(15 minutes for public questions and 25 minutes for Councillor questions)
Minutes:
The Mayor advised the meeting that the first item on the agenda in 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 screens in the Council Chamber.
The following questions had been submitted:
1. Question received from Gareth Evans via email:
“Are the council any clearer on who was the successful bidder to take over the running of Chapel Road Synthetic Pitch. The bids where submitted nearly a month ago and the new season is imminent and both existing tenants are getting nervous about the future.”
Councillor Fielding, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that letters had been sent out to named tenders on 3rd September 2018. It was noted that Mr. Evans was not named as the main contact on this tender and, therefore, was advised to liaise with the party it was proposed to work with. After looking at the 2018/19 football requirements officers had discussed this and arranged access to the facility on a temporary basis until the tender process had been concluded. This would be facilitated using OCL as a key holding party.
2. Question received from James Allen via letter:
“After attending Oldham West District Executive on the 25/7/18 in the Crompton Suite as an observer, I listened to a presentation by the appropriate officers on Item 6 (discussion on high school provisions). This was a good item but 1 item was not taken into account, this is disabled students of all criteria in all disability. I raised this after the meeting had finished with the Councillors present who advised me to put this to full Council. I would like to ask:
1)a) How many high schools or academies to date have adequate facilities to take on disabled people in whatever forum it is.
b) How is the Council going to address this if found that the schools no matter if it’s under (Council remit, Free school or academies) who are not achieving this.
2) Any new high school that is to be built within Oldham have to comply in access to all normal and disabled students in getting to their classes, also disabled toilets, etc are in place.
3) Will there be adequate classes for disabled people to take up physical exercise and games infrastructure adapted to their needs
I ask after this is taken up at full Council and then put forward onto the Health and Wellbeing Board to fully look at the findings also to Health Scrutiny.”
Councillor Jacques, Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, responded that all high schools and academies that admitted disabled pupils must have adequate facilities in place for those students including provision for physical education. Should the Council become aware of any schools which did not have such facilities in place, swift action would be taken to rectify the matter as adequate provision was required under the Equalities Act. Should the Council be made aware of any Free Schools or Academies who did not provide adequate provision for disabled students the matter would be taken up with the Regional Schools Commissioner.
3. Question received from Tony Martin via email:
“In 1996 Barratt the developers paid to Oldham Council £30,000 as part of a section 106 planning agreement, there is no termination date on this agreement and the leases on the development properties were for 999 years. The land is at Hodge Clough and has been Amenity open space for over 20 years, this has now be approved for disposal by Cllr Brownridge. Is this permissible and what happened to the £30,000?”
Councillor Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing responded that the S106 agreement required Barratt’s to pay the Council £30,000 towards the cost of providing an area of public open space, the agreement did not specify where the money should be spent. The Council did regard this land as Public Open Space and the statutory procedures and processes for any such potential disposal were being followed. A village green application had been received and no decision would be made until the outcome of the application had been decided.
4. Question received from Ian Bond via email:
“Can the appropriate Council Member confirm the final costs incurred by Oldham Live to the Oldham Council? Can they also confirm if the event turned a total profit or loss to Oldham Council and what those final figures are in pounds and pence. Costs should be itemised to include: Policing; Event Management; Advertising and Promotions; Council Officer time; Utilities costs; Artists costs; Equipment costs; Licensing costs; Etc.
Councillor Fielding, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that the Council did not put on events like this to make a profit but were done for a different reason. Oldham’s residents should benefit from the kind of entertainment or cultural offer that other authorities provided, whether it was to mark an important event or entertainment purposes. Events like these were an investment in Oldham Town Centre, for which the Council was striving hard to attract new visitors and uses, especially given the struggles of so many High Street brands. The purpose of events like Oldham LIVE was to promote Oldham as a visitor destination, get new people to come in and see the place, often for the first time in many years, and in this case enjoy Parliament Square and the Old Town Hall. The costs incurred by Oldham Council totalled £37,502. The largest part of that, £19,240, was paid to Oldham based Revolution 96.2 for managing and providing the event, plus all the children’s artists, hosts, DJ, musicians and station publicity. All the necessary equipment for the event, including the stage, sound, lights, screen, fencing, power generator and toilets, cost £10,602. A total of £4,115 was spent on promotion across on-line, social media and print channels with local businesses. By law, the Council was also legally bound to provide security officers at £1,675 and medical assistance at £970 and must also pay PRS and PPL licensing which totalled £900. All Oldham Council staff who worked at that event volunteered their time for free for which the Leader thanked them. The Council incurred no policing costs and GMP, as ever, did a great job. The Council spoke with some local businesses who reported excellent trade during the daytime and evening – much higher than normal – and said they also hoped to get repeat visits. Hundreds of families enjoyed the children’s activities during the day and security ‘clicked’ more than a further 1,500 visitors from around 7;00 pm to 10:00 pm with many others already on-site and not counted as those already in Molino’s and Nandos. Events like Oldham LIVE brought communities together, boosted the local economy and supported businesses by delivering wider benefits. The town centre, businesses and families all benefitted in ways that can’t be counted on a spreadsheet. The purpose was to put on a great event for the public to enjoy for free. The Council would, as normal, review Oldham LIVE as the events schedule for 2019/2020 was developed.
5. Question received from Stephen Kenyon via letter:
“If transparency and openness is the fundamental principle of Oldham Council, why does a member of the public have to submit a subject access request in order to find information regarding themselves discussed and Standard Sub-Committee meetings?”
Councillor Fielding, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that the Council operated its Standards Sub-Committee meetings in accordance with its agreed procedures as set out in the Constitution, which was in line with legislation including data protection. These procedures determined what information was made available in the public domain. As part of the co-operative agenda, the Council regularly reviewed procedures to ensure it operated efficiently which included the transparency and openness agenda. Any individual, not happy with information that could routinely be accessed in the public domain had the right to make a subject access request. The request enabled the Council to balance the rights of the individual making the request against the rights to confidentiality and data protection rights of other interested parties or individuals.
6. Question received from Warren Bates via email:
“LATE BIN COLLECTION FAILSWORTH ASSIST LIST. The above is happening very often, even last week for instance a collection normally Thursday was continued the next day. Sometimes it is the following week? Because of continued complaints from residents whilst I was carrying out my duties as a elected Cllr. I consulted members of the front line staff, as to the reason why they were sometimes days late. They gave me a list of reasons. ONE of many was, they now have to go “further to tip “more time consuming. The “ASSIST LIST”. They say it is getting longer. On the information I have. In order for “residents and officers” who live in Our borough to qualify for this assist list some of them are as follows.
(1) ILLNESS, DISABILITY, PREGNANCY.
(2) Some Of The “CRITERIA “Is.
(3) You must be physically unable to put your bins out.
(4) Nobody over 18 living with you that could put your bins out.
Also in order to assist your application you may be asked for supporting documents. Attendance allowance. Disability allowance. Mobility allowance. Sickness benefits. Doctors note, Hospital note. etc. If you do not meet any of the requirements you could be refused. I think it is important also to draw your attention further to time consuming elements. Such as. Many of the driveways in our borough are very long and the occupants are on the assist list more time collecting and returning their bins. Are Councillors aware of the Assist List and the fact it is getting longer?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that whilst the assisted collections lists did fluctuate, there had been no significant increase in numbers in the past few years. There had been no changes to tipping sites used by Oldham Council for domestic collections in the past decade, therefore distance to tips remained the same. On occasions refuse or recycling collections did not get completed on the scheduled day of collection, the majority of the time, this was due to a vehicle breakdown or a spike in recycling participation / tonnages on a particular week. These collections were prioritised by the services and collected the following day.
7. Question received from Peter Brown via email:
“Can a Cabinet member please tell me why and on what grounds is information deemed not to be in the public domain when requested by the electorate? And why are the cameras switched off at times during full open Council meetings?”
Councillor Fielding, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that information related to Council decisions was usually public. The circumstances when decisions could be made in private was set out in detail in the Local Government Act 1972 and in the Council’s Constitution which was available on the Council’s website. The Council broadcasted Full Council meetings online during formal proceedings. The only time that the picture and sound feed would not be live was because the meeting had been temporarily adjourned by the Mayor. This happened in July when the questioner himself intervened during proceedings and, despite the Mayor's best efforts and the offer of a discussion after the meeting, persisted with disruptive behaviour. The Mayor adjourned the meeting temporarily. If that happened, a graphic was shown which explained to the public what the delay was in proceedings and advised that the live feed would return as soon as the session began again.
At this point in the meeting, the Mayor advised that the time limit for this item had expired.
The Mayor reminded Members that the Council had previously agreed that questions would be taken in an order which reflected the political balance of the Council. The following questions were submitted by Councillors on Ward or District matters:
1. Councillor Shuttleworth asked the following question:
“Sale of Fireworks. I have recently received complaints in relation to fireworks disturbing residents, primarily elderly residents, in Chadderton South, and also noted on social media that this may not be restricted to this area alone. Would the cabinet member responsible for neighbourhoods confirm if there is any legislation that can prevent either the legal sale of fireworks leading up to the traditional bonfire period, or to mark the beginning of the new year, and what can be done to prevent the illegal sale of such fireworks.”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, responded that she was sorry that residents had been disturbed by fireworks within their community. Fireworks (including sparklers) could only be bought from registered sellers for private use on specified dates around Halloween, Christmas, Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times fireworks could only be bought from licensed shops. Such licences were issues by the Fire Service, not the Council, and were subject to age restrictions. According to the law, fireworks (including sparklers) must not be set off or thrown in the street or other public spaces. Fireworks must not be set off between 11 pm and 7 am, except for Bonfire Night when the cut off was midnight, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when the cut off was 1 am. If members of the public had information as to addresses where fireworks were being set off or where fireworks were being purchased illegally, they could contact the Council’s Trading Standards Department via the Citizen’s Advice Service who would liaise with law enforcement partners to investigate.
2. Councillor McLaren asked the following question:
“Foxdenton Park Pond. A number of residents have raised concerns with the Ward Councilors regarding the pond in Foxdenton Park. The low water levels in the main pond ?is of major concern. The matter has been raised with officers on a number of occasions over the past 18 months, but remains unresolved. Residents are concerned that work on adjacent land may have interfered with the water supply to the pond. Would the relevant Cabinet Member please advise what steps are being taken to investigate the cause and to ensure that a long term solution is found?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, responded that officers had been equally concerned with the water problem and had had several meetings with Redrow builders to determine if the changes that had occurred on the development site across the road had in any way affected the water that was channelled into the pond. At this stage there was no evidence forthcoming which confirmed this. This would be pursued in order to achieve a long term sustainable solution. In the meantime, steps had been taken to engage with the water company to put 90000 litres of water into the pond. Officers were confident that this would be undertaken within the next two weeks as the Council had been refused by United Utilities from drawing water from standpipes to undertake the task. Officers were optimistic that now the weather had changed and returned to a more seasonal level of rainfall, that the pond would once again fill up naturally.
3. Councillor Moores asked the following question:
“Access to Rochdale Canal. The section of the Rochdale Canal that runs between Grimshaw Lane and Broadway, in Chadderton Central Ward is used by many residents including families and those with disabilities. It was brought to the attention of the Ward Councillors that the access point to for push chairs, prams and wheelchairs at Gateway Crescent is in very poor condition, with large areas of paving completely missing. Could the relevant Cabinet member advise which organization is responsible for maintaining the access points to the canal, and what can be done to ensure that access to the canal is available to all our residents?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, responded that the path and steps which led from The Causeway down to the canal at Broadway Business Park were owned by Oldham Council. The paths and steps did not form part of the adopted highway and were therefore maintained by the Council as an operational asset. It was inspected by officers periodically and any remedial and repair work was carried out following such inspections. The isolated nature of the area meant that, especially outside of working hours, the path, the stairs and the wooden jetty appeared attractive to vandals, arsonists and graffiti artists who regularly targeted the area. The items of repair noted on an inspection carried out earlier in the week had been ordered and it was expected that the work would be carried out over the forthcoming weeks. Should users or ward councillors experience any issues with the condition of the path moving forward, they were urged to contact officers in the Regeneration team who managed the Council’s interest in the area.
4. Question received from Councillor C. Gloster:
“Trixi Mirrors. Trixi mirrors are an invaluable safety feature, particularly at traffic light junctions; examples can be seen throughout the Borough. I have noticed however that at Shaw’s busiest junction for HGVs, Crompton Way and Rochdale Road, no mirrors are fitted. Having previously dealt with an elderly lady who had her leg taken off by an articulated wagon at this junction, I am acutely aware that these mirrors are invaluable and would like the Cabinet Member to tell me if there are any plans to fit mirrors at this junction?
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, responded that Highway officers welcomed the support received from elected members regarding Trixi mirrors. The current deployment of these Road Safety Devices in Oldham was as a result of a successful bid to the DfT by TfGM in 2012. The locations chosen were prioritised as a result of accident statistics. Based on the success of the mirrors, additional installations were proposed for the coming months by Oldham’s Highways Safety Engineers to ensure a proactive / preventative approach. The additional sites would be funded from Section 106 monies held by the Council, specifically reserved for improvements to the cycle structure. It was anticipated that the traffic signals at the Crompton Way / Rochdale Road junction would be one of the first locations to benefit from Trixi mirrors in the coming months.
5. Question received from Councillor Garry:
“Resurfacing in Failsworth. Ollerton Drive and Oak Road Failsworth are both in need of resurfacing. Is it possible for them to be included in the Highways Improvement Programme?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, responded that all funding associated with the Highway Investment Programme was approved and allocated prior to the programme works commencing, and as such, there was not current funding available within this financial year for additional schemes. The Council was currently undertaking a survey of the entire network to gain an up-to-date condition of the highway network. This survey, and the outcome from it, would then inform all future programmes based on condition. Both Ollerton Drive and Oak Road were included in the above survey and would be included in the assessment of future programmes.
6. Question received from Councillor Phythian:
“Rochdale Road Speed Reduction Measures. I continue to receive complaints about speeding on Rochdale Road in Royton, including reports of cars racing each other down the hill. A new Facebook Group ‘Rochdale Road Royton Slow Down Campaign’ has been set up to campaign for measures to reduce speeds. Suggestions include speed cameras, road humps and other traffic management schemes. Royton North Councillors can fund a speed survey but can the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods outline the criteria for further speed reduction measures on Rochdale Road and whether there are any plans to take action?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that the Highway Safety Officers were aware of the Facebook Group and its desired outcomes but in the first instance, the issue of speeding remained a Police matter. Further space surveys to add to those recently done could be carried out in if it would help the Police in their investigation. Owing to the nature and function of Rochdale Road as a classified road (A671) on the Key Route Network, traffic calming in the form of speed humps or cushions could not be considered as they would not meet the DfT’s Road Humps Regulations and would unlikely gain the support of the Emergency Services and major stakeholders. There had been a number of Road Safety Intervention initiatives carried out along this section of the A671 in recent years that had resulted in the injury collision record being reduced significantly; consequently there were no plans in the current Highways programme to carry out further work at this time. The route would not qualify for a speed camera as it would not meet the Transport for Greater Manchester criteria. Please be assured the injury collision record was regularly monitored and, if the situation changed, a suitable scheme would be drawn up for consideration in a future year’s budget. Further information on the injury collision records, vehicle speeds and intervention strategy could be provided on request from the Highways Team.
7. Question received from Councillor Judd:
“Emission Reduction Outside Schools. Many of us in this room and the wider public will be aware that air pollution is a major risk to our health, more so to children, people over 65, or those with respiratory conditions. Given this, residents outside schools in Hollinwood have reported cars been left idling for up to 30 minutes at school pick-up times. Can the relevant cabinet member outline what practical steps have been taken to reduce emissions outside schools in Oldham and investigate any further steps we could take such as the introduction of non-idling zones, to protect the health of our most vulnerable?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services confirmed that Oldham Council was actively working with other GM Local Authorities on a Clean Air Plan for Greater Manchester. Initiatives such as ‘non-idling zones’ especially around school sites were being considered as part of this work, the results of which would be consulted on across the whole of Greater Manchester in the next few months. Schools could also run their own campaign and the Council would look to support wherever it could.
8. Question received from Councillor Heffernan:
“Network Rail Damage to Conservation Area. Will the Cabinet Member responsible bring pressure to bear on Network Rail to honour the commitments that they made to the Friends of Saddleworth to ameliorate the damage done to the Conservation Area and site of Special Scientific Interest near the Victorian viaduct in Uppermill? The ugly steel fence they have erected has not made the site safe. Young people simply walk or wheel their bikes around it, and there are now racing tracks. We all appreciate that unauthorised access to the railway must be stopped, but this should have been with a subtle fence beside the track not something so stark and ugly. Network Rail now needs to honour their commitments to paint the fence to blend in more with the natural surroundings and to plant some species to hide the fence. This needs to be done urgently so we can see some results by Spring 2019. They should also replace the trees they have felled to restore Den Lane more to its original appearance and to help attract and sustain more wildlife. Can I please ask the relevant Cabinet Member to write to the Chief Executive Officer of Network Rail urging them to carry out this remediation work urgently?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that she was aware of the situation caused by Network Rail’s actions and was also aware that the District Executive had already written to the Government and Network Rail expressing their disappointment. Councillor Shah agreed to write to Network Rail in an attempt to get them to honour their commitments made to the group.
9. Question received from Councillor Chadderton:
“Speeding on Turf Lane, Royton. I note that as with many other parts of the Borough and indeed the country, speeding on our minor and residential roads seems to be on the increase. My current concern is with speeding on Turf Lane Royton particularly on the section between Dr Kershaws and Junction with Heyside/Higginshaw Lane. The ward members have some ideas which we believe will significantly reduce the opportunity to speed and would ask the Cabinet Member responsible appoint an Highways engineer to go us develop a scheme?”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that Highways Engineers were currently in place who regularly monitored the road traffic injury collisions record on Oldham’s Road Network. Road safety intervention schemes were prepared by highways engineers for consideration in future years budgets at locations where the injury collision rates significantly exceeded local control data and/or accepted norms. With only one injury collision recorded in the last 5 years along the length in question, the introduction of Traffic Calming measures along the route would be given a low priority at this time. Speeding along, particularly in the absence of a significant Road Traffic Injury Collision issue, remained a Police matter. Speed surveys were carried out in the vicinity of Dr. Kershaw’s during 2013 at which the Mean and 85th Percentile speeds were measured at 29 mph and 34 mph respectively. As there had not been a change to the highway in the intervening years, the survey results along with the Road Safety Record suggest that the speed limit was appropriate. The current Speed and Road Safety relationship suggested that Police intervention was unlikely at this time.
10. Question received from Councillor A. Alexander:
“Crossing on Oldham Road, Springhead. We have been patiently waiting for news on a crossing on Oldham Road Springhead opposite the care home Springlees Court, could the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood update us.? At the same time we have scrambler bikes racing up the Oldham road between Lees and Grotton at all hours which is dangerous for all pedestrians trying to cross the road.”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that Highway Engineers had been working on a scheme to provide improved pedestrian crossing facilities along Lees Road in the vicinity of Springlees Court to the east of Lees Centre. Up to now suitable options in the immediate vicinity had been found to be non-viable owing to a number of constraints which included narrow road widths; the location of the existing bus layby, the presence of underground utility apparatus and the servicing requirements of the Front House pub. An alternative location for a pedestrian facility had been identified as close as practicably possible to Springlees Court. The location of the facility was adjacent to Chapel Street. Whilst it was recognised that the proposed pedestrian refuge island was not on the ideal desire line for residents of Springlees Court, the facility would still act as a valuable crossing facility to the east of Lees Centre where there was currently limited provision. The pedestrian refuge would be installed later this financial year. If there was any unsociable driving on the highway in the meantime, or indeed in the future, that was a police matter and should be reported to them for their appropriate action.
11. Question received from Councillor G. Alexander:
“Vacant Plots in Derker. Can the Cabinet Member for Housing, look into what can be done with regards to the vacant plots in Derker. It has come to our attention that these plots are looking unkempt and used for flytipping much to the detriment of the area. Our residents are getting restless and are starting to complain. Is there a possibility of allowing smaller local building companies and giving them an incentive to build on these vacant plots, rather than leaving them empty?”
Councillor Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing, responded that First Choice Homes Oldham had started the construction of 41 new homes on vacant plots of Council owned land on Acre Lane in March 2018 and the first homes would be ready for occupation in Spring 2019. Officers had been asked to look at a range of delivery options for completion of the remaining plots in Derker and this included the possibility of using small local companies. The Council needed to ensure that the right type of properties were built and that there was certainty on any developer’s ability to deliver new homes. Officers had been asked to arrange for the remaining vacant plots to be tidied up urgently and should be completed over the next few weeks.
12. Councillor Sheldon asked a question related to Highways in Greenfield and other parts of Saddleworth where a number of stonewalls were in need of repair. Walls were broken down and allowed access for people to dump waste and allowed animals to escape in the lanes. Was there any budget available to get the walls repaired?
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods responded that she was happy to meet with Councillor Sheldon to resolve the situation.
13. Question received from Councillor Dean:
“Greenacres Cemetery Entrance. Greenacres Cemetery as a very attractive arched entrance, which over the last year as been surrounded by scaffolding. This looks unattractive and restricts the entrance to the cemetery, which is well used by funeral and visitors paying their respects by visiting graves of their loved ones. Could the appropriate Cabinet member tell me when work will be completed to renovate the entrance to the cemetery? “
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that the scaffold at the entrance at Greenacres Cemetery was put in-situ to address a number of structural issues that were found to the stone arches and chimneys to the premises. It was acknowledged that the scaffold was unsightly, but it was required for health and safety reasons whilst the Council tried to identify where the significant funding, which was approximately £500K could be found to implement the necessary repairs.
14. Question received from Councillor Harrison:
“Alexandra Park Public Toilets. This question is about the public toilets attached to the Boathouse Cafe in Alexandra Park. Currently the block has external entrances and has been a centre of ASB. It's also very difficult to maintain good standards of hygiene in the block. Pure Innovations, the company that supports people with disability into employment and runs the cafe, have asked for the external doors to the toilets to be blocked off with access to them created from inside their premises. In return, they are happy to monitor behaviour in the toilets and maintain their cleanliness. This request has been refused and I would ask the cabinet member if the decision can be reviewed because it appears to be a good solution to several problems.”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that in response to the recent spates of vandalism that had occurred to the Boathouse toilet facilities, the Estates Team within Unity Partnership were now reviewing this proposal and would shortly make contact with Pure Innovations (the Café tenant) to discuss the option further and see if a joint funding solution could be found. This could be seen as being of long term benefit to park users, the Café and the Council.
15. Question received from Councillor Malik:
“Rota for Additional Street Cleaning Staff. We welcome the investment of the equivalent of 24 additional staff onto Street cleaning team announced by the Council Leader. Will the relevant Cabinet member share the cleaning rota with the ward members so we are able to share the information with Coldhurst community groups and the Mosques to engage wider participation.”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services responded that a paper was being tabled on 13 September 2018 at the portfolio briefing where the recruitment and makeup of the additional staff would be discussed. There would be 21 new staff allocated to street cleansing and 3 staff allocated to the Enforcement Team within Environmental Health. A recruitment drive would be made at the Jobs Fair to be held at the Jobs Fair to be held in the QE Hall on 20th October 2018 and asked that all members promote this opportunity to their constituents. Following that meeting the Cabinet Member would be able to share the impact that this extremely welcome funding would have to the street cleansing service in Oldham.
16. Question received from Councillor Williamson:
“Fraser Street Children's Home. I read with concern that the Fraser Street Children’s Home was closed down after Ofsted inspected the home in July. This is not the first time that there have been failures in the management of this local facility. It seems that time and time again the management of this Children’s Home have been unable to manage the young people that are placed there. These failures have meant that some of our Borough’s most vulnerable young people have been let down by the supposed professionals who care for them, but also that the host community has suffered from this ineffectual management. My biggest concern is that there appears to be a whole series of events where there has been a serious lack of safeguarding. What assurances can the Cabinet Member offer Ward Members and our constituents that the Council will provide proper oversight to any company which takes on the management of this children’s home to ensure that we will finally deliver the best service for our vulnerable young people, whilst safeguarding the interests of local residents in that area?”
Councillor Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services responded that the Fraser Street Children’s Home was owned by the Cambian Group. Councillor Chadderton shared the concerns that children’s home found to be inadequate twice was not acceptable for the children sent there and the impact on local residents. This had been reinforced to Cambian. Cambian had taken a decision to shut down the site and to carry out an internal review. The outcome was due at the end of September. A meeting would be held before the end of September to discuss the review of the situation and discuss a way forward. The Cabinet Member was mindful of the fact that all children’s homes in Oldham, whether used by the Council or not, needed to have due regard to the local residents and exercise their responsibility to be ‘good neighbours’. Monitoring arrangements would be reviewed to ensure the highest level of scrutiny in respect of all residential provision was exercised. Councillor Chadderton agreed to meet with Shaw and Crompton members to discuss a way forward.
17. Question received from Councillor Mushtaq:
“Resurfacing – Alexandra Ward. A number of residents have raised the state of Queens Rd and Alexandra St with Alexandra Ward councillors. Arguing, correctly in my opinion, that the state of these two roads has a detrimental impact not only for the residents of the ward but in a wider context. There are a number of care homes on this road which affects access for ambulance and other vehicles during adverse weather conditions but is also disproportionately over-utilised given the usage of Alexandra Park. Can I humbly request from the cabinet member that both these roads are fully resurfaced not only for the residents of Queens Road and the residents of the care homes but for the wider public who utilise the fantastic Alexandra Park.”
Councillor Shah, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services confirmed that annual safety inspections for both streets had been carried out at the end of August and number of defects were identified on Queens Road and one on Alexandra Street. Work orders had been raised with the Operations Team and were scheduled for revenue maintenance repair before the end of September. In terms of possible overall capital funded resurfacing, all funding associated with the Highway Investment Programme had been approved and allocated, and as such, there was no current funding available within this financial year for additional schemes. The Council was currently undertaking a survey of the entire network to gain an up-to-date condition of the highway network. The survey, and the outcome from it would then inform all future programmes based on condition. Both Queens Road and Alexandra Street were included in the above survey and would be included in the assessment of future programmes.
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.