The chair welcomed all in attendance 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.  Attention was also drawn to the addition of the Terms of Reference document for all non-constituted local area forums in the Rochdale area.  The purpose, objectives, powers etc detailed within the document were discussed.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and the followingupdates were provided.

Empty/derelict property on Prince Street
Residents previously requested local Ward Councillors raise the issue of a derelict/empty property on Prince Street, Rochdale stating that it has been this way for in excess of seven years.

Townships raised the matter with Rochdale Borough Council’s Empty Property Team who advised that the property was already ‘on their radar’ and they will attempt to liaise with the owner.

Guinness Housing and Rochdale Borough Council’s Environmental Management Department - Walk-around actions
A representative from Guinness Housing had attended to advise the weed spraying previously promised on a joint walk-around by officers from the Council and herself has not been completed.  It was also mentioned that bins that were agreed to be removed from land between Clement Court/Ethel Court/Basil Street have also not been actioned.  Townships raised the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Departmentand a representative confirmed the following actions had been agreed/carried out:

·      Weed spraying - Two weed spray treatments were carried out on 31 May 2023 and 9 August 2023 and the area is scheduled for a further treatment this year.

·      Joint Action Day - During the walk-about it was agreed that an action day would be organised for Rochdale Borough Council staff to attend to strim the adopted footpaths and it would be coordinated with Guinness GM staff who will carry out their maintenance tasks at the same time.

·      Bins - On the walk-about the Council’s Environmental Management Department and Guinness Trust agreed that the bins in situ were being heavily abused and they should be removed.

·      Sweeper utilisation - This matter will be raised with the new Street Cleansing Supervisor for the area along with a joint visit to discuss the options for cleansing of the area.

Elder Street land fly-tipped building waste
A resident previously raised fly-tipped waste on Elder Street.  Townships raised the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department who advised that they do not undertake waste removal from unadopted/private land.

Crown Street rear alleyway fly-tipped waste
Residents previously requested the alleyway be cleared of fly-tipped material.  Townships raised the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Departmentand this matter is now resolved.

Corner of Percy Street and Franklin Street wheelie bins
Residents advised at the last forum that wheelie bins were being left out in front of properties causing obstructions and they asked the Council to engage with residents to request they are moved.  Townships raised the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department who have alerted the Council’s Enforcement Officers to engage and advise residents on the best storage locations for their bins.

Bottom of Crown Street and back of Prince Street fly-tipped mattress and cooker
A resident previously raised the issue of fly-tipped waste situated on what was assumed private land.  Townships raised the matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department who have alerted the Council’s Enforcement Officers to investigate.

Access issues at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Officers from GMP were not in attendance at the meeting due to a central policing incident which occurred on the evening.  Apologies were sent.

Always call 999 in an emergency.
Call 101 to report incidents, crimes and matter of concerns.
You can report a crime or incident or suspicious circumstances online on the GMP website.

Towpath behind Pakeeza Dairy – Affluent
A resident advised they had witnessed a milk-like fluid seeping through on the towpath behind Pakeeza Dairy.
Action: Councillor Ahmed to visit the site to investigate and report back to the area forum

Sir Isaac Newton Way Roundabout blocked drain
A blocked drain at Sir Isaac Newton Way Roundabout was reported.
Action: Councillor Ahmed to visit the location and report the matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

Milnrow Road (opposite Newbold Street/next to Sacred Heart School) blocked drain
A blocked drain on Milnrow Road was reported.
Action: Townships to report this matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

Oldham Road/Outside Wellfield Surgery blocked drain
A blocked drain outside Wellfield Surgery was reported.
Action: Townships to report this matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

268 Kingsway blocked drain
A blocked drain at 268 Kingsway was reported.
Action: Townships to report this matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

Penistone Avenue (near No. 17) unauthorised pavement works
A resident advised tarmac lumps have been made to the pavement which is causing an obstruction.
Action: Townships to report this matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

Prince Street/Elder Street bollards visibility improvement
A resident requested that the bollards are painted with reflective/high visibility paint to alert drivers to their existence as they are constantly being struck by vehicles.
Action: Townships to report this matter to the Council’s Highways Department for action

Residents were advised that Township funding for this financial year is still available and any ideas or initiatives to improve the local area or give benefit to any community groups or associations are always welcome.  Discuss with your local Ward Councillors or the Township Officer.

Councillor Massey sent a written update in her absence on the work carried out recently on behalf of the local Kingsway Ward Councillors as follows:

·           Councillors had a really great evening with the community at Newbold Community Garden, off Moss Bridge Road, last weekend.  A bonfire, sparklers and fantastic Argentinian goulash with jacket potatoes was served at the event.

·           Work is progressing on the new play area at Robinsons Common and Councillors have secured some further funding and they are looking forward to making a friendly, inclusive play area for children to enjoy.

·           Councillors have met with Highways and Environmental Management to discuss what improvements can be made to Channing Street, Grafton Street and Moss Bridge Road.

·           Councillors Ahmed and Massey attended the North West in Bloom awards and they are so proud of all the many new nominees from our ward who were recognised for their hard work in keeping our areas bright and beautiful for the community to enjoy.

·           Discussions are ongoing with Environmental Management on where to plant new trees and agree on a site for a permanent Christmas tree.

·           Works to resurface Church Road are scheduled.

·           Works have started on the speed restrictions on Buersil Avenue and the works have been completed on Channing Street.

·           Resurfacing works to the footpath adjacent to 225 Milnrow Road is scheduled.

·           Councillors are still awaiting the date of the next meeting with TfGM and the community to discuss the situation with regards to the stones being thrown at the houses close to the tram stop/line.  They have expressed their dissatisfaction at how long it has been and no solution has yet been found by TfGM.

·           The Youth Service have used the canal at Lock 49 for the first time for paddle boarding lessons and Your Trust are working with the local group as well as the Canal and Rivers Trust to see what more we can do together.

·           Councillors are looking for more projects in the ward to help with regards to funding and they will be excited to see the new planters installed on Oldham Road.

Britain in Bloom Awards
A resident updated the forum on the success of the Newbold Community Growing Together Garden Project at the recent Britain in Bloom Awards.  The group were awarded in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ section ‘Advancing – Level 3’ category for their hard work.

Councillor of the Year Awards
Councillor Daalat Ali has been shortlisted out of 4000 applicants in the Councillor of the Year Awards, which will be held in London.

Tuesday 12 March 2024 at 6.30pm