Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ames, Briggs and Stretton.

Councillor Garry declared a personal interest in Item 5 of the Agenda, GMP Failsworth and Hollinwood Police report by virtue of her partner being employed by Greater Manchester Police.

The following public questions were received from Mr. Andy Hunter-Rossall:

1. There is a muddy path between the health centre car park and the canal which is a bit of an eyesore. Who owns this section of land? Can we get some surfacing on this path? The whole triangular patch of grass here is often trampled to mud. Creating a path here may prevent this, but other suggestions for beautifying this patch would also be welcome - such as planting something large enough to prevent trampling across the middle of the patch.

2. I've spotted a couple of times recently that the lighting along the canal is on during the day. This tends to happen on cloudy days, and I presume there is some kind that there is some kind of light sensor, but the lighting has certainly been on in the middle of the day, and when nearby streetlights have not been on. Could the council look in to whether there is a possible saving of money and energy by putting a timer on these lights as well?

3. As I'm sure you are aware, there's a team of volunteers who meet every 6 weeks to improve the section of the Rochdale Canal through Failsworth. We will be out again this Sunday, meeting at 10am in the Royal Oak carpark - all volunteers are welcome. We would love to repaint the locks, cut back vegetation overhanging the paths and growing out of the walls, etc, and other jobs, but unfortunately most of our energy goes in to picking up litter and grappling trolleys and other large items out of the canal. Are there any measures we could take to prevent trolleys ending up in the canal in the first place? Magnetic strips to lock the wheels? Bollards or other obstructions to make it difficult for trolleys to pass? Obviously, it would be best if we could work with Tesco on this, as I presume there is a significant financial loss for them from the number of trolleys that are ending up in the canal.

Councillor Fielding gave the following response;

1. Item 6 of the agenda, Failsworth and Hollinwood Budget 2017/18, provided details of monies to be allocated for a path to be created from Rochdale Canal to Failsworth Health Centre.

2. Mr. Hunter-Rossall did raise the issue about the lights but when he was contacted about the matter he advised this was no longer an issue. The street lighting team could be contacted and if Mr. Hunter-Rossall required further assistance Councillor Fielding would provide his details.

3. Tesco did have magnetic strips, however if the trolleys are lifted a few inches off the ground, the strip is rendered useless. Mr. Hunter-Rossall could approach Tesco to discuss other measures and Councillor Fielding would be happy to assist if required.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive held on 15^th June 2017 be approved.

The District Executive gave consideration to a report of the District Coordinator which provided details of the budgets aligned for 2017/18 Municipal Year and spend for this period.

It was reported that paragraph 3.3 of the report required an amendment. The Capital works to be undertaken, a path from Rochdale Canal to the Failsworth Health Centre, at a cost of £5865.00 would be funded equally, from both Failsworth West and Failsworth East capital budgets.

An elected member enquired about monies allocated to Lower Memorial Park in the 2016/17 budget and he was advised that the Parks department were developing a scheme.

RESOLVED – That:

1.     The funding allocated to the Failsworth and Hollinwood District Executive for the Municipal year 2017/18 be noted.

2.     The funding outlined in section 3 with an amendment to section 3.3, the sum of £2,932.50 from Failsworth West capital budget and £2932.50 from Failsworth East capital budget to fund the capital works at the Failsworth Canal be agreed.

The Local policing team were in attendance to discuss the District Executive meeting Police report.

Members were advised that reports of Anti-Social Behaviour were on the same par as the same reporting period last year and off road bikes were becoming an increasing problem in the area. 

It was reported that the burglary dwelling crime statistics had been reclassified to include sheds and detached garages and this was the reason the figures had increased this year. Violent crime statics were also up on last year and this was because the assault and harassment figures now included malicious communications, dangerous dogs and fear of violence. Members noted the update and asked questions/made observations in relation to:

·       Presentation of the District Executive Police report and its contents

·       Legal highs/Nitrous Oxide issues/future health issues

·       Ringing 101 and associated issues with this. It was reported that work was being undertaken on the call handling of the 101 number and concerns would be fed back

·       Police Surgeries and information regarding where and when surgeries were being held.

RESOLVED – That:

1.     The District Executive Meeting police report be noted.

2.     A meeting between members of the District Executive and the Local Policing Team takes place to discuss the format of the Police report and future reporting to the meeting.

3.     Copies of the posters for Police surgeries with times and dates to be advertised in the library.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Members gave consideration of an update provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau.

It was noted that at the end of May 2017 the total number of residents given assistance was 214. Debt rescheduled total was £70,292 and additional income generated through eligible benefits was £14,269.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.