All were welcomed to the meeting by the Chair, introductions were announced and apologies were noted as above.

• The minutes of both of the last meetings Middleton Environment Forum (18^th November 2015) & Middleton Culture Working Party (4^th November 2015) were agreed as true and accurate records
• Tonge Hall survey results still not received – R Hudson to chase J Percival again.
• Blue Plaques – C Grimes stated written applications as to why the particular person is considered important to receive a plaque must be submitted via the Civic Society.
• Geometric Furniture, Townley Street – matter raised regarding external mess – R Hudson emailed Environmental Management Enforcement 25.01.16.  Enforcement contacted owners to advise action must be taken.

• Cllr West advised that the Clean and Green Scheme was to be continued until the end of March 2016.
• Springvale Youth Club Council premises - matter raised that the outside is being frequently left in a mess – R Hudson emailed J Taylor in Youth Services 20.01.16.
• Geometric Furniture, Townley Street – matter raised regarding external mess – R Hudson emailed Environmental Management Enforcement 25.01.16.  Enforcement contacted owners to advise action must be taken.
• 10,000 trees campaign, Cllr Andy Kelly – group advised of scheme launched and how contact is to be made if interested.   
• Stocks Play Area – residents in the group praised the efforts of Council’s Environmental

Sue Oakley was not in attendance, R Hudson read out an update as follows;

·         Redcroft – The project is on site and progressing well.

·         Long Street School – This project is being prepared and should be complete by June 2017.

·         Exedra – The schedule of works is being prepared and the project should be on site in the summer.

·         23 Market Place – Quotes have been returned and this project should be on site in the spring.

·         51 and 53 Rochdale Road – The schedule of works is being prepared and the project should be on site in the summer.

·         37 and 39 Rochdale Road – Negotiations are still ongoing with the Heritage Lottery Fund and owners.

·         34-48 Rochdale Road – most of the property owners are now interested in grant funding so the projects are being prepared.  Work should be on site in the autumn. 

·         Old Burial Ground – Improvement works are being carried out at the moment and other work including wall repairs and works to overhanging trees is planned through the Council’s winter works programme.

Details of events from group members can be forwarded to Middleton Township Office before the end of February for the new seasonal newsletter.  The Spring edition will be being compiled after this date.

• Email from TfGM read out to group regarding the 412 bus route.  B Stringer to be updated – R Hudson actioned on 22.01.16.
• S O’Brien (RVS) advised group of the services of the Royal Voluntary Service in providing transport home from hospitals and hospital packs to those in need – R Hudson advised info can go in Spring Newsletter – contact details have been exchanged.

nothing to report.

• Cllr West advised she is still chasing items on previous Environment minutes concerning bins and benches and also to ensure that the coping stones had been reinstated on the pathway. 
• There have been on-site meetings with Council Officers recently – thanks given to people responsible for the work being carried out.  THI are involved – large improvement on building work.  New path being installed to get direct access to Sam Bamford’s family grave.  Public event organised to clear up graves covered in grass/moss and to record all grave inscriptions on Saturday 23^rd April 2016 (practise session – March 23^rd 2016).

• Group has approached United Utilities who cannot contribute and the paths have got progressively worse now.  5^th annual general meeting will be held in February. 
• Due to recent rainfall the Wood Lane section of the bridge has fallen down the Wince and a tree needs cutting up – Cllr Borris advised that Mike Cummings has looked into this matter. 
• Request for the C&G team to look at a clear-up at the Peachbank side of Wince Brook as there is reports of rubbish and overgrown vegetation – R Hudson emailed Environmental Management.

• Group has been working in Wince Brook and have planted 150 trees up near the Mainway East cleaned up area. 
• A clear-up took place of rubbish washed-up by the river after the recent floods.  Paths were cleared up and the displaced sand and gravel redistributed.

• Several trees have come down due to flood. 
• Vandalism of 2/3 benches which have been destroyed in McBride’s Wood – the wood from them stolen and fencing knocked down.  R Hudson to source quotes for replacement benches from Env Management for metal/recycled plastic benches (same used in Lime Fields Park) and if funding is required from township then a commissioning form can be sent to Friends of A Wood by R Hudson.

Nothing to report – next meeting is 9^th February 2016, 2pm Old Boars Head PH.

• Had meetings with planning regarding recent flooding issues and pathways. 
• Group has heard that the cycle path is going to be tarmacked (from St Anne’s to Hopwood Hall) which they strongly oppose.  Emails correspondence between group and Highways dept.

Not present, no update.

Friends of Bowlee Community Park (new group) –

• Reported large problem with fly tipping. 
• Street cleaning wagons dumping leaves and debris in park. 
• Rochdale Football Club interest – mixed messages as to whether they still are interested. 
• Requested any history from other residents/groups on Bowlee Park.

• Resident raised issues over shops at Wood Street – officers reported that the owners are in financial difficulty and although the Council doesn’t have the resources to compulsory purchase the properties although it remains constant on the Councillor’s radar to be monitored and will be discussed at higher level at the Regeneration Meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

• Thursday31^st March 2016 - All meetings commence at 6pm and take place at Middleton Library