Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ur-Rehman.

There were no items of urgent business received.

There were no declarations of interest received.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the West Oldham District Executive meeting held on 26^th July 2017 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the West Oldham District Executive meeting held on 26^th July 2017 be approved as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report of the Corporate Policy Development Officer which asked the Committee to appoint one of its members as Dementia Champion for the district of West Oldham.

The request had been originated by a motion presented at Full Council in September 2016 to improve the support offered to those affected by Dementia in Oldham. The Dementia Champion would have knowledge and understanding of Dementia and the support services available in the area. He/She would also contribute to develop a new Dementia Strategy for Oldham.

The Committee welcome the proposal and acknowledged the importance of understanding the extent of the problem in the district. Furthermore, the Committee acknowledged the need to raise awareness amongst residents via divulging information on Dementia and support services available in Oldham for people affected by this condition and their carers.

RESOLVED that:

1.    Councillor Akhtar be appointed Dementia Champion for the district of West Oldham;

2.     A presentation on Dementia be delivered at a future meeting of the West Oldham District Executive;

a.    The Chair and the District Coordinator meet to establish the main points that the presentation needs to address.

Consideration was given to a report of the West Oldham District Coordinator which sought to update the Committee on some key developments in the district.

The Committee raised their concern with regards to the maintenance of the highways in West Oldham. Elected Members were particularly concerned with regards to the construction sites and the developers’ lack of compliance with the planning conditions in respect of completion of the highways and green spaces. Furthermore, the cleanness of the sites during the construction projects was also a cause of concern for the Committee.  Elected Members observed that the issue was evident in many sites across West Oldham and specific cases were discussed. It was agreed to send a letter to the relevant Cabinet Members and Officers to seek a solution to this issue.

Members sought and received clarification / commented on the following points:

–     Cottam Street Play Space and additional funding for lighting, benches and extra equipment – it was explained that Section 106 funding covered capital spending and future maintenance for this site and Westhulme kickpitch .

–     Oak Mill Chase and section 106 condition for the Council to take on the play area for maintenance and redesign – It was explained that the matter was under the remit of the Planning and Infrastructure services. However, the District Coordinator would reiterate the request to complete the process.

–     Lee Street and developer’s obligation to resurface the highway – It was explained that, as per legal agreement with the developer, the road would be resurfaced up to a certain extent. Cabinet Member for Finance and HR and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services would look at the scheme with the intent of finding a solution.

–     Chamber Road and Primrose Bank sites and developers not cleaning the streets from debris at the end of each day. 

–     Possibility of prudential borrowing for the maintenance of the highways – It was explained that although this was an option, it would be very expensive for the Council.

–     Werneth Park Music Room and opportunity to bring the building back in use – Members requested that options for the site be brought to a future meeting.

Elected Members were reminded that specific issues concerning the ward needed to be brought to the attention of the relevant Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The content of the report be noted;

2.    A letter be sent by the District Coordinator on behalf of the District Executive to the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and the Head of Planning and Infrastructure to raise concern with regards to the completion of residential developments and the standards of highways and green spaces and compliance with planning conditions.  

The Committee gave consideration to a report of the West Oldham District Coordinator which sought to inform on the District Plan priorities, the funding allocations and the outcomes of funded projects.

The District Coordinator informed the Committee that the figures reported on page 15 of the agenda pack should read £7,848.48 as Revenue total allocation for Coldhurst and Capital total allocation for Werneth £7,000 with £3,000 remaining.

Elected Members were also informed on how the funding allocation for the Darker Nights project had been spent to purchase timers, window alarms and additional security devices. Conversations would take place with residents on the importance of using these tools to prevent criminal damage to their properties.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The content of the report be noted.

2.    £5,000 (Capital) funding be allocated to Tudor Street Sensory Garden.

3.    £2,000 (Capital) funding be allocated to Chelmsford Street open space improvements.

4.    £4,000 (Capital) funding be allocated to Cottam Street play area.

5.    £2,500 (Revenue) funding be allocated to over 50s activities at OBA Millennium Centre.

6.    The funding feedback from Eden Project be noted.

This is a standing item concerning the petitions submitted to the District Executive of West Oldham. The petitions will be considered according to the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Petition Scheme.

There were no petitions to note.

The next meeting of the West Oldham District Executive will take place on 29^th November 2017 at 6pm.

RESOLVED that the next meeting take place on Wednesday 29^th November 2017 at 6pm.