Members are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary, personal or personal and prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests relating to items on this agenda and/or indicate if S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.   

There were no declarations of interest.

The following matters were raised as part of the Open Forum:

a)    Selling of unlawful vapes in Middleton shops

In response to a question from Mr T. Linden PC J Parkington advised that a number of shops had been targeted over recent months around illegal vapes and tobacco including what action that had been taken as a result of the operation.

b)   Middleton market place

Mr T. Linden requested how many parking tickets had been issued in an area of Middleton Town Centre, specifically on Long Street. In response PC J Parkington reported that 166 tickets had been issued on Long Street and 104 on Wood Street. Further clarification was sought in relation to the number of actions taken by Greater Manchester Police in enforcing the restrictions.  The Highways Officer provided details of actions by the Highways Enforcement Officers across the Township.

c)    Planting of apple trees

Z. Sherlock requested permission to plant apple trees within the Township.  Committee Members provided support.

d)   Planning infrastructure in Middleton

Clarification was sought as to what additional infrastructure would be provided alongside new homes recently built within the Township.  It was reported that the Head of Planning assess all developments in accordance with the statutory regulations and guidance from which requirements for additional school places and other public realms were provided.

e)    Internet and phone services in Middleton

It was reported that internet and phone services were intermittent across Middleton.

Councillor P. Williams undertook to raise the matter with service providers.

f)     Middleton Masterplan

It was suggested that car parking would be reduced within the Middleton masterplan.

In response it was reported that the masterplan would ensure that sufficient car parking would be available

g)   Asherton Arms

Concerns were raised in regard to health and safety in and around the proximity of the hotel.  Members noted the concerns and would request Officers to monitor activities in the area.

h)   Barrowdale Road

K. Armstrong sought information as to what the plans were on Barrrowdale Road, Langley.  It was reported that Officers would be requested to identify any specific proposals that had been submitted.

Members are requested to approve the Minutes of the Meetings held on the 10^th November 2022 and 15^th February 2023.

Resolved

That the minutes of the meetings of the Township Committee held on 10th November 2022 and 15th February 2023 be approved as a correct record.

To consider an objection to proposed Traffic Order - Prohibition of Waiting, Archer Park Area, Middleton.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Housing / Director of Neighbourhoods considering objections received to a proposed traffic regulation order in the Archer Park area of Middleton.

The proposed traffic regulation order sought to enhance highway operational safety through improving the management of carriageway parking and through better protection of sight lines (for both drivers and pedestrians crossing) at key locations along Archer Park, Sunny Brow Road, Harold Street, Cross Street and Aspell Close.

It was reported that a single objection was received to a revised advertised scheme and was specific to the intended reduction in length of proposed waiting restriction on the southern side of Sunny Brow Road and Archer Park arising from an originally advertised scheme. 

Alternatives considered

To reject the proposed Traffic Regulation Order.

Resolved

That Traffic Regulation Order, (Borough of Rochdale, ((Civil Enforcement of Traffic Contraventions) (Various Streets) (Middleton Township) Order 2008) (Amendment) (No. 75) Order 2023, be approved and implemented as advertised, as detailed in appendix A to the submitted report.

Reason for resolution

To enhance highway operational safety through improving the management of carriageway parking and through better protection of sight lines which will provide an appropriate level of access improvement over the existing arrangement where there are currently no waiting restrictions at the location junction of Harold Street with Sunny Brow Road.

To consider objections to a proposed Traffic Order - Patterdale Drive, Middleton.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Housing / Director of Neighbourhoods which detailed objections received to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order at Patterdale Drive, Middleton.

It was reported that two objections had been received to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order to prohibition of waiting.

Alternatives considered

To reject the proposed Traffic Regulation Order.

Resolved

That the Traffic Regulation Order, (Borough of Rochdale, ((Civil Enforcement of Traffic Contraventions) (Various Streets) (Middleton Township) Order 2008) (Amendment) (No. 80) Order 2023, be approved and implemented as advertised detailed within Appendix A of the submitted report.

Reason for resolution

To enhance highway operational safety by improving the management of carriageway parking along Patterdale Drive and through better protection of the turning area at the head of the cul-de-sac.