Andy Dawson introduced himself to the forum and thanked everyone for attending.

Members of the forum was asked if anyone would like to chair the Central Area Forum.  Beryl Lloyd came forward to chair the meeting and forum members were asked if there were any objections.  No objections were received.

The chair introduced herself to the forum.

Attention was drawn to the code of conduct a summary of which was read out. All attendees were asked to abide by the code for the duration of the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the 20th June 2013 were approved as a true record.

A late request to the chair was made by Peter Maynard, RMBC Area Renewal Manager, to give a brief on the “Get Me Toasty” scheme.

Peter provided leaflets and informed the forum that RMBC are working in partnership with an approved installer to help provide energy efficiency measures to homes in the Rochdale Area.

There are three main contractors carrying out the works, Dyson, Forrest and Carillion. Dyson are the installers for the Rochdale Area.

Residents were informed that to qualify they must live in an eligible postcode area to get free cavity wall and loft insulation or be in receipt of certain qualifying benefits and be entitled to a boiler replacement. The scheme is open to owner occupiers and private rented accommodation. The scheme is not open to RBH tenants.

Residents were encouraged to contact 0800 009 3363 to find out if they qualify and take advantage of the scheme. It is envisaged that the scheme will be available until the 31st March 2014.

It was reiterated to residents that Dyson are the only contractors that are working with RMBC on the “Get Me Toasty” scheme in Rochdale. Any other contractor knocking on doors offering the same scheme are not legitimate. Residents who are concerned should contact Trading Standards.

Peter was thanked for attending the forum and providing valuable information.

Updates from previous minutes
No GM Police present. Residents expressed their disappointment. GMP in attendance this evening.

Residents pointed out that since the introduction of a charge for the removal of bulky items fly-tipping has increased. Residents were informed that Environmental Management have attempted to find who is responsible for the fly tipping by checking the bags for evidence and writing to people in the area in conjunction with Rochdale Borough-wide Housing. It has been highlighted to residents that if they have no domestic wheeled bin then they can obtain one and recycling bins by ringing our contact centre on 0845 226 1800.

As such Environmental Management is not sure who is responsible and have therefore not been able to take any enforcement action. Residents are encouraged to contact Environmental Management on the 0845 226 1800 number if they have any assistance that can help them identify those responsible. EM teams and RBH move the bags once enforcement have had the chance to investigate.

Environmental Managements cleaner greener team carried out a clear up of unregistered land at the rear of 61 Industry Road, Duke Street and at the end of Grasmere Street. This was done over a three day period 5-7 June 2013 and our team removed almost a tonne and a half of rubbish including bulky household waste, bags of domestic waste and needles. The shrubs and green waste have been fully cut back and the Duke Street alley was cleaned out by the team.

In the Milkstone & Deeplish Ward, Councillors have allocated ward funds to carry out such clean  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

PCSOs Louise Cleary and Andrew Sanderson informed residents that they are moving onto new roles within GMP.  The chair and all in attendance expressed their thanks to Louise and Andrew for all their hard work in the area and wished them well for the future.

Crime Figures

7 x Burglaries, Moorland Street - 09/09/13, Edington - 28/08/13, Park Road - 28/08/13, Whitehall St - 15/08/13, George Street - 14/08/13, Tentercroft - 04/08/13, Selby Street - 02/08/13

11 x Burglaries Other Than Dwellings, Cha Cha Jewellers has been targeted twice 08/09/13 & 12/09/13.

Theft Of Pedal Bikes – A group of youths aged between 16-20 years using orange coloured bolt croppers to steal pedal bikes in the area. Residents were encouraged to report the group to GMP if they are seen hanging around.

There have been 10 Vehicle Registration Number Plates in this area. Residents were informed that there is a “Safe Plating Scheme” being carried out on tomorrow at Horse Carrs between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Anyone who would like to have their number plates secured with anti-theft screws are encouraged to attend.

Residents expressed their concern over the increase in Trials bikes riding along footpaths in the Hamer Area however they were informed that GMP struggle to catch the offenders and if they are known to residents they were encouraged to report them.

A resident mentioned that he phoned GMP to report that someone was breaking into his garden tool shed. It took three days to three days for GMP to attend. The resident asked if it would be possible for it to be alley gated.

Councillor Ali mentioned that the alley gating for this location has been looked into three times and doesn’t fit the criteria.

Fran Whitehouse from Rochdale Mediation Service was introduced to the forum to present the information.

Mediation is a confidential process in which an impartial third party helps people who are in dispute, work out an agreement.

All organisations, both statutory and voluntary, can access the Service, as well as individuals. The organisation sends in a referral with names, addresses and telephone numbers of all the people involved in a dispute, preferably after asking their permission to contact us. We then write to all of the people concerned and arrange a mutually acceptable time for a visit.

Anyone who is having a problem with a family member, a work colleague or a neighbour, can ring the Service and talk, confidentially, with an experienced mediator about the best way to proceed. Mediators will not contact anyone else without their permission.

Disputes can be about anything at all. Family problems may involve parents having difficulties with their off-spring, young people not getting on with their siblings or parents, pregnant teenagers having difficulty with their parents and/or partners, neighbours falling out with each other about noise, verbal abuse, rubbish, boundaries, pets, parking, children’s behaviour etc.  Workplace conflicts can involve bullying, problems with the boss or not getting on with work colleagues. Whatever the problem, Rochdale Mediation Services offers a confidential, professional service to suit the needs of each individual person.

Further information available from contact Fran Whitehouse on 01706 347700 or 07947 770188

A resident mentioned that she has contacted Environmental Management and the MP’s office to report that the rubbish bins were put out in time and in the correct location for them to be emptied.  Five weeks on they have still not been emptied.
Action 3. Raise the issue with Environmental Management. (Simon Danczuk MP)

Residents again mentioned fly tipping in the area.  They were informed that there had been a lot of work in the area carried out by Environmental Management to tackle the issue of fly tipping.  Residents were again encouraged to report issues and note the registration numbers of vehicles dumping rubbish. It was also mentioned that a resident was caught red handed fly tipping by an officer present and a ward councillor.  The offending resident was told to remove the rubbish and was reported to Environmental Management Enforcement Officers to take further action. Residents were again reminded that they should take some responsibility in reducing fly tipping in the area.

A resident asked if a tree on Grasmere Street next to a garage could be at least pruned or removed.  The resident was informed that this has been reported in the past and will be chased up.
Action 4. Chase up Environmental Management. (A. Dawson)

The land at the end of Oswald Street has recently been cleaned, cleared and cut back as organised by Peter Maynard.

Gated alleyways in the area surrounding the Infirmary continue to suffer from fly tipping.  The usual areas in Wardleworth suffer from fly tipping, Edward Street (at the corner of 300 Yorkshire St, Rochdale) and opposite 39 Edward St. Also, at the end of the alleyway at the rear of 49 South Street and 33 Fitton Street. Mostly bulky household items such as suitcases, wood and mattresses and loose cardboard.

The spraying cycle has now been completed throughout the borough and is now being followed up by teams who will remove the dead weeds.  A meeting with the contractor is being organised to discuss future weed spraying programmes as this could have been handled much better.  Environmental Management have already voiced concerns and told them of expectations regarding reporting procedures/planning etc.  Environmental Management will be creating a schedule and will have a team working on the removal of weeds in the most affected areas.

Residents were informed of the:

Keep Active, Keep Healthy Event
The event is a joint project of Spotlight and Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association and is designed to inform people what services are available to them and to have some fun.

The event will be held in Falinge Park on 22nd September 2013 at 10am - 4pm.  Various organisations will be holding stalls providing information on different health and wellbeing services available in and around Rochdale. There will be a big bouncy castle, different activities going on, on the main field, a Barbeque (healthy of course), a food stall, cook and taste sessions by Cracking Good Food, Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association and ourselves and an all-day car boot sale.

Flyer Information
‘Activ8te Me’ -  is an exciting new project of sports and fitness activities for adults (aged 16+) – of all ages and ability.  If offers a choice of 8 sports, 8 reasons to get active and 8 main centres to get active at.  The 8 sports are: golf, swimming, cycling, badminton, exercise and fitness, athletics, football and rounders.  Activ8te Me offers easy to access sessions which are low cost and ‘pay as you go’, just turn up as an individual or with a friend.  Feeling good, increasing fitness and having fun are just some of the benefits of taking part.  For more information you can contact Sarah Shard (Activ8te Me Co-ordinator) at: activ8teme@link4life.org or on: 07976 498 629.  You can also stay updated by visiting our website at: www.link4life.org/activ8teme or at facebook: Activ8teME and follow us on twitter at: activ8teme #getmeactive.

The Older People’s events - Link4life are running for people over the age of 50, flyers and marketing to follow.  The events are at each of our leisure centres, Rochdale 1st Oct, Heywood 8th Oct, Middleton 15th Oct, Littleborough 8 Nov, each event will take place between 1-4pm. On offer will be taster sessions of various exercises and activities for older people, such as Zumba Gold, Yoga, Pilates, short Tennis, Badminton, Boccia and Tri Golf. Also there will be various agencies attending to offer tests on blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, and offer advice on things that are available across the Borough for this age group.

For further information contact Elaine Stott - Active4Life coordinator on either 07800672471 or 01706 926204 or email elaine.stott@rochdale.gov.uk

Primetime - sessions provide a variety of activities such as swimming, short tennis, badminton, table tennis and gym or fitness sessions for people aged 50 and over,  at all 4 of the Link4Life leisure centres. Heywood – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am – 12noon, Littleborough – Thursdays between 9am – 12noon, Middleton – Mondays between 9am – 12 noon, Rochdale – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am – 12 noon. No booking required.

The Back Care Yoga session - is a weekly class on Tuesdays between 4:15pm and 5pm at Rochdale Leisure Centre, it is a basic yoga session focusing on poses that mobilise, strengthen and help ease muscle tension  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

6.30pm Thursday 19 December 2013 at Wardleworth Community Centre