The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded members of the need to adhere to the code of conduct for the duration of the meeting.

PC Marvell and PCSO Whitehead attended the meeting for this item.

It was explained that because of problems with GMP’s computer system it had not been possible to produce crime statistics for tonight’s meeting. However the Forum was informed of the following:

1.    A number of vehicles has been seized in the Ward for a variety of traffic related offences.

2.    A meeting at Jack McCann Court has been organised to deal with the ongoing ASB issues.

3.    Speeding initiatives have been undertaken on Greenbank Road, Foxholes Road and Red Lane. Warning letters have been issued

4.    Extra patrols are taking place at the Leisure Centre due to incidents of car theft.

5.    The Neighbourhood Policing Team are currently working with bailiffs to develop positive relationships.

6.    GMP’s surgery on the 23 January was well attended. Consideration is being given to the introduction of a women only surgery to be held on the last Tuesday of every month. Venue to be confirmed via social media platforms.

7.    GMP are looking to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in either the Wardleworth or Foxholes area of the Ward. The Chair of the Greater Manchester Neighbourhood Watch Committee and three Ward Councillors where present and encouraged residents to sign up to the initiative.

Residents raised the following issues:

..   –   It was explained that cars are going down George Street from Yorkshire

          Street the wrong way to gain access to Ball Street / Roach Place. It was

          asked if cameras could be installed in the area. In response it was

          explained that the deployment of camera’s is evidence led, therefore

          residents where encouraged to report incidents of this nature.

          A Ward Councillor commented that George Street would be discussed at

          a highways meeting tomorrow.

-       A resident raised concerns about motorists ignoring the box junction at the Whitworth Road / St Mary’s Gate junction which in turn leads to congestion and hampers the flow of traffic. It was asked if cameras could be installed at the junction.

-       A resident asked why the Bus Stop on the corner of Whitworth Road / Holmes Street was still in operation when a bus stop clearway had been installed just a few metres away.

Transport for Greater Manchester would be contacted for a comment.

-       It was reported that drug dealing is happening in the quadrangle adjacent to North, South, West and East Street.

The minutes of the Area Forum meeting held on Monday 11 November 2019 were approved as a correct record subject to the following change:

Minute 166 (point 4) should have read West Street / Buckley Street not West Street / Brunswick Street.

The following updates were provided:

1.    The Forum was informed that the meeting with appropriate stakeholders to discuss anti-social behaviour around Oswald Street had been held and CCTV had been installed into the area.

2.     Since the last Area Forum meeting a commissioning form had been received from Highways requesting funding to support a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) that would introduce parking restrictions on Taylor Street. A resident had previously asked that restrictions be introduced in the area to stop vehicles parking on both sides of the narrow highway.

It was explained that the TRO is supported with a legal process that has to be followed to support the introduction of highway prohibitions. However the forum was advised that the proposals to introduce parking restrictions will be advertised in the public domain which could result in objections being received. Ultimately this could result in the proposals not being supported.

Bearing the above in mind the Forum was asked if it was willing to contribute the remainder of Ward Funds (£2394) to the cost of the TRO (£4000). The Forum agreed to support this.

3.    The information that was requested in relation to the number of fly tipping / littering prosecutions in the Ward had not been provided. Environmental Management will be sent a reminder.

4.    The information on by-laws had been received from Environmental Management and had been passed on to the resident who asked the question.

5.    No response had been received regarding the land at the corner of West Street / Buckley Street. A reminder will be sent to the relevant service.

It was commented that work had been undertaken on part of the land, which was looking better.

6.    The overhanging bushes on Rugby Road had been cut back.

Residents raised the following issues:

1.    Two residents raised concerns about the state of the alleygated area that runs between Greenbank Road and Maud Street. Photographs where circulated which demonstrated the current state of the area – littering, fly tipping and dog waste.

It was commented that this issue is raised periodically which results in the area being tidied up by the Council, only for the problem to re-occur, shortly after.

The Township and Engagement Officer informed the residents that it would be reported to Environmental Management, Environmental Health and the Enforcement Officer for the area. It was also commented that a leaflet drop would be carried out in the area in the near future.

2.    A resident raised concerns about the lack of parking facilities in the Greenbank Road area and asked if t would be possible to introduce parking facilities on to the Common.

In response it was commented that it would be highly unlikely that Environmental Management would agree to such a request.

3.    Residents reported fly tipping in the Oswald Street area and that the open space area, near to Hey Street was being used as a dog toilet.

Both these issues will be reported to the appropriate service.

4.    It was reported that the area adjacent to St Andrew’s Church suffered from flooding.

All Ward issues had been previously covered.

Monday 6 June 2020 at Wardleworth Community Centre, commencing 6.30pm