Members of the public present are invited to ask questions or raise issues of concern relating to the provision of local services.
Minutes:
· Dr Binns explained that there had been a reduced service in relation to clearing fallen leaves in Holcombe Village and the situation was becoming dangerous in certain areas of the village.
She asked whether it would be possible to hold a site visit to discuss the situation and possible options.
· A member of the public explained that there had been a long standing issue of a blocked culvert under Harwood Road which caused major problems when it rained. It was asked whether anything could be done to help fix the problem.
Councillor Wright explained that a lot of investigation work had been carried out in relation to this issue but the solution had not been found.
· A member of the public reported that the two car parks behind the shops in Tottington Village were full of litter towards the rear of them. The Council would not clear it as it was private land and the shops or brewery weren’t interested either. It was asked what could be done to help get the rubbish removed?
Councillor Wright suggested a request for local residents to help with a clean up day and possible posters asking people not to drop litter.
It was also suggested that the pub’s licensing responsibilities be looked into and whether there were any requirements to clear the car park of litter.
· Ian Henderson reported that the litter bin outside the Co Op in Tottington Village had a broken door on the front which kept swinging open. There had been a number of temporary fixes made to it but it was still broken. It was asked whether this could be fixed properly by the Council.
· A member of the public referred to the bridge in Summerseat and asked if it was known when it would be rebuilt.
Councillor Gunther reported that there had been a public meeting which had also been attended by Mike Owen the Council’s Chief Executive. At the meeting it had been reported that there was the possibility of putting in a temporary Bailey Bridge. It was explained that when the bridge is rebuilt it would have to have a pedestrian walkway. This means that the land required may have to be compulsory purchased in order for this to happen. It was explained that the decision on compulsory purchase would be made at the end of January.
· Dr Binns asked whether anybody present could update the Forum on the prospect of West Pennine Moor becoming a site of special scientific interest. It was explained that if this was the case it would incorporate Holcombe Hill. As far a Dr Binns was aware there was currently a consultation being carried out but people weren’t aware of it. It was asked whether the consultation could be promoted in some way.
· Dr Binns also explained that there had been a large number of visitors to Holcombe in the recent months which was a good thing but the access road to the Front of Peel Tower needed repairing. Dr Binns asked whether this could be looked at.