Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sykes.

The District Executive considered an item of urgent business in relation to the George Street Playing field.

It was noted there had recently been unauthorised access to the site, including using it for an overnight stay, and the District Executive wished to have a fuller understanding of the possible implications of this.

RESOLVED that the relevant officer be invited to brief Members on the issues.

No public questions had been received.

The minutes of Shaw and Crompton District Executive meeting held on 14^th June 2016 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th June 2016 be approved as a correct record.

This is a standing item, relating to Shaw and Crompton District Executive area, for consideration by the District Executive, in accordance with the Council’s petition scheme. No petitions have been received.

No petitions had been received.

The minutes of Shaw and Crompton Community Forum meeting held on 14th June 2016 are attached for noting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Shaw and Crompton Community Forum held on 14^th June 2016, as amended, be noted.

The minutes of Royton, Shaw and Crompton Health and Wellbeing Sub-Group held on 21^st June 2016 are attached for noting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Sub-Group meeting of 21^st June 2016 be noted.

The District Executive gave consideration to a briefing note that reviewed the current inspection criteria, following several reports of personal injury accidents on Market Street which were attributed to defects in the modular paving.

The District Executive was informed that the existing inspection criteria, as set out in the Oldham Council’s Highways Inspection Policy which was dictated by national guidelines, only identified defects on the footway that were greater than 25mm in height. Inspections of Market Street, Shaw were currently carried out on a monthly inspection in accordance with Oldham Council’s Highways Inspection Policy. This regularity was applied to all ‘Town Centres’ across the Borough including Oldham Town Centre.

It was noted that many of the complaints to Members had been about paving slabs rocking, rather than trip hazards. It was also noted that an issue regarding driving on the pavement had been identified and was being addressed by the market manager.

The District Executive was informed that, if the inspection regime was altered for Shaw, it would need to be equally altered for the other town centres, which had cost implications for the service and could affect the Council’s position in court with outstanding claims.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The District Executive gave consideration to a briefing note that updated Members on the proposals for improvements to the road junction at Rochdale Road/Fraser Street.

The District Executive was informed that the existing carriageway within the junction was in a state of disrepair with numerous areas of significant failure, most notably around the various chambers and gullies. Existing surface treatments and road markings within the junction were also similarly degraded (the junction being protected by ‘No Waiting’ restrictions between the hours of 8am-8pm).

The Scheme had been brought forward and included in the capital programme for the current financial year. The project aimed to heighten awareness of the junction to drivers and reduce vehicle speeds in an effort to reduce the potential for collisions. The project also aimed to improve safety for all road users at this junction. 

The District Executive was informed that the proposals would be going out for consultation and Members would be informed in advance of any information going to the public.

RESOLVED that:-

1)    The report be noted.

2)    The District Executive requested that further consideration be given to using a red surface at the junction to raise the awareness of road users.

The District Executive gave consideration to a briefing note that updated Members on the proposed programme of works to demolish the redundant markets stalls and cabins and to create an extended and improved car park.

The relevant permissions, legal orders and licences were in place for the move of Shaw Market from the site on Westway to Market Street and a programme had been developed for the removal of the redundant market stalls and cabins from the former market ground. It was proposed that works would start on site to demolish the stalls and cabins during the week commencing 25th July 2016 and it was expected that the demolition work would take no more than two weeks. The majority of the remainder of the car park would remain open during this time.

Following the demolition works and subject to favourable weather conditions, the works to create the extended car park on the former market ground and improve the existing car park, would start on 8th August. These works would take approximately two weeks and involve planing off the existing surface, resurfacing the whole area, amending the kerbs, marking out the parking spaces and installing new signage. The car park would be unavailable for use during this two week period and be open for use during the week commencing 22nd August 2016. The car park closure would be publicised via notices on site and a local leaflet drop.

Members queried why the programmed works had not begun on time, as announced by the Leader at Council, and were informed that, since the contractor for the car park work could not start until 8^th August, the demolition had been delayed until the week prior to this.

RESOLVED that:-

1)    The report be noted.

2)    The Chair would write to the Council Leader asking why local councillors had not been informed about the delay in beginning the works.

3)    The District Executive would seek reassurances from the contractors that they would complete the demolition works within the week allocated for the works.

4)    The District Executive asked that further leaflets be issued to inform the community of the revised projects dates.

Consideration was given to a report of the Shaw and Crompton District Co-ordinator which advised on current budget commitments and spending.

RESOLVED that:

1)    The report be noted

2)    The decision by Crompton Ward Councillors to spend £10,000 ward capital Environmental Improvement allocation on the installation of speed reduction humps on Thornham Rd be noted.

The next meeting of the Shaw and Crompton District Executive will take place on Tuesday 18^th October 2016 at 6pm.

RESOLVED the next meeting of the Shaw and Crompton District Executive will be on Tuesday 18^th October at 6.00pm.