The meeting was chaired by Hellal Choudhury.  The Chair introduced all to the meeting and referred to the code of conduct, to which all were asked to abide for the duration of the meeting.

Apologies were received from M. Gergel, T. Thomas and A. Miah.

Crimes/Arrests/Convictions
Between 1^st July and 30^th September, out of 74 crimes 37 offenders were identified. 15 were charged, 6 were released due to insufficient evidence, 6 were released due to lack of support from the victims, 4 received restorative justice and 3 are still wanted.  A further offender was charged with possession of cannabis, one received a caution and one accepted a diversion scheme.  The remaining 37 offenders remain unidentified.

South Street/East Street/West Street Lighting Column
Councillor Ali explained that the infrastructure required for a new column does not exist, and the cost of installing the necessary infrastructure would make the scheme prohibitive.

George Street One-Way Sign
The current signage reflects the current TRO.  Additional signage would require an amendment to the TRO at a cost of £3,500.  An amendment would also require installation of eight additional illuminated signs, the cost of which also makes this scheme prohibitive.

Entwistle Arms
The premises are subject to a 6 month extension, it is hoped a business will take over the premises during that time.

Road Markings
Funding has been allocated to refresh markings throughout the Township.

A representative from Peel Energy Ltd attended to give details of the proposed expansion to Scout Moor Wind Farm.  After giving some of the background around the business of Peel Holdings, he explained that the original expansion was to consist of an additional 26 turbines and that this would have been decided at a national level.  Following consultation the plans now consist of an additional 16 turbines of up to 115m high, and this plan will be decided by both Rochdale and Rossendale Councils.  Further details can be obtained on the website http://www.scoutmoorwindfarm.co.uk/.

Chief Inspector Mir attended to explain the Police Engagement Strategy, which contains a code of ethics and details of expectations of Police Officers.  Officers are expected to do the right thing, at the right time in the right way and to understand the needs of communities, ultimately building confidence in the Police Service.

Crime Statistics

·         Burglary - There have been 24 domestic burglaries in the past three months, compared to eight in the previous quarter.  Two offenders have been charged.

·         Criminal Damage – 35 in the current quarter, 39 previously

·         Hate Crime – one in the current quarter, 3 previously

·         Drug Offences – 12 in the current quarter, 18 previously

·         Rowdy & Inconsiderate Behaviour – 103 in the current quarter, 118 previously.

Targeted operations to combat drug dealing have taken place following reports at the last meeting.  Police found little evidence of what was reported at that time and emphasised the need for people to report specific information, times dates, etc, and to complete diaries if necessary.

A discussion took place around the prioritisation of calls to the Police.  Residents were informed that calls are graded according to the information given to the call taker, and that effective policing relies on intelligence from the public.  Lessons have been learned from a recent high profile incident.

Anti-Social Behaviour – Shell Petrol Station
There were reports of long-standing problems in the area around Jack McCann Court.  Chief Inspector Mir acknowledged the concerns raised but explained that Police responses are not all about arrests, there is a need for engagement and behaviour changes.  There is also a need to balance resources vs responses, and to recognise that resilience is increased when communities work together with partner agencies.

Bilal Mosque – Parking
There were reports of attendees at the mosque parking indiscriminately, particularly on Friday afternoons.  The Police agreed to visit the mosque to discuss.

PACT Priorities

1.      Shell Petrol Station area

2.      Youths Causing Annoyance

3.      Bilal Mosque parking

Whitworth Road Junction
A resident asked whether an alternative route from Fieldhouse Road to Halifax Road could be identified.  Councillor Sultan Ali explained that the feasibility of this had been looked at previously and was not an option due to safety reasons.
Action (1) Discuss Whitworth Road junction with Highways Officers (Councillor Sultan Ali)

Entwistle Road Waste Collections
It was reported that during ongoing gas mains works, operatives are not making an effort to reach bins out for collection.
Action (2) Raise with the Head of Economy & Environment (Councillor Sultan Ali)

Kitchen Street Parking
There were claims that parked vehicles are causing an obstruction, and it is likely that any of the offenders are working in Number One Riverside.  The forum was informed that staff within the building have been asked to park considerately, however, there are no restrictions in that area.
Action (3) Discuss Kitchen Street parking problems with Highways Officers (Councillor Sultan Ali)

Yorkshire Street Cleaning
A discussion took place around frequency of street cleaning, a request that Yorkshire Street be cleaned on a daily basis, particularly around the take-away shops was made.
Action (4) Clarify frequency of street cleaning for Yorkshire Street (Val White)

Missing Litter Bins
A resident claimed that a number of pavement fixed litter bins have been removed by the Council.
Action (5) Discuss removal of litter bins with Environmental Management (Val White)

Grit Bins
The winter maintenance policy was explained whereby all grit bins are filled as necessary and no additional bins are available.  The forum was informed that they could agree to fund a new bin from ward funds, however, there was no agreement around which location should be chosen.

South Street Nursery Grit Bin
It was stated that this bin is full of rubbish.
Action (6) Request servicing of grit bin at South Street Nursery (Val White)

Environmental issues were discussed during the earlier agenda items.

Community Café
The Community Café in Falinge Park is due to open in January.  Tracie Powers hopes to hold a pro-active community development forum on the first Tuesday of each month.  There will be £4m worth of projects over the next three years including a Victorian Kitchen Garden Project over a 20-week period.

Falinge Park Lighting
Tracie is liaising with RMBC Environmental Management to try to identify funding to fix the broken lights in the park.

Dog Walkers
There is an increasing problem with dog walkers letting their pets off their leads in the park.  There is no law to stop this.

Thursday 12 March 2015
Wardleworth Community Centre, South Street, Rochdale
6:30pm – 8:30pm