All were welcomed to the meeting and introductions were made. Forum members were reminded to adhere to the code of conduct for the duration of the meeting.

Crime statistics for the ward were given based on a comparison between figures recorded in 2022 and the same period for 2023.

Theft down from 13 to 9.

Business burglary up from 3 to 5.

Criminal damage down from 25 to 17.

Drug possession up from 5 to 8.

Weapons offences down from 4 to 1.

Public order offences up from 20 to 44.

Residential burglary down from 16 to 11.

Shoplifting up from 14 to 17.

Vehicle offences down from 29 to 24.

Assault down from 22 to 19.

Vehicle (no injury) down from 24 to 20.

There has been an increase in the number of stop and search incidences.

The difference between an incident and a crime was explained in relation to an enquiry about the number of reported incidents on Fallowfield Drive.

In response to a request for more detailed information, Sgt. Walsh had provided a written response explaining that there are barriers to sharing specific information which include rules relating to data protection. Residents still felt that simply giving figures for burglary for example is not useful to residents without the detail of the circumstances, method, time of day, and more accurate locations.

Regular drug dealing on the Dunelm, Iceland and St. Patrick’s School sites were reported and a resident asked whether GMP has a ‘tolerance’ policy to contain activity. It was explained that GMP use heat maps to target activity and,encouraged reporting any issues via Crime Stoppers to assist with the process – the number is 0800 555 111.

Falinge Park – A recent clean up uncovered 60 knives in the park.

There was concern that officers in attendance were not from Healey Ward, resource issues were discussed and the Chair felt that Ward Councillors have a role to escalate concerns. It was agreed that Cllr. Wazir would meet the Inspector initially, with a view to possibly arranging a visit for a small group, representative of the forum, to visit the Police station at a later date, depending on the outcome of his discussion.

Action (1) Arrange meeting with Insp. Yasin             Councillor Wazir

Syke Road

It was stated that brambles are forcing pedestrians onto the road, there is Ragwort on the paths and general maintenance is very poor. It was also stated that the Council no longer carries out inspections to identify necessary works. Cllr. Ayrton confirmed that she has recently raised this issue at her Portfolio meeting and that a new Boroughwide strategy is needed. Residents felt that the plan for Syke Common was a waste of time and money as it has failed to influence improvements.

There has been an incident recently where significant pavement damage has occurred, this has already been reported to the Highways service.

Defibrillator

It was confirmed that Gary Finch is still in discussion around where to site the unit funded from Ward funds.

Knowsley St Junction

A TRO on Heights Lane has pushed the parking problem down to this junction, making visibility very poor.

Action (4) Look into possibility of a new TRO to cover this junction.

                                                                                                                      Cllr. Wazir

Taylor Street No-Entry

It was reported that the ‘No Entry’ sign at Whitworth Road/Taylor Street cannot be seen.

Action (5) Request re-siting of sign

                                                                                                                     Gary Finch

Bentley St/Taylor St Signs

Both of the 20mph signs at the above locations have been knocked down.

Action (6) Report damaged signs

                                                                                                                     Gary Finch

Former TBA Site

There was discussion around whether there is any security on the site, residents requested an update on the current situation with the site. Cllr. Ayrton has requested an update.

Falinge Park High School – Parking

It was reported that there is no enforcement of parents parking on the yellow lines. Councillors Ayrton and O’Neill have visited the school and they explained that the teachers are regularly outside trying to manage the problems. Cllr. O’Neill has witnessed tickets being issued. Councillors will re-visit and will ask for some more enforcement.

Action (7) Visit high school and request enforcement

                                                                                               Cllr’s Ayrton and O’Neill

Falinge Park Path

Flooding was reported at the gate during heavy rain.

Action (8) Report flooding issue to Environmental Management

                                                                                                                     Gary Finch

Dell Side Way/Dell Road

Reports that the ginnel is overgrown and needs cutting back.

Action (9) Request cutting back of ginnel

The new terms of reference were agreed.

Ward funding sub-group – it was agreed that in future any member of the sub-group choosing not to respond to a funding proposal should be recorded as an abstention and not recorded in favour as was previously the case.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed. Members of the forum raised concerns around lack of publicity for these meetings. It was explained that the Township doesn’t have a marketing budget and relies on word of mouth, social media etc. It was agreed that Cllr. Wazir would place notices in the Wards notice boards for future meetings.

Updates given:

Tents           

The Community Safety Officer confirmed that there have been no recent reports, visits

will continue and updates provided at the next meeting. The Chair asked for an interim

report within one month and a more detailed update at the meeting in November.

Fallowfield Drive

There have been no reports to Community Safety but residents were urged to log any

incidents going forward. There is still confusion around what permissions, if any, are

required for the property in question, Cllr. Ayrton is in contact with the Planning Officer

who is dealing with the matter.

Legislation is awaited which will require the premise to be registered for OFSTED inspections around the end of September.

Residents raised concerns that some of the actions recorded at the last meeting had ‘no response’ against them, and felt that this should be escalated within the authority. It was also felt that if the Township Officer is still awaiting responses one month after a meeting this should be escalated to the Ward councillors.

Falinge Park Overhanging Trees

Clearance work for the park is planned underneath trees, which will remove hiding places for people and weapons. The tree work has still not been carried out and is still causing problems on the pavement for pedestrians.

Action (2) Raise overhanging trees with Environmental Management

                                                                                                                      Cllr. Ayrton

Buckley Wood/Angling Club

There was some confusion around whether the Council had given permission for the erection of the fence.

Action (3) Request clear confirmation around the current position

                                                                                                                      Cllr. Ayrton

Syke Conservation Area Appraisal Report

The Conservation Officer is making good progress and would be happy to meet with residents prior to going to consultation.

Kitchen Manufacturer

Councillors and Officers have visited the premises and discussed the various issues with the Management of the business. Planning Enforcement are also looking into these. Councillors agreed to re-visit to discuss suggested solutions including noise metering, health and safety requirements and possible breaches. Cllr. Wazir will also invite an Environmental Health Officer to the meeting on 17^th August.

The ‘In Bloom’ judging went very well, good constructive feedback was given by the judges. The Green Volunteers are working in Syke Woods and some wildflower areas are being discussed and estimates obtained. There may be a need to identify funding.

There was no time to discuss in detail, however GMP had confirmed that an operation on the moors was planned for Sat 12^th August. Ward councillors are looking at the possibility of blocking off the entrances. Nigel Morrell agreed to share some of the experiences/solutions at Rooley Moor with Gary Finch.

Christmas Displays

A vote was taken and the majority of those present voted in favour of allocating £2,000 towards the Christmas tree. Councillor O’Neill confirmed that he was committing £1,400 from his Members fund for Christmas features, and the forum agreed to fund an additional feature from ward funds.

In response to a question Councillors confirmed they were in discussions with the Community Rangers for a live tree to be planted in an area they had identified next to the Healey Triangle. This option would save money going forward.

No updates given due to lack of time.

Wednesday 15 November 2023, 6:30pm at Syke Community Base