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

Updates
WARDLE

·         There has been an increase in distraction burglaries in Wardle; the Police are confident that a recent related arrest will result in the offender being charged.

·         As the season changes, the Police are reinforcing home security checks and measures via their Operation Dark Nights campaign.

·         The Police have increased their presence at Wardle Bowling Club and they are dealing with lines of enquiry regarding recent anti-social behaviour issues.

·         A date has not yet been confirmed for the Wardle Road speed operation.  A bid has been made for additional force resources.

LITTLEBOROUGH

·         There have been a number of burglaries reported at the shops on Hare Hill Road.  Investigations are ongoing.  The Police have some good leads and they are confident of a prosecution.

·         A discussion took place regarding youths fighting in Littleborough centre.  The Police confirmed that they were not aware of this issue.  It appears to have been an isolated incident as the statistics for ASB have decreased for the area.

·         The Police were thanked for enforcing the double white line system on Smithy Bridge Road.  Writing warning letters to vehicle owners has been effective as there has been no repeat offenders.

Crime Statistics

Littleborough

Wardle

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

101 waiting times
The average call waiting time is three minutes which is changeable depending on demand.

Accident blackspot on Featherstall Road
Accident data was received from GMP which was forwarded to Highways to request their advice regarding improving road safety at this location.  The response from Highways – ‘the findings of the traffic report carried out in 2016 still stands, there are no more engineering measures that can be done, there are traffic islands, the area was re-lined and waiting restrictions have been implemented at Featherstall Road and the Church entrance to help with sightlines’, the resident has been updated.

Watergrove fly tipping
The fly tipping was removed by United Utilities.

Ealees Proposed Parking Restrictions
Residents expressed their concern regarding a notice displayed on a lamppost detailing a proposed traffic regulation order.  The residents are unsure of how they will be affected; their major concern is the impact on their parking arrangements if/when the scheme is implemented.
Action 1: Councillor Emsley to liaise with Highways and the residents

Parking and Traffic Issues
A lengthy discussion took place regarding parking, vehicle speeds and standards of driving locally and across the Borough.

Former Gas Works at Hare Hill Road
The residents were advised that a desk top survey has been carried out; the costs for a full study are not yet known and funding has yet to be secured.

Akzo Nobel Site
A resident advised that the site has been resold.  Councillors are awaiting a progress update and they confirmed the land has been remediated.

Hollingworth Road Parking
A discussion took place regarding the number of parked vehicles during peak times and the impact that this has on the traffic network and on local residents.  A number of suggestions were put forward including charging for on street parking and creating a free car park at the bottom of Hollingworth Road.
Action 2: Councillor Emsley to discuss the suggestions with Highways

Pelican/Zebra Crossing on Smithy Bridge Road
A resident made a request for a crossing near to Lake Bank supermarket.  Councillor Emsley advised that this issue has been looked at previously and it was discounted by Highways.
Action 3: Confirm why the area isn’t suitable for a crossing (Tracey Knight)

Relining on Featherstall Road, Whitelees Road and Shore Road
Councillors advised that this is in progress with Highways.

Driving Standards
A resident explained that he has witnessed very poor, and sometimes dangerous, driving by local taxis.  Residents were advised to report such instances to Rochdale Council on licensing.reg@rochdale.gov.uk or 01706 924114 with the car details and registration plate.

Public Toilets
A discussion took place regarding the lack of public toilets in Littleborough Centre.  This issue has been discussed previously at this and other meetings.  The resident concerned was advised that the situation hasn’t changed since the last time it was discussed and isn’t likely to in the future.  However, the Township has funded a Community Toilet Scheme for Littleborough which offers £200 per year to qualifying business who allow members of the public to use their toilet facilities.

Smithy Bridge Playing Field
A resident asked why the goal posts haven’t been replaced on the field.  It was explained that the land is too boggy, however, Pennines Township has recently agreed funding to improve drainage, access points and upgrade the play area equipment.

Weed Killing Programme
A discussion took place regarding the amount of visible weeds still present on pavements and footpaths.
Action 4: Establish what the weed killing programme is (Tracey Knight)

Calderbrook Terrace
A resident asked whether the land on Calderbrook Terrace at the bottom of Barnes Meadows could be planted with wildflowers similar to the verges on Wildhouse Lane.

Action 5:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

Grant Awards: A contribution towards Dearnley play area equipment; Ramsden Road additional waiting restrictions; new litter bins; a contribution towards Ebor Studios gallery renovation; Littleborough RUFC boys kit; Go4it Summer Holiday Programme; Smithy Bridge Silver Surfers projector and equipment; Smithy Bridge recreation ground access and play improvements.

Clean and Green Schemes: Sawley Avenue to Kirkstall Avenue, Lee Street and Phoenix Street, Victoria Street, Smithy Bridge Road, Calder Avenue, Shore Road, Todmorden Road, Crossfield Road, Wardle Fold, Shaftesbury Estate, Birch Hill Lane, Stubley Lane, Hodder Avenue, Ribble Avenue,  Coates Lane, Mount Avenue, Birch Hill Avenue, Lightburn Avenue, Church Street, Whitelees Road and Wardle Road.

In order to facilitate the smooth running of the meeting it was agreed to include Councillor Updates on the agenda prior to the Open Forum at future meetings.

23 January 2018


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