Agenda and minutes

Members of Prestwich Township Forum are asked to consider if they have an interest in any matters on the agenda and, if so, to formally declare that interest.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting held on 30 July 2015

              It was agreed:

              That the Minutes of the last meeting, held on 30 July 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A copy of the Action Checklist is attached.

In respect of item 2 on the Action Checklist, it was reported that a complete re-surfacing of the Longfield car park walkway would be completed in October. Eddy Finch expressed concerns in relation to the tactile paving and highlighted the potential dangers for partially sighted people walking onto the damaged walkway.

The Forum requested a formal note of regret be sent to the appropriate Officer, highlighting the concern over the length of time that had elapsed since the issue was originally raised in March 2015.

In respect of item 7 on the Action Checklist, Councillor Quinn reported that he had been in contact with the tree officer to ensure trees were pruned in order to prevent CCTV images being obscured.

In respect of item 12 on the Action Checklist, Councillor Heneghan reported that the Evac chair had been removed on the advice of Health and safety Officers as a result of nobody being trained to operate.  Negotiations are ongoing to ensure people are trained and Councillor Heneghan undertook to ensure the matter was followed up in order to ensure disabled access is provided.

In respect of item 13 of the Action Checklist a request was made to ascertain if there is a policy relating to when the car park at St Mary’s park is open.

Inspector Cottam, Sergeant Wightman-Love and Neighbourhood Officer Neil Cheslett provided an update on policing matters in respect of Prestwich.

Statistical information relating to crimes in the area were outlined and it was reported that the figures were available on the GMP Website.

It was reported that PACT meetings had resumed with the following  priorities identified at a recent St Mary’s meeting:

·         Burglaries – importance of securing windows and property

·         Off Road Motorcycles

·         Anti Social Behaviour (Longfield area and Bury New Road)

During discussion of Policing matters an update was given on the recent Bowker Vale attack that had resulted in two people being charged.

Mr David Stanley raised concerns about youths congregating at Prestwich Flower Park and highlighted possible drug related crimes.

In response to a question from Councillor Quinn, Inspector Cottam reported on “Operation Ironside” which is underway during the Jewish holiday period.

The Township Co-ordinator will report at the meeting.

Following roundtable discussions at the June meeting of this Forumthe following key thematic priorities had been identified:

·         Improved Employment Opportunities

·         Improved Community Safety

·         Improved Health and Wellbeing

·         Improved Educational Attainment/Learning Opportunities

·         Town Centre Regeneration

·         Community Pride and Involvement

An updated Plan was submitted for 2015-2018 setting out the measurable actions required to deliver outcomes on specific issues relating to the key priorities of the Plan. The Township Co-ordinator explained that the Plan was a fluid document which is subject to change as issues arise.

It was agreed:

  That the Township Plan be adopted.

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 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.

·         Anne Devereaux reported that the bins in St Mary’s park were too small and not emptied regularly enough. Councillor Black suggested that the recycle bin in the car park would be better sited at the top end of the park. Councillor Quinn undertook to look into the matter.

·         In response to concerns about the toilets in St Mary’s Park not being open at the weekend, Councillor O’Brien explained that discussions were ongoing between the Council and the Phoenix Centre on the issue. 

·         Peter Thompson expressed regret at the proposals to close Bury Magistrates Court. The Chair, Councillor Black, referred to a recent Council Motion which had been passed asking for the decision to be re-examined.

·         A resident of Kingswood Road raised the issue of strong food smells emanating from the new KFC restaurant. The Chair requested that the issue be highlighted with Environmental Health and also stressed the importance of monitoring parking issues on the site.

·         Autumn Depoe-Hughes requested a bin be provided at the entrance to Rainsough Park on Buttersitle Lane. In response to a question concerning the closure of the Skate Park in Drinkwater Park, Councillor O’Brien explained that this was a result of the park being underused along with health and safety issues

·         A member of the public reported a fallen tree in St Mary’s Park. Councillor Quinn undertook to report the issue.

·         Sian Crosby referred to the Breastfeeding Support Group at Butterstile Children’s centre and sought re-assurances about future funding and provision. Councillor Simpson undertook to look into the matter and report back.

·         David Stanley reported a dangerous hole on the Prestwich Forest Park Cycleway and undertook to pass on the details to the Township Co-ordinator.

A report is attached.

The Council has allocated £8,000 to each Township Forum to be allocated through a sub group of the Township forum four times a year in June, September, November and March. A maximum of £250 individual grant is available for formally constituted organisations.

Additionally, a borough-wide allocation of £8,000 is available for “cross-ward” applications for activity that takes place across more than one ward. The “cross-ward” applications are determined by the Council’s Small Grants Panel.

The Township Co-odinator submitted details of application for the August round of funding.

It was agreed:

That the report be noted.

Any other business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair agrees may be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was no urgent business reported