Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Briggs and Dawson.

There were no items of urgent business received.

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

There were three public question received. 

1.      Mr. Brian Hirst, 7 Partington Street, Oldham

“At a meeting the issue of the Examiner’s office on Parting Street was discussed and the impact off increase of traffic and parking with the development of 52 new houses has any progress been made of the relocating of the Examiner’s office.”

It was reported that an update on this issue had not been received.  As Councillor Bates originally highlighted the issue to the District Executive he agreed to take this matter up.

2.    Mr W Lockett, 21 Norfolk Crescent, Failsworth, Oldham

“Traffic Calming in Norfolk Crescent.  It is close on 2 years since I first brought up this important issue.  I wasn‘t aware that Norfolk Cres is a 20 MPH zone until Coun’ Fielding told me.  There are no signs to make motorists aware, and something needs to be done about it.  As a resident of Norfolk Cres’ of 42 years near the dangerous bend, I feel there is going to be a very serious accident at any day unless something is done quickly to slow the traffic down as motor vehicals come round much too fast in either direction.  Please look at this issue with utmost urgency.”

It had previously been reported that a traffic survey had been conducted in the area but at the time the results didn’t support intervention.  However work was completed on moving the white line.  Another survey could be undertaken to see if there had been a change however Councillor Bates informed the District Executive that he had taken this up as case work.     

3.    Mr Cliff Eyre, 23 Lancaster Avenue, Failsworth, Oldham

“Re: Central reservation along Oldham Road through Failsworth. 

1. How much has this cost?  When money could have been better spent.

2. Why build this raised central reservation, which now prevents emergency vehicles getting through during rush hour periods when there is standing traffic in both directions?

3. Why create congestion on M/way feeder road?”

As Mr Eyre was not in attendance a written response would be sent.  An update was also provided to the District Executive.

It was reported that work had been carried out due to the safety record of 38 casualties, which included 1 fatality and 7 serious injuries.  This was a casualty rate of 21%.  Emergency Services had been consulted on the work and were content with the proposal.  Public safety was paramount.

A road safety scheme for Wickentree Lane was being developed and would soon be consulted upon.   

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November 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; however there is currently one on going EPetition for gritting on Alder Road which is due to close on 24^th January 2015.  This will be reported to the next meeting of the District Executive. 

No petitions have been received; however, it was reported that there was currently one on going EPetition for gritting on Alder Road which was due to close on 24^th January 2015.  This would be reported to the next meeting of the District Executive. 

As this item had been requested by Councillor Briggs, who had been unable to attend, it was requested that this item be deferred to the next meeting.

RESOLVED that this item be deferred to the next meeting of the District Executive on 19^th March 2015. 

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.

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

1.     Hollinwood Festival 2015-allocation of £3461

2.     Proposed new entrance to Lower Failsworth Memorial Land, Moston Brook – allocation of £5000 in the current financial year and to commit £5000 (split between East & West) in the next financial year

3.     Community Safety – Allocation of £1000 for crime prevention and safety products

4.     Grimshaw Street Alley gates – Allocation of £920

5.     Bollards, Watchcote Post Office – provisional allocation of £1200

6.     Tree Planting - Kew Road, Richmond Road, Westminster Road,Ward Capital Budget - £5165 and Ward Revenue Budget £2486

7.     White Lining and Patching Works Failsworth East Ward Revenue - £2500

It was highlighted that Councillor Bates had committed in excess of his individual Councillor allowance and he was advised that the Council could not permit him to do this and therefore would need to reduce the amount allocated to one of his projects.

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 allocation of £3461 to the Hollinwood Festival 2015 be approved.

3.     The allocation of £5000 from the current financial year for the proposed new entrance to Lower Failsworth Memorial Land, Moston Brook be approved.

4.     The commitment of £5000 (split between Failsworth East and West) from the next financial year for the proposed new entrance to Lower Failsworth Memorial Land, Moston Brook be agreed.

5.     The allocation of £1000 for crime prevention and safety products be approved.

6.     The allocation of £920 for Grimshaw Street Alley gates be approved.

7.     The provisional allocation of £1200 for Bollards outside Watchcote Post Office be approved.

8.     The allocation of £5165 from Ward Capital Budget and £2486 from Ward Revenue Budget for tree planting on Kew Road, Richmond Road and Westminster Road be approved.

9.     The allocation of £2500 from Failsworth East Ward Revenue Budget for white lining and patching works be approved. 

A report was considered which requested that the District Executive agreed a policy framework for supporting new and existing independent businesses and to assist with the improvement of the physical appearance of premises along the A62 Failsworth Corridor.

The proposed boundary had been drafted to take in the majority of independent businesses along the Failsworth corridor, including those leading to Failsworth Metrolink station. The boundary included a number of non-eligible premises, such as residential properties. The delivery framework, criteria and publicity would, however, make it clear which premises were eligible for support.  A total of £100k had been allocated from the Council’s Capital Programme. The proposed delivery framework was appended to the report and provided the basis on which the scheme would operate.

It was further requested that there be a separate scheme for the Hollins Road Corridor of Hollinwood. 

RESOLVED that:

1.    The proposed boundary and delivery framework for grant support be approved subject to extending the boundary to the M60 from Manchester and additional funding of £100,000 for Failsworth and £100,000 for Hollinwood being requested from next year’s budget.

2.    The decision making process for grant approval be agreed and Councillors Garry, McMahon and Fielding be nominated to act as the review panel.

3.    The delivery arrangements, points of contact and the role of District Executive Members in promoting the scheme be noted.

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)    Failsworth & Hollinwood Christmas Lights 2014 – a report was submitted which provided a summary of the Christmas Lights Switch On Events of 2014.  Both Failsworth and Hollinwood Christmas celebrations proved to be hugely popular and received positive feedback for both events.  Early planning for 2015 was encouraged for both events; community members and partner organisations from both the public and private sector would be encouraged to attend planning meetings and to take an active role.

A vote of thanks was given to the Chair, District staff and everyone involved with making the events such an outstanding success.

c)    Community Safety - an update was given on community safety initiatives including alley gating projects.  

d)    Regeneration - A report was submitted which covered the following Issues:

·         Old Town Hall

·         Oldham Town Centre Leisure Centre

·         Coliseum & Heritage Centre

·         Town Centre Public Realm

• Broadway Green/Foxdenton
• Royton Town Centre Retail Development
• Hollinwood Junction
• Lancaster Club Site
• A62 Interventions
• Limehurst Estate
• Housing Units/Wickentree Lane

e)     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 thanks were given to the police as there had been a significant drop in antisocial behaviour.  However concerns were raised over other crime statistics which had increased up to 50%.

Sergeant Kenworthy highlighted the impact of the police cuts and the need to work more closely with the private sector so partners can assist and prevent extra pressure being placed on police resources.  The important role of special constables and PCSOs was also stressed.      

RESOLVEDthat:

1.     The updates be noted.

2.     The relocation of the Hollinwood Christmas Tree be considered.

3.     The District Executive continues to support the Christmas events in 2015 both financially and in terms of other resources.

4.     The District Executive through the District Team encourages partners and residents to play an active role in the Christmas events in 2015 and supports them in their various roles

RESOLVED that the date of the next meeting be noted.