Agenda item

The Mayor advised the meeting that the first 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 public questions had been submitted: (20 mins)

 

1.         Question from Peter Davis via email:

 

“When UKIP Councillor Warren Bates was elected last May in Failsworth West, he said he was going to put Failsworth back on the map. So when I looked at his Annual Report of Activities, I was shocked to see what he had reported, you could have fitted his achievements on a postage stamp.

I asked a question at the last Full Council Meeting, when Cllr Bates had made pledges at previous election campaigns to donate half his allowance to charity, Council confirmed Cllr Bates had claimed his full entitlement to allowances and gave him the opportunity to respond, which he refused to do despite the Mayor giving him opportunity several times, he responded by saying no comment.

Since then I have learnt that Councillor Bates has been in front of the Standard's Committee after a number of complaints that he has been found to have disrespected an 84 year old former soldier and received a three month ban from Failsworth Town Hall when The Failsworth Historical Society holds it meetings.

Would Council agree that his actions have brought the role of Councillor into disrepute?”

 

Mr. Davis asked his question.

 

Councillor McMahon, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region responded thanks for his question.  He expressed his disappointment with recent events.  He explained the annual report provides information as to what councillors were doing in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.  Elected Members were offered support and training to help complete the form.  The way the report had been completed appeared disrespectful of the process. The Standards complaint would be discussed later on the agenda.  The public have a right to be treated with respect and on this occasion the Councillor fell short of expectations.  A lot of time had been taken in dealing with complaint and counter complaints which was not a good use of officer and member time.

 

2.         Question from Maria Dawn Ellis via email:

 

“I am Maria Ellis, chairperson of Peace Talks Oldham - We support the message of Mr Prem Rawat, given the title "The Ambassador of Peace" by the European Parliament. He has traveled worldwide for almost 50 years, with the message that "Peace is Possible".

Firstly I would like to thank Oldham Council & the Mayor for their support for the Peace Day event at Gallery Oldham on Saturday 20th September. Simon Shuttleworth and the District Partnership were very helpful & we are proud to report that 236 people attended the 4 hour event. WE were told that of all the events running throughout the UK for Peace Day, Oldham had the best attendance. As a group WE have held activities previously in Oldham and Manchester but never had an event like the one the Council helped us stage, or had so many attend!

Peace Talks Oldham have recently signed the Pledge To Peace, established in 2011 by the European Parliament. The document suggests that ideal signatories include "Local Government Institutions".

I understand that later in this meeting Oldham Council will discuss becoming the first Local Authority to sign The Pledge To Peace. I would like to congratulate the Council for considering this proposal.

I am pleased that the Council wishes to host a 2nd event on Saturday 19th September at the Gallery. This is part of our 2015 Peace Plan submitted to the Pledge To Peace. It could also be a commitment made by the Council as a signatory.

Peace Talks Oldham attended the "Making A Difference" conference last year & saw it as a positive step forward to running more Peace activities in the Borough.

Following the conference WE visited Warrington Peace Centre & established links with Oldham Interfaith Forum. WE hope to work with both organisations this year.

My question is – would the Council please consider working with us to create a peace plan for the borough?  This need not cost much and give you recognition as the first local Council to sign the Pledge to Peace!”

 

Ms. Ellis asked her question.

 

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives thanked Ms. Ellis for her question and that it was encouraging that the event was a success.  The Council recognised the importance of such initiatives in helping to foster better relationships between the communities of Oldham.  The Council would be discussing the Pledge to Peace later on the agenda.  The Council undertakes a range of work to build community relations and to resolve and manage conflict which included the proposed event in September in support of International Peace Day.  The Council was pleased to work in supporting this and related initiatives.

 

3.         Question received from Janet Feltham via email:

 

“I am very concerned about two matters relating to Cop Road/Bullcote Lane Shaw.  Firstly the condition of the road surface and the deep potholes that need to be repaired.  Secondly and a more important concern is the number of children who use the road to walk to school.    The problem is not the walking children - they should be commended for walking to school but the concern is the dangerous lack of pavements for the students to use for their safety.   

The road is narrow with many bends and for the most part unlit - a child walking in a dark school uniform on winter mornings or afternoons is in danger from vehicles using the road. 

As a driver one is concentrating on avoiding the deep potholes - bends in the road and oncoming cars. Then suddenly there is a child in the road.   I fear it will take the serious injury or worse the death of a child before any action is taken.

I would like to know if the Council is going to take some action regarding the dangerous situation as outlined in my email and provide paths - lighting and repair the many deep potholes on Cop Road/Bullcote Lane.”

 

Councillor David Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport responded that a Highway Improvement Scheme had been approved and was programmed to be constructed within the next few months.  The scheme involved a short stretch of carriageway widening works and the provision of a footway and street lights around the sharp bend adjacent to Bullcote Farm.  The condition of the carriageway would be addressed following this work.  The level of the repair would be dependent on the budget available in the 2015/16 financial year.

 

4.  Question received from Louie Hamblett via email:

 

“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.”

"In response to Cllr Stretton's reply first of all thank you for the promised additional enforcement action. I would welcome an update on the effectiveness of this activity. But I would like to ask why has the Council already ceased to use camera cars given the Deregulation Bill has not yet received Royal Assent?"

 

Councillor Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism responded that the government had interfered with the use of CCTV.  It was about safety and never about money.  It was sensible to restrict the use to areas around schools and bus routes.  When the bill becomes an Act, it would be enforced as stringent as allowed with a focus on road safety.  Councillor Stretton confirmed the enforcement officers visited Market Street on a regular basis and would ask for patrols to be increased in the area.

 

5.         Question received from Frank Whitehead via email:

 

“Dear Members of Oldham Council,

I live at number 13 The Link in High Crompton Shaw, we have a problem with inadequate Street  

Lighting.  When the lighting was upgraded { ? }, modernized, we were told that although the number of lights on the street was being reduced the quality of the light would be improved.  This has not proved to be true, the two lights on the street nearest to our house cast very little light in our direction, such that from our front room we can only see darkness outside on the street.  We can vaguely make out if someone is moving, but lose all sight of them if they stop, we could not possibly recognize them.  This can be extremely worrying when someone is at home by themselves.

Is there any possibility that additional street lights could be provided, or that at least the present lights could be made brighter.”

 

Councillor David Hibbert, Cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Transport responded to the concerns over the lighting levels.  The Council had entered into a Street Lighting Private Finance which would see 80% of the street lighting columns replaced within the Borough by next June and the replacement lighting needed to be installed to a particular standard.  Councillor Hibbert would arrange for a Council officer to arrange a meeting to ensure the lighting was compliant.

 

6.  Question received from Chris Gloster via email:

 

“The ramped pathway from Dawn Street, Shaw into ASDA’s car park was fitted as part of a planning application for the ASDA drive through store facility several months ago.

 

Despite the drive through being in daily use, a dropped kerb, part of the planning agreement to aid wheelchair and push chair access and egress, has not been provided.

 

Will the Council take action to ensure a dropped kerb is fitted as soon as possible?”

 

Councillor David Hibbert, Cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Transport, responded and thanked for bringing this to his attention.  He had asked officers from Planning to investigate the issue and report back to him and to Mr. Gloster.

 

7.  Question received from Julia Turner via email:

 

“I am really disappointed to see the tennis courts have been closed at High Crompton Park due to surface damage. 

Now the clocks have gone forward and we have lighter nights and hopefully some good weather ahead of us, will Council please authorise funds for repairs or replacement as soon as possible so this facility can be used to its full potential.”

 

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that the tennis courts had suffered over the winter period.  The Council was getting estimates and would seek funding to make the repairs.

 

8.  Question received from Stephen Barrow via email:

 

“West Street and Dawson Street in Lees have been reported to this Council on at least four occasions by residents as in need of urgent repairs.  I understand that promises of action were given to some residents that broken and dangerous roads would be repaired as soon as possible.

Given that other roads in the borough have been repaired it looks like Lees residents are being ignored.  Can we now please have a true time scale as to when the relaying of these two streets will take place or at least a date when repair will be completed?”

 

Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, responded that there were no actionable defects and was not a significant risk to the asset.  However, it was on the list to be resurfaced when the relevant budget became available and reviewed for alternative solutions.  The two outstanding repair orders for West Street would remain on the list for resurfacing until a budget became available.

 

9.  Question from Stuart Taft received via email:

 

““What difference would the Devolvement make to Oldham in general and where would the money for the NHS be spent in relation to Oldham's Health Services after the elections?”

 

Councillor Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Public Health responded that the deal announced in March saw NHS England, 12 Clinical Commissioning Groups, 15 NHS providers and the local authorities including Oldham agreed a framework for health and social care – with plans for joint decision making on integrated care to support physical, mental and social wellbeing.  The devolution of responsibilities to GM would see a combined £6bn of Health and Social Care budgets transferred to the region.  This budget covered the whole of the health and care system and would create an agreement that bound together the 10 GM locality budgets and plans within a single GM framework.  It was important to clarify that this was not the creation of a single GM Health & Social Care budget. 

 

The intention was to have full devolution of agreed budget with preferred governance arrangements and underpinned GM and local agreements in place by April 2016. 

 

This was an early step on the road for devolution of decisions and budgets to regional level and it was welcome.  It was believed a better and more efficient way to delivery services could be created that were arranged around people, not institutional silos.  Health and Social Care has some of the best and highly-regarded frontline workers and they, like the Council, recognised there were gaps in the current system would only be resolved through true integration.

 

Implications for Oldham were still being considered as further detail on the form and functions of devolution evolved.  A Member Working Group would be established to develop and local understanding of the implication of devolved health and social care decision making powers and budgets.

 

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 Sedgwick to Councillor Chadderton:

 

““Recently the Cabinet Member for Education stated that "The children of Saddleworth do not deserve to be educated in second-rate buildings."  Whilst acknowledging that this referred to secondary education, I should like to draw her attention to a school in my Ward - Springhead Infant and Nursery School – where the fabric of the building  does not even come up to the standard of second rate.

This school is over 100 years old and is probably the oldest non Church school in the Borough. The Governors have for many years been campaigning to make necessary repairs and improvements to the environment for both staff and pupils. 

They have recently uncovered the 2013 Local Authority Condition Survey that highlighted over £500,000 of Priority 2 work which was deemed "Essential within 2 years", yet nothing has been done. 

The Local Authority Suitability Survey, also from 2013, confirmed that even with £500,000 Priority 2 work completed the building would remain substantially unfit for purpose. 

Would the Cabinet member confirm that repair is entirely uneconomical and illogical and that a new school building is now a priority?”

 

Councillor Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education responded that she agreed that funding schools for repairs was uneconomical.    The Government had taken away 45% of the budget and there was no money to build new schools.  There was a strategy on bidding to national government which addressed both poor building conditions and additional pupil places.  She was aware of the issues at Springhead and these were being addressed by the Capital Investment Programme Board to fund the repairs.  With the funding available, repairs were necessary at this time.

 

2.         Councillor Haque to Councillor Hibbert:

 

“United Utilities have announced a major scheme to upgrade Oldham’s wastewater system ­– with the aim of improving water quality in the River Irk which borders Chadderton North. 

We are told that the works will involve the sinking of a pipeline between the Oldham wastewater treatment plant at Chadderton and Royton. The route of the pipeline running through Chadderton North. It is anticipated that the work will commence this summer. 

Can the cabinet member responsible, please provide advice on what measures will be in place to mitigate the anticipated disruption and inform residents of activity during the construction phase.“

 

Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport responded that this was a major civil engineering project and United Utilities have asked for comments and involvement of affected parties.  The first public consultation had taken place over a year ago.  With each public the feedback received affected the route of the pipeline and the build-ability and the arrangement of the planned construction phase. 

 

Works were in the planning stage and every reasonable measure would be taken to minimise disruption to the livelihoods of residents, shop owners and business.  Detailed traffic management proposals were yet to be discussed with United Utilities but initial discussions undertaken with them stipulated that the Highway Authority would not support the total closures of main routes such as Middleton Road and Foxdenton Lane unless absolutely necessary.  The temporary traffic management would aim to minimise disruption and keep construction time as short as possible.  Closer to the actual works taking place, there would be further communication from United Utilities regarding the traffic management, the duration and details of the scheme. 

 

Councillor Hibbert would keep everyone informed.

 

3.         Councillor Sheldon to Councillor Hibbert:

 

“I would like to ask the cabinet member if he would consider the following suggestions.

To consider using land off Oaklands Road Greenfield as an extension to car parking for railway users.

To provide disabled access and general pedestrian access to both platforms by re-opening and modifying the existing tunnel under the railway tracks.

To plan a wider road bridge with greater visibility to replace the existing stone bridge at Greenfield Station when the electrification needs are met.

These suggestions will benefit the many users of Greenfield Station by creating car parking adjacent to the Station. The current parking provisions at

Chapel Road, Saddleworth Rangers, Shaw Hall Bank Road, and Tesco are fast becoming inadequate for the current rail users.

The underground tunnel with lighting and security cameras will create an easy passage from each platform, and the metal steps and bridge could be removed.

The road bridge over the railway could be designed with greater visibility this would reduce the number of accidents which occur at this notorious junction. a wider bridge would also improve traffic flow at this road junction.

If requested I will be pleased to expand on these ideas with the cabinet member.”

 

Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport responded that Network Rail was developing a scheme to electrify the rail line between Manchester and Leeds which involved works to structures on the line through Saddleworth including Greenfield Station.  Network Rail were unclear about the timescale but the Council would work for the best possible solution for all affected, not only on completion of the works but also during the construction stage.  The suggestions made were welcome and would be considered as part of the process and Councillor Hibbert was happy to discuss them further.

 

In terms of the planned electrification the Council had been lobbying the Department for Transport, the MP for the area and Transport for Greater Manchester regarding the need for full disabled access provision at Greenfield Station.  The Council were also engaged with Transport for Greater Manchester regarding the Invitation to Tender which had been issued for the Northern Rail franchise which was up for renewal and which could provide an opportunity to secure additional improvement at all rails stations which served Oldham residents including Greenfield.  Councillor Hibbert would consult with local members and keep the community informed.

 

4.         Councillor Heffernan to Councillor Hibbert:

 

“Errors in Satellite Navigation systems are still sending unsuspecting car and lorry drivers up many unsuitable narrow country lanes in Saddleworth instead of advising them to use the main road network.

Many drivers rely on Sav Navs when driving in unfamiliar areas and have found themselves stranded on narrow or unadapted roads or tracks when following Sat Nav instructions. In at least one instance that led to a large lorry being stranded for several hours causing great inconvenience to the driver and other road users.

Will the relevant Cabinet Member support me in calling on the current and the incoming Government to introduce the necessary legislation or regulation to force the Sat Nav companies to amend their software when they are notified of errors by car drivers, lorry drivers and Councils?”

 

Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, responded that much reliance was placed on the transportation for goods and services not just in the borough but across the country and it was vital that it arrived quickly and efficiently.  The increased use of satellite navigation technology placed on a greater responsibility on the providers of the mapping information to get it right.  Councillor Hibbert offered his full support and that of officers.

 

5.         Councillor Iqbal to Councillor McMahon:

 

“I was pleased to read that Hardford Mill could be demolished fairly soon. As we all know this site have been a Tip & eyesore for many years. Could the Cabinet Member please update the council & residents when we can look forward to the demolition starting?”

 

Councillor McMahon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and City Region, responded that Cabinet had recently taken a decision with regard to Hartford Mill.  There would be a planning application for demolition due to the current listed building status.  This would be subject to discussions with English Heritage.  It was hoped to have a solution soon and residents would see progress.  Councillor McMahon thanked ward councillors for their support.

 

6.         Councillor McCann to Councillor Harrison:

“The Greater Manchester devo max agreement should mean that ward councillors will be able to secure NHS services that are locally based and are more responsive to better meet the needs of their constituents.

 With this in mind, in advance of devo max, would Oldham Council be willing to review the withdrawal of the Retinopathy Service from the Saddleworth Health Centre?

The Retinopathy Service takes an annual photo of the back of the eye of diabetic patients to detect early damage to the eye. Early detection ensures earlier treatment and helps prevent sight loss. It has previously been delivered from local centres in Coldhurst and Saddleworth, but now the NHS wants solely for its administrative convenience to deliver the service from centres in Oldham and Royton.

When a diabetic patient has their annual review, eye drops are administered to dilate the eye. This can affect sight for up to G hours, preventing driving or in some cases safe walking through busy streets, making the present change unreasonable and causes unnecessary difficulties for those affected.

It is especially disappointing that there was not any consultation amongst patients of the service prior to the changes being made.

I would like to ask the relevant Cabinet Member if they will support my demand that the Retinopathy Service be reinstated in Saddleworth?”

 

Councillor Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Public Health responded that the Devolution for Greater Manchester was an opportunity for all partners to work together to achieve better health outcomes for all residents however specific arrangements were yet to be fully determined.

 

NHS England had lead responsibility for commissioning Diabetic Retinopathy Screening services for Oldham residents and services for Oldham residents and as part of its Public Health role, Oldham Council had responsibility for seeking assurance from NHS England that screening services were in place and supported local efforts for an increase in uptake.

 

The Council had sought assurance from NHS England and were made aware that local Diabetic Retinopathy Screening provision was reviewed last year.  The review was in response to concerns that the quality of the service provision may have fallen below than expected and as a result interim changes had been made.

 

The interim arrangements were intended to ensure the right patient outcomes and services quality was achieved.  These included maintaining high quality screening (equipment moved around to several sites which could result in poor quality screening images), being able to offer sufficient appointment times and reduction of travel times.

 

NHS England stated that they were now working with Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust to undertake a formal review to establish longer term configuration of services which would include engagement with patients and other stakeholders.

 

Accessibility, transport and appointment times would be key considerations and they would be working to ensure that the needs of patients were central to how services were designed.

 

The Council (Health and Wellbeing Board) would seek continued assurance from NHS England regarding these arrangements going forward.

 

7.  Councillor Shuttleworth to Councillor Hibbert

 

“May I first of all begin by offering sincere congratulations to all those members of staff, employed either by Oldham Council or Unity Partnership, for once more securing much needed funding for the maintenance and/or reinstatement of the highways throughout the borough of Oldham.

 As result of this very welcome news may I ask the appropriate Cabinet Member to put some flesh on the bones and outline how this funding may improve the highways within my own ward of Chadderton South, and I feel certain that other elected members, not to mention residents, will look forward to hearing how this will impact within their own areas.”

 

Councillor Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Transport, responded that the award of the challenge fund would allow improvements to the carriageway condition of the A62 Manchester Road between the M60 and Manchester Street Roundabout which included sections of Drury Lane to Spencer Street that falls within Chadderton South.  The challenge fund would also improve the condition of the A62 Oldham Way and necessary maintenance of Middleton Road bridge.

 

The A62 Manchester Road and the A62 Oldham Way formed part of the Gateway Corridor Programme and required further investment to ensure the ongoing 24 hour maintenance promise and would no longer funding out of the LTP budget.  Councillor Hibbert passed on congratulations the teams on the bids and noted they had a record of success which should be supported and recognised.  The fund would free up money that would have been allocated otherwise.

 

At this point in the meeting the Mayor advised that the time limit for this item had expired.

 

RESOLVED that the questions and the responses provided be noted.