Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Carol Brown, Assistant Executive Director Neighbourhoods.

Urgent business, if any, introduced by the Chair

There were no items of urgent business received.

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

Councillor Garry declared a personal interest in Item 10 – Partner Updates, by virtue of her husband’s employment at GMP.

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

No public questions had been received.

The Minutes of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive meeting held on 2^nd October 2014 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd October 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 considered a report which provided an update on the District Asset Review.  The report highlighted progress made to date and the proposed next steps to take forward the programme of work. 

It was reported that the sites would be progressed in tranches, anticipated to be spread over a 3 year period.  Currently due diligence work was underway in order to identify any restriction on titles etc.  It was anticipated that this work would be completed by December 2014 and ‘Tranche 1’ schedule of sites would be reported to the District Executive thereafter.                

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The District Executive considered a report which provided an update on the introduction and commencement of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing act 2014.  The report outlined the implications for Oldham Council and the wider Community Safety and Cohesion Partnership and made recommendations regarding policy and procedural implementation within Oldham.  

Members raised Public Space Protection Orders and the need for alleyway gating on Oldham Road, Wesley Street, Jenny Street and Grimshaw Street.

RESOLVED that:

1.      The report be noted.

2.      Alleyway gating for Oldham Road, Wesley Street, Jenny Street and Grimshaw Street be agreed.

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.

A query was raised regarding grit bins on Ely and Cosgrove Crescent insofar as two new bins had been purchased but not provided.  The Acting District co-ordinator would look into the issue and feedback.

The report outlined the following initiatives which were requested to be considered for approval:-

1.      Re-allocation of £5000 to the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Environmental Team

2.      Failsworth Carnival – Approximately £2000 with the addition of £600 for the Historical Society Chairs

3.      Reduction of allocation to £5000 for fencing at Higher Memorial Park

Councillor Bates stated that he still remained unclear on how the individual Councillor budgets could be utilised and the application process for spend.  Furthermore a copy of the 2010 guidance was requested.  It was advised that the 2010 guidance document no longer applied and the Council’s Constitution should be used to determine appropriate spend.  Application forms were not mandatory; however the process was currently under review.

The Chair provided Councillor Bates with a copy of the Council’s Constitution along with a description of the role of the District Executive Chair.  The Chair also offered Councillor Bates a training session on rules of procedure to address any concerns he may have had, however Councillor Bates declined the offer.

A vote of thanks was given to the Chair for actively supporting newly elected Councillors.

RESOLVED that:

1.      The current budget position for both Capital and Revenue for the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive, along with the Councillors individual budget be noted.

2.      The Re-allocation of £5000 to the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Environmental Team be approved.

3.      The allocation of £2000 to Failsworth Carnival with the addition of £600 for the Historical Society Chairs be approved.

4.      The reduction in allocation to £5000 for fencing at Higher Memorial Park be approved.

The District Executive received updates on the following:

a)     Citizens Advice Bureau – an update was given on the weekly debt advice sessions at Failsworth Town Hall and Limehurst Library.  

b)     Integrated Neighbourhood Policing –A report was submitted and a verbal update was given on crime statistics for the area.  A further update was given on Operation Tuscan and the need to raise parent’s awareness was highlighted.   

c)      Highways and Engineering Services – A report was submitted which provided an update on issues raised by Councillors and members of the public and gave and overview of the current activity in Highways. 

Positive feedback was given on the reconfiguration of Tesco car park but it was highlighted that consultation needed to take place before the new year, especially with the health centre service users. 

The next meeting of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive will be held on Tuesday 20^th January 2015 at 7.00pm.

RESOLVED that the date of the next meeting be noted.