The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.  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.

Updates from the previous meeting

Fly tipping on Greenfield Street
A resident complained about fly tipped BT equipment (empty drums) located at the bottom of Greenfield Street (past the Nursery) and also located on the path leading onto the trading estate.  Townships raised this matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department and the matter is now resolved.

Planting of wildflowers - two areas in the ward
This matter was discussed at the previous forum and Councillor Farnell advised he would raise this matter with the Council’s Environmental Management Department.
Action 1: Councillor Farnell to update at the next forum

Crompton Avenue culvert
A resident reported evidence of areas of collapse due to a damaged/blocked culvert on Crompton Avenue under a bungalow that was having works carried out to it.  The water was reportedly running down Oldham Road.  Councillor Farnell advised the meeting that works have started to repair the culvert by a specialist contractor (who is liaising with the Council’s contractor) instructed by the occupant’s insurers and he would raise this matter with the Council’s Highways Department.
Action 2: Councillor Farnell or Township Officer to report back any information direct to the resident and advise update at the next forum

Balderstone Road tree
A resident requested that Townships report a tree matter to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.  A tree located outside bungalows on Balderstone Road requires pruning.  Township Officer updated P. Worthington with the resident’s details to contact direct.

Crime statistics for the ward (since 17 September 2019 to present day)

PACT priorities
Anti-social behaviour
Drug dealing
Speeding cars

GMP Updates
GMP stated that due to the new computer systems being installed and the associated problems, officers have found it hard to ascertain the correct figures logged for anti-social behaviour incidents.

GMP advised they had been working with officers from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing on identifying youngsters who had caused trouble at The Strand and issuing behavioural orders and warnings.  Visits have also been made to St Cuthbert’s High School.

A speed operation had recently been carried out on Broad Lane that resulted in 20 vehicles being stopped.  GMP are considering carrying out speed operations every few months.  A request was made by residents to cover the Oldham Road area, particularly near to St Cuthbert’s High School.

Burglaries in the ward had seen a decrease in number by 22.  This situation may be due to either the result of an operation by GMP to target burglars or the fact that a few culprits had recently been arrested and given custodial sentences.

Residents raised the issue of drug dealing in certain areas.  GMP advised that any information must always be escalated to them so they can target the hotspots.

Residents are always encouraged to identify any needs in the community, initiatives or groups that could benefit from grants.  Contact your local Ward Councillors or the Township Office for more information and assistance.

Funding agreed recently has included providing assistance for the Conrad Cole Dedication Event to be held in February next year and also providing the Christmas tree for the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s event this week.

Conrad Cole Dedication Event on 26 February 2020
Conrad Cole who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the youngest soldier to have died in the first Gulf War is to be honoured on 26 February 2020 in a dedication service.  New roads on the Hill Top Park Development will be named as a tribute to Conrad’s memory as he grew up on Hill Top Drive, Kirkholt.  The dedication service involving dignitaries, military, family and friends will take place at the junction of Conrad Cole Road and Balderstone Road.

Potholes – Access path to the front of 1-15 Hill Top Drive (that leads down to Hogarth Road)
A resident requested the potholes on the path are fixed.
Action 3: Councillor Meredith to raise this matter with the Council’s Highways Department for inspection and repair.

Balderstone Library extension – Update required
The extension to Balderstone Library is due to start in January.  A resident enquired whether there were any more funding options available to assist the project.
Action 4: Councillor Meredith to acquire an update.

Crompton Avenue road repairs
The road on Crompton Avenue is breaking up and requires repair.
Action 5: Councillor Meredith to ask the Council’s Highways Department to inspect and repair the road.

Councillor Nickson
Apologies have been received from Councillor Nickson and she provided the following written update to the forum:

·           She has been undertaking a variety of casework.

·           Supporting matters at The Willows in various ways and also the Christmas tree event and the Conrad Cole dedication event next February.

Councillor Meredith

·           Councillor Meredith advised residents he’s been busy undertaking casework.

·           He will be attending the Kirkholt Christmas lights switch on event at The Strand on Thursday 28 November 2019 from 4pm and he encouraged all to attend.

·           Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s social housing plans will be on show at Kirkholt Community Church for anyone to view.

·           Township funding is in the process of being allocated to restore a flag wall at the location of the woodland off Broad Lane.

·           He has recently visited the Surestart Centres at both Sandbrook and Deeplish along with taking up the position of Governor at Holy Family School.

·           Councillor Meredith advised residents that Councillor Farnell is standing down at the next local election.  Phil Massey has been selected by the Labour group as a candidate.

Councillor Farnell
Apologies were received from Councillor Farnell.

Councillor Farnell’s Surgery is held on Saturdays at 9.30am at Balderstone Library and at 11.00am at The Strand Hub.

Kirkholt Million
Works should be commencing soon on the Rhodes Crescent Ravine by Groundwork.  The project is to support the employment and training of groundsmen and rangers to develop and continue after the ravine is complete.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH)
RBH gave apologies in advance and provided the following written update to the forum:

·           The demolition of the old Strand has now been completed and planning permission will be submitted for the residential development on the site (Strand phase 2).

·           The Strand Community Hub has gone from strength to strength with the main hall now in use 78% of the time during open hours.  There are new services using the facility all the time with 23 organisations and service providers currently operating from the venue throughout the week and 1152 visits from residents in the month of October alone.

·           The new café – Coffee Together – has been open for a couple of weeks and it has its official launch on Wednesday 20 November 2019.  It will be serving low cost meals and drinks 5 days a week and offers a fantastic opportunity to local people to gain skills, confidence and qualifications as volunteers.

·           The Strand Christmas festivities and tree light up will take place on Thursday 28 November 2019 from 4pm.  All are welcome to come and join in the fun.

Monday 16 March 2020 at 6.30pm
Venue: Kirkholt Community Church, Daventry Road, Kirkholt, Rochdale.

Agendas and minutes of the meetings are available on the Council’s website

www.rochdale.gov.uk/democracy under the heading of ‘Councillors and committees’ and then ‘Agendas, reports and minutes’.