Agenda and minutes

It was agreed:

1. That Colin Jones be appointed at Chair of Radcliffe Township Forum for the 2015/2016 Municipal Year.

The Chair, Colin Jones welcomed Carol Kemp, Advisory Group Member representing Radcliffe Heritage Society to her first meeting of the Township Forum.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.    

To approve the Minutes of the last meeting held on 3 June, 2015.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting of the Township Forum held on 3 June, 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Deputy Chair.

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

PS Mark Reed, PC Phil Flanagans, PCSO's Andy Crookes and Michael Mason attended the meeting in order to provide an update on key police issues in Radcliffe, as follows:-

•    44% reduction for anti-social behaviour related crimes from 2^nd quarter 2014 figures (Radcliffe North Beat). PS Reed thanked the Special Constables who have targeted the hot spots in Radcliffe.

•    Noted increase in burglary crime - up by 6 this quarter, also slight increase in reported assaults (from 46 to 57). In response to a question from Councillor Briggs it was reported that the increased figures were due to a change in the way the police now record crimes and were across the board, not Radcliffe specific.

•    The Chair asked the Officers present to introduce themselves and explain which area they covered.  PC Flanagans and PCSO's Crookes and Mason represented the Radcliffe North area and PS Read represented Whitefield and was representing Inspector Cottam at the meeting.

The Chair invited questions/comments from the audience:-

-    Councillor Preston asked which Officers would cover the Radcliffe East area. PC Carrie Robertson and PCSO's Tony Bond and Tracy Kyle would cover this area.

-    Gill Stainthorpe asked the Officers to explain which Beat covered which area in Radcliffe.  'J Beat' covered Radcliffe North (Coronation Rd area), 'K Beat' covered the town centre/Stand Lane/Outwood/ASDA/Bolton Rd/Farhey Close areas and 'L Beat' covered Dumers Lane and Ainsworth.

-    A question from the public on how the police felt the Carnival had been this year. The police felt that the Carnival had been a success and had taken place without incident. The organisers had done a wonderful job in planning and preparing for the day working closely with the police and other partners.

-    Update on Barclays Bank ATM - an offender had been caught.

-    Update on Off-Road Bikes - male Offender on Bail.

-    Update on Bradley Fold burglary's - area under surveillance and now a  decrease in criminal activity.

-    Update on school break-ins - 2 males arrested in Bury area - ongoing.

-    Barbara Law asked about the recent incident involving the police helicopter over the golf course and rumours that the police were searching for a man with a shotgun - was this something residents needed to be concerned about? It was reported that the person in question was a fully certificated pest controller shooting rabbits on behalf of the golf course and that there was no criminal activity or cause for concern.

-    The Chair reported that the officers would be available to discuss any issues with the public from 5.30 pm to 6 pm prior to the start of the next meeting of the Township Forum.

It was agreed:

That the police officers be thanks for their attendance and that the information provided be noted.

An update from Tom Gleaves, Localities Officer.

Tom Gleaves, Localities Officer for Radcliffe & Bury West attended the meeting to provide an update on the 'I Will If You Will' project in Radcliffe. Tom reported that the project, set up last year by Sport England with the aim of introducing young women and girls into sport had now been extended.  Phase 2 of the project aimed to encourage increased involvement with partner organisations and volunteer opportunities. Locality Network Meetings would enable local people to meet with partner organisations such as local sports clubs to decide what they would like from available funding of up to £4,000 for sporting events, activities and taster sessions. It was reported that the next Locality Network meeting would take place at the Early Break Centre on Wednesday 19th August at 6.30 pm.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

A report from Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator is attached.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator presented a report which now 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 2014/15.   Christine informed the meeting of the following areas of progress which had now been included in the plan:-

•          Improved Community Safety

Ainsworth Mini Roc Cafe - talks had been set up in Ainsworth.

‘Park Watch’ – now working with Township Forum Co-ordinators who were hoping to resurrect the old scheme.

Police surgeries were being trialled prior to the start of the Township Forum meetings, from 5.30 pm to 6 pm.

•          Improved Health and Wellbeing

‘I Will If You Will' project is still ongoing - Phase 2 introduction in Radcliffe.

12 projects funded as part of Radcliffe’s ‘Our Place’ initiative - looking at feedback for future 'storyboard' initiative in Radcliffe.

The Chair invited questions/comments from the audience:-

-    The Chair thanked those involved in putting together the floral displays near to Radcliffe canal for 'Radcliffe in Bloom'. Councillor Preston echoed the sentiments expressed by the chair but raised concerns that there were still grot spots in the town, in particular the area around Howard Street.  Members commented on the problems associated with areas requiring development which were privately owned.  Gill explained the work of volunteers in clearing up the goits on privately owned land in the Withins area.

-    Gill asked about the possible inclusion of Radcliffe Live in the TF plan.

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.

Questions are invited from members of the public present at the meeting about the work or performance of the Council or the Council’s services relevant to the Radcliffe area.

Approximately 30 minutes will be set aside for Open Forum, if required.

Report attached showing all items raised in Open Forum/For Action at the last meeting held on 3 June, 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:-

-    Eugene O'Donnell, Chair of Radcliffe Business Group introduced himself to the meeting.  Eugene is a Radcliffe resident and local business owner and helped to form the Business Group following the successful Mary Portas Bid and subsequent allocation of £10,000 to support the redevelopment of Radcliffe Town Centre.  The group had decided to focus the funding on a number of events aimed at encouraging local people to shop in the Town Centre. The 'Radcliffe Live' event would take place on 1st August in the town centre and would include live music, street dance, stalls and a fun fair. This was a free event open to all and would be held from 1 pm to 6 pm. Eugene informed the meeting that £5,000 funding had been secured by the group from United Utilities following the disruption caused to town centre businesses from the road closures. The group were hoping that this money would help fund another event in the town in November.  The group were also hoping to fund dusk-till-dawn lighting on the cherry trees in the square. Eugene welcomed any ideas for future events and initiatives from local residents. 

-    Eugene O'Donnell expressed concerns that the volunteers involved in the Radcliffe Business Group had made banners advertising their work in promoting Radcliffe town centre that had been removed from town centre railings. Councillor Parnell explained that permission from the Council was required to erect banners on railings due to safety reasons for motorists and pedestrians.  Councillor Parnell asked that the group contact him as he would be happy to help to promote their events. Eugene informed the meeting of the 'My Radcliffe' website where local organisations were able to promote events in and around the town centre.

-    A member of the public asked for an update in relation to the work at the Bus Station.  Councillor Walker explained that the work on the bus station formed Phase 2 of the regeneration of the town centre following the work completed on the market.  Phase 3 would incorporate a food retail outlet in the town centre.  Councillor Preston informed the meeting of the new businesses opening in the town - the tea room in the market and the new restaurant.

-    Radcliffe Boys & Girls Club funding event would be held on 16 August   from 12 pm - 3 pm.

-    East Lancs Gates project - an artists impression of what the gates will look like following completion of the project had been commissioned. Work on the project was progressing.

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

-    The group were looking into where to display items obtained from the archaeological dig. Radcliffe library was the preferred option.

-    The group were awaiting feedback from the Diocese on the erection of the 12 information Panels in the church.

-    Heritage Weekend at St Mary's 11 - 13th August. It was hoped that the Panels would be ready for this event.

-    The volunteer Rangers had done a fantastic job clearing the churchyard and goits. Would the Council be able to formally thank them for this work? Councillor Briggs suggested that a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the Forum and suggested an invite from the Mayor to visit the Mayor's Parlour.

-    The planting by 'Incredible Edible' at the metrolink had been a success most of the planting was still in tact and an event would be held in August - date to be confirmed.

-    Party in the Park - there were rumours that a local group of residents were hoping to hold an event on 17 August.

-    The memorial signs and owl had been stolen. Any metal structure was at risk of being stolen by thieves.

Barbara Law, Chapelfield Village Association provided the following update:-

-    'Our Place' funding obtained towards production of a leaflet to promote the setting up of the nature reserve.  The leaflet was currently in draft form. The group were looking to distribute the leaflet soon.

-    Launch of the nature reserve was progressing.

-    Public liability insurance had been obtained for the community photography event aimed at promoting mental health wellbeing. The market hall had been booked to exhibit photographs from 5th - 17 September. The group would be looking for the public to get involved in leaving feedback as part of the community based project.

Gill Stainthorpe, Withins Community Association provided the following update:

  -The annual clean up of shrubs and saplings had proved too much for      the equipment owned by members of the group.  The volunteer Rangers had kindly offered to help with the clean up including helping the planting of daffodils bulbs in Radcliffe on behalf of the Rotary Club.

-  Gill had worked with the Environment Agency on issues around the goits and hopefully discussions would be taking place with regards the sluice gates. There was currently disputed ownership of Withins Reservoir and the Environment Agency had agreed to investigate this further.

 Carol Kemp, Radcliffe Heritage Society provided the following update:

- Carol was involved in the Heritage Society and local Heritage Group.

- Artifacts from the recent dig were currently being stored at Salford          University with the hope that some will be displayed in the museum.  A display case had been obtained to display items in Radcliffe library.

-The Society were currently working on plans for a pottery project    involving local children, local festival ideas, Doomsday Book project           and an historical workshop around the work completed on the Tower.

It  ...  view the full minutes text for item RTF215

The Programme Support Manager submitted a report which set out  details of the funding allocations to date in support of the work of local voluntary and community groups.

It was agreed:

That the information provided be noted.

Christine Maksymowski, Township Co-ordinator to report at the meeting.

It was agreed:

That the following members of the Township Forum form the 'virtual panel'  for the allocation of monies from the Community Fund:

                   Councillors S Briggs and C Preston

Colin Jones, Gill Stainthorpe and Barbara Law.

The next meeting of the Township Forum will be held on Wednesday 16 September, 2015, at 6pm, Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The next meeting of the Township Forum would be held on 16 September, 2015 at 6 pm, at Radcliffe Civic Suite.