The Chair welcomed all to the meeting.

A copy of the code of conduct was circulated with the papers, and all were asked to abide by the code for the duration of the meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting held on Monday 6 March 2017 were agreed as an accurate record and the following updates were given.

Bamford Old Hall Land Planning Application
The planning application for the very large dwelling on land at Bamford Old Hall was refused on 28 March 2017.

Green belt land
Angela Smith, Chair of the Bamford Green Belt Action Group, informed the meeting that the group continues to work, meet with other action groups and fund raise.  Members of the group attended the Hustings in the General Election where all candidates stated commitment to using brownfield sites first.  The second draft of the Spatial Strategy was due in to be published in July 2017 but is now put back to September 2017.  The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is looking at the issue.  Some areas are working on a Neighbourhood Plan (there is a lot of effort required) the benefit of which is not known and there is a workshop in Manchester on 1 July 2017.

Police Sergeant Rhys Ibbotson informed the meeting Constable Kathryn Wynne retired on 8 June 2017.  She had already been written to on behalf of the forum thanking her for her effort and dedication over the years to the area.  A replacement officer for the area will be appointed.

Crime figures for the last quarter were outlined.  Good news is that crime is down and the Bamford Ward has the lowest figures in the Borough.  Some offenders are targeting vehicle keys to steal any vehicle, not just the high end models.  A resident of the Chapel Cottage very recently had his van stolen.  There have been some arrests of prolific offenders for burglary which can have a significant impact on crime statistics; one offender charged with a burglary on Norden Road, a juvenile for offences in Oakenrod and the robbers from the cricket and rugby clubs.  Police react very quickly to any spikes in crime by varying duties and patrol plans, monitoring prison releases, liaising with response teams, conducting CCTV trawls and assessing intelligence.  The need for security was stressed; lock doors, keep keys out of sight and do not leave on show either in the home or in vehicles.

The Norden Carnival takes place this coming Saturday 17June 2017.

GMP and Rhys as an individual were thanked massively and the gratitude of all expressed at the response to terrorist attacks and the aftermath.  It was acknowledged and appreciated that Police Officers have worked tirelessly over very long hours and cancelled rest days and a large round of applause was given.

Path near St Michael’s Church weeds
The sunken path near St. Michael’s Church was severely weed ridden and recently reported to the Clean and Green Team and it has been worked on.  It will be inspected again and any further work required, particularly on the cobbled section, will be reported.

Environmental improvements
The Martlet Avenue planter has been stripped out and replanted with summer bedding and a rockery has been installed at the end of Elmsfield Avenue.

Spencer Lane footway
Work is ongoing on the footway on Spencer Lane.

Elected Members of Parliament
Ian Duckworth has written to newly elected Members of Parliament, Liz McInnes and Tony Lloyd, to congratulate them and express the desire to work with them for the benefit of the area.

Blocked drains
Blocked drains were reported on Norden Road, outside the Chapel, Woodtop Avenue outside number 3 and on Clay Lane near the Treatment Works.
Action: Request inspection and clearing (Stuart Hay)


The Ward Councillors hold a surgery from 10am to 11am on the first Thursday of each month here in Bamford Chapel, although they often go beyond 11am.  Ward Councillors contact details are available on the Council website:

Councillor Ian Duckworth
Telephone: 01706 648393
Email: ian.duckworth@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Jane Howard
Telephone: 07870 172144
Email: jane.howard@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Pat Sullivan
Telephone: 0161 762 1129 or 07967 985240
Email: patricia.sullivan@rochdale.gov.uk

Rochdale Borough Council Officers:

Stuart Hay, Township Officer
Telephone: 01706 922230
Email: stuart.hay@rochdale.gov.uk

Diane Lodwig, Public Realm Inspector
Telephone: 01706 922226
Email: diane.lodwig@rochdale.gov.uk

Monday 4 September 2017 at 6.30pm in Bamford Chapel