All were welcomed to the meeting and apologies were noted.  Attention was drawn to the code of conduct, a summary of which was read out.  All attendees were asked to abide by the code for the duration of the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

Sgt. B. Walsh attended, providing the following statistics for the period June to September 2018:

Crime Statistics
Burglary dwelling:                        36

Burglary other:                             18

Taking of motor vehicle:              11

Taking from motor vehicle:         21

Robbery:                                        3

A new Beat Officer will be working in the Kingsway Ward from 1 October 2018.  Sgt. Walsh informed the forum that a male arrested for a number of offences involving motor vehicles and possession of an offensive weapon has been jailed for four months.  Whilst some members were disappointed that the sentence is quite short, Sgt. Walsh explained the process in relation to release and re-call.

ASB Newbold & Metrolink
Operations continued throughout the summer and the TravelSafe team prioritised the area.  Traffic PCSOs are also being asked to visit to carry out operations.

Parking/Obstruction
There were a number of reports of vehicles parking on pavements, leaving no access for prams, etc.  The forum was informed that resources are low and priorities have to be identified.
Action 1: Sgt. Walsh to request PCSOs to give some attention to pavement parking/obstruction.

Bins on pavements
There were reports that bins are constantly left out on Percy Street/Crown Street, and also Weston Avenue.  A resident stated that she had reported the Weston Avenue bins on four separate occasions.
Action 2: Request enforcement action concerning the bins on Percy Street, Crown Street and Weston Avenue.

Speeding/Driving Offences
A long discussion took place with regard to speeding on Milnrow Road, and general driving offences.  A resident provided a copy of a letter he had written to Baroness Hughes in relation to these issues, and a response that confirmed that the content has been referred to Rochdale Council Parking Services.  Whilst residents understood that there are similar reports on most main roads in the Borough, they stated that they believe it is far worse on Milnrow Road, and that they have repeatedly asked GMP to carry out a speed survey, as the survey carried out previously was in the wrong place, hence the results.

Residents asked for statistics with regard to fines specifically for motoring offences be brought to the next meeting.

Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the ‘unfair’ distribution of parking warden resources; it was felt that the Town Centre receives far too much attention in comparison with other areas.  There was also frustration with regard to the lack of responses when issues of illegal parking are reported, and a question about what time parking attendants work until, and who upholds the law after they finish.
Action 3: V. White to ask GMP to carry out a further speed survey on Milnrow Road, between Albert Royds Street and Witley Road.

Action 4: Sgt. Walsh to make enquiries regarding speeding fines and bring to the next meeting.

Metrolink ASB
There were reports of ongoing incidents, and bricks being thrown into gardens.  Residents were encouraged to report all incidents to assist Police with intelligence gathering.  Rob Morrow, Lead Youth Work Officer, was present and confirmed that the Youth Service is doing detached work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Street lighting
A question was asked with regard to whether street lights are there to light up roads and footpaths, or just roads.  Following the meeting an enquiry was made to the Street Lighting Officer who confirmed that the lights are intended to light the highway, and will naturally light the footpaths as well, although spillage from the new lights is not as high as the previous installations.

Dog fouling
There were reports of high levels of dog fouling on Croxton Avenue, and an enquiry around how many fines for dog fouling have been issued.
Action 5: Request enforcement action concerning dog fouling around Croxton Avenue.
Action 6: Request information in relation to fines for dog fouling.

Newbold Moss – Off-road bikes
A resident reported that bikes are using the ginnel and causing problems.  A request for installation of kissing gates was made, and the forum agreed that these could be funded from ward funds.
Action 7: Township Officer to arrange a site visit to assess suitability for kissing gates, and progress from ward funds.

Belfield Lane fence
There were reports of the broken parts of the fence being in the road, causing an obstruction.  There are also over-hanging branches that are hitting passing vehicles, and fly-tipping.  Residents were encouraged to report all incidences of fly-tipping to Ward Councillors.
Action 8: Township Officer to arrange site visit to address issues relating to the fence and trees.

Newbold Moss potholes
It was reported that there is a huge area of potholes requiring attention.
Action 9: Township Officer to request inspection and repair as necessary.

Broad Lane/Weston Avenue yellow lines
Parking restrictions were requested at the above location due to vehicles obstructing the junction.
Action 10: The Chair to take the matter up with Councillor Brosnan.

Milnrow Road potholes
There were reports that motorists are weaving and swerving to avoid potholes between Witley Road and Chichester Street.
Action 11: Township Officer to request inspection and repair as necessary.

Witley Road drainage
The area adjacent to the dropped kerb on the entrance to Witley Road is repeatedly flooding.
Action 12: Township Officer to request inspection.

Youth Service
There are currently two sessions per week, and the junior club has re-started at Moss Street.  Detached work takes place four evenings per week.  Any resident interested in the work of the Youth Service is welcome to visit Moss Street Youth Centre.  Issues with regards to young people and anti-social behaviour can be reported direct to Rob either via telephone – 01706 925683 or via email robert.morrow@rochdale.gov.uk.

There was nothing to report.

Thursday 13 December 2018 at 6.30pm
Newbold Baptist Church, Milnrow Road, Rochdale