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

Littleborough

Wardle

Updates
In comparison to the rest of the borough, the crime stats are reasonably good, possibly due to a known criminal being on remand in custody.

There has been a rise in break ins in businesses on Todmorden Road, however, there has been one good result and other enquiries are ongoing.

A discussion took place regarding the criminal damage issues and ASB on Stansfield Estate.  A resident is experiencing a number of issues and feels there is a lack of response from the Police.  The resident was given advice on how best to report crimes.  Residents were reminded that incidents can only be dealt with when they are reported.  The Police may not always have the resources and capacity to attend immediately as there are incidents that may take priority.  However, the statistics are used when allocating resources so without the reports, the resources are unable to be allocated.

A number of areas were highlighted as hot spots for reports of vehicles speeding including Smithy Bridge Road, Dean Head, Summit and Wood Heys Road.  In response the Police agreed to bid for resources to carry out an exercise in January.

An issue was raised about parking on pavements and whether vehicles can be prosecuted.  The Police advised that if a vehicle is causing an obstruction of a footpath, eg a pram or a wheelchair is unable to get passed, this would be an offence that could be ticketed.  Given the amount of traffic and the lack of parking spaces, officers have a common sense approach and each incident will be judged individually.  If a vehicle is persistently causing an obstruction it needs reporting.  The meeting asked whether GMP could run a social media campaign to advise people that it is an offence to obstruct a footpath and remind drivers to be considerate when parking.
Action 1: Arrange social media parking campaign (Sgt Martin)

Drones
A discussion took place about the legalities of drones.  It was confirmed that drones are not illegal unless it is suspected that they are being used for illegal purposes.

Obstruction
It was reported that a vehicle is parking and causing an obstruction at the bottom of Union Road.
Action 2: Advice the driver of the possible consequences of his actions and suggest alternative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

Mathilde Vautier from PossAbilities Homeshare outlined the three year Lottery funded scheme launched on 17 July 2016.  Homeshare is a householder who has a spare room plus a home sharer who provides support in return.  The householder is willing to let someone live with them in return for ten hours of personalised social support which might be shopping, cleaning, going out for a meal, gardening or whatever the householder thinks would give them a better quality of life.  The home sharer benefits from access to cheap accommodation and providing activities that can enhance their CV.  Householders and home sharers pay a small monthly management fee for the arrangement to be supervised and ensure the safety of both parties.  A first match has been made in Heywood and it is reported to be going very well with a second imminent.  The scheme covers the whole of Greater Manchester and any home owner is eligible.  Safety is paramount and all parties are checked, interviewed and two references required before clearance.  The first meeting of the parties is supervised and all arrangements are monitored.  For more information visit the website www.possabilities.org.uk telephone 01706 626747 or email homeshare@possabilities.org.uk

A presentation on Rochdale Council’s current savings proposals was given by Tim Buckley, Rochdale Council Finance Manager.  The proposals can be viewed on the Council’s website www.rochdale.gov.uk/savings and comments can be submitted to consultation@rochdale.gov.uk or post to Freepost RTKH-UCCB-JSJU, Rochdale Borough Council, Public Consultation, PO Box 100, Rochdale OL16 9NP. Consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 9 January 2017.

A discussion took place that acknowledged the good work the Council are doing and the lack of effect the cuts have had, to date, on residents.  There is a concern that the impact of the cuts is going to be noticeable soon.

Recycle bins on Buckley View
A resident reported that a relative’s household near the former Buckley Hall haven’t been issued with recycling bins.
Action 4 Request bins for this area (Tracey Knight)

Sand bags
During the recent heavy rainfall and floods in Littleborough a resident was told by the Council’s Contact Centre that sand bags were not available.  Councillors apologised to the resident and advised that they had been told that sand bags would be available for residents; they will speak to senior management for a definitive answer.

Union Road, Birch Hill Development
The perimeter wall at this development appears to be complete but it doesn’t look finished to a good standard.  A resident asked whether the wall is in line with the agreed plans.
Action 5: Seek advice from Planning regarding the plans for the wall (Tracey Knight)

Updates were provided on a number of projects including Pennines in Bloom achievements, provision of new flags for Remembrance Sunday, Littleborough War Memorial Plaques, Small Business Saturday window dressing competition, Starring Way commissioned traffic survey, Dean Head post box returned, the harbour wall at Hollingworth Lake and re-surfacing Inglis Street.

Grants have been awarded for Littleborough Food and Drink Festival 2017, Wardle Society events and activities and Pennines in Bloom projects.

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

No issues raised.

Tuesday 14 March 2017 at 7pm in Littleborough United Reformed Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough


Rochdale East
Tel:               0161 856 8549
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

Sgt Glyn Martin
Mobile: 07393 009233
Email: glyn.martin@gmp.police.uk