Items
No. |
Item |
1. |
Welcome and Introductions
Minutes:
All
were welcomed to the meeting by the Chair, introductions were
announced and apologies were noted as above. Councillor West requested that all turn off or put
on to silent mobile phones, and a reminder was given out for
everyone to ensure they had signed in.
Due to the length of the minutes for this meeting, and the actions
that are created it was agreed that the minutes of future meetings
would be produced as an actions list with bullet points of the
discussions. This will be reviewed and
opinions sought at the next meeting.
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2. |
Apologies
Minutes:
Apologies were noted as above.
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3. |
Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
Minutes:
The
Present & Apologies List at the last meeting was not correct,
and it was noted that the attendance of Gary Leigh be added –
noted.
Item 3 - Minutes of the last meeting
David Lappin advised that at the
previous meeting in August it had been agreed that an officer would
attend the sheltered accommodation about the lack of bins and
suitable recycling facilities. This
action had not happened and it was agreed that this matter would be
chased up by Nick O’Neill (Action: NON to discuss
with Paul Bowerman)
Item 3 – Boroughwide
Supervisors
Terry Linden requested that an amendment be made to the minutes of
the last meeting regarding both leaves and twigs blocking drains,
not just leaves as is minuted.
Item 9 – Transport issues
David Lappin raised concerns about the
number 17 and 163 bus service at the last meeting, and Lauren
explained that a written reply had been provided to David.
Item 9 – Updates from groups
A concern was raised about the report
made at the last meeting regarding the dumping of knotweed into
Wince Brook. Mike Cummings advised that
this is an issue for the landowner and explained that where there
is evidence of knotweed it is very unlikely that a mortgage can be
secured for a property purchase.
Item 9 – Updates from groups
Concerning the issue raised by Keeley O’Mara at the last
meeting in relation to dumping at Hopwood Woods, it was advised
that a site visit will take place with the Public Realm Officers
and Michelle Ball (Environmental Enforcement Warden).
Item 9 – Updates from groups
Terry Linden queried what could be done regarding the pigeons in
Middleton Town Centre, and people feeding them. This issue will be picked up by the Public Realm
and Environmental Enforcement Wardens.
Item 10 – AOB
At the last meeting Terry Linden advised that historically planning
applications were brought to this meeting, and queried since the
changes in Planning Meetings could this be re-started. Lauren advised that she discussed this with other
Officers and was informed that as Township Officers are not trained
in Planning matters it wouldn’t be
possible for the applications to be brought to the MEC
meeting. All information on planning
applications is available on the Council’s website, and
support is available at Libraries across the Borough on using the
Council’s website to access such information.
Item 10 – AOB
Paving issues - At the MEC meeting a number of residents raised
concerns about pavements in Middleton:
·
Rear of the Dusty Miller, near to the
pelican crossing, is in a state of disrepair and needs works
carrying out.
·
Edward Street needs to be reported to
Highways as it is in a state of disrepair
·
New Lane
All of the above issues were reported to Highways,
and colleagues in Highways had informed Lauren that
‘’I can confirm that I inspected
the above areas, New Lane, also the Dusty Miller Public House
including the entrance to the disabled car park ...
view the full minutes text for item 3.
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4. |
Irwell River's Trust - Environment Agency
Minutes:
Mike
Duddy introduced himself and explained
the works with the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust. The project is to upgrade the water quality, and
includes £50,000 of investment for the wider scheme, and will
work to rebuild the river bank, downstream from Lever Bridge,
regrade the river bank and rebuild the footpath. Images of the scheme were passed around to the
meeting. There will also be the
installation of small pipes which will allow the floodplain on the
left, which is meadow side, to drain. There is a second phase of the works which will
reconnect the dried out mill lodges and re-release water
downstream.
Part of this work has been happening due to United Utilities
closing down their Royton plant, and transferring works to
Chadderton, and once the transfer is
complete not only should there be changes in water quality, but
water will flow through Wince Brook rather than Chadderton Park.
Mike Duddy explained that during
testing, it has been discovered that fish numbers are just 5% of
what they should be. Mike Cummings
advised the works will improve bio-diversity and increase the
ecology. The meeting was also advised
that during bad weather, the river currently uses the footpaths,
and the works will reduce these flooding issues. From his point of view, Mike explained that he
feels there is no downside to the scheme. Gary Leigh echoed this, following his meetings with
the team.
A discussion took place about the role that Mike Duddy holds, and he explained he is also part of
Salford Anglers, but confirmed that the group have no links or
aspirations in this area. Mike advised
that the works carried out by Gary Leigh and the Absolute Angling
Team is excellent, and they as a group have his full support.
Terry Linden queried land ownership and he was advised that all the
land is owned by Rochdale Borough Council.
Concerns were raised about any leaks or mismanagement from nearby
businesses and the effect this could have if contaminated waste got
into the river. Mike Cummings explained
that there have been major changes around legislation, in this
respect, and during a previous incident a business was fined
£10,000. Due to the changes, a
more recent incident in Haslingden has
seen a business fined £3 million, so the penalties are much
greater than they were previously. The
changes have also seen a system brought in whereby a fine levied is
not given to the Home Office, but is now used for remediation and
restoration of the affected area.
Mike Duddy advised that the Mersey
Basin Trust do sampling monthly at both Alkrington and Blackley to detect any possible
issues.
Bob Magee queried if Wince Brook is big enough to take the new
flow, and was advised that flow modelling is being carried out by
United Utilities, who Mike Duddy will
speak to and reply directly to Bob. Bob
advised that Bridge 2 has issues with the water being contaminated
by ammonia.
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5. |
Street Cleaning, Waste, Clean and Green
Minutes:
Nick
advised that grass cutting is ongoing until the end of October,
when the season ends. There are
discussions ongoing for the equipment to be used next year with the
team looking at various machinery options including a remote
controlled mower.
Paula Hickey requested that a manual clean, similar to the one
recently done on Durnford Street, be
carried out around Hanson Street. Paula
advised that the In Bloom team are happy to support if a full clean
can be done by the Clean & Green Team.
A discussion took place about the cleaning of Stakehill roundabout and which team undertakes the
maintenance. Nick advised that he
thought this was carried out by the Middleton team, but he would
check and report back at the next meeting. (Action: NON
to investigate and report back at the next meeting)
Christine Grime queried if anything can be done to deter/catch vans
dumping waste near to the tip site.
This is a regular occurrence, especially if they cannot fit under
the barrier or the tip site is closed.
It was agreed that Lauren would speak to Viridor about this issue and see if they have CCTV
or another management system available.
(Action: LM to liaise with Viridor about this issue). Councillor Furlong advised that this issue is
ongoing throughout Greater Manchester.
A discussion took place about the patch of land on the corner of
Long Street and King Street, which is overgrown and looking very
messy. Lauren advised that the land has
changed ownership, and as such the issue will be passed to the
Public Realm Officers to investigate this issue and report back to
a future meeting. (Action:
LM to report to the Public Realm Officers)
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6. |
Heritage Buildings Update
Minutes:
Lauren
Mason provided a written update to the group from Nick
Barton.
Tonge Hall Following the completion of an extensive study by
conservation Architects, Purcell, which identified the costs of
repair and restoration of Tonge Hall,
possible future uses and potential ways of funding these works, a
report was submitted to Middleton Township in December 2016.
This report sought authorisation for the Assistant Director for
Planning and Development to explore, in partnership with Historic
England, the potential of developing land around the Hall to fund
the repair and restoration of the Hall.
In February 2017, Officers met with Historic England, who asked the
Council to prepare a landscape significance statement to aid the
understanding of which areas of the landscape around the Hall could
be developed and which should be preserved or improved.
The possibility of repair grants from
Historic England was also discussed, both as a means of meeting the
gap between funds raised by development and the cost of repair and
to assist in carrying out works in the short term to minimise
further damage to the Hall through exposure to the elements.
During the spring and summer, the
Architectural History Practice carried out a landscape significance
study and Ramboll, a specialist
structural engineering practice, provided a schedule of works
required to further stabilise and protect the building.
Officers have over several months raised the potential of the site
informally with a number of developers who have shown interest in
the site. Following the completion of
the landscape assessment study, Officers met with Historic England
last week to share the results of this work and seek their approval
of the study, the principles of development and priorities for
works to the building.
Once we have firm proposals we will share this information,
including how it will relate to repairs to Tonge Hall. Any final
decision to release land for development will be a decision for
Middleton Township.
Hopwood Old Hall A
report to Middleton Township in December 2016 approved the signing
of a partnership agreement with Hopwood DePree, a successful American film producer and
descendant of the Hopwood family. This
allows Mr DePree a three year period to
develop a business case and funding package for restoration and
re-use of Hopwood Old Hall.
Mr DePree held a number of ticketed
events at the Hall as part of Heritage Open Days and managed to
attract media coverage from the BBC, Daily Telegraph and The
Guardian as well as local media and various online media globally.
He will work with the Council and
Historic England to ensure that the building is kept wind and
watertight and does not deteriorate whilst his plans are developed
and he is working in partnership with Hopwood Hall College to
restore the formal gardens as a shorter term project.
An emergency works report was carried out by Ramboll earlier in the year and the Council is
meeting with Mr DePree and Historic
England next week to discuss priorities.
Questions
·
David Lees queried consultation
...
view the full minutes text for item 6.
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7. |
THI (Townscape Heritage Initiative) Update
Minutes:
Lauren read out a written update from Sue Oakley,
which advised that; “All of the THI grant projects are now
complete except for the Long Street School restoration.
We’re waiting for approval from
the Heritage Lottery Fund to start this project and we hope that
contractors will be on site by early November. During this project the Greater Manchester
Building Preservation Trust and Council hope to hold more community
events and heritage training days”.
Christine Grime advised that there had been a number of issues with
the Long Street School restoration, and the Trust managing the
restoration had been let down on a number of occasions. There have also been a number of delays with the
scheme being approved, etc. Councillor
West thanked Christine and Geoff for their ongoing work with this
project.
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8. |
Transport Issues
Minutes:
Lauren read out updates related to
transport:
a)
Licensing
Presentation - In relation to
an update from Licensing about Uber and other issues related to
Private Hire Vehicles, Lauren advised that she had spoken to
Licensing colleagues and she has been advised that
there are currently discussions ongoing regarding
Uber, etc. at AGMA level and as such they are not yet in a position
to provide an update, but have offered to come to a future
meeting.
b)
CCTV Cameras
– Lauren advised that as mentioned
at previous meetings, discussions have been held with colleagues in
TfGM about the temporary CCTV cameras at Manchester New Road (bus
lane) and Long Street continuation (no access other than buses and
taxis). She has chased this matter on a
number of occasions with colleagues at Street Lighting Partnership
who are leading on this issue with TfGM. E.ON are awaiting a Section 178 Notice being
signed by colleagues in TfGM and this is continuing to be pushed
and pressure applied to get this issue resolved as soon as
possible.
Concerns were raised about the hole which has appeared at the
junction of Springvale and Townley
Street. This situation seems to be
getting worse and measures to close the road have been implemented,
but vehicles are still trying to drive around. There is also a lack of signage on Oldham Road and
Springvale junction (Action: LM to request an update
from colleagues in Highways)
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9. |
Updates
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9a |
Friends of Middleton View
Minutes:
Christine and Geoff Grime advised that the Green Volunteers were
working in the area on 13 September 2017 cleaning out the compound
around Tonge Hall, and raking the
meadow.
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9b |
Friends of Jubilee Park
Minutes:
Sharron
Stevens advised that the flag pole for the green flag has now been
erected, and the railings that are on the wall on Long Street have
now been completed and look great.
Unfortunately, there does seem to have been a rise in anti-social
use of the park, and an increase in drug use. A discussion took place about a person sleeping
rough in the park, and it was agreed that Sharron will forward the
details to Lauren to be passed to the Homelessness Team for
intervention (Action: LM to report issues to colleague
in Homelessness). There has also
been a further theft of plants in the park.
Work has been completed in the Old Burial Ground, which has
uncovered the grave of Brewster.
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9c |
Friends of Wince Brook
Minutes:
Bob
Magee advised that a walk took place on 15 September 2017 which was
led by Mike Cummings and it was very well attended and
successful. There does seem to have
been an increase in people using the area, which is very
positive.
Concerns were raised about some recently erected signage for a dog
walking company, and other groups echoed that they have seen
similar signs and companies using areas throughout Middleton.
The group have had a considerable amount of trees donated by the
Woodland Trust, and Phil Traynor is
working to get schools involved in the planting of the trees in
Wince Brook.
Bob advised that the material for the new pathway arrived last
week, and discussions are ongoing about who will undertake the
works.
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9d |
Green Volunteers
Minutes:
The
team visited Alkrington Woods on 5 and
6 September 2017 to thin out overgrowth around the ‘education
area’, in addition to a lot of other works done around the
Town including the cutting of hedges on Manchester Old
Road.
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9e |
Friends of Alkrington Woods
Minutes:
Jerry
Stokes advised that the tree trunk reported at the last meeting,
which had been moved and was causing access issues was removed.
He thanked Lauren and Mike Cummings for
getting this sorted out.
A commissioning form has been completed in association with
Groundwork for the works around McBride’s Wood area, and this
is due to be considered at Committee on 18 October
2017. Subject to approval, works will
hopefully start in the New Year. Jerry
thanked Lauren and Councillor West for liaising with colleagues in
Groundwork and getting the scheme designed.
Remedial works have now taken place to the broken bridge, and there
have been discussions with the company who supplied the bridge
regarding the durability of the structure.
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9f |
Friends of Boarshaw Cemetery
Minutes:
David
Lees advised that there is an ongoing health and safety issue
regarding staff, and in particular grave diggers at the cemetery
lone working. The Friends of group will
be formally writing to Rochdale Council about this concern.
Flooding at the newest area of the cemetery is still ongoing, and
discussions are taking place about what could be done to alleviate
this issue.
Terry Linden queried if an update had been received following the
point he raised, at the last meeting, directly with Gwen Coulthurst
in relation to the PA system. Lauren
advised that she will again chase up Gwen for an update regarding
this issue (Action: LM to chase up GC
again).
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9g |
Friends of Hopwood Woods Nature Reserve
Minutes:
Keeley
O’Mara advised that the group have submitted a funding bid to
the Rotary Club, and have also applied for Township funds for the
pathway works needed to facilitate disabled access into the
Woods.
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9h |
Absolute Angling
Minutes:
Gary
Leigh advised that there was nothing to update on.
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9i |
Friends of Bowlee Community Park
Minutes:
No
representative present to provide an update.
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9j |
Friends of Mellalieu Street
Minutes:
Sharron
Stevens advised that there are ongoing issues with speeding
vehicles. Lauren stated that there are
ongoing discussions about the Durnford
and Mellalieu Street areas, and as such this is being looked
into.
Concerns were raised that the windows on the old Milton Street
school have been replaced with plastic style windows, despite the
school being a listed building. This
matter will be passed to Sue Oakey.
(Action: LM to report this matter to Sue
Oakley)
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9k |
Status4All
Minutes:
No
representative present to provide an update.
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9l |
Middleton Lads & Girls Football Club
Minutes:
No
representative present to provide an update.
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9m |
Middleton Civic Association
Minutes:
A
discussion took place in relation to Warwick Mill, and concerns
were raised about the ongoing issues of youths accessing the
Mill. Councillor West advised that
Officers in RDA and Planning are in discussion with the owners and
GMP to ensure that the building is secure.
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9n |
Middleton Roundtable
Minutes:
No
representative present to provide an update.
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9o |
Middleton Cricket Club
Minutes:
John
explained that he had resigned as Chairman at the beginning of
2017, and Roger Whitworth took over, and did an amazing job and was
a truly terrific person. Unfortunately,
Roger unexpectedly died recently, and John advised that this is a
great loss to the club and Middleton as a whole.
John advised that until the club hold elections for the role,
Alison, the Vice President, will take over the Chair role, and John
stated that the amazing work done by Roger will be continued.
John explained that the club is a member of the Lancashire League,
as the Central Lancashire League has gone. John advised that the 1st and
2nd teams have both won their respective
divisions.
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9p |
Middleton In Bloom
Minutes:
Paula
Hickey offered the condolences of the Middleton in Bloom group, who
had done some work with Roger and Middleton Cricket Club.
The group have been undertaking their regular litter picks, and
have recently met with David McKail and
Mark Frazer and are working to push the ‘plant the town
red’ as part of the WW1 Centenary year.
Work is ongoing to replant where appropriate with winter
bedding.
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9q |
Link4Life Update
Minutes:
Concerns were raised by Terry Linden about the lack of
attendance at the last two meetings. A
request was made that a formal email be sent to Link4Life to
request their attendance at the next meeting, and update on the
recent consultation.
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9r |
Any other groups/events
Minutes:
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10. |
Any other business
Minutes:
·
Terry Linden queried what is happening with the
buildings at the bottom of Wood Street (old Hings building).
Councillor West advised that there is a new buyer who is
undertaking works and a Planning Officer will meet and advise the
new owners accordingly.
·
A barrier is currently around the steps which jut
out on to the pavement near Igoo’s. (Action: LM to report to Building Control). Christine Grime advised that she has also
previously reported this matter.
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11. |
Dates of future meetings
Minutes:
All
meetings commence at 6.15pm in Middleton Library, First Floor, Long
Street, Middleton
Tuesday 23 January 2018
Wednesday 14 March 2018
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