Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Briggs, Emma Alexander and Carol Brown. 

Urgent business, if any, introduced by the Chair

There were no items of urgent business received.  However Councillor Fielding reported that Get Oldham Working had successfully lobbied Transport for Greater Manchester, resulting in a service re-route at no extra cost to the tax payer.

To Receive Declarations of Interest in any Contract or matter to be discussed at the meeting.

Councillor Garry declared a personal interest in Item 8 – District Updates from Regeneration, Greater Manchester Police and Highways, by virtue of her husband’s employment at GMP.

To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were three public questions received.

1.      Mr. John Crompton

“My first question refers to following an exploratory meeting that I and my Deputy had with a Senior Council Officer, relating to a discussion regarding the programme of events for the 100 year Anniversary Commemoration of World War 1in relation to the Failsworth Higher and Lower Memorial Parks and their commitment following the ending of the conflict. We were informed, quite incorrectly, as to the matter of our having been involved in meetings and discussions of this nature with the District Executive some time ago and there was nothing that allowed him to continue a dialogue with us. Following our pursuit to find any information of this with the District Executive we have been unable to find any reference to decisions that were made referring to this event and would wish to be informed of when and where we had been invited to attend any meeting of relevance to this? Also to learn of whether any event has been planned for the 4^th of August to show Failsworth’s participation of this Anniversary?”

Since submitting this question Mr Cromtpon had downloaded details for the events for the anniversary of WW1

In the early stages of planning Failsworth Historical Society (FHS) was approached by members to suggest possible wording for a plaque for both Higher and Lower Memorial Park.  With the level of detail provided by FHS, a meeting was arranged with members and officers to suggest a way forward.  It was agreed at this meeting that the Greenspace Manager would devise some plans and suggested wording, which has now been agreed.  It was also agreed that the work FHS had done around the memorials be incorporated into each plaque. 

Councillor Bates questioned the involvement of the FHS and congratulated the ruling administration on the work that had been done.  The work that the FHS had been involved in was clarified and the District Executive also acknowledged the involvement of Mr Crompton and the Historical Society in terms of the cenotaph and refurbishment of gardens

2.      Mr John Crompton

“My second question is to seek information relating to the recent notice of inclusion of the Sale of Failsworth Lodge, (A.K.A. as the Lancaster Club). This is an historic building of Grade two Listing and remains in sound condition and open to some public use. It is also in part of the area of land that was recently seeking planning permission for residential purposes and also some recreational use. Has any condition been placed on its future use when sold in order that Failsworth could see this property remaining in keeping its place in History for the future benefit of the residents?”

The Chair thanked Mr Crompton for his questions.  Oldham Council acquired the Lancaster Club site as part of a transaction that enabled Oldham Athletic to be retained within the Borough and stimulate development of a new North Stand at their existing Boundary Park stadium.  Part of the strategy behind  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Minutes of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive held on 26^th June 2014 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th June 2014 be approved as a correct record.

This is a standing item regarding Petitions received, relating to the Failsworth and Hollinwood area, for consideration by the District Executive in accordance with the Council’s Petition Protocol.  No Petitions have been received. 

No petitions had been received.

The District Executive received a report which advised on the current commitments and spends in respect of Elected Members individual budgets and the District Executive budget including Capital spend for 2014/15.

It was reported that there were some discrepancies in the report which needed amending, namely:

·        The Cost of the Commemorative Boulders should be £1035 for Higher Memorial Park and £3835 for Lower Memorial Park.

·        The work to be done on Elm Road, Hollinwood should read ‘Tarmac and Bollards’ not ‘Tarmac and Boulders’.

·        The £1000 for Failsworth Pole re-gravel against Councillor Fielding’s budget was a duplication error.

·        The inclusion to show £3000 from Failsworth West Capital Fund that was agreed for Brookdale Street traffic calming material costs.

RESOLVED that:

1.      The report be noted subject to the inclusion of the amendments.

2.      The Acting District Co-ordinator circulates an updated report to all Members of the District Executive. 

The District Executive received updates on the following:

a) Regeneration – A report was submitted which covered the following Issues:

• Old Town Hall
• Oldham Town Centre Leisure Centre
• Coliseum and Heritage Centre
• Town Centre Public Realm
• Foxdenton
• Hollinwood
• Royton Town Centre Retail Development
• Hollinwood Junction
• Lancaster Club Site
• A62 Interventions
• Limehurst Estate
• Housing Units/Wickentree Lane

b) Integrated Neighbourhood Policing – A report was submitted and Inspector Troisi gave a verbal update on crime statistics for the area. 

An issue was raised regarding partial funding that had been offered in relation to the purchase of a flare gun in terms of whether this funding was still required.

Concerns were raised regarding relieving the administration burden placed on frontline staff.

The Safety Day, which was due to take place on 20^th September, was highlighted and details would be provided to Inspector Troisi.

The District Executive thanked Inspector Troisi for his attendance and gave positive feedback regarding the Cadets passing out parade.

c) 20mph Speed Limits in residential Areas – A report was submitted on the Council motion to consider the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads within the borough.

RESOLVED that the updates be noted.

The next meeting of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive will be held on Thursday 2^nd October 2014 at 7.00pm.

RESOLVED that the date of the next meeting be noted.