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 and the following updates were provided.

Parking Contravention Notices
Residents queried as to whether members of the public can issue PCNs to parked cars.  Townships Officer enquired with Highway’s Parking Services and she was advised only a Parking Attendant can issue PCNs.

Broad Lane/Weston Avenue yellow lines
Yellow lines request previously raised by former Councillor Brosnan with Highways and if still required would be a matter which would need the funding source established.

Witley Road flooding
Issue with the dropped kerb is still outstanding and Townships have been chasing up the Council’s Highways Department for an update.
Update given after forum on 15 May 2019 - Highways advised works will be carried out by the end of May 2019.

HGVs accessing Croxton Street
Concern previously raised about the increasing amount of HGVs accessing Croxton Street and the associated safety issues in this residential area.  Highways have requested that the street nameplate is removed and replaced with one indicating a ‘no through road’ sign.

Community Speed Watch
Equipment is now in use across the borough.  PC Walsh is trying to organise GMP’s ‘Operation Consideration’ speed operation in the near future.

Milnrow Road indiscriminate parking
Planning Enforcement was contacted about the operating hours and possible breach regarding the premises identified as a problem.  No enforcement action relating to a change of use can be taken and there are no restrictions on the opening times.  Residents reported indiscriminate parking is still an issue.

Newbold Moss boat storage
A complaint of a boat being stored in a resident’s garden for the past 9-12 years and feral cats allegedly living in it.  The Council’s Enforcement Officer visited the site and could find no evidence of cats.  He advised there is no legislation to enforce the removal of the boat and the land/property/gardens were in a tidy state.

Woodbine Street ‘No Through Road’ sign
Residents requested signage as wagons enter Woodbine Street and do not realise it is a dead end road.  Highways inspected the location and they advised signage is already present half way down the road.

Woodbine Street East traffic calming
Residents requested 20 mph signs and traffic calming due to speeding vehicles.  Councillors requested Highways carry out a feasibility study in the future.

Kissing Gate on Belfield Lane
Residents stated a kissing gate located on Belfield Lane near the Fox Public House is now a redundant feature and they asked whether it could be removed.  Matter has been escalated to the Environmental Management Department who confirmed there are no rights of way in that area.
Action 1: Townships to enquire again with Environmental Management whether the kissing gate could be removed.

Milnrow Road further speed survey
Ward Councillors raised this matter with Highways and subject to future funding, this survey could be carried out in an area around the old Fox Inn, Milnrow Road, Rochdale.
Action 2: Townships to escalate matter to Highways.

Belfield Lane Pond drainage
Residents previously raised concerns regarding possible unauthorised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The following statistics are for this quarter (13 April to 13 May 2019).

Crime Statistics

Burglary dwelling                        29

Theft of motor vehicle                6

Theft from motor vehicle            26

Anti-Social Behaviour                 42

Damage                                      45

Updates

·           The recent surge of thefts of catalytic converters from cars across the borough has seen five occurrences in the ward of Kingsway.  Honda cars between the manufacture years of 2004-2009 are the targets.

·           A suspected offender held for thefts from motor vehicles is pending a decision at present.

·           A request was also put forward by GMP in support of another Milnrow Road speed survey as suggested by the forum and local Ward Councillors.

·           GMP reiterated to residents to be mindful of removing all property on view from inside vehicles and ensuring they are locked.

·           GMP took questions from residents attending the forum regarding issues concerning speeding vehicles on Albert Royds Street and Kingsway, stating that there has been an increase in accidents.  Requested a discussion with Highways and the attendance of an officer at the next forum.  Residents were advised that they could also raise the matter at Rochdale Township Committee if they so wish to address other Council Members and GMP who also attend the committee.  A query was also raised regarding who is responsible for deciding on whether a speed camera can be placed in the area.

Action 4: Townships to escalate matter to Highways

·           A representative from the mosque community attended the forum and requested extra police resources around the Medina and Crawford Street mosques throughout the holy month of Ramadan as they have observed anti-social behaviour issues with children in the evenings.  GMP stated there is always extra patrols put in place at this time each year, specifically between 2pm to midnight, and the Council’s Community Safety Officers are also in attendance.

Nothing to report.  Funding streams and further information will be available after the first Township Committee meeting late June 2019.

Newbold Moss potholes
Residents advised the potholes on Newbold Moss have still not being filled.
Action 5: Townships to escalate the matter to Highways Maintenance.

Milnrow Road memorial site
A resident asked when a clear-up may be undertaken at the memorial site.
Action 6: Townships to raise the matter with Environmental Management/Highways.

Kingsway Retail Park traffic filter light
A resident raised the matter of an ambiguous traffic light filter lane system when turning right into Kingsway Retail Park and approaching from the direction of Morrison’s.  She stated there was no light to alert drivers to turn right so they are unaware of whether to stop or proceed at this junction.
Action 7: Townships to raise this matter with Highways.

Percy Street potholes
Potholes on Percy Street have still not been repaired.
Action 8: Townships to escalate the matter again with Highways Maintenance.

Robinson’s Common Pitch & Outdoor Gym
Works to the pitch are now complete.  The outdoor gym works are currently taking place.

Lowerplace Outdoor Gym
Works are currently taking place.

Councillor Elsie Wraighte
Councillors Ali and Ahmed, along with forum attendees, congratulated Councillor Wraighte on her new appointment in the Kingsway Ward.

Medina Mosque – Iftar
A representative from the Medina Mosque attended the forum and advised that the mosque is open to everyone after 8pm to visit on Saturday evenings and food (Iftar) is served after 9pm.  All welcome.

Monday 5 August 2019 at 6.30pm
Newbold Baptist Church, Milnrow Road, Rochdale