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

PS Richard Price introduced himself and PCSO Alan Shaw to the meeting.  PS Price has taken over as Neighbourhood Beat Sergeant covering Pennines and other wards within the Rochdale Borough.

Updates
The Police stressed the importance of reporting incidents on 101, although issues are discussed on social media sites they still need to be logged using the correct channels.  GMP doesn’t have access to closed groups on Facebook.  Residents expressed their frustration when trying to report crimes using 101; it was acknowledged that this is a national issue.  GMP’s website has a facility that allows you to interact via live chat; you can report ASB and share intelligence using this service.

Metrolink ASB
A multi-agency task group has been set up involving Officers from GMP, Rochdale Borough Council, Travel Safe and TfGM, who are working in partnership to tackle the ASB issues affecting Milnrow, Newhey and other areas within the Borough.  This initiative can have an impact on Police resources that are available in other areas.

Shoplifting
There has been a recent scourge in Littleborough.  GMP has made a recent arrest and investigations are ongoing.

Policing Issues and Residents’ Concerns
A resident spoke about a recent issue involving a number of fleet vehicles being broken into and having tools stolen and the effect this had had on their business.  It’s not only the cost of replacing the tools but the damage caused in gaining entry.  There is a spate of similar local crimes recently and residents feel that GMP isn’t being proactive in investigating the issues.  This issue is having a huge impact on individuals and businesses when tools are stolen, and residents feel it is organised crime.  There were reports of GMP not visiting the victims of crime which makes residents feel like nothing is being done and discourages them from reporting crimes.  Concerns were raised following recent discussions on social media of people taking things into their own hands, and this was discouraged by GMP.

PS Price explained that resources are reduced and times have changed, and there is a need to work more intelligently; there is a need for improved communications.  Reported crimes are investigated despite victims not being visited by a Police Officer.  There have been a couple of recent arrests for thefts from motor vehicles.

Residents expressed their concern at the lack of visible policing patrols; again this is the result of reduced resources.

The Police clarified the function and powers of a PCSO; their key role is being a visible presence, information gathering and reassuring the community.

A resident spoke about a crime involving a bicycle being stolen and the investigation work she undertook to recover the bike herself and the risks involved.  There is a great strength in feeling by residents and communities being targeted by these criminals.  Residents feel there is no deterrent for offenders and they have no confidence in the CPS.  Residents want to protect their goods and their livelihoods and some appear willing to take action themselves.  Some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Sandra Croasdale, CCG Programme Manager, gave a presentation that detailed the strategy which aims to reduce health and wellbeing inequalities between our most and least deprived communities and between the Borough and the rest of Greater Manchester.  The five main themes are Prevention and Access; Neighbourhoods and Primary Care; In Hospital Care (planned or urgent care), Children Young People and Families and Mental Health.

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

Ealees Parking Restrictions
The objection report was discussed at Pennines Township Committee on 27 September 2017.  The order will be progressed as advertised.

Parking Issues on Hollingworth Road
Parking restrictions would allow the free flow of traffic, however, it is likely that the parking issues would shift to other local areas.

Smithy Bridge Road Crossing
Highways confirmed that a desk top study has been carried out previously and was discounted as there is no natural crossing area and the pavement is too narrow in places to accommodate a crossing.

Weed Killing Programme
There are three treatments per year (weather dependent) in April, June/July and September.  It takes four to six weeks to complete the treatment for the Borough.

Wildflower meadow on Calderbrook Terrace
A wildflower meadow in this area is not feasible as it would be too dangerous rotavating such a steep slope.

Barnes Meadow Clean and Green Request
This request was added to the list.  The clean-up has been completed.

Approved Funding Updates: Littleborough Library, silent disco; Littleborough Brass Band, new instruments; Fothergill and Harvey Cricket Club, funding pledge; Hare Hill Park, skate park improvements; Rakewood Road, 20mph zone and Shared Space Scheme; Alderbank Grit Bin; Union Road Parking Restrictions.

Clean and Green Schemes: Todmorden Road from Grove Lodge down to Elm Terrace; Path from Littleborough Cricket Club to Littleborough Library in Hare Hill Park; Lincoln Drive, Smithy Bridge; Timbercliffe Estate; Calderbrook Road; Whitfield Brow and Fair View; Town House Road; Carriage Drive; Brown Lodge Drive;  Alderbank, Wardle; Lightburn Avenue; Spinners Green; Halifax Road; New Street, Dearnley.

Community Toilets
The forum were updated on the plans for a community toilet scheme in Littleborough.  Four premises have signed up to the scheme which will allow visitors to use their facilities without the need to make a purchase.

Safe Walking Routes
A discussion took place about the need for safer walking routes to school; this was raised due to the number of parked cars on pavements which obstructs the passage of pushchairs.  A parked vehicle causing an obstruction is a matter for the Police.  It was clarified that providing walking bus schemes is not a statutory Council function.  Councillor Emsley agreed to write to vehicle owners if she was provided with the address.

Street Lighting Levels
Residents reported that the street lighting levels on Victoria Street and Hare Hill Road are too low.
Action 3: Request lighting level inspection (Tracey Knight)

20 March 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

PS Richard Price
Email: 14684@GMP.Police.uk