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

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the last meeting, held on 25 January 2016.

It was agreed:

That the Minutes of the last meeting, held on 25 January 2016, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Sergeant Wightman-Love and Inspector Vicky Shaw provided an update in respect of crime figures in Prestwich. It was reported that following a reconfiguration of shift patterns a new geographical model had been developed. Sixteen Officers in the Prestwich area would be dedicated to neighbourhood response roles.

In response to a question from Jay Lieberman, Sergeant Wightman-Love undertook to look into the future reporting of hate crime statistics.

The Chair, Councillor Black, placed on record her appreciation to those staff leaving the area as part of the reconfiguration of local Police teams.

·         Prestwich High Street Improvements

·         Prestwich Parking Strategy

·         Township Plan

Prestwich Parking Strategy

The Chair, Councillor Black, reported that work was ongoing to develop the Prestwich Parking Strategy with a view to being submitted to a future meeting of the Forum.

Mrs Stacey attended the meeting to request residents parking for Bury New Road, outside Heaton Park, as a result of an increase in events at the park and commuter parking.

During discussion of parking, members of the Forum and the public present raised the issue of inconsiderate parking on pavements. In response to a question concerning enforcement action, Councillor Heneghan explained that where there was no parking restriction it was a Police matter if an obstruction was caused.

Prestwich High Street Regeneration

The Chair, Councillor Black reported that the Cabinet had approved plans for Prestwich High Street which included the following key elements:

·                    wider pavements and the extension of pavements at key crossing points

·                    improved environment (such as street trees, lighting and paving)

·                     the provision of single lane running

·                     bus stop relocation and the provision of bus lay-bys

·                     provision of parking bays and dedicated cycle lanes

In response to concerns about the safety of proposed cycle lanes, the Chair reported that the Cabinet had agreed to look at issues raised by the cycling community although the scope of what could be done was dependant on cost implications.

It was agreed:

That the updates be noted.

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.

·         Autumn Depoe-Hughes enquired as to who was responsible for the clean up of Drinkwater Park. David Stanley explained that the Forestry Commission were responsible. Councillor O’Brien referred to the Local Access Forum and highlighted that the Council were responsible for ensuring public footpath access.

·         Jay Lieberman raised concerns in respect of the Plough and former Cussons site with regard to damaged railings and general untidiness.

Mr Stephen Fletcher requested an update on possible traffic calming measures on St Mary’s Road. It was explained that the consultation on this issue was underway.

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 a report setting out details of recent applications and referred to an additional application for Bailey Street Bowling Club

It was agreed:

1.   That the report be noted.

That the application for Bailey Street Bowling Club as set out in the report be approved

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.