Agenda item

Open Forum

Minutes:

Castleton Bee Network Scheme
The matter was discussed by residents in attendance at the area forum again, and an officer was present from the Council’s Highways Department to answer all queries raised.

Residents reported wrongly signed bus stops situated near Tesco and the former Castleton Post Office for the No 17 bus route.  The Highways Officer advised this is a matter for TfGM and not the Council, but he could pass on any complaints that were forwarded to him accordingly;
Alex Whittaker on 01706 924534 or alex.whittaker@rochdale.gov.uk

Residents again discussed the one way system on Keswick Street, stating coaches are still struggling to get through to the rugby club due to parked cars, etc.  The Highways Officer advised the Council’s Highways Department are looking into the possibility of using small sections of double yellow lined areas to alleviate the congestion and he advised there will be an extra 20 car parking spaces made available with the future re-lining works of the Castleton Community Centre car park.

A discussion was held regarding issues at the junction with refuse vehicles, coaches and trucks, etc exiting on to the main road and having to swing-out into the traffic to make the turn.  The Highways Officer advised that all new road schemes are consulted on and agreed prior to the works commencing with the Traffic Unit, formal Road Safety Auditors and the emergency services.  Signals at the junctions will alleviate the issues when they are activated in the near future.

A query was raised about the lack of disabled parking facilities on Manchester Road to which the Highways Officer advised that there is still availability on side streets, at Durban Street car park and disabled users can park on double yellow lines for up to three hours when displaying an approved disabled badge.  Concerns were further raised stating shop workers park their vehicles in these areas prohibiting customers from accessing these spaces.  The Highways Officer advised they had sent out leaflets to local businesses to encourage their employees to use the car parks facility.  A question was asked as to when will works start to the new car park facility on Railway Approach and the forum was update that this will commence in November.  All junctions and crossings associated with the scheme will also be activated from November and temporary traffic lights will then be removed.

Castleton Sidings - proposed housing development
In response to previous queries from residents regarding the proposed access roads in/out of this housing development, the Highways Officer advised the forum that the Council’s Highways Department have escalated their concerns at length with the developer, requesting they amend their proposals.  A query was raised by a resident as to whether local infrastructure will be increased due to the extra volume of residents and whether there will be a public planning consultation in future, to which the Highways Officer stated the Council’s Highways Department can endeavour to look into this issue with the Planning Department.

Royle Barn Road potholes
A resident raised a query regarding potholes on Royle Barn Road.
Action: Highways Officer to escalate this matter to the Council’s Highways Maintenance Service