The Chair introduced himself and Officers present and welcomed all to the meeting. He referred to the Code of Conduct and asked all to abide by the Code for the duration of the meeting.

Apologies had been received from three residents.

PS Shirazi, PC Waqas, PCSO Nasir and PCSO Hussain attended the meeting for this item.

The Forum was informed of the following;

-       Operation Ramadan went well this year. It was acknowledged that lessons had been learned from last year’s operation with partner organisations working more effectively together this year. Apart from a very low number of isolated anti-social behaviour incidents the festival

was well respected by the community.

The Forum thanked GMP for their efforts during Ramadan.

-       It was reported that drug related crime is still a significant problem in the Ward. However GMP resources are deployed on a daily basis to address this issue and a number of arrest have been made. The situation has become more problematical as criminals from outside of the Borough visit the Ward. However attempts are being made to deter such activity.

Residents reported drug related crime on King Street South, Ann Street, and Bridlington Square.

GMP encouraged residents to report incidents of this nature via the 101 number providing as much detail as possible and thanked residents for the intelligence they provide on a daily basis.

-       65 vehicles have been seized over recent months.

-       Arrests have been made in the Ward in relation to an offensive weapon and commercial burglaries.

-       It was reported that faulty catalytic converters are being sold in the Ward. GMP are attempting to identify the source of these items.

-       Very low incident reporting had been received in relation to Vine Place and Pioneer Street  which had been identified at the last meeting as suffering from anti-social behaviour incidents.

-       GMP are currently promoting the Neighbourhood Watch initiative.

-       In response to concerns raised about speeding vehicles GMP stated they were hoping to visit schools in the Ward to promote road safety awareness and hold another traffic operation in the Ward.

It was agreed that PACT priorities for the Ward would be – anti-social behaviour, drugs, prostitution and speeding.

This item was withdrawn because apologies had been received from the Cabinet Member who was attending for this issue

The following issues were discussed;

1.    Milkstone Road Traffic Regulation Order

Representatives from the community attended the meeting to express their concerns about the proposed Milkstone Road Traffic Regulation Order that had been advertised in the area recently.

In summary the concerns focussed upon;

-       The proposals having a significant knock-on effect of displacing traffic into side streets adjacent to Milkstone Road which would become problematical for resident parking.

-       Difficulties the proposals would have in relation to the collection of waste from businesses and the inconvenience that would be caused for business owners and employees to park near to their place of employment.

It was explained that the proposals had materialised following the   consultation events that were held in the Ward approximately 18  months ago and comments received about parking / congestion problems that where being experienced by residents and businesses on Milkstone Road.

A lengthy discussion took place which included comments being made in relation to residential parking permits and the number of parking spaces that would be available on Milkstone Road if the proposals where agreed.

In response to a question it was confirmed that four formal objections and a petition, signed by approximately 80 residents had been received in connection with the traffic regulation order. It was also commented that the objectors had been contacted directly.

The Forum was advised that this issue would be discussed at the Rochdale South Township Action and Resources Delegated Sub - Committee to be held at Number One Riverside on Wednesday 10 July 2019, commencing 6pm. Residents were encouraged to attend.

2.    Anti-Social Behaviour – Clara Street

A petition was presented in relation to the above matter. It was commented that the petition would be passed to the appropriate service.

3.    Castlemere Street / Mere Street – One-Way System

A lengthy discussion took place about the problems being experienced on the above streets due to speeding vehicles. Residents suggested that the introduction on a one-way system on both streets would be beneficial.

It was commented that this issue was raised during the consultation exercise that was undertaken in the Ward some months ago where Highways stated they would not support an initiative of this nature – costs and safety concerns being cited as the primary reasons

4.    Bollards – Tweedale Street

The Forum was informed that the above request had been forwarded to Highway Maintenance for a quote which was still outstanding.

It was commented that the installation of bollards in this area may hinder businesses loading / unloading.

5.    Signs – Tweedale Street / Mere Street

It was confirmed that these signs would be moved, however a time frame cannot be given for when this work will be completed.

6.    Pothole Repairs

A resident commented about the poor standard of work in relation to the above.

7.    Bollards – Mere Street

A resident asked if bollards could be placed on Mere Street adjacent to the chippy to deter vehicles parking at this busy junction.

8.    Devon Street Parking

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 147.

The minutes of the Area Forum meeting held on Monday 25 March 2019 at Deeplish Community Centre were approved as a correct record.

No matters arising / updates were provided as all issues have been covered earlier in the meeting.

The following issues were raised:

1.    A grant has been received to support the development of Drake Street.

2.    A fun day at the Fire Museum was recently held which went well.

A resident commented that events of this nature require more effective marketing.

3.    A grant has been received to investigate health deprivation.

4.    Link4Life are introducing additional female only swimming classes.

9 September 2019 (AGM) at 6.30pm at Deeplish Community Centre

4 November 2019 at 6.30pm at Castlemere Community Centre

10 February 2020 at 6.30pm at Deeplish Community Centre