Agenda and minutes

Members of Prestwich 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 last meeting, held on 17 July 2013, are attached.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting, held on 17 July 2013, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

                        A copy of the Action Checklist was submitted. Further to Minute PTF.229(2) Glen Stuart, Head of Waste Management, attended the meeting to   report on the street cleaning regime in Prestwich. An update was given in respect of the frequency of cleaning and the resources available in terms of equipment and staffing levels.

              During discussion of this item, the Head of Waste Management responded to questions relating to street trees and requests for additional litter bins.

              With regard to the issue of weeds on the streets, Councillor Black explained the spraying schedule that is employed by a sub contractor. Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator , undertook to enquire about the quality assurance measures in place to monitor the contract.

              In response to a question from Jenny Edwards, Councillor Bayley undertook to find out who was responsible for cleaning the Heaton Park Metrolink Car Park.

              In response to a suggestion relating to the need to further promote the Street Care Pledge, Dale Haslam of the Bury Times stated that the paper would be happy to publicise the initiative.

              Tony Carter requested that Church Lane be flagged up as an area requiring a deep clean. An undertaking was given to pass on the request to the Cleansing Operations Manager.

Fran Smith will report at the meeting.

The Township Forum received a presentation from Paul Allen, Head of Planning Policy and Projects.  The presentation provided an overview of Bury’s First Local Flood Risk Management strategy.

The Strategy is a document that contains various policies that will be used as the basis for making decisions on flood risk management.  The Document sets out the roles and responsibilities of risk management within the Borough.

The Head of Planning Policy and Projects reported that the Strategy would aim to improve the understanding of flood risk from all sources in Bury and manage the likelihood of flooding within the Borough. 

Questions were invited from those present at the meeting and the following points were raised:

·         The importance of accessing local and historical knowledge when trying to build up a picture of at risk areas.

·         The need to ensure grids and gulleys are kept clear and unblocked where necessary

·         David Stanley highlighted the need to investigate areas of Prestwich Clough where sand has been washed down from the drains.

              It was agreed:

                   That Paul Allen be thanked for his presentation.

PCSO Kerry Hutton provided an update on recent crime figures in Prestwich which highlighted a slight increase in vehicle crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

In response to a longstanding individual case of ASB, raised by a member of the Whitaker Lane Residents Association, the Township Co-ordinator reported that the case had been considered at a multi agency meeting.

A member of the public expressed concerns about ASB as a result of people leaving the Orange Tree Pub. Councillor O’Hanlon reported that he had raised the issue with Inspector Kenny who had advised that the matter was the responsibility of the Landlord under the terms of his License.

              In response to a question concerning the attendance of the Police at  Forum meetings, it was explained that the Police were not formal members of the Forum and were invited to attend. The Township Co-ordinator reported that a commitment had been given by the Police to attend as many meetings as possible, subject to operational requirements.

              During discussion of this item, Members of the Forum expressed concerns that  PACT meetings  were not taking place in the Sedgley area and highlighted the need for the meetings to be well publicised, held in accessible venues at times which allowed for working people to attend.

                             It was agreed:

              That the views of this Forum, in respect of PACT meetings, particularly in the Sedgley Area, be reported back to Greater Manchester Police.

Sheila Blackman will report at the meeting.

The Township Forum received a presentation from Sheila Blackman setting out the services provided by the Bury Carers Centre.

The Centre provides help and support to Carers within Bury.  The help and support provided includes:

·         One to One support

·         Referral for a Carers Assessment

·         Carers Support Groups

·         Drop in facilities at the centre

·         Outreach support across Bury.

·         Social events and activities

·         Training courses and sessions

·         Access to counselling services.

·         Information relating to Carers Rights and legislation.

·         Relaxation and Holistic therapy.

The Carers Centre is based on Silver Street, Bury with a second information point within Fairfield General Hospital. it was explained that the Carers Centre works in partnership with Bury Council, NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group and other voluntary organisations.

During discussion of this item, Members of the Forum highlighted the importance of publicising the work of the organisation through the local media and Department for Work and Pensions.

      It was agreed:

That Sheila Blackman be thanked for her presentation.

A period of up to 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions or raise issues of concern relating to the provision of local services.

The Chair, Councillor Heneghan, 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.

·         Jay Lieberman expressed concerns about fence banners on the railings at St Mary’s Park

·         David Stanley enquired about the role of Local in Prestwich within the Town Team and asked what had happened to funding from the Portas bid and Section 106 monies. Councillor Black reported that some funds had been used to purchase banners and brackets for hanging baskets and referred to initiatives being undertaken by the Group.

·         Jenny Edwards what the effect on the Bury Line would be when Victoria Station is closed next year. Councillor Bayley undertook to look into the matter and report back to the next meeting.

·         Mr Husain requested that temporary speed limit signs be removed from St Margarets Road now that the repairs had been completed.

·         Tony Carter enquired about plans for Christmas decorations in Prestwich. It was suggested that business be encouraged to provide decorations and Councillor Black undertook to look at the issue through the Prestwich Regeneration Group.

Councillor Black, Chair of the Prestwich Regeneration Group, provided a verbal update on the work of the Group. It was reported that the terms of reference for the Group looked at regeneration in a broad way which concentrated on Prestwich as a whole.

The following key ideas had been suggested for the long term work of the Group:

·         Bury New Road traffic /highway issues

·         The need for dialogue with the owners of the Longfield precinct

·         The need to proactively work with local independent traders and public service providers

                   It was agreed:

                   That the update be noted.

Report attached.

Kim Griffiths, Township Co-ordinator, submitted a copy of an updated Prestwich Action Plan.

                   It was agreed:

                   That the report be noted.

Report attached.

              A copy of the Community Funding report for Prestwich was submitted, setting out details of funding allocations to date in support of the work of local voluntary and community groups.

              It was agreed:

              That the report be noted.