The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.  Attendees were asked to abide by the code of conduct for the duration of the meeting.

PC Hutchinson introduced himself and PCSO Hughes and he gave the following updates.

Statistics
The introduction of a new crime recording system has brought about some teething troubles in retrieving statistical data.  Accurate figures will be made available when possible.

ASB Tram Stops
Residents reported issues with ASB and vandalism at the tram stops; this is an ongoing long standing issue.  Police and PCSOs include this location regularly on their patrols and Street Watch volunteers also monitor this area.  A resident raised concerns that Station Road, that leads to Milnrow tram stop, is very dimly lit and raises safety concerns as drug related activity has been witnessed.
Action 1: Invite a representative of TfGM to the next meeting (Tracey Knight)
Action 2: Request lighting levels are checked on Station Road (Tracey Knight)

Street Watch
The Police thanked Street Watch volunteers for their assistance in increasing community engagement and neighbourliness; the Police are grateful for their time and efforts.  The feedback about Street Watch has been really positive.

Crossing patrols
A resident raised concerns about the lack of crossing patrols on Kiln Lane/Wildhouse Lane junction.  A discussion took place regarding the responsibility for the patrols and the recent Council proposals to reduce/withdraw funding.
Action 3: Request update from Highways on Council funded crossing patrols in Milnrow (Tracey Knight)

Thanks
Recently there have been four burglaries over a couple of days.  A resident thanked the Police for their quick response relating to one of the incidents.

Scam telephone calls
A discussion took place regarding the number of scam/fraudulent phone calls that residents are receiving.  Residents were advised to report incidents via  Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre on 0300 123 2040 alternatively you can contact M&N resident watch Facebook page or email milnrow.newhey@gmail.com

The project is a new two year initiative commissioned by Rochdale Council.  The programme offers support to local people to set up and run their own very small enterprise offering help and support at home for older people and support for disabled people who want to live life their way.  The initiative will reduce social isolation and increase residents offer and choice and will support the local economy.  For further details contact karen.williams@communitycatalysts.co.uk

David Kendall and Gillian Lennon gave a brief update to the forum.  The scheme is steadily progressing and monitoring sessions continue to take place as often as is possible.  The group are planning a ward wide leaflet drop to raise awareness of the scheme to recruit new volunteers.  The group has a growing number of followers on social media.  The leaflet drop will help to target residents who don’t use such platforms.  The group are in talks with TfGM regarding free travel for volunteers between tram stops.  A resident at the meeting agreed to assist the group with delivering the leaflets.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

Action updates

Action 1: Outstanding potholes
Response from Highways – All reported potholes have been inspected and those meeting the criteria have been marked for filling.

Action 2: Bentgate Street resurfacing plans
Surface dressing sites in August:

Bentgate Street is included in the micro asphalt programme and will be surfaced from Bentgate Close – Whitebeam Street on 28 August (weather dependant).

Ladyhouse Lane Road Closure
A discussion took place regarding the recent closure of the top end of Ladyhouse Lane (this was a closure by a utility company).  The road is now re-opened and the works complete.  The experimental closure at the bottom of Ladyhouse Lane has been removed due to the number of complaints received.  Highways are exploring future options.

Huddersfield Road pavement
A resident reported that the pavement from the Metrolink Station to the Londis shop is uneven and unsafe.
Action 4: Request Highways inspection of the footpath (Tracey Knight)

Public Right of Way
The Public Right of Way at the top of Beechfield Road has recently been cutback to make an accessible path.  Residents expressed their concern as this may encourage off road bikes and horses to use the path.  There is also an area that was once signposted as soft sand.
Action 5: Report to the Public Right of Way Officer (Tracey Knight)

Harbour Lane North
A resident asked whether the double yellow lines on Harbour Lane North can be removed from one side of the road to increase parking provision.
Action 6: Obtain Highways advice (Tracey Knight)

Dachser Distribution Centre on Kingsway Business Park
Residents, living nearby, expressed their concern regarding this development and the newly installed fuel tanks.  Councillor Bamford advised that discussion is ongoing with Dachser and they are being amenable and working with some residents to address their concerns.  Councillor Bamford agreed to include residents present in future discussions.

Parking on Water Lane, Charles Lane and Hollingworth Academy
Concerns were raised regarding the number of double parked vehicles on these streets and the obstructions this causes for other road users and pedestrians.  Residents also raised concerns regarding the parking around Hollingworth Academy and the lack of care by some motorists.
Action 7: Request these locations are included as parking enforcement hotspots (Tracey Knight)

Cornfield Street footpath
It was reported that the Cornfield Street footpath is muddy and uneven.
Action 8: Report to Highways and request inspection (Tracey Knight)

Bonfire at Milnrow Cricket Club
Milnrow Cricket Club are hosting a bonfire and firework display on Saturday 2 November 2019 with gates opening at 6pm, bonfire lit at 7pm and fireworks at 9pm.  Everybody is welcome.  Tickets are on sale from the club priced at £5 adult, £3 children and family ticket £15 (two adults and two children).  Food and refreshments will be available.  The car park will be closed, so please make alternative arrangements.

Updates unavailable.

No other business was raised.

12 December 2019
5 March 2020


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 Stephen Hutchinson Email: stephen.hutchinson@gmp.police.uk

Milnrow and Newhey Resident Watch: M&N Resident Watch - Home

Action Fraud – 0300 123 2040
National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre