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 and GMP representatives introduced themselves.

Apologies had been received from six members of the public.

PC Maghdour, PCSO Cottam, PS Walsh and PC Giblin attended the meeting for this item.

GMP representatives provided an overview of the work/incidents they had been involved in over recent months.

It was reported that during the period 2 November 2021 – 2 February 2022 the following incidents had occurred:

4 Business Burglaries

9 Residential Burglaries

1 Robbery

8 Theft from vehicle

6 Theft of vehicle

GMP informed forum members that a number of speeding operations had been undertaken in the Ward in recent months and that more would be done in the future.

In response forum members were in agreement with this and suggested that future operations should be undertaken at varying times.

Residents also identified a number of problematic speeding hot spots in the Ward – Shawclough Road, Whitworth Road, Dewhirst Road, Rossall Road, Fieldhouse Road for example. It was also argued that more should be done to deter speeding, for example the naming and shaming of those prosecuted for speeding, residents being more proactive and more driver accountability.

A Ward Councillor commented that it was disappointing to see the negative comments posted on social media in reaction to the speeding operations undertaken.

In response to the concerns raised the forum was informed that speeding is a problem across Greater Manchester. Because of this the new Chief Constable has identified speeding as a priority therefore it is hoped that additional traffic officer resources will be available in the future. In addition the Neighbourhood Team are looking to upgrade the speeding equipment used so that fines can be issued rather than only being able to send warning letters.

Residents were also encouraged to report speeding incidents as this would help build up intelligence and possibly identify speeding hotspots.

In response to a question it was commented that speed cameras are difficult to sanction because of costs and the high threshold required to support such initiatives.

It was reported that ongoing drug surveillance and operations continue in the Ward. This was supported by residents who confirmed that drug dealing is a problem in the locality. Heights Lane was identified as an area of interest.

In response to concerns raised at the last forum meeting in relation to fireworks GMP advised that residents should provide as much information as possible, ie location, dates, etc to help identify problematic areas. It was also explained that Public Protection laws can be applied to repeat offenders. Residents did acknowledge that the problems associated with fireworks has decreased in recent weeks.

It was reported that consideration is being given to reintroducing Police Surgeries. Provisional dates are the 25 February 11am-1pm and 3 April 5pm-7pm at the NISA convenience store, Shawclough Road. Further details about the surgeries will be advertised via social media.

Following a discussion GMP agreed to investigate if the Homewatch Scheme and newsletter could be reinstated. An update would be provided at the next meeting.

In response to a question concerning how to contact the neighbourhood policing team the following information was provided:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 268.

The following issues were raised by residents.

-       Following comments made at the last area forum meeting concerning the under-utilisation of the tennis courts in the area a resident attended to inform members that the courts are used to promote tennis and pickleball. An explanation was given regarding the attempts made to encourage engagement with the sports from within the community. It was explained that funding was being sought to improve the lines in the court. It was suggested that the noticeboard near to Syke Base be used to advertise the sports.

It was also explained that the Youth Service had been made aware of the facility.

-       A resident raised concerns about the narrowness of the footpath on Shawclough Road, near to the Talbot Head. This problem was exacerbated due to the adjacent wall sloping forwards.

-       It was asked if the large bolder that had been placed on New Street had been placed there by the Council. It was commented that this was unlikely.

-       In response to questions a resident was informed that if residents wanted to join the Area Forum’s sub-group this could be done at the annual general meeting in May/June. It was also agreed to send the resident information in connection with the costs of the Christmas tree lights.

-       It was highlighted that a number of discarded railings are still present on Healey triangle.

-       Residents raised concerns about the condition of the path on Syke Road and the path that goes across the Common from Dewhirst Road to Syke Road. It was also commented that lighting in this area is poor.

-       A resident raised concerns about the utility works that have recently been completed on Dewhirst Road. It was explained that this had been reported and a response had been received from Highways which stated

that if the condition of the repair was not a safety issue it would be difficult to provide a timeline for any subsequent repairs. This issue led to a debate about the general quality of the repairs undertaken on the highway. It was asked if repair work was inspected before sign-off. It was further explained that this type of work was coming back in-house and it was hoped that this would result in more satisfactory outcomes.

-       A resident asked if a tidy / clean up could be carried out on the Common.

-       Forum members were informed that future meetings of the forum would be split between venues, possibly Syke Base and Thrum Hall Methodist Church although this would be confirmed. Residents were encouraged to put forward suggestions for possible venues.

-       A resident asked if Environmental Management would be replacing the trees on the road with no name. This would be investigated.

Nigel Morrell, Chair, Norden Area Forum attended the meeting for this item to explain how a multi –agency approach was adopted to inhibit off-road bikes gaining entry to Rooley Moor.

Please see link below to access the information provided.

Explanation of off road biking project.pdf (rochdale.gov.uk)

The Chair of the Friends Group informed the forum that the group was established in early 2021 and that a new Chair and Vice Chair had been elected at a meeting in January 2022. The outgoing Chair and Vice Chair were thanked for their work since the group’s inception.

It was explained that the group is volunteer led, anyone can join and therefore residents were encouraged to attend.

The forum was also informed that three projects are currently ongoing:

-       Creation of a herb garden

-       Remedial work on the historic garden

-       Additional whips for the Common

It was also explained that other projects are in mind, for example – wildflower area, bulb planting, improvement to paths and a noticeboard at the Mizzy Road end of the Common.

Efforts are also ongoing with regards to promoting the group.

The Chair also explained that initially the group had been given responsibility to comment on the placement of memorial benches on the Common, however it was argued that this should be the responsibility of the area forum.

The next meeting of the group is to be held on Thursday 3 March, commencing 6pm at Syke Community Base.

The minutes of the Area Forum meeting held on Tuesday 11 November 2021 were approved as a correct record.

The following updates were provided:

1.    Mark Bramah, Climate Change and Sustainability Project Manager had agreed to attend a future meeting of the forum.

2.    It will not be possible to place a bin at Ironwaters as requested because this land is not in Council ownership. An alternative option was put forward but this was rejected because it was thought not appropriate.

3.    Environmental Management have completed the repair work on the tennis courts / basketball court.

4.    Council services do not have any knowledge of the £30 million that was promoted by the Government for the upgrading of public tennis courts.

5.    The brambles, close to Hazel Grove Farm have been cut back.

It was explained that the majority of the funding proposals discussed at the last meeting have progressed and have been agreed by the forum’s sub-group. The two defibrillator applications had not progressed, however residents were in agreement to allow these applications further time to complete. As a consequence of this the forum was informed that £1039 remained in Ward/Members funds (Ward £639, Councillor Heakin £307, Councillor O’Neill £93).

Because the financial year end was approaching suggestions were sought as to where these outstanding funds could be spent. Following discussion it was agreed to fund:

-       A litter bin close to the small reservoir near to Buckley Hall YOI. Confirmation will be required about the exact location to ensure the siting is in the Ward.

-       Additional trees on the Common to the value of whatever is remaining in funds following the purchase of the bin.

It should be noted that if the location of the bin is outside the Ward £1039 will be allocated to the purchase of additional trees.

A resident also suggested that a lighting column could be placed on the Common to illuminate the footpath that runs across the Common from Dewhirst Road to Syke Road. This was rejected as it was though this would not be in keeping with the surrounds.

It was also asked if consideration could be given to supporting exercise equipment in Falinge Park in the future.

Ward Councillors informed the forum of the following issues:

-       Record footfall has been recorded at the Riverside complex. 93% of floor space has been taken at the complex.

-       Two apartment blocks and a hotel are being erected in the town centre.

-       Meetings have occurred with the new owners of the TBA site.

-       A new Fly Tipping Strategy will be introduced which will include free bulky waste collection.

-       In an attempt to combat fly tipping problems Rochdale North Township have purchased additional CCTV’s and are hoping to purchase more in the future.

-       The regeneration of Drake Street continues.

It is likely that the next meeting of the forum will be May / June 2022. This will be confirmed in due course.