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

The Future of Policing Presentation
Inspector Dean Stott gave a presentation on the Greater Manchester Police Citizen’s Contract and explained that the public are being consulted on the future of policing.  The presentation highlighted how crime is changing, funding is stretched, resources are reduced, the need for making best use of resources, five areas of priority and how neighbourhood policing will be central.  A scenario based on problems caused by inconsiderate, bad neighbours was presented and discussed as to what Police involvement, if any, there should be which concluded that various Council Officers should deal with the matters.  The questionnaire can be found using the following link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/citizenscontractsurvey

Crime Statistics

Littleborough

Wardle

Updates

·         Watergrove Reservoir car park is currently experiencing issues with vehicles being broken into.  A number of incidents have been discussed on social media but not all have been reported to GMP.  In response Sgt Martin has increased visibility in the area with increased patrols and he has also been remote working from an unmarked vehicle on the car park.  GMP will also run a safe plate scheme later in the year.  There has been a request to United Utilities for advice signage to be installed to warn motorists that thieves are operating in the area; this is ongoing.

·         There had been an increase in the number of burglaries in Wardle, however, there was a positive DNA hit resulting in the offender now serving four years.

·         There has been a spike in ASB in Wardle Village around Shaw Lodge.  The landlord has been spoken to and been given advice.  The security fencing has now been fixed which has resulted in a decrease of complaints.

·         There has been a recent arrest following break-ins on Red Lane in Wardle.  A large amount of goods were recovered some of which has been reunited with the owners.

·         The ASB on the Birch Hill site has improved.  Building works are now complete.

·         The traffic operation planned for Woodheys Road had to be cancelled; it will be rescheduled.

·         The traffic operation at the Summit was deemed a success as it identified a number of speeding vehicles.

Pavement Obstruction
It was reported that a vehicle is parking fully on the pavement causing an obstruction for pedestrians outside Amici restaurant on Featherstall Road.
Action  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record.

The following action updates were given:

Action 1: Parking on pavements causing an obstruction
A campaign did take place on GMP’s social media.

Action 2: Obstructive parking on Union Road
The issue appears to have ceased.  GMP will monitor the situation.

Action 3: Taxis parking in the bus turning circle in Littleborough
Following the information provided at the forum, officers have been scheduled to check this on a regular basis.  Newline operator was also advised to tell their drivers not to hold in this location.  Some officers said that they did move some PH drivers on, however, they were not connected to Newline base.  This issue has been put back on the evening schedule.

Action 4: Recycle Bins, Buckley View
The Environmental Management Warden confirmed the properties in this area do have recycling bins.  We need to establish the full address of the property without the bins to deal directly with the issue.

Action 5: Union Road, Birch Hill Development - perimeter wall
Planning Officers confirmed that this is part of the original hospital workhouse boundary wall that is to remain.

Parking
A discussion took place regarding large vehicles parking in residential areas.  Residents were advised that such vehicles up to 7.5 tonne are permitted to park.

Stopford Avenue
A resident advised that refuse vehicles are sometimes unable to drive along Stopford Avenue due to vehicles being double parked.  There was a discussion regarding refuse vehicles now having CCTV fitted, and if Environmental Management has footage of the double parking GMP will arrange for advice to be given to the residents at this location.  It was clarified that parking within 10 metres of a junction is an offence.

Whitelees Road Parking
A resident complained about the amount of parking near to the McCormick premises.  Vehicles are parked on the bend which causes traffic to use the middle of the road thus creating a hazard for oncoming vehicles.  It was explained that there are no restrictions in place at this location and providing the vehicles are not causing an obstruction or a blockage there is nothing to enforce.  A discussion took place about the options for introducing restrictions.
Action 2: Seek Highways’ advice regarding lines and restrictions in this area (Tracey Knight)

Flooding in Littleborough
A discussion took place about the flooding in the area and the confidence of the Council and Environment Agency in the event of a recurrence of the Boxing Day Floods.  Despite the measures already taken, if torrential rainfall occurred there would be some level of flooding.  The gullies have been cleared and are working more efficiently and the flood basins will help to alleviate the issues.  There is more confidence however there are no guarantees.

Hollingworth Road Resurfacing
A resident advised that the resurfacing contractors didn’t protect the grids from chippings going down the gullies.
Action 3: Report this to Highways (Tracey Knight)

Copies of the Ward Councillors’ updates were made available for everyone.  Some of the updates included:

Grant Awards: Littleborough Civic Trust; Pennines Talented Athletes; Blue Plaque for the Co-Op Society Building; Wardle Bowling & Memorial Garden; Starring Way speed survey; James Street waiting restrictions.

Clean and Green Schemes: Bower Avenue, New Road, Wardle Farm Way, Ramsden Road, Clough Street, paths near Littleborough Community School, Smithy Bridge train station, Shop Wood, Lodge Street and Hollingworth Road.

New litter bins: New Road, Halifax Road, Shore Road, Hollingworth Road, Smithy Bridge Road and Shore Road.

As a result of Council efficiencies, invites to future meetings will be mainly sent via email, but paper copies will still be mailed out to those that don’t have access to email.

No other business was raised.

To be advised.


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