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.

The forum was informed of the following:

1.    Work demands and capacity issues have resulted in Neighbourhood Policing Teams being unable to allocate as much time as usual to Ward issues.

2.    A warrant was executed on Copenhagen Street in relation to a cannabis farm. Male arrested and remanded in custody.

3.    Cannabis farm discovered on Bay Street. The male arrested has been under surveillance and targeted for some time. This incident will strengthen GMP’s case against him when the trial commences later this year.

4.    Following intelligence a male was stopped in a vehicle which led to 68 wraps of class A drugs, mobile phones and weapons being seized. The male was arrested and investigations continue.

5.    Several operations in and around George Street have led to several prosecutions for contravening the one-way system. A number of stop searches have also been carried out which have led to arrests being made for various offences, primarily drug related.

At this point GMP, Councillors and residents raised concerns about the lack of action being taken to address the incidence of one-way traffic contraventions.

It was explained that a request for traffic calming measures on George Street had been discussed at Rochdale North Township Committee in October. Unfortunately the application was withdrawn which has resulted in Highways being asked to re-visit this issue.

It was also commented that because we are now approaching year end and all funds have been committed it is unlikely that any progress will be made on this until funds are made available later in the year.

The Township Officer agreed to make Highways aware of the concerns raised and request an update on this issue.

6.    A number of abandoned cars have been removed from Crook Street which were being used by rough sleepers.

7.    A new gym has opened on George Street which will hopefully reduce the incidence of criminality due to the introduction of additional lighting in the vicinity.

8.    Untaxed vehicles should be reported to DVLA. Any abandoned or suspicious looking vehicles should be reported to GMP.

 Residents / Councillors raised the following issues:

1     GMP were asked what the crime rate for the Ward is.

In response GMP advised that this information had been requested but had not been provided as yet. It was agreed to forward this information to the Ward Councillors when received.

      2.   A resident from Deane Street raised concerns about the lack of police

            response to a series of robberies that had taken place in the area. As a

            consequence residents have lost trust / confidence in GMP.

            GMP agreed to contact the resident direct to discuss these issues in

            more detail.

The minutes of the area forum meeting held on Monday 5 th December were approved as a correct record.

The Township Officer discussed the following issues:

1.    An application for funding to support a traffic calming investigation on Howard Street will be going to Rochdale North Committee in March.

2.    It was explained that several funding applications had been received and approved since the last area forum meeting. These being:

Ajnabi Community Garden – Rochdale Science Extravaganza – Park Road Grass Verge Removal – Nile Street Salt Bin.

As a consequence of this it was agreed that the remaining Ward Funds could be committed to a Broadfield Park Heritage project.

3.    It had not been possible to obtain an update of the housing development proposal (rear of KYP) in the Ward.

1.    A number of residents raised concerns about the proposed housing development to the rear of KYP in the area.

These concerns were in relation to:

-       Twenty seven objections being submitted in relation to the proposal yet no feedback has been received.

-       Promises being given that some of the land would be used for recreational purposes.

           Following further discussion it was agreed to invite Stuart Morris, 

           Strategic Lead, Housing to a future meeting of the area forum.

2.    A resident asked if additional litter bins could be introduced into the Ward.

In response it was agreed that this could be considered once funding streams were made available. It would also be useful if specific locations could be identified for the placement of bins.

3.    Residents were reminded that if they are planning to vote in person at a Polling Station at the Local Election in May they will require photographic identification. If they have no photo id then they should apply for a postal vote.

Councillor Zaheer informed the forum that she receives a considerable number of complaints about fly tipping and littering in the Ward. This is particularly frustrating given the fact that a free bulky waste collection service is available to residents.

It was also stressed that a great deal of time and effort goes into promoting and publicising recycling by Ward Councillors and Council Officers, yet the problem continues. It was accepted that residents need to take responsibility for dealing with their rubbish in the correct manner. Forum members were also reminded that littering and fly tipping is illegal and offenders can be prosecuted if identified.

In response to a question it was confirmed that the Council does take people to court for incidents of this nature.

To be advised.