That Cllr Briggs be appointed Deputy Chair for the 2015/16 Municipal Year.

(Note:  Cllr Briggs took on the role of Chair for this meeting of the Township Forum).

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting held on 24^th February 2015 are attached

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Township Forum held on 24 February, 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Deputy Chair.

A verbal update will be given. Police attendance is subject to Officers on the evening.

Inspector Cottam – Neighbourhood Inspector for Bury South attended the meeting in order to provide an update on key police issues in Bury, as follows:-

·      Key Figures – to April 2015

457 recorded crimes – of these figures there were 49 assaults, 48 (no injury) assaults, 28 domestic burglary, 38 (other premises) burglary. 

·      Noted increase in these crime due to change in the way the police

now record crimes.

·      Spring Lane address – Anti-social/criminal behaviour incidents had

led to a number of arrests.

·      Public order offences  - 5 recorded incidents for male indecency.  A case was on-going and listed for trial.

·      Drug dealing – Close Park/York St – police currently investigating. Please encourage witnesses to crime to report incidents as they happen.

·      ATM Barclays Bank, Radcliffe – scanning machines have been used.  Please mention to others who may use this machine.

·      Update from PCSO’s – incidents of youths using off-road bikes on the Coronation Road estate.

·      Increases in reported burglaries in Bradley Fold.

·      Increases in reported burglaries in Primary Schools in the Greater Manchester area.

The Chair invited questions/comments from the audience:-

-    Cllr Preston asked about any incidents in Hamer Street area and Banana Walk.  Inspector Cottam was unaware of any incidents around Banana Walk other than the historic issues of anti-social behaviour.  There was no increased risk following the reporting of an incident of a serious sexual offence.  This had been investigated and the case was now closed.

-    Of the numbers of reported assaults provided, how many were cases relating to domestic violence?  Inspector Cottam would provide this information at the next meeting.

-    Were the reports of drug dealing in Close Park a new issue for the area?  Inspector Cottam informed the meeting that this was not a new issue in the area.  There had been incidents in the area as the Park provided a secluded location for such incidents to occur.  Colette Jones informed the meeting of the concerns of local residents to these and other incidents such as the damage to the park memorial and the recent shooting of animals in the park.  Residents felt that the lack of a Ranger Service in the park had led to the increase in these crime.  Inspector Cottam reiterated the importance of those residents who witness any crime to report it to the police as soon as possible.  A resident enquired as to the possibility of setting up a “Park Watch” scheme made up of local volunteers?  The Chair, Cllr Briggs suggested that the Councillors flag this idea up with the relevant Council officers and report back at the next meeting.

-    How many PC’s cover the Radcliffe area over the weekend period?  The meeting was informed that there would be no more than 2 or 3 PC’s covering the Radcliffe area over a weekend.  Any other additional police support would be a GM Police wide response.

-    A member of the public present informed the meeting of a particular incident they had been involved in,  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTF26

A report from the Township Co-ordinator is attached.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator submitted the performance report of the Radcliffe Township Forum Action Plan for 2014-15.  There are currently 6 thematic priorities contained within the Action Plan for 2014-15 as follows:-

·      Improved Employment Opprtunities

·      Improved Community Safety

·      Improved Health and Wellbeing

·      Improved Educational Attainment/Learning Opportunities

·      Improved Public Transport Links

·      Improved Community Pride and belonging.

The report provided a summary of the overall performance for each of the themes and the projects which contribute to their delivery.

The Chair invited questions/comments from the audience:-

-    Councillor Preston asked if anyone was aware of any plans for the large empty property on Bury Road in terms of utilising the property for community use/empty homes initiative? Cllr Shori explained that this property was not owned by the Authority and was in private ownership.  Any Council involvement would be restricted to reporting the property to the Environmental Health Team if there were any problems relating to the condition of the building. 

-    Councillor Preston asked about the old Tithebarn building as a possible location for a museum for artefacts relating to Radcliffe Heritage?  Councillor Isherwood informed the meeting that this was a listed building currently up for sale.  Cllr Shori agreed to make enquiries with the relevant estate agent.

-    Councillor Preston enquired as to the possibility of utilising space in the library for the display of local artefacts in support of Radcliffe heritage?  The Chair, Councillor Briggs agreed to raise this with David Fowler, Assistant Director (Localities) and report back to the next meeting.

-    A member of the public asked about the possibility of educational courses being held at the library?  The Township Co-ordinator reported that in relation to Adult Learning courses, an audit had recently been undertaken regarding the provision of courses in a community setting.  Discussions were currently on-going.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

All present are invited to take part in round table discussions on the key priorities for the Township Forum for the coming year.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator invited all those in attendance at the meeting to take part in a general discussion on each of the key priorities contained within the Township Action Plan for 2014/15.  Under each of the themes, a number of key priorities were raised at the

Radcliffe Township Forum, 3 June 2015 meeting as follows:-

·      Improved Employment Opportunities

‘Made in Bury’ Business Fair – continued involvement by the Forum to promote links with local businesses and apprenticeship opportunities.

‘Radcliffe Works’ – continued involvement of Forum to promote this project.

Statistics on youth unemployment in Radcliffe to be circulated to attendees

Radcliffe Job Fair – possibility of moving event around Townships?

Need to consider devolution issues – economic plan for Borough and Radcliffe to include engaging with private sector organisations.

Consideration of re-training older workers in the area.

·      Improved Community Safety

‘Park Watch’ – further enquiries

Develop Neighbourhood Watch – annual conference was held in Radcliffe.  Invite Andrew Taylor, BMBC to Forum for further information.

Continuation of Police Surgery at the ROC.

‘Be Safe, Be Cool’ event 2015.

Jigsaw funding older people events.

·      Improved Health and Wellbeing

‘Incredible Edible’ in Radcliffe – update requested.

Credit Union – Radcliffe base?

Forum to provide feedback/info to Claire Taylor, Patient Cabinet Member, CCG.

·      Improved Educational Attainment/Learning Opportunities

Continued work with Children’s Centres – promote accredited learning programmes

Confidence programme for young men (also links with Health 7 Wellbeing)

·      Improved Public Transport Links

Continue 20 mph zones

Safer Schools Parking Charter – all Radcliffe Primary Schools were involved in promoting the initiative

·      Improved Community Pride and belonging.

Promoting Radcliffe Heritage/Local History Groups – invite reps to become Advisory Group Member on Forum

It was reported that all of the ideas raised at the meeting would be collated, written into the draft Plan and presented at the next scheduled meeting of the Radcliffe Township Forum.  Christine thanked all of those

present who took part in the discussions for their invaluable input in helping to identify key priorities for Radcliffe.

It was agreed:

1. That the report be noted.

2. That further ideas/comments on the Plan be forwarded to Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator.

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:-

-    An update requested on the Regeneration Plan for Radcliffe.  Councillor Shori informed the meeting that the Plan had been withdrawn.  All local Regeneration Plans would be fed into the Greater Manchester Spatial Strategy.

-    Concerns relating to the poor road/street signage on entering Radcliffe – Could these be improved?  Councillors Isherwood and Parnell explained the costs involved in meeting the necessary standards and regulations for erecting street signage.

-    Councillor Shori wished to congratulate the development of the Radcliffe Heritage Group’s website. Colette Jones reported that the group now had over 400 members on Facebook and each meeting had strong interest and attendance.  An Open Meeting event would be held this Saturday.   The first project was focused on the Papermill Gates installation in the gardens next to Radcliffe Station. Councillor Preston asked those present to look at the ‘I grew Up in Radcliffe and Survived’ website set up by Carol A Davies.

Colette Jones, Friends of Close Park provided the following update:-

-    The archealogical dig had been a huge success with at least 25 volunteers getting involved each day.  There had been over 400 visitors on the day of the event.  The volunteers had uncovered part of a 14^th Century Medieval Hall – it was hoped that further explorations would take place.

-    The Diocese needed to agree to the Panels being erected in the church.

-    It was hoped that the plans for the trail would go ahead.

-    The Tower really needed promoting with the implementation of brown visitor attraction signage.  Unfortunately evidence of significant visitor attendance figures was required in order to get the signs in place.  The Chair, Councillor Briggs agreed to look into the ruling on signage.

-    There was no-one available to open the gates to the public on-site at the Tower.  The Chair nominated Councillor Preston to collate information with the Township Co-ordinator on behalf of the Forum.

-    The recent Radcliffe Runners Club event in support of the MS Society had involved over 1,000 runners and had raised £900.

-    There was disappointed that the Party in the Park event usually held at Close Park in support of and organised by Bury Hospice would now be held at Clarence Park.

David Lewis, Chapelfield Village Association provided the following update:-

-    Thanks to the local Councillors who were supporting Chapelfield.

-    Street Fair - 20 June, 11 am – 3 pm at Stand Lane United Reform Church.

-    Concert – Besses O’The Barn Brass Band – 27 June from 7 pm, £5 pay on the door.

-    Grant money obtained to fund visit to Harewood House on 4 June – full day trip for local residents.

It was agreed:

That the information provided be noted, with thanks.

The next meeting will take place on 22^nd July 2015

The next meeting of the Township Forum would be held on 22 July, 2015 at 6 pm, at Radcliffe Civic Suite.