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 22 November 2022 were approved and the following updates given.

Tyre outlet on Manchester Road
Residents had previously expressed their concerns about the tyre outlet business situated on the site of the former car lot on Manchester Road, stating it does not have the necessary planning consent for its use.  Councillor Sheerin update the forum that the owners of the site have now returned their written response to the Planning Contravention Notice which was served upon them.  The Council’s Planning Department will be reviewing this response, which will hopefully contain reasons as to why they did not apply for prior planning consent before starting the unauthorised use of the site.  All of the information is compiled by the Council as part of the legal process involved in pursuing the unauthorised use.  The owners or the business do have a licence to recycle tyres.  Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the amount of time the process is taking and the fact that the business is still operating.  A resident commented that they had contacted the Council’s Planning Enforcement Department and they had not received a response.

Durban Street parking
A resident previously raised concerns about cars parking on double yellow lines at the corner of Durban Street/Manchester Road, stating it impedes the sight lines for drivers when exiting left on to the main road.  Townships raised a request with the Council’s Parking Services Department to further monitor the situation and possibly up their patrols in the area.

PCSO Pemberton provided the update, along with Y Pickering of Community Safety, Rochdale Borough Council.

Residents were updated that GMP officers have recently seized two cannabis farms in the Borough and they have installed cameras around the Stakehill Industrial Estate.  It was also reported that overall burglary figures in the area are ok.

Residents were advised that GMP are the most improved force within the country and they have been taken out of special measures.  As a result of a new neighbourhood policy, crime has seen a reduction of approx. 3% within the borough.  Due to Operation Castle, 94% of all crimes reported are now attended by officers whereas in 2019 that figure stood at only 73%.  There are also many plans in the pipeline for Rochdale GMP and numerous operations about to commence.  A ‘Prevention Hub’ (a problem solving team) and also a community alert system are part of new initiatives brought in under neighbourhood policing.  More details will follow in the press in the forthcoming weeks.

Issues raised by residents in attendance included a commercial vehicle obstructing sight lines at a junction along with suspicious vehicle movements in the middle of the night in some residential streets.  Residents were urged to note registration and vehicle details and report it to GMP in order for officers to build evidence and assign appropriate resources.  A query was also raised regarding police sirens heard by residents after midnight within the village which was reportedly a regular occurrence.

Off road biking was reported in the areas of Keswick Street/North Street and Manchester Road and speeding vehicle issues via Queensway/Manchester Road was also discussed.  PCSO Pemberton advised residents that GMP will be tackling these issues in order to make communities safer.

Questions were raised with GMP and Community Safety Officers regarding the installation of CCTV within the newly developed car parking space on Manchester Road opposite Nixon Street in order to prevent vehicle crime for residents.  As stated by the Community Safety Officer, queries about CCTV being installed within a Highways project to change the road layout on Manchester Road would have needed to been raised by and discussed at the initial consultation stage with both Highways and Planning Departments.  A resident commented that the Council should pay increases on residents’ car insurance as allegedly there had been some vehicles broken into.

Police surgeries, namely ‘Coffee with a Copper’, will be held at Slattocks Coffee Shop on Thursday 15 March 2023 between 1-2pm, Tuesday 21 March 2023 between 1-2.30pm and also Friday 31 March 2023 between 1-2.30pm.

Castleton Bee Network Scheme
Residents in attendance at the forum voiced their disapproval again about the scheme.  Questions were raised with local Ward Councillors in attendance concerning the Council’s removal of trees to facilitate a car park area.  A discussion was held about TfGM’s policy of replacement trees and the area of concern being subject to surface flooding issues.

Castleton Sidings Proposed Development
Residents attended, including those from the Fairway area of the village, to raise the issue of the proposed development at the Sidings.  Concerns were raised about a leaflet circulated to residents by the developers, showing a potential access road into the site.  Councillor Sheerin advised that the three Ward Councillors had met with the developers to explain residents’ concerns regarding potential traffic issues, stating there needs to be another access into the site to alleviate this and to dissuade them putting in a planning application until this matter is resolved.  The Ward Councillors informed residents they are not in support of the development.

Residents stated there wasn’t adequate infrastructure in the area to support an additional 200 house development and there wasn’t any affordable housing within the plans.  Questions were then raised as to who enforces the requirements of the Section 106 agreements made between the Council and developers.  Councillor Sheerin advised they are trying all they can to escalate concerns to assist matters as much as possible for the residents of the village and he asked for their patience.  It was then requested by residents that there be a separate public meeting held in the future to further discuss this matter with the Council’s Planning and Highways officers in attendance.

Albion Street refuse bin removal
A resident questioned why the refuse bin had been removed from outside the location of the paper shop on Albion Street and can it be put back or replaced.
Action: Townships to raise the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department

Slattocks roundabout damage
A resident requested Highways inspect and repair the roundabout at Slattocks, stating it is badly damaged, along with the grass island.
Action: Townships to raise the matter with the Council’s Highways Department

Residents were advised that the current Township funding has now all been committed for this financial year and the new budgets will be agreed and available by June/July 2023.  Councillor Sheerin advised residents that there will be an increased allocation in the next financial year and the current Ward Funds have been used for many schemes including events in the village along with a small play area.

Castleton EC Residents
No update.

Friends of Carnegie Castleton
No update.

Friends of Castleton Station/Support the Oldham, Rochdale & Manchester Rail Lines/East Lancs Railway
The Treasurer presented the update to advise that they had received a report from the assessors of Britain in Bloom to say the works at the station had been marked as ‘outstanding’ and received a score of 89/100.  This achievement had been a result of an accumulation of hard work between those involved in conjunction with the local school’s participation.

There are plans in place for a development on the Rochdale side of the platform, which will be an ideal opportunity to make the area look even better by use of four planters and raised beds, giving each local school responsibility to maintain.  A query was raised regarding local nesting birds in the area, but there are none affected as the works are at ground level.

STORM are still campaigning for a third train service to the station.

St Gabriel’s
Pantomime ‘Norda’ was recently held by local amateur dramatics association and an award given for the best director in the North West.

None.

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.

To be confirmed.