Introductions were made and all were welcomed to the meeting.  The code of conduct was circulated.  All attendees were asked to abide by the code for the duration of the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 November 2021 were approved and the following updates given.

Kav’s Corner removal
Townships reported that the Council, along with other agencies, are still pursuing this sensitive matter and do not have any further update at this present time.  Residents expressed their views again that the temporary ‘memorial’ site has now been in situ for almost five years and needs removing.

Crescent Road allotments
A resident previously raised concern about untidy land at the allotments near to Crescent Road, Castleton.  Councillor Sheerin is still pursuing an update on the matter with the allotment’s manager in the Council’s Environmental Management Department.

Proposed cycle lane/Bee-line
The matter was raised again by residents who stated that they felt the Council didn’t actively listen to views expressed at two public meetings held last year to discuss the proposal.  Councillor Sheerin, who attended the meetings, advised the forum he escalated residents’ concerns to Cabinet and Officers regarding the loss of parking outside shop premises and also safety/speeding concerns.  He stated Officers did listen and address these concerns by creating more car parking space and proposals for speed restrictions to slow down vehicular traffic.  Councillor Sheerin reiterated to residents that the Council could only make recommendations and were not responsible for the determination of the scheme; that decision was taken at a Greater Manchester wide level.  He again advised the forum he does not support the scheme.  Residents also expressed frustration, stating they felt the Council does not listen to views expressed at the forum.

Officers attending from GMP gave an update to the forum.

Burglaries
GMP reported there had been a reduction in numbers of burglaries with only four recorded in the past month, two of which were attempts.  ‘Operation Castle’ is the dedicated response team set up to tackle this type of crime and its Officers are fully aware of hotspots and they are able to give advice to residents accordingly.  The details of every burglary in the borough gets passed to the specialist team and leaflets are delivered to raise awareness.

Speed watch
GMP have recently carried out two community speed watch operations.  Residents can assist by forwarding intelligence on offenders including uploading dash cam footage to the GMP website.  Officers will continue to carry out speed watch initiatives in Castleton and welcome any residents who wish to get involved by contacting PCSO Daley.

The Chief Inspector is intending on doubling the numbers of Traffic Officers for Greater Manchester from 40 to 80.  The team frequently make visits around the borough of Rochdale providing great assistance, so this will provide even better coverage for our area.

‘Operation Navigator’ is the dedicated response team in place to deal with matters including that of stolen and uninsured cars which, in turn, can assist by removing the individuals off roads who commit the speeding and driving offences.

Residents attending the forum posed questions to GMP regarding changes to the Highway Code in respect of cycles and pedestrians and also about recent media coverage on the ticketing of parked vehicles facing oncoming traffic.  GMP advised that with these matters, when reports come in from the public, cases are always assessed on an individual basis.

GMP Castleton Christmas dinners
The event in December went incredibly well with Officers from GMP visiting vulnerable members of the community delivering a hot Christmas dinner and an online quiz.  The forum gave thanks to PCSO Daly and her colleagues for their efforts in respect of this wonderful event.

Woolworth’s Social Club trees
A resident attended the forum with a large tree branch stating it had fallen into his rear garden from overhanging mature sycamore trees situated on private land adjacent to the former Woolworth’s Social Club.  He also claimed the issue is prevalent with overhang on highway land adjacent to Royle Road.  Councillor Sheerin advised the matter needs to be addressed by the landowners not the club and he will escalate it to them along with the Council’s Arboriculture Officer.
Action: Councillor Sheerin to escalate matters to the private land owners and also the Council’s Arboriculture Officer.

Crescent Road/Clovelly Street/Kingsland Road fly-tipping/ASB issues – Request for Council response
Residents attended to escalate further their concerns in respect of fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour at the lane close to their properties at Crescent Road/Clovelly Street/Kingsland Road.  They stated they had not received adequate responses from Officers since before Christmas, having previously raised the matter many times in the past, even submitting a petition from residents for remedial action.
Action: Townships to raise the matter with Officers from the Environmental Management Department.

Royle Road housing development
A resident situated on The Green submitted a written request for the forum to escalate a complaint that they experience constant vibration from the Royle Road development.
Action: Townships to raise the matter with Officers from the Building Control/Planning/Environmental Health Departments.

Royle Road Battery Farm
A resident situated on The Green submitted a written request for the forum to escalate further enquiries into the battery farm being constructed on Royle Road and the future safety of the site for local residents.
Action: Townships to raise the matter with Officers from the Building Control/Planning/Environmental Health Departments.

Castleton EC Residents
Councillor Sheerin advised the forum the Trows Lane outline residential planning application for 550 houses has not been determined yet.

Friends of Carnegie Castleton
An update was provided to the forum by S Whitworth who advised research continues by the friends group for the“Conflict Corner” on Castleton men who died in previous wars.  Plaques containing the names of these soldiers will feature on the new wall around the Castleton Cenotaph Stone.  If anyone has an interest and wants to help out, contact the group.  Membership is £5/annually.

Friends of Castleton Station/Support the Oldham, Rochdale & Manchester Rail Lines/East Lancs Railway
The group are still pursuing the campaign to restore the half hourly train service from Castleton to Manchester and looking at the timetables.  A collaboration between the community rail groups of Rochdale and Calderdale has produced a booklet which can be accessed online at www.rochdale.gov.uk clicking on ‘Community Rail Partnership’.

St. Gabriel’s
Christmas Pantomime ‘Mother Goose’ was a well-attended, excellent show.

Rochdale Township in Bloom
Councillor Sheerin updated the forum on the recent ‘outstanding’ awards received by the group for both the railway station and the memorial stone.  He also informed residents of the fantastic news that Rochdale has been chosen to represent the North West in Britain in Bloom up against opposition Canterbury.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Councillor Sheerin advised a beacon will be lit on the village green on the evening of the Jubilee at 2145 hours along with several others across the country.  The evening will also feature a town cryer.  A plaque will be installed in the garden to commemorate the event.

Hydrotherapy Pool facilities
Councillor Sheerin advised the forum that local resident David Richardson has funded a new hydrotherapy facility at Castleton Swimming Pool, due to difficulties experienced by his wife who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.  Another facility is also open in Ensor Mill, Queensway funded by the Jolly Josh Charity for children with terminal illness.

Councillors’ Surgeries
Surgeries are held on Saturdays at 10.30am–11.30am at the following venues:

First Saturday in month          St Aidan’s Church Hall

Second Saturday in month     Castleton Community Centre

Third Saturday in month         Thornham Cricket Club

Fourth Saturday in month       Carnegie Library

Date to be confirmed.