The Chair (V. White) introduced herself and welcomed everybody to the meeting.  Apologies were received from Councillors Sultan Ali and Iftikar Ahmed, L. Butler, J. Hynes and L. Baxter.

Maud Street Leak
It was reported that despite raising this at the last meeting this leak is still there.
Action (1) Liaise with Strategic Housing Services (Andy Dawson)

The previous minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record.

There was no attendance from Greater Manchester Police.

Healthwatch Rochdale
Ros Hayes attended to explain what Healthwatch Rochdale is and how residents can benefit.  Healthwatch is a consumer champion network in health and social that listens to customer experiences, and feeds them back to Healthwatch England.  They receive comments via forms posted in freepost envelopes, on the internet and face-to-face, and they are encouraging people to get involved and share their stories.  The group is also looking for volunteers.

The Healthwatch service was commissioned by the Clinical Commissioning Group, and all of Greater Manchester’s Healthwatch schemes join together on various issues.  It was stressed that Healthwatch is not a complaints service, but can signpost people to advocacy.  There are drop-in sessions at the Phoenix Centre, Middleton Lighthouse Project and Number One Riverside, no venue in Pennines Township has yet been identified.

A variety of leaflets were made available to all attendees, and anyone interested in volunteering was urged to contact Rochdale Healthwatch via the details on the leaflets.

Taylor Street – Red Lane
The current traffic problems were discussed, and residents suggested that to make Taylor Street to Red Lane two-way would alleviate this problem.
Action (2) Make enquiries re two-way traffic on Taylor Street (Andy Dawson)

Entwisle Road Surface
There were reports that the road is crumbling in various areas, particularly opposite the Leisure Centre and opposite Aldi.  Residents reported dangerously large puddles during heavy downpours, which had led to cars swerving and near misses.
Action (3) Request inspection of Entwisle Road surface (Andy Dawson)

Molesworth Street/Smith Street Traffic Lights
A question was asked around why there is only one set of lights on the Molesworth Street side of this junction, travelling in the direction of John Street, when most junctions have an additional traffic light at the opposite of the junction?
Action (4) Raise question with Highways re traffic lights at Molesworth Street/Smith Street (Andy Dawson)

Ramsay Street Parking
It was reported that staff from Number One Riverside regularly park inconsiderately on Ramsay Street, often blocking in residents, and often parking dangerously close to junctions.
Action (5) Speak to RMBC Comms about a global requesting that staff park responsibly (Andy Dawson)

There was nobody in attendance from Environmental Management Service.

An initial allocation of £6,000 was available for Central Rochdale Ward, and a grant of £4,990 has been made to Evangelanos Community Café.  A bid was made by Abdul Razzaq to develop and improve a community garden and allotment site.  Abdul would like residents to volunteer to assist with the project.  Funding of the project from the balance of the ward fund (£1,010) was unanimously supported.
Action (6) Process allocation of £1,010 grant agreed (Val White)

6:30pm – 8:30pm
Thursday 19 June 2014
Wardleworth Community Centre