(20 minutes for public questions and 20 minutes for Councillor questions)
Minutes:
The Mayor advised the meeting that the next item on the agenda in Open Council was Public Question Time. The questions had been received from members of the public and would be taken in the order in which they had been received. Council was advised that if the questioner was not present then the question would appear on the screen in the Council Chamber.
The following questions had been submitted:
1. Question received from Chris Gloster:
“Will the Cabinet Member deny that the decision, in principle, has been made to move Shaw market onto Market Street, despite concerns from local residents?”
Councillor Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism gave the following response:
“I won’t deny that a decision has been made.
We are going to move the market to Market Street for a three month trial period starting in early summer. During that time the Council will carry out a detailed study to see if the move has been successful, for example through increased footfall and a rise in takings for stall holders and local business.
Out of courtesy, this decision has been shared with market traders first before making this announcement.
At the end of the trail period customers, residents, traders and local businesses will be invited to have their say on the move.
If the Market Street location is considered to be successful then the council will take steps to make the move permanent. If not, the market will return to its current location.
I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. It is fair to say that there was a wide range of views expressed with some existing customers saying they didn’t want the location to change. I understand this. I know that change is difficult but the market needs to attract new customers and new stall holders so there was also recognition that we need to do something different.
I am clear that investing money on improving the existing site, which is what many people wanted, does not make commercial sense because it wouldn’t attract the extra customers the market needs.
We believe that the temporary move to Market Street will give the stall holders a boost as they’ll be selling their goods on a busy shopping street and we’ll also be helping the existing traders on Market Street by bringing more footfall to them.
I must stress that this is not a permanent move at this stage and we will examine whether it has been an economic success and take all views into account once the three months is up. The Council feels that this is a very sensible approach to take before spending the £120,000 we have allocated on making any permanent move.
This investment, if we go ahead, is in addition to the £100,000 invested in High Street grants for Shaw town centre’s small independent businesses.”
2. Question received from Louie Hamblett:
"I live in central Shaw. Inconsiderate parking on Market Street in Shaw by drivers visiting local shops and cafes is leading to traffic grinding to a halt. Buses simply cannot get past the vehicles on either side of the road.
Can the Cabinet Member please tell me if he is willing to deploy traffic wardens to book these drivers and help get traffic moving again?"
Councillor Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism gave the following response:
“Civil Enforcement Officers visit this area on a regular basis with the aim to discourage illegal parking, achieve compliance and improve the flow of traffic in the area. Since April 2014 there has been 96 PCNs issued on this street.
I will ask officers to increase patrols in this area over the coming weeks with the aim to try to improve the situation.
It must be noted that we used to use the camera car in this area but since the proposed change in legalisation by Government we have not been able to do so.”
3. Question received from Karen Kelly:
“Why is planning permission given to people that can’t afford to finish the work? Just to leave an eyesore and a danger to the neighbourhood. Never mind leaving water pipes exposed!!!”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“Planning applications are determined on their individual merits having regard to the adopted policies contained within the Council’s development plan, national guidance and any other material considerations.
The ability of an applicant or developer to finance a development is irrelevant in the consideration of a planning application. Only where developments are proposed which require financial contributions to be agreed with the Council (for matters such as public open space and affordable housing provision) will the applicants often submit viability appraisals if they are to justify reduced contributions.
Nevertheless, if land is left in an untidy condition, which adversely affects amenity, the planning enforcement team can investigate upon the receipt of a specific complaint. Furthermore, if a development has commenced, and has been left partially complete, the Council’s Building Control section may become involved if the building was found to be structurally unsafe.”
4, Question received from John Trickett:
“Whilst it is welcome news that Marks & Spencer are to open a store in Oldham concerns have been expressed about the cost to Oldham Council tax payers.
In the Oldham Chronicle Cllr Jim McMahon is quoted as saying 'regeneration plans would cost around £60 million, with most of the cost met by the new businesses and the council tax generated by the new residents moving into new homes'. Therefore how much, if any, of the £60m will be borne by Council Tax payers and how will this be paid for (if borrowed how long will it take to pay back), and what is the £60m actually for? (Should be noted that Marks and Spencer made £623m profit in 2013-14)
And finally if the finance for this scheme is to be borrowed how much in total has the council had to borrow for this and other town centre developments such as the Town Hall regeneration, and can the council guarantee that such borrowing will not affect future Council Tax charges for residents?”
Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region gave the following response:
“In terms of the finance and delivery arrangements for Oldham Mumps ad M & S, we’re still working through those proposals and once we have more complete conclusions drawn a report will follow to Cabinet and of course at that point will be in the public domain.
In terms of the Old Town Hall, there was a report taken to Cabinet in July that outlined the economic impact and the finances of the old Town Hall project. That report is available for members of the public to view.
I should say, and it is probably worth putting on record today, there are a number of mischievous comments being made around this project and other projects that need to be put straight. The first one is a myth that’s been perpetuated that claims that we’ve borrowed £150M. It is true to say the Council has £150M of borrowing but that borrowing was in place when Labour took control of this Council and it hasn’t changed significantly since then. As it stands today there hasn’t been a borrowing requirement for the regeneration projects that we’re currently undertaking but clearly in terms of investing in Oldham we will take a business decision on whether or not it’s a good investment for the return that’s going to be generated for the town and I think if we do that then that’s doing the right thing for the people of Oldham. The biggest problem the town faces in actual fact isn’t regeneration, although there are consequences if we don’t do it, it’s the central government cuts to this Council. So far and in terms of looking forward the total cut will be £204M. That will leave us with a budget of around £190M of controllable spend. Now any household income, if it was cut by more than half, you would have to make some very serious decisions about where you spent money and that is exactly the same situation as this Council. So will there be a need to raise Council Tax? I can say today there are no plans to raise Council Tax but I do think we need to be honest with ourselves and the public that every year costs increase. Inflationary costs increase, the staff wages bill increases, the cost of contracts increase, the cost of energy bills and insurances all increase and I think it’s very damaging if we get into a situation where we try and convince the public that costs just don’t go up when they do, and the reality is if these costs aren’t passed on all it means in real time and real terms is that costs will be passed onto services and services will be cut. So no plans today but let’s not get into an artificial debate about Council Tax increasing in the future because let’s be honest we all believe in public service and we all want to make sure they’re delivered to the public that we are here to represent.”
5. Question received from Haris Arshed:
“1. Front road access of Vernet Gardens is still blocked with fencing. Why?
2. Rear car park roads also need an extra overlay because it’s too deep as compare to parking bays.
3. There is some fenced barren land between Edward Street and our block of houses which our builder told us will be developed by council as playground/park/green belt. When they are going to develop this land?”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“1.This area requires further works to complete the cycle path and highway. This includes the application of the wearing course to Alfred Street and other uncompleted roadways in the area.
2. The wearing course to this area will be applied alongside other highways works around the development.
3. Keepmoat and the Council are engaged in detailed discussions to agree the most appropriate way of improving this land, which will be laid out as a ‘linear park’. These discussions are expected to conclude in the next few months.”
6. Question received from Alan Belmore:
“In view of the recent snow and ice, we have once again been reminded of the fantastic work done by the local gritters in keeping the area moving in difficult conditions
However, whilst the carriageways are cleared, we are also reminded of the dangers of poor pavement surfaces and the risks they pose for pedestrians. Nowhere is this more true than the dangerous Uppermill High Street footpath between Mill Street and the Fish and Chip shop.
This is a narrow pavement on a very busy road and the patched up pavement currently has large pockets of ice. With the lack of a raised curb it is a perilous situation for pedestrians and is fast becoming an accident waiting to happen, especially with so many school children using the route.
Will the council take a look at the pavement with a view to making it safer – especially in the current conditions?”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“Thank you for the recognition of the hard work which is undertaken in difficult conditions by many of our staff particularly those who work in all conditions and show tremendous commitment to keeping our roads open and bins collected at this time of year.
I’ve recently received one or two emails. It’s very rare that people take the time to thank people or express appreciation for work that the Council staff do. Can I say the teams, and I’ve been at Royton Hall School this morning having photographs taken with youngsters who have participated in a competition to name the gritters and it was a really good morning out, surrounded by lots of young children and I’m pleased to say that on that particular photograph I was the tallest one present.
The priority must always be that we keep the main route network open we are then able to move resources to work in the District Centres where the local teams clear and grit footpaths. I can confirm that this stretch of footpath is already included in the district work plan, and will be cleared and gritted as part of the routine work going forward.”
7. Question received from Julia Turner:
'When the Council is so quick to turn the lights off in Shaw, the Youth Centre and Crompton Pool - why was it that the Christmas lights in Shaw Town Centre were not turned off until 12 January?'
Councillor Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism gave the following response:
“The Christmas lights are put in place by a contractor to the Council and unfortunately there was a delay. A review has been undertaken to ensure they are turned off as contracted in future.”
8. Question received from Joe Fitzpatrick:
“The Leader Jim McMahon recently wrote an article for the magazine Progress, in which he accused Eric Pickles and the Department for Communities and Local Government of failing to provide accounting oversight across government.
Will he now provide external accounting oversight to his scheme to convert the Town Hall into a Cinema at a cost now in excess of £37 million so the people of Oldham can have a full understanding of this mad scheme, instead of the disgracefully inept paper that was presented to Cabinet.”
Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region, gave the following response:
“Thank you for highlighting that article, which was intended to highlight just how poorly managed the cuts have been to Local Government. The Public Accounts Committee that reported back, which is cross parties, this isn’t a party political point at all, was very clear that actually of the £7.6 billion that’s been taken from local councils, the majority of that has come from council’s that represent deprived communities. Money has been taken from the poorest and we know it’s been given to some of the wealthiest areas in return. That isn’t fair by anybody’s account and I think most of us accept that we have to shoulder our fair share of the cuts, I just think the way it’s been handled has been disastrous for communities like Oldham and we should say so and I would hope UKIP join me in doing that because it’s beyond politics this, as in Oldham politics, this is about what’s right for our town. So instead of criticising it, get behind Oldham, that’s what I say.
Thank you again for raising the Old Town Hall flagship regeneration project in the heart of Oldham that will transform our Town Centre. Like me, Mr Fitzpatrick will be aware that regeneration in Oldham hasn’t met its full potential in the past and we’re determined to turn that round. We’ve brought forward a scheme that will turn around an aging building, that currently didn’t have a viable use, and we’re bringing forward a plan to build a brand new cinema and restaurants, brand new public square that will be the catalyst for regeneration in Oldham Town Centre. Now far from that being bad news, I would say that’s very good news and there’s only one thing that I’ll say, because there’s actually quite a lot of people in the audience today, in Oldham the main political parties, Labour, Conservatives and the Lib Dems have put aside our party political differences to make sure that the regeneration of Oldham isn’t compromised and what we’re finding today is that a fringe minor party is coming in trying to exploit the natural concerns people have in a very cynical way to try and gain support. I say this, I think people in Oldham are far smarter than that, I don’t think they’re going to be taken in by that and I think people in Oldham actually believe that for once Oldham is heading in the right direction.”
Councillor Jabbar entered the meeting at 6.49pm.
8. Question received from Peter Davis:
“Hi i would like to ask the following question in public questions on Wednesday evening.
Can council clarify the position regarding UKIP Councillor Warren Bates and his allowance payments.
It is important that Councillors act with honesty and integrity. I understand that the payment of Councillor allowances is legitimate, but if a candidate stands for election and makes a pledge on allowances then they should be able to demonstrate that they have stood by that pledge.
In election campaigns Cllr Bates pledged to only claim half his allowance with the remainder being donated to charity. Can i ask how much was Cllr Bates entitled to claim and what was actually claimed since his election? Can council confirm if any salary deductions have been made on any part of his allowance payment.”
Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region gave the following response:
“I will give a factual response but given that it names a Member in this chamber we should give the opportunity for the Member to answer the questions directly if Council is in agreement with that. The factual response is Councillor Bates is entitled to claim £ 9,040 a year and to date he has claimed pro rata his full entitlement, so he’s claimed his full entitlement. I’m not able to confirm whether any has been given to charity because I’ve been advised that it’s subject to data protection restrictions.”
On being put to the vote, Council agreed that Councillor Bates be given the opportunity to respond, however he declined.
At this point in the meeting the Mayor advised that the time limit for this item had expired.
The following questions were submitted by Councillors on Ward or District Matters:
1. Councillor Ball to Councillor Hibbert:
“Some of the residents of Derker St are having an awful time with taxis sat waiting for fares with their engines running and radios on, outside their properties. Sometimes blocking their drives, and sometimes during the night. This is having the effect of stopping children sleeping.
As this is not a taxi rank, and as it is an offence to sit with your engine running, this surely can be right. Why can’t they park up at their rank office?
Please can we look at this urgently, and if drivers continue to do this, can this issue be taken into account when the taxi companies are getting rated for their stars? This behaviour is not acceptable.”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“I can confirm that officers are aware of the situation as outlined and have been communicating with operators and drivers to remind them not to cause a nuisance to residents. Several warning letters have already been issued and any repeated breaches will be considered for referral to the Licensing Panel to review their licence.”
2. Councillor Murphy to Councillor McMahon:
“Will the leader join me in condemning Eon, who have been instructed by their Press Office, not to speak to local Councillors or attend the District Executive, to talk about concerns relating to street lighting in and around Shaw, Crompton and Shaw town centre - and will the leader put pressure on those who have issued the decree to give their reasons and get them to agree to attend a meeting.”
Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region, gave the following response:
“I think we’ve all experienced lighting columns being put in front of people’s windows where they shouldn’t have been, blocking access to driveways, you name it. If it could have been put in the wrong place in one ward in the borough it would have been done. I’m slightly disappointed though because we have raised this in Council meetings before and we have given a commitment that things will improve and from what’s being said things haven’t improved. Now it is worth saying that Eon are a sub-contractor and it’s the Community Lighting Partnership that should be having those interactions with Ward Councillors but I think even so, of the professionals from Eon who have attended the meetings in Failsworth, where I’ve attended as Ward Councillor, I’ve been less than impressed at the preparation, at the advice and the follow up, it’s just not good enough. We’re paying a lot of money for that contract, quite rightly because we know the street lighting needs to be replaced, but be clear that Ward Councillors are the voice of their community and if Ward Councillors are raising an issue then it’s because members of the community come forward with a complaint and I can guarantee that if members on that side are complaining, members on my side feel the same way. From this meeting I’ll send a letter to the Community Lighting Partnership and to Eon and make it absolutely clear that Ward Members need to be taken seriously, that their concerns need to be acted on and that any issues need to be resolved as a matter of urgency. I would consider it a breach of trust in the relationship if they didn’t take it more seriously.”
3. Councillor Sheldon to Councillor Hibbert:
“The installation of the new street lighting is taking place in Uppermill and Grasscroft.
Could I ask the cabinet member responsible if any work has been scheduled to remove some of the lower tree branches of the trees directly below the new lights.
It is quite obvious in many cases that the new light will be shaded by the tree leaves in the spring and summer and this will reduce the emission of light onto the road and footpaths.”
Councillor Hibbert, the Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“The code of practice says that whenever street lamps are installed any offending or intruding trees should be trimmed. If you let me know where they are I will work with Councillor Brownridge and ensure they are trimmed back.”
4. Councillor Moores to Councillor Hibbert:
“Mills Hill Station sits on the Oldham Rochdale boundary and provides a vital link to Manchester and the wider area for residents of both borough, unfortunately access to the station for disabled people is extremely limited. Could the relevant Cabinet Member please advise me of what plans are in place to address the problem of disabled access at Mills Hill station.”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“Mills Hill Station is one of 26 stations across the country that will benefit from the latest round of the DfT’s Access for All programme which was announced in December last year. These 26 stations will receive a share of a £60 million fund.
Accessible, step-free access will be provided at all 6. They will all get an accessible route into the station and between each platform.
Mills Hill has been in the list of stations most in need of step-free access across Greater Manchester since the list was drawn up in 2009, so the announcement in December was extremely welcome.
Can I also add Greenfield Station, which is another station which is in desperate need of proper access, I’ve met with Transport Sub-Committee up in the Saddlleworth area on this issue. We will of course continue our campaign to get step-free access at Greenfield Station as part of the planned Network Rail electrification programme along with access improvements at other stations used by Oldham residents including Moston and Mossley.”
5. Councillor Sedgwick to Councillor Hibbert
"Can the Cabinet Member give me an update on the zebra crossing at Ashbrook Road in Springhead?
We were assured that all pedestrian crossings would be inspected but as yet we have received no report on this matter".
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“The borough wide zebra review has been completed. The Zebra Crossing on A669 Oldham Road, adjacent to Walkers Lane (Ashbrook Road) has been assessed as requiring the replacement of the existing Belisha beacons and posts and replacement with new posts and LED equipment, together with improvements to the tactile paving arrangement.
A quotation for the works is anticipated shortly and once received will allow the works to be programmed.
Can I take this opportunity to give my commitment to all ward Members that whenever similar work is being carried out in their ward, they will be notified well in advance of the work commening.”
6. Councillor Williamson to Councillor Hibbert
“At a previous Council meeting I asked the following question:
Over the last year I have repeatedly reported to Highways the issue of a collapsed manhole covers on Grampian Way, High Crompton – there are two. It appears that the one at the junction of North Downs Road has finally been fixed but there is still a big deep on the road at the junction of Grampian Way and Highlands Road, where the road is collapsing. Over this time there has been sewerage running across the footpath. The drains in this area have been proved by United Utilities as hydraulically inadequate and these dips and collapses must be as a direct result of this.
Please can the Cabinet Member work with Ward Councillors and Highways to put pressure United Utilities to resolve the matter?”
Whilst Cllr Hibbert answered the question, there have been a couple more cases of this happening in the same area. Therefore can I ask the relevant Cabinet Member to again put pressure on United Utilities to resolve the issue for local residents and involve local Councillors.”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“We are aware of the on-going issues and are at present engaged with United Utilities to expedite a repair. Further information will be available shortly from United Utilities.”
7. Councillor Harkness to Councillor Harrison
"As you will be aware there has been problems with flooding on the Woolpack football pitches in Dobcross for quite some time and this has had an adverse impact.
I have worked with the football teams and council officers for some time to try to get some progress and I welcome the positive work done to try and address the issues and the collaborative approach with United Utilities and the Environment Agency to address the long term flooding issues in Dobcross and beyond.
My understanding is that the owners of the damaged culvert are required to repair it and that the council are still carrying out work. During this time it means that the football pitches are not useable.
Could the cabinet member please provide an update on when the works are likely to be completed and when the football pitches are going to be ready to use?"
Councillor Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Public Health gave the following response:
“I can confirm that the damaged culvert has now been repaired by the landowner and the flooding that was causing issues to the pitch and the pathway has been alleviated. Environmental Services have restated the pathway to a good standard and the damage caused to the grassed area has now been repaired. Seeding will take place in the spring time ready for the new season in August 2015. This will allow enough time for the turf to get established enabling a football pitch to marked out and allowing normal use to be resumed.”
8. Councillor Blyth to Councillor McMahon
“Can the Cabinet Member or Leader please assure me, and my Shaw and Crompton colleagues, that the major improvement works scheduled for the Crompton War Memorial will be started in a timely manner to ensure that the works will be completed in time for Remembrance Sunday in 2015.”
Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region, gave the following response:
“I can confirm that work is now progressing on the memorial. We are waiting to hear back from English Heritage to get their approval. Once that’s received work can begin.”
9. Councillor McCann to Councillor Hibbert
“We have a number of Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) in Saddleworth installed by the District Partnership some five years ago in 2010 with a maintenance contract for five years. As this contract is now ending could the member advise me if there is any consideration being made regarding a renewal of the maintenance contract?”
Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport gave the following response:
“We are aware of the issues and know the problems; we are looking at the costs, the necessary costs and as soon as we’ve got the estimates will get back to you to discuss the best way forward. I will discuss it with yourself and the District Partnership to ensure that everybody gets as much as they can of what they what.”
RESOLVED that the questions raised and the responses given be noted.