The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, and the code of conduct was referred to.

Crime Figures:

Police updates

·         There have been four reports of drug offences during the past three months, one for possession of cocaine and three for possession of cannabis.

·         Due to the number of vehicle registration plate thefts, GMP are in the process of organising a safe plate scheme for residents.  Details of the scheme will be advertised in due course.

·         There has been a reduced number of PSCOs during the last twelve months, this is due to long term staff sickness and a vacant post which has recently been recruited to.  A Neighbourhood Officer has also been recently recruited.  A visual Police presence should increase.

·         There will be a new shift pattern implemented at the end of October which should see an increase in Officers that are available to respond.

·         GMP are aware of the speeding issues; it is a very emotive subject that is difficult to solve in the long term.

·         GMP have Community Speed Watch equipment available for use by the community.  The results are unable to be used as evidence, however, an evidential speed gun is on order for use locally in traffic operations by Officers.

Residents’ concerns

·         The 101 response times are far too high; callers can wait over one hour for the call to be answered.

·         The 101 call handler doubts the validity of the issues being reported and on one occasion accused the resident of “over reacting” to the anti-social behaviour issues being reported.

·         “Spice heads” loitering in a zombie state and sleeping at the Metrolink tram stop.  They are a drain on resources; the ambulance frequently attends incidents when they fall over and hurt themselves.  Why can’t more be done to resolve this issue.

·         Residents have provided drug dealers’ addresses to the Police but no action has been taken.

GMP advised that intelligence is gathered sometimes over long periods of time especially when there are complex cases with linked criminality.

·         Residents are worried that their concerns are not being taken seriously and recorded properly.  The crime stats don’t reflect the number of calls made by some of the residents that were present at the meeting.

GMP advised people to also use the online chat via the GMP website and Crimestoppers.  Some recent intelligence provided to Crimestoppers led to a good result in Littleborough.

·         Residents have repeatedly reported witnessing drug related activity happening on the streets.  Drugs paraphernalia is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.  It was noted that Mr Houston had submitted his apologies for the meeting but they were not recorded.

Action Updates

Ladybarn development
Response from Planning Officer sent to the resident - I contacted the agent at the time.  The contractors were on site initially for a few days but there are no works currently taking place in association with the development of 37 apartments adjacent to the Ladybarn.  There are conditions to be discharged before further works take place and this includes a condition relating to the management of the construction process.  If any further complaints are received, they are unlikely to relate to the contractors on this site as work has stopped but we will gladly look into them if residents contact us.

Potholes and residents’ concerns
Response from Highways - It should be noted that there are two types of repair being undertaken, one is a temporary repair (ordered for completion within 24 hours of receipt of the order) that is used to make a dangerous pothole safe until a more permanent reinstatement can be undertaken (within 20 working days of receipt of the order).  Any potholes that have been identified as being substandard are reported to Balfour Beatty who then is responsible for reinstating the repair at no cost to the Council.  We do undertake random checks of the pothole repairs undertaken by Balfour Beatty.  We undertake monthly random cores of their pothole repairs and we do investigate all service requests regarding potholes and possible poor workmanship.  Any repairs that are identified as being substandard or having failed are reported to Balfour Beatty for reinstatement.  The individual potholes, reported to Highways, are in the process of being of dealt with, most of which are now complete.

Back field at Severn Drive
A resident asked whether there were any development plans for this site.  Councillors advised that there is a dispute regarding the land ownership; the fence that has been erected has been done so without permission and is in the process of being removed.

Fly tipping
When asked what steps the Council are taking to combat fly tipping, the forum were advised of the action taken by Enforcement Officers to identify those responsible; there has recently been five successful convictions across the Borough.

Newhey Lodge
Councillor Kelly advised that he is working with Planning Officers to challenge recent decisions.  A planning application for the erection of a fence will be considered by the Planning Committee.

Village speed limits
A resident advised that the speed limit in Todmorden town centre is 20mph and asked if this can be introduced in Milnrow and Newhey.  Councillor Kelly advised that ideas of this nature will be included in the Masterplan.

Damaged litter bin
During the recent road resurfacing of Sycamore Avenue and Laburnum Lane the litter bin was smashed and needs replacing.
Action 3: Report the damaged bin and request a replacement (Tracey Knight)

Huddersfield Road bollards request
A resident asked whether bollards could be installed outside the Londis, and other shops, on Huddersfield Road to prevent vehicles parking on the pavement making the area safer for pedestrians.
Action 4: Seek Highways advice regarding the installation of bollards (Tracey Knight)

Parking on double yellow lines
A resident advised that vehicles are often witnessed parked on the double yellow lines opposite Milnrow Post Office and on the zig zag lines of the nearby pedestrian crossing.

Action 5: Report to Highways and request enforcement (Tracey Knight)

Ellenroad
There has been a recent Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) meeting.  A decision on their £90k grant application will be known in February 2019.

Milnrow Clock
Inspections are ongoing to establish the scale of work.  A HLF funding bid can only be submitted once there is a scheme of work.

There was a brief discussion regarding the arrangements and purpose of future meetings and how to engage better with local communities.  The meeting venue was discussed.  Alternative venues have been considered due to the recent double bookings and the impact this situation has on the meetings.  Butterworth Hall is unavailable, so alternatives venues will be sought.

No other items of business were raised.

6 December 2018


Police contact details:

Rochdale East
Tel:               0161 856 8549
Email            rochdaleeast@gmp.police.uk
Facebook     GMPRochdaleEast
Twitter          @gmprochdaleeast

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
GMP Live Chat https://goo.gl/KsUihd
Police non-emergency calls 101
Emergency calls 999

PC Martin Adams’ email: martin.adams@gmp.police.uk