The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced himself and Officers.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

Updates were provided on the following actions identified at the last meeting:

Speeding Traffic on Milnrow Road and Wildhouse Lane (Action 1)
Response from Highways - We do not install road humps on the classified road network due to them usually being bus routes and because delivery vehicles need to have access to the various businesses in the area.  We would not recommend the use of rumble strips in this location as they could be an annoyance to local residents from a noise point of view, DfT guidelines say they shouldn’t be used within 200m of residences.  To extend the 30mph speed limit further along Wildhouse Lane would require Police approval, which is unlikely as Wildhouse Lane does not look or feel like a 30mph road due to its rural setting.  We have been successful in securing funding from TfGM to install hard standings along with legal orders to accommodate the Police Mobile Speed Camera Van.  One of these is to be installed on Wildhouse Lane within the 30mph speed limit so that enforcement can take place in the future safely and legally.

A discussion took place as to why Entwistle Road has been allowed to have a series of speed humps installed when this is also a major route for traffic.  Residents were advised that there will be some criteria and statistics that Entwistle Road meets that other roads don’t, but this will be clarified at the next meeting.
Action 1: Establish why Entwistle Road qualifies for traffic calming (Tracey Knight)

Littleborough Strategic Planning (Action 2)
An update was provided in the table below of new build completions over the last five years.  The completions recorded by Planning are based on data received on completions from their own Building Control and the National House Building Council (NHBC).  This information is based on when a property is signed off as completed.

Concerns were expressed that Littleborough does not lose its identity; members questioned the strategic plan.  It was noted that a digital copy of the 2012 Development Plan was available to purchase at a cost of £3.00.  It was felt that statements should be obtained on what residents’ feel Littleborough should look like.  This action could be coordinated through the Littleborough Neighbourhood Forum; however, the forum requires 21 members in order to be viable.  Councillors commented that the identity of Littleborough is being protected as far as possible by choosing Brownfields sites first.  Proposals will be accepted unless there is a planning reason for rejecting them, although some areas are regeneration sites and heritage areas have their limitations.  Members observed that the Devolution Manchester brief may have an impact.

In the last quarter 26 burglaries were reported.  In this quarter there have been 17 calls relating to anti-social behaviour from the Stansfield area, a number of which were from the same household.  GMP is working with residents to reduce the chances of them becoming victims of crime.  A rise in anti-social behaviour has been seen over the summer holidays from 72 to 92 cases.  In comparison, there has been a reduction in reported criminal damage and car crime this quarter.  A request was made to clarify the period of time these statistics relate to.

An update on the investigation into the theft of York stone flags was provided – no perpetrator has been caught.  It is felt that the incidents can be related to other crimes.

Off Road Biking – residents were requested to report every instance of off-road biking.  Currently GMP does not have sufficient volumes of calls to justify a visit from the dedicated GMP Off-Road Biking Team.

Further updates:

·           A considerable amount of shoplifting has been taking place in Wardle; perpetrator has been arrested and sentenced to 3 months.

·           Safety advice was given regarding fireworks on Bonfire Night.

·           The frequency of a GMP Officer working in the community on mobile devices has yet to be decided.

Stopford Avenue
Concern was raised that Highways Maintenance vans have been parked at the end of Stopford Avenue causing an obstruction.  GMP advised that the PCSOs have spoken to and given advice to the driver, however, it would be the Council’s Parking Enforcement Officers that would be able to enforce this.

Praise was given for the work completed on footpaths and road widening.

Dropped Kerb Scheme – it was noted that residents have paid for this work to be carried out.

Accidents on Featherstall Road
Concerns were raised over the number of accidents on Featherstall Road between The Exchange public house and the filling station.  It was generally felt that the standard of driving had degenerated.  Residents highlighted this as a hot spot area and requested additional safety measures are implemented.  The forum were advised that a recent traffic survey results stated the location did not meet the criteria for the installation of a speed camera, however, the area has been registered as a Community Concern Site and will receive visits by the mobile speed camera van.

Highway Mirrors
It was confirmed that Highways do not install mirrors to assist motorists as they give an incorrect perception of the speed of traffic.

Burglary at Smithy Bridge Public House
Praise was extended to GMP for their action in dealing with the burglary at Smithy Bridge pub on 17 September 2015.  The owners have now been contacted and the pub is now boarded up.

Town House Road
Residents reported eggs being thrown at houses, doors being tried and cars being damaged by keys.  GMP advised that only four reports of crimes have been received in the last three months.  Residents had requested CCTV installation in the area but this was considered to be too expensive.  A discussion took place regarding whether the crimes could have been carried out by the same perpetrator; this is unclear.  Residents were encouraged to report every issue on 101 or 999 in an emergency as this helps to direct GMP resources.  Further solutions included leaving lights on when out of properties to suggest a presence which may deter burglars.
Action 2: Obtain a burglary report update (Sgt Martin)

Bandstand fire in Hare Hill Park
A fire on the bandstand in Hare Hill Park was reported.  Youths were setting fire to rubbish on the bandstand floor but did not damage the bandstand itself.
Action 3: Examine CCTV footage at the time of fire (Sgt Martin)

Traffic Lights – Halifax Road/Union Road/Smithy Bridge Road
A resident requested that the traffic light sequence on Halifax Road/Union Road/Smithy Bridge Road junction be reviewed; the sequence appears to be out of sync when turning left out of Smithy Bridge Road.
Action 4: Request traffic lights sequence be inspected (Tracey Knight)

Parks Funding
A discussion took place regarding the possible withdrawal of funding for work in public parks which has been debated in Parliament.  Residents are aware that there are constraints and legislation in place protecting most public parks/areas.

Fly tipping at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

No single priorities were set.

This is a new agenda item to enable Councillors to update residents with the work they are undertaking.

A number of project updates were given including the following:

Littleborough Memorial Gardens Electricity Upgrade; Wardle Bowling Green& Pavilion Improvements; Whitegate Footpaths Repair; replacement flagpole at Littleborough Memorial Gardens; Brown Lodge Street & Brown Lodge Drive Parking Restrictions.

Grant awards include:

Wardle Library, Lego and Games Club; LEAF, Rushbearing Festival 2016; Wardle Village Fete; Go4it Summer Holiday Programme 2016;Sybil Newall Olympic Festival; Littleborough Arts Festival 2016;Assertive Outreach Project; Refurbishment of Littleborough United Reformed Church.

A number of Clean and Green schemes have also been completed across the Township.

Nothing to report.

Tuesday 13 December 2016 at 7pm in United Reformed Church, Littleborough

Police Contact Details:
Rochdale East
Tel:                                            0161 856 8549
Sgt Glyn Martin:                       07393 009233
Email:                                       rochdaleeast@gmp.police.uk
Facebook                                 GMPRochdaleEast
Twitter                                       @gmprochdaleeast
Crimestoppers                          0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Police non-emergency calls     101
Emergency calls                      999