The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.

The Police introduced themselves and gave the following updates:

Crime Figures:

The figures are generally good in comparison to other areas in the Borough.  Operation Dark Nights is now underway which provides advice for staying safe and protected during the winter months.

Car crime
GMP has received several reports of tyres being slashed in Milnrow and Newhey. It is believed to be an individual carrying out the attacks.  The Police don’t think the person is local and the motive is unknown.

Quad bike nuisance
The Police confirmed that they had received two reported incidents during the previous two months.  There are no immediate solutions for this issue, however, residents are encouraged to report every incident as it helps the Police to build a picture and it also helps to direct Police resources.

Speeding Kiln Lane
This is a matter that is regularly raised at the forum; it is a concern for the local community.  The Police don’t have the resources to enforce the speed limits on every street.  It was discussed that determining the speed limits in the area would be helpful.
Action 1: Pursue a speed survey via RBC Highways (Tracey Knight)

PCSOs
A resident asked whether GMP still have PCSOs as they don’t appear to be as visible as they have been in the past.  It was explained that whilst there has been some staffing issues and reductions, PCSOs are still active in the community and continue to be the eyes and ears for the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Burglary
Details were given about a recent local burglary that had taken place.  The Police apologised for the lack of follow up since the incident.  The resident was reassured that the correct action will now be taken.

Possible abandoned car
Concern was expressed about a car that appears to have been abandoned near to Harbour Lane. The Police advised that if an abandoned car is a danger to the public they have the powers to remove, which isn’t the case with this car.  The forum was advised that the Council’s Community Safety Officer was dealing with this matter.

No Right Turn on Ladyhouse Lane
It was reported that a number of vehicles, during peak times, have been witnessed queuing to turn right into Ladyhouse Lane which is prohibited.  Whilst the Police understand the community concerns in reality they do not have the resources to enforce the traffic order at this junction.  The Council has previously looked into this issue and it is thought that the work was too cost prohibitive.
Action 2: Revisit the scheme details and costs at Ladyhouse Lane (Tracey Knight)

Speeding
It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Nick Robert (Transport for Greater Manchester) - TfGM’s responsibility is to provide bus services that are not met by the commercial market; they do respond to needs where possible; there are financial constraints; they are aware of the community passion regarding local services; filling service gaps isn’t easy as it costs money but they are committed.

Dwayne Wells (First Bus) – role is to develop and enhance services; involved in the Oldham network review; the 181 and 182 services are currently being looked at.

Issues raised
Q. Will the 58 be changed to an hourly service?
A. It was recognised that there has been some issues with the frequency of this service which has sometimes been due to traffic issues across the network, however, it was confirmed the service will remain as a half hourly service.

Q. There are concerns that the community is being ‘cut off’ rather than being ‘joined up’.  Residents are struggling to get to local hospitals, not just for appointments, but some also work there.
A. Officers at TfGM are aware of this concern which has been raised previously with them by Ward Councillors.  Options are being looked at.  First Bus are also looking at the reliability of services with a view to making the bus network more dependable.

Q. Why was the 182 bus withdrawn?
A. It wasn’t generating enough income to cover the costs of operation.  As a commercial operator, First Bus has to match supply to demand; there was too much local competition.

Q. Residents expressed their concern that drivers do not account for all passengers, which distorts figures and gives a false representation of data and use of the service.  There is concern that buses have been withdrawn for this reason.
A. This is a common observation but it isn’t the only data set that is used when making operational decisions.

Q. Residents asked how long will the 451 and 462 continue to run through the estates. These are smaller buses that are deteriorating and it is understood that First Bus have no plans to purchase any more of these size of vehicles.
A. This is a TfGM contracted service which stipulates it is operated by a smaller vehicle.  When put out to tender it may be First Bus that bids for it along with other suppliers, but the specification of the contract will have to be delivered.

Q. Why do the surrounding areas, out of the Rochdale Borough, appear to have a much better inclusive service?
A. First Bus and TfGM agree that the local services could be improved.

Q. Why are so many buses late or don’t appear at all.  Drivers don’t adhere to the timetables and are repeatedly setting off early from bus stops.
A. Timetables are an approximate time and they are often subject to change due to a number of influences out of a driver’s control.  If a driver is witnessed departing early from a timing point, please report it.

Q. Please can you explain why, since  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a correct record, apart from the following correction – Sgt Martin clarified that GMP are able to chase quad bikes if the level of risk permits.  Each individual case is assessed and any action taken is risk proportionate.

Action 1: Quad Bike intelligence on social media
Due to privacy settings, GMP are unable to access some social media accounts.  Anyone with information is encouraged to report it.

Action 2: Firgrove Playing Fields responsibility
The land was granted to Milnrow Urban District Council on 15 November 1934.

Action 3: Local Bus Services
Representatives from TfGM and First Bus attended the meeting.

Action 4: Grounds maintenance on Hawthorn Lane
The land is the responsibility of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).  The area was inspected by RBH Grounds Supervisor and they confirmed the area averaged a cut every 12 working days.

Action 5: Garages and land at the rear of Rochdale Road
Response from Estates – ‘We are aware that Firgrove Playing Fields’ garage site is misused, but this occurs more in the evenings and at weekends when we are unable to inspect it.  When we find vehicles parked on site during our routine inspections we do put notices on these, however, we don’t know if the vehicles belong to tenants who have simply left their vehicles out of their garages.

The rents for the plots are the same for all garage tenancies and any change in these would need to be approved by the Trustees of Firgrove Playing Fields.

Action 6: Renewal of road markings
Highways confirmed the work on Smith Hill won’t be extended to include Pennine Drive.

Road markings
A request was made for the road markings at Egremont Road, Elizabethan Way and Beechfield Road to be repainted as they are barely visible.  There is concern the lack of stop and give way markings will cause an accident.
Action 5: Request areas are inspected and any actionable defects carried out (Tracey Knight)

Lorry parking
Articulated lorries are parking on Station Road overnight taking up three or four car park spaces.
Action 6: Establish if these vehicles are permitted to park in this area and take the necessary action if not (Tracey Knight)

Railway Street parking
A resident reported a high volume of vehicles parking on Railway Street when either using the library or visiting the nearby school.  The street cleaning vehicle is unable to clean the area because of the parked vehicles, and they were also in the way of the clean-up that should have taken place following the recent floods.  Residents asked whether they could have a residents’ only parking scheme.
Action 7: Establish if the area meets the criteria for this scheme (Tracey Knight)

Bins on Rochdale Road
A resident reported that a number of bins are being continually left out and not returned to properties when they have been emptied.
Action 8: Report to Environmental Warden and request site visit (Tracey Knight)

Metrolink Car Park
A resident asked when the Metrolink Car Park on the former Coral Mill site would be ready.  Councillors advised that this wasn’t part of the planning application; however, the Council is looking at alternative local sites.

No further business was raised.

Thursday 16 March 2017


Police Contact Details:

Rochdale East
Tel:                  0161 856 8549
Email:              rochdaleeast@gmp.police.uk
Facebook        GMPRochdaleEast
Twitter             @gmprochdaleeast

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Police non-emergency calls 101
Emergency calls 999

Sgt Glyn Martin
Mobile: 07393 009233
Email: glyn.martin@gmp.police.uk