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

The Chair, Ward Councillors, Rochdale Council representatives and GMP representatives introduced themselves.

Apologies had been received from one member of the public.

PC Maghdour, PCSO Stewart and PCSO Robinson attended the meeting for this item.

GMP representatives provided an overview of the work/incidents they had been involved in over recent months, this included:

-       Local shops had been experiencing incidents of Shoplifting. Arrest had been made. In many cases stolen goods are sold to purchase drugs..

-       Two warrants had been executed in relation to cannabis farms.

-       A human trafficking case was ongoing in the Ward.

-       Operation Navigator has been introduced targeting poor driving across the Borough

-       It is likely an operation targeting speeding in the Ward will be introduced soon.

-       Low numbers of burglaries are currently being experienced in the Ward.

-       There have been a number of incidents in the Ward in relation to motor vehicle damage

-       Seven incidents of anti-social behaviour have recently been reported

-       GMP will be supporting Operation Sceptre which targets knife crime

-       Plain clothes operations in crime hot spots areas are regularly undertaken.

-       The Neighbourhood Policing Team are keen to undertake crime prevention work in the area.

-       An additional police constable has been attached to the Ward

-       Seven arrests had been made in relation to the Bentley Street incident

The following issues were raised by residents:

-       Concern was raised about the lack of visibility of GMP Officers. Residents commented that they had not seen Officers for some time.

In response GMP challenged this explaining they are on patrols in the Ward on a regular basis. It was suggested that they could sign in at Syke Base when they have visited the area.

-       A resident asked why 80000 reported incidents of crime had not been investigated by GMP.

In response to this it was commented that this happened during a previous Chief Superintendent’s regime. A new Chief had recently been appointed and it was expected that change would result.

-       Residents provided numerous examples of criminal activity reports being made to GMP – vehicle theft, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, theft – however no feedback or response is ever received. It was commented that some residents feel there is no relationship between the community and GMP.

In response to this a lengthy discussion took place about the way in which reports are handled. It was explained that problems had been experienced with GMP’s computer system, which certainly exacerbates the problem. In addition GMP does have limited resources and capacity. However the Neighbourhood Team accepted the previous approaches and responses needed to improve to regain resident’s confidence in GMP in the area.

Residents were reminded that responses are intelligence led, therefore residents should report all criminal/suspicious activity via 999, 101, Crimestoppers or via the online portal on the GMP website. In addition the following email addresses could be used – 19153@gmp.police.uk / 70519@gmp.police.uk.

It was also explained that if residents were not satisfied with the outcome of their report they could escalate the issue via 101 or the online portal.

-       It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 260.

Residents raised the following issues:

1.    It was asked if the project initiated by Norden Area Forum aimed at reducing the amount of off-road bike traffic on Rooley Moor could be replicated in the Healey Ward. It was agreed, following discussion to invite Nigel Morrell, Chair Norden Area Forum to the next Area Forum meeting.

2.    A resident commented about a recent press release concerning the new ownership of the TBA site.

In response it was acknowledged that the TBA site was a sensitive issue within surrounding Wards and that the new owners had made a commitment to make the site safe and engaging with residents going forward.

3.    Following discussion it was agreed to invite Mark Bramah, Climate Change and Sustainability Project Manager to the next meeting of the Area Forum.

It was also commented that it may be beneficial to introduce an officer to a future meeting to discuss the Clean Air Zone initiative.

4.    A resident commented that a litter bin is required at Ironwaters.

It was explained that this had been investigated in the past and that the land in question is not Council owned land. However it was agreed to investigate this further.

5.    A resident commented that the tennis court area on the common was under-utilised and if anything could be done to increase usage. It was explained that schools would not be interested in using this facility as they have their own provision. However consideration would be given in respect of promoting the area.

It was also commented that Environmental Management had been tasked with undertaking a review of the tennis court area with a view to improving / repairing the facility. An update will be sought on this.

A resident also informed the Forum that the Government had recently pledged to provide £30 million pounds to Councils to upgrade public tennis courts. It was agreed to investigate this further.

6.    It was commented that brambles, close to Hazel Grove Farm have overgrowm onto the Highway and require cutting back. The Environmental Management Officer present agreed to investigate this matter further.

7.    In response to a question it was explained that the Forum’s AGM would take place at the first meeting in the new financial year (May/June)

The minutes of the Area Forum held on the 8 February 2020 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair of the Friends of Syke and Cronkeyshaw Group (FOSAC) informed the Forum that FOSAC is a community group that was formed early in 2021 with the aims of 

• Providing opportunities for community members to maintain and enhance the natural beauty of the area 
• Promoting the care and improvement of existing and historic features in the area, making them safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

The group has a logo which was designed by a member of the 40th Rochdale Scout Group.

Members have completed 3 walks of the area for familiarisation and gathering ideas.

The first project (for which funding has been granted by the Township fund) is the development of a community herb garden in the old spiral sandpit on the common at Syke.

The Forum was reminded that at the beginning of the financial year £8000 was allocated to Ward Funds with each Ward Councillor receiving an allocation of £2000. To date £979 had been committed from Ward Funds for a Christmas Tree in Shawclough. As a result £7020 remained in Ward Funds which had to be committed before the end of January 2022.

The Forum was informed that a number of funding request had been received, namely;

1.    A defibrillator and cabinet x 2 (one at Shawclough / one at Syke Community Base). Potential cost of £1800 each

2.    A grit bin at the junction of Harebell Close / Paton Street – cost £1050

3.    A bollard at the junction of Crosby Street / Leyton Street – Approximate cost £250

4.    The area in front of the Shawclough noticeboard requires flagging. No costs available at this stage.

5.    Syke Community Base is planning two events prior to Christmas. Approximate cost quoted as £300 for each event.

6.    The replacement of four trees on the road with no name. Before Ward Funds are released Environmental Management will be asked if they or the contractor will replace the trees.

The Forum was asked if it would be willing to support applications 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in principle subject to cost and further information being provided. Following a vote on each application this was agreed.

Application 2 was supported.

It was also explained that because the next Forum meeting was in February 2022 and commitments from Ward Funds had to be known by the end of January 2022 the Area Forum’s Sub-Group would be asked to comment further on these applications.

Ward Councillors informed the Forum of the following:

-       Town Centre development continues. For example Upperbanks (Rochdale Riverside Phase 2) apartment and hotel scheme. Completion is expected in late 2023

-       Rochdale Riverside retail & leisure

The recent announcement that New Look and Dunkin Donuts are to occupy Rochdale Riverside means that the scheme is now 93% let.

-       Town Centre regeneration has won an award

-       Work ongoing on Dell Road.

-       Unsure when the library at N1R will re-open. Being used as a vaccination centre at present

-       The site close to the Salvation Army / RSPCA has been acquired by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

-       The Childrens Play Area at Copthrod is to be developed

-       The Gala exhibition will be coming to N1R in November.

The date of the next meeting is Thursday 3 February 2022 at Syke Base, commencing 6.30pm.