All were welcomed to the meeting and introductions made. Residents were reminded of the code of conduct and terms of reference.

Apologies had been received from Councillor Ayrton, L. Wardle (Environmental Management), PCSO Renshaw and four members of the public.

Residents raised concerns in relation to off-road bikes / quad bikes using Syke Common. It was also stated that this occurrence had been reported many times previously, however the problem still continues.

In response GMP acknowledged they are aware of the problem and have introduced Operation Dragster to combat this problem and have also established a specialised off-road bike team whose purpose is to deal with issues of this nature.

However it was stressed that Syke Common and Rooley Moor are only two of a handful of sites were off-road bikes / quad bikes frequent. It was also pointed out that Operation Dragster has had successes and this has possibly not been communicated as effectively as it should have been. Residents were also informed that GMP have a no chase policy therefore it is not always possible to respond as residents expect.

The Chief Superintendent stated that in his view this problem should be dealt with from three perspectives:

Physical, ie what can be put in place to combat this

Behavioural, ie how can future behaviour be influenced, eg leaflet drops

Technical, for example the use of drones / ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) /CCTV van

It was also reiterated that responses are intelligence led therefore it is essential that incidents are reported.

A Ward Councillor informed forum members that consideration was being given to the installation of a gate / barrier near to Dirty Leech to inhibit encroachment onto the Common.

A resident raised concerns about drug dealing in the Ward and asked if it would be possible for GMP Officers and Traffic Wardens to work together to share intelligence.

In response to a question concerning the lack of a Neighbourhood Beat Officer in the Ward the Chief Superintendent commented that a lot of recruitment is taking place currently, however it will take time to address shortages. Residents also commented that an additional PC/PCSO is required although this was challenged by GMP as the Ward already has these Officers. However it was acknowledged that due to reconfiguration these Officers are shared across Wards.

The Chief Superintendent stated that he was keen that GMP Officers were more visible and that the service does the basics better. He also agreed to consider staffing shortages in the Ward.

The Chief Superintendent was questioned over the thousands of reported crimes that had not been investigated under GMP’s previous administration. In response it was stressed that all reports are now recorded and that data quality has improved significantly. This has resulted in more arrests although it should be understood that in general terms, currently 10% of arrests result in conviction.

PC Marvell informed the forum of the following:

-       Priorities for the Ward remain business and residential burglaries

-       Shoplifting in the area is on the increase with Tesco Express on Whitworth Road being regularly targeted.

-       The Neighbourhood Team is responsible for dealing with XL Bully reports

-       Two prolific / repeat offenders have recently received lengthy prison sentences. A third who is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 341.

Following a decision made by Rochdale North Township Committee on the 7 February 2024 to dissolve Area Forums a discussion took place in relation to this matter.

The Chair provided residents with an overview of the meeting that had been taken from a recording of the Committee meeting. This summary included reference to;

-       The Township and Communities Manager presenting the report and recommended that area forums be disbanded.

-       Area forums not being fit for purpose but not defining what fit for purpose meant

-       Reasons why area forums should be discontinued – the negative use of social media – meetings becoming political – issues raised at meetings can be repetitive – issues raised that are outside of the control of the Council – poor attendance – increase in aggressive behaviour at meetings – officers and members intimidated – cost saving – as an alternative residents can attend the open forum of Township Committees – Councillor Wazir supported the continuation of the area forum – Councillor O’Neill voted to stop the area forums -  no alternatives put forward in the report – Councillor Ayrton abstained.

A resident who attended the Committee meeting on the 7 February added that the Committee report is available on the Council’s website; the report in his view was wholly negative, comprising of no positive points.

Councillor O’Neill explained that he supported the discontinuation of area forums because of the increase in aggressive and intimidatory behaviour towards Councillors and Officers.

The Township Officer provided a brief background to the report. This included; Report written by Township Manager although he and another Township Officer had input into the report – wider consultation was considered but deemed not appropriate as the concerns and issues raised within the report were organisational and operational – Safety concerns – social media being used negatively – low attendance – cost – duplication of issues – certain issues dictating meetings – other channels to raise / report issues – do accept some area forums meetings have had positive outcomes – report does state whether to consider alternative methods of engagement – Townships will be meeting with Ward Councillors following the local elections to discuss way forward.

Councillor Wazir briefly explained that he had voted to continue with the area forums in that they represent democracy at a local level.

Comments received from residents during the discussion included:

-       The report was biased

-       I would not attend Rochdale Township Committee because of safety fears in going into the Town Centre

-       The report was one sided

-       Lack of consultation

-       Not all Councillors were present at the meeting

-       No alternatives considered in the report

-       The report contains lies

It was also commented that Rochdale South had decided to defer a decision on the future of area forums until after the final cycle of area forum meetings.

In response to a number of comments the Township Officer advised that:

-       The report did not contain lies, intimidation and aggressive behaviour  ...  view the full minutes text for item 342.

The following issues were raised:

Issue 1 was raised at the meeting; issues 2-5 were received by the Township Officer following the meeting.

1.    A resident asked if the Ward Councillors would support residents in objecting to the proposal to install a telecommunications mast in the vicinity of what is known locally as the road with no name.

Councillor Wazir agreed to do this.

Councillor O’Neill stated that he would approach this issue with an open mind as he is on Planning Committee.

2.    Has any progress been made with finding an alternative location for the defibrillators that were agreed to be purchased from Ward Funds..

3   Can the Council adopt a policy that states that grit bins are not placed

     directly against streetlights as this prevents proper maintenance of the

     lights.

4   Wanted to Inform residents that because some Rochdale Council staff

     do not respond to issues he has raised he will in future, where

     appropriate refer concerns to the Local Government Ombudsman. The

     email address for the Council’s Complaints Team is –

     feedback.council@rochdale.gov.uk.

5   Although reassurances have been given in the past that Statutory Notices

    will be removed from street furniture the practice continues. The resident

    requested that notices are removed as they look untidy and messy.

The minutes of the area forum held on Wednesday 15 November 2023 were approved as a correct record. No matters were arising.

Updates had been circulated to area forum members prior to the meeting.

The Township Officer informed members that he understood Planning where meeting to discuss the Fallowfield Drive / CFS Care issue on Thursday 22 February.

Agenda item not discussed due to lack of time.

Agenda item discussed earlier in the meeting (see PACT)

Members were informed that all Ward Funds had been allocated this year.

In response to a question the Township Officer commented that be ause the Area Forum would no longer meet the sub-group of the forum would also cease. As a consequence Ward Members would take responsibility for Ward Funds.

Agenda item not discussed due to lack of time.

A decision has been taken by Rochdale North Township Committee to stop Area Forums.