Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

Urgent business, if any, introduced by the Chair

The Chair agreed one item of Urgent Business.  Cabinet had approved at its meeting on 21^st July the allocation of £100,000 for investment in Lees Centre.  The District Executive were requested to agree to a Review Panel, whose membership would include local Ward Members, for the consideration of grant applications.

RESOLVED that the three Saddleworth West and Lees Ward Members be appointed to the Lees District Centre Review Panel.

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

Councillor Sheldon declared a personal and pecuniary interest at Item 7 by virtue of the fact that he owns two businesses in Saddleworth.  He took no part in the vote thereon.

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

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive held on 19^th June 2014 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that subject to the following amendment the minutes of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive meeting held on 19^th June 2014 be approved as a correct record:

1.                  that Councillor Kirkham indicated that she did not agree that she would support the decision of the EFA.

The Committee considered a report which sought the views on the proposal for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on residential roads within the borough.  Unity Partnership had been asked investigate the introduction of the proposal following a motion to Council.  The members were informed of the review to date, 56 schemes were already in place which incorporated 20 mph zones, baseline accident data, road casualty data and physical measures deployed.  There would need to be support and funding to be made available. Members were informed that speed limits would be posted on signs.  Members questioned whether “A” roads could be part of the scheme.  It was confirmed that they could if there were vulnerable users and cyclists a scheme could be supported.  Members did requested no speed bumps as part of the proposals and proposed schemes should be outside schools, Cooper Street was highlighted. 

RESOLVED that the District Executive supported the proposal for the implementation of a 20 mph speed restriction on residential roads.

The District Executive considered a report which requested funding towards the cost of the Community Toilets Scheme.  The scheme was funded jointly by the Saddleworth Parish Council and the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership in 2010-11.  It was difficult to identify usage of the facilities under the scheme and if it represented value for money.  It was noted that Saddleworth Parish Council had agreed to fund the scheme and a plan would be drawn up which included a review of the existing scheme and a residents survey to determine whether the scheme should be funded as part of the precept.

Councillor Sheldon abstained from the vote on this item.

RESOLVED that:

1.                  The decision on funding be deferred to October following the review by the Saddleworth Parish Council.

2.                  the cost of funding of the public toilets in the park be explored.

The District Executive considered a report regarding a petition that requested residents only parking and speed restrictions on Stanley Street, Walkers Lane and Hollins Street, Springhead.  The criteria for residents only parking was currently under review.  The report noted that with prevailing accident records and volume and speed of traffic within the locations, it was not considered that traffic calming measures would have any impact on highway safety.

RESOLVED that no action be taken in respect of the Petitioner’s request.

The District Executive gave consideration to a report which advised of the breakdown of expenditure during 2013/14, available budget for 2014/15 and potential budget commitments.  Members queried the additional funding for winter maintenance in 2013/14 and asked for confirmation if this had been allocated toward Churchill Playing Fields.

Councillor Sheldon apologised to the District Executive for not presenting his personal and pecuniary interests to the meting held on 14 November 2013 regarding Saddleworth School.

RESOLVED that:

1.                  the funding allocations made by the District Executive to date be noted.

2.                  the budget available for 2014/15 be noted.

3.                  the contribution of funding to the Community Toilets Scheme be deferred to a future meeting.

4.                  funding allocation for winter maintenance in 2013/14 be confirmed as being used for Churchill Playing Fields.

5.                  Councillor Sheldon’s apology to the District Executive be accepted.