Minutes:
Mr Noel Booth referred to the question that he had raised in relation to the Summerseat PLC and asked for confirmation on who owned the building as he had been told that it had been sold.
Mr Alex Holland, Head of Property and Asset Management reported that the building was owned by the council and would remain to do so. The PLC would be relocating to the old Coney Green School site and the Summerseat building would be used as a training facility.
Further to Minute RTNM.789 of the last meeting Interim Chief Executive, Mike Owen and the Head of Property and Asset Management, Alex Holland attended the meeting to update those present on the work that had been carried out in relation to the issues around the Ramsbottom Markets.
It was reported that the Cabinet Member had been tasked with looking at the issues and she had been working closely with Alex to discuss the options.
No decisions had yet been made but the following suggestions had been put forward:-
The old toilet facilities should be removed and market traders would be able to use the facilities at the Morrison’s supermarket.
The market site to be permanently shrunk to open up around 25 extra parking spaces.
The containers to be replaced with new ones and reduced in number.
Union Street to be opened to traffic and double yellow lines installed along the right hand side going up the street.
A 12 month trial of a weekly farmers market at the Urn to be carried out which would be run on a franchise basis along with the monthly market.
Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and the following points were raised:-
Councillor Hodkinson asked what day the farmers market would be held and it was reported that this would be held on a Saturday.
Gregg Fletcher asked whether any of the current market traders had expressed an interest in moving up to the Urn site. It was explained that one trader had but this was before the franchise option had been discussed.
Councillor Wright asked what the hire charge would be at the Urn site. Alex explained that this would be up to the operator but the Council would be consulted.
Councillor Hodkinson referred to the area where the recycling bins used to be positioned and asked what the plans were for this site. Alex reported that this would be reviewed but possible extra parking spaces could be an option.
It was reported that parking issues across Ramsbottom generally would be reviewed separately.
A member of the public referred to the lack of PACT meetings recently and asked if these would be reinstated in the future.
Dave Thomas, the Township Co-ordinator explained that work was being carried out around the structure of the Township Forum Meetings and one option being considered was to incorporate the PACT meetings into the Forum meetings.
Dr Binns referred to a question that had been raised at the last meeting concerning the legality of the signs at the entrance to Holcombe Village and whether this had been followed up.
Dave Thomas explained that the concerns had been noted and he was awaiting a response from Highways.
Councillor Bevan explained that the planning review in relation to the proposed Anaerobic Digester in Ramsbottom had finished. A report was expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State in September and a decision would be likely at the end of November.