All were welcomed to the meeting and apologies were given for those absent.  A copy of the code of conduct was circulated with the agenda papers and all were asked to abide by the code for the duration of the meeting.  Attention was also drawn to the Terms of Reference document for all non-constituted local area forums in the Rochdale area.  The Chair extended thanks from the forum and Councillors to Stuart Hay, Township Officer, stating he will be greatly missed after recently retiring from his position within the Council.

PC Marvell provided the update on behalf of GMP with the following crime statistics for the area of Brimrod, Marland and Sudden for the last quarter:

A summary of policing activities were reported.

Drugs
A number of cannabis farms have been discovered and dismantled across the borough, resulting in arrests and prosecutions with monies from the proceeds of crime seized.  These monies will eventually be donated to the victims of crimes.

Operation Dragster
Off-road biking is still an issue in and around Mandale Park.  A routine patrol has been established between officers from GMP and Community Safety on behalf of the Council.  Signage has also been installed.  The introduction of a Public Space Protection Order as a deterrent to offenders will hopefully assist the issue in future.  Further operations will take place in the coming months.

Speeding
Residents are urged to advise GMP of problematic areas of concern so that resources can be sourced accordingly.

John Kemble Court
Residents informed officers of witnessing drug offences occurring in the area to the rear of Manchester Road.  Officers urged residents to report all incidents to themselves or Crimestoppers, noting car registration details, times, etc in order to build the necessary intelligence for GMP to be able to target the offenders.

Southdown Close
Residents raised the issue of the obstructive parking of vehicles in the Southdown Close and St Aiden’s area.  Councillor Smith agreed to raise this issue again with Highways and GMP offered to instruct their PCSOs to attend the area to assess the problems and provide support and possible solutions.

‘Bee in the Loop’
This initiative by GMP which is a messaging service, in addition to their social media channels, to communicate with residents/businesses in each area regarding incidents/emergencies, to pass on crime prevention advice and to help shape local priorities for officers to concentrate on.  Residents can sign-up to it via the website www.beeintheloop.co.uk

GMP Surgeries
The surgeries will be held monthly by local PCSOs at Norden Old Library.  The forthcoming surgery dates will be announced in due course.  Councillor Smith to secure a venue for the Bamford area.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 June 2023 were approved as a correct record.  Updates were provided to actions previously raised at the last forum as follows:

Sandy Lane Junction – Future works
Councillors requested an update from Highways Officers as to when works will commence.  This matter is still ongoing and the Councillors will continue to pursue Highways Officers for a start date.

Marland Green/Springfield Park exiting road - adopting the road/funding repairs to potholes
Residents raised the issue of the state of the road and whether any repairs or resurfacing works could be carried out.  Bamford Ward Councillors have received numerous requests previously on this issue and they will continue to seek advice from Highways Officers as to whether this road could be considered for adoption or if not, can repairs be estimated.

Litter bin request for Southdown Close
A new litter bin was requested for installation at the bottom of Southdown Close (where it meets Marland Old Road).  Townships raised the request with the Council’s Environmental Management Department who advised that it was not an ideal location for a bin.  The location does not generate excess litter and they feel that the litter picking and sweeping schedule is sufficient to keep the area to a good standard of cleanliness.  Also, on review of this location, there is no suitable site as the pavement would need to accommodate the bin plus 1.2m space for pedestrians and wheel chairs.  In addition, the residential nature of this area would result in the bin being situated against the fence/wall boundary to someone’s property and historically this situation has always been contentious as residents do not like a bin located outside their property.  Bins in residential areas are always kept to a minimum as they can become a focal point for household waste.

Marland Green – Potholes filled
Residents thanked local Ward Councillors for their efforts to ensure the potholes were filled on Marland Green.

Derek Walker Court Entrance planter
Residents advised that plants from the planter situated at the entrance to Derek Walker Court are covering up the cul-de-sac sign and requested the planter is relocated.
Action: Townships to raise the issue with the Council’s Environmental Management Department

Brimrod Methodist Church – News and Events
Leonie updated the forum on her plans to start a Lego group for those with autism and their carers.  She requested support from the Ward Councillors concerning Township funds for this initiative.  Donations in the form of Lego were also requested – contact Leonie to pledge any support brimrodmethodistrochdale@outlook.com

A Christmas Fair will be held this year at the church and anyone who can offer support with donations or presents are encouraged.  Volunteers are also needed for the event.

The timetable for classes at the church/community space as follows:

Residents were advised that the current Township funding for this financial year is now available and any ideas or initiatives to improve the local area or give benefit to any community groups or associations are always welcome.  Discuss with your local Ward Councillors or the Township Officer.

Councillor Smith provided the update to the forum as follows:

·           Councillor Anstee is still dealing with the ongoing issues at the Higher Birch site.  The recent closure of the footpath is being investigated by an officer at the Council and Building Control are investigating the situation at the wall.

·           A new sign for Marland Old Road has been ordered.

·           Councillor Smith advised that she attended the recent consultation on the works to extend the Beeline Cycle Lane on from Castleton.  Residents expressed their concerns about the scheme and requested an officer attend the next area forum to discuss matters.  The Highways Officer who is dealing with enquiries regarding the scheme is Alex Whittaker and he can be contacted on 01706 924534 or alex.whittaker@rochdale.gov.uk

·           For any planning related enquiries residents are requested to approach Councillors Anstee or Sullivan, as Councillor Smith is on the Planning Panel and cannot comment.

·           Your local Ward Councillors are always pleased to meet with you for a chat or to hear your concerns.  Surgeries are the first Thursday of each month at Bamford Chapel from 10am to 11am and Brimrod Methodist Church from 11.15am to 12 noon.

CONTACT DETAILS

Ward Councillors:
Councillor Stephen Anstee
Telephone: 07870 172144
Email: stephen.anstee@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Angela Smith
Telephone: 07710 297377
Email: angela.smith@rochdale.gov.uk

Councillor Pat Sullivan
Telephone: 07967 985240
Email: patricia.sullivan@rochdale.gov.uk

Rochdale Borough Council Officers:
Rachel Hudson, Township Officer
Telephone: 01706 924343
Email: rachel.hudson@rochdale.gov.uk

Mick Ball, Public Realm Inspector
Telephone: 01706 922634
Email: mick.ball@rochdale.gov.uk

Mark Reynolds, Community Safety, Crime and Anti-Social Behavior Officer
Telephone: 01706 924979
Email: mark.reynolds@rochdale.gov.uk

Greater Manchester Police
PC Tim McCluskey
Telephone: 07393 782312
Email: timothy.mccluskey@gmp.police.uk

PCSO 72831 Kiran Kazmi
Telephone: 07814 072902
Email: 72831@gmp.police.uk

Tuesday 14 November 2023 at 6.30pm