Agenda item

Thirteen public questions were received.

 

Question 1 – Barry Aspden

“Why can’t dog fouling and the irresponsible owners be treated the same way as fly-tipping and the culprits who fly-tip? Both are a blight on our environment. Please consider introducing a part self-financing ‘Dog Warden Scheme’. The scheme could be part funded by realistic fines on irresponsible dog owners. Targeting known ‘hot spot’ dog fouling areas for example the canal paths, Clive Road and Hubron Road would send out a clear message to the irresponsible dog owners. The vast majority of responsible dog owners would welcome this. Fly-tippers, when identified get prosecuted, why not irresponsible dog owners?

Secondly, Toxocariasis, a disease caused by dog faeces can which cause blindness in children. In the event of this happening can Oldham council be in part legally responsible or at the very least morally responsible for failing to act on the problem of irresponsible dog owners?”

 

Councillor Fielding responded that the dog owner was liable for the consequences of dog fouling. Two additional enforcement officers had been employed and they would issue fixed-penalty notices. The level of the fine - £80 – was set nationally and, if not paid, could lead to court, where a fine of up to £1000 could be imposed. The level of fixed-penalty fine was insufficient to pay for the service on its own and the Council had made it a priority and put public money into expanding the service

 

Question 2 – Sarah Royle

“Can I please ask what can or will be done about the recently convicted paedophile living right near a school and next door but one to me? This is a huge concern and is very unsettling”.

 

Councillor Garry responded that the Police have a programme that included constant monitoring by dedicated officers.

 

Question 3 –Antony Cahill

There is a lot of rubbish that builds up on the pavement and in the parking bay on Oldham Road outside of the Costcutter shop.

 

There was a bin on the pavement near the shop but when this was moved this is when problems occurred. The bin's original position would not obstruct people getting in or out of cars or hindered pedestrians. I am sure that a place nearer to the shop could have been found. At present it is outside of an electric shop further up the road where it serves little purpose.

 

The owner of the shop specifies that he has no issues with the street cleaner saying that he does a really good job. He does get annoyed when people walk out of his shop and dump litter on the pavement.

 

Is it possible to get the bin returned to its original position making the area look a better place and giving the shop owner peace of mind.

 

Councillor Garry replied that this matter would be referred to Environmental Services.

 

Question 4 – Neil Boland

We are a new company who have moved to new premises at 1a Grimshaw St, Failsworth. We employ 15 staff all local, we spend money with other local Failsworth companies.

 

We have a big problem with access to our premises with parking. To enable to gain access to our premises we have to negotiate parked cars and on various occasions we have had to turn around deliveries etc. We also struggle to exit our entrance. We are asking if double yellow lines could be painted on the corners to stop other vehicles from blocking our entrance. If we was aware of this issue we wouldn’t of moved to this location and looked elsewhere.

 

Cllr Fielding responded that Members would look into this issue.

 

Question 5 – Pete Brierley

My mother in law had a bad fall on January this year and following an operation now has pins in her leg. She was relocated from a flat to a bungalow and in the interest of safety I have added a patio underneath her kitchen window and shed as the original foundation was dangerous, unlevel, slippery and unsuitable.

 

Following a now retracted complaint from her neighbour, Housing 21 and Oldham Council have instructed it to be removed and reverted back to its original state. My mother in law is not in good physical or mental health and there is no point in taking away the improvements I’ve made.

 

Please could you intervene and assist me in this matter.

 

Councillor Garry responded that it was not possible to provide a full response at the meeting and she would take up the matter for him.

 

Question 6 – Kath Wilkinson

The land at Failsworth Mill received £30,400 as a S106 payment. The Council received this money in January for the improvement for the public canal towpath between Tesco Bridge and Ashton Rd West.

 

Any updates on when this work is likely to be done as this path is a disgrace for people to walk along and of course it is treated just like a dog toilet.

 

Councillor Garry replied that the Council had to work with the Canal and Waterways Trust to improve the site. This was not quick and councillors were working on it.

 

Question 7 – Chris Ryan

I have been trying to follow and understand the Constitution for Oldham’s District executive meetings through the website.

 

When it came to Rules for Procedures, I was denied access despite using my account details.

 

I shared this information with Kath Wilkinson, who also tried and again was denied access. Mark Wilkinson experienced the same result.

 

Why is this?  District Executive meetings are for the public and therefore surely we have the right to see the rules laid out for such meetings. I also noted on the website at the link to Rules for Procedures in very small writing (updated May 2018). How can the public know what they were updated to if we cannot gain access.

 

Therefore, can I ask that we are given copies of the Rules for Procedures either through the website or by email.

 

Councillor Garry replied that Mr Ryan would receive a written response within 5 working days.

 

Question 8 – Sandra Bell

I wondered if you could update us on the repairs needed to be carried out on the CCTV cameras on Oldham Road and when we can expect the work to commence.

 

Councillor Jacques responded that he had been pressing to get this matter resolved. Health and safety issues had been identified and he was waiting for a new date for the repairs to be completed.

 

Question 9 – Mark Wilkinson

Throughout the year I have noticed Failsworth is always in Bloom. Lots of lovely displays of plants and flowers can be seen throughout the area. But, when it comes to Lord Lane, there is nothing to be seen after The Windmill/Paddock Lane.

 

I drove around to have a look and it is true, they start as far up as Hollinwood via Roman Road, which has more than its fair share, down to Ashton Road east and West and the top end of Lord Lane.

 

Considering Lord Lane is the main thoroughfare through the estate, leading to all areas of Failsworth, I cannot understand why we, down on the border, cannot have a share of the pickings too. Another couple of planters containing all the “home grown” plants certainly won’t break the Council’s budget.

 

We do after all pay our Council tax like everyone else.

 

Councillor Fielding replied that Failsworth East allocated £4200 to planting and Failsworth West spent £400. Their budget had gone on other priorities people had felt were more important eg filling potholes and supporting the CAB. Flowers were not felt to be best use of resources for people in the ward.

 

Question 10 – Chris Barker

Regarding the land “Lord Lane Field” … does this land belong to the authorities?

 

It is used primarily by dog walkers, and many have said it’s a quagmire, you can’t walk on it without sinking in certain places.

 

It is utilised by the Carnival annually and for Football games for a few months of the year.

 

Surely this land could be better serviced for the public. Why not use monies gained through the S106 payments from the Lancaster Site to improve it and make it more user friendly and of benefit to the residents.

 

Councillor Fielding replied that £5000 had been spent on drainage to make the playing fields playable. There were not sufficient funds to provide the surrounding area with drainage. The S106 funds from the Lancaster site had gone towards providing affordable housing.

 

Question 11 – Chris Lappin

Re the new camera which has been fitted at bedroom window height, who mans the camera? What technology does the Council have? Can we as residents view existing footage? How safe is out privacy in our bedroom windows?

 

Penny Kenworthy responded that the camera did not record anything on Oldham Road and could not see into any of the houses. It was there to provide security to the Town Hall building and staff.

 

Question 12 – Mr Bates

 

A question was asked concerning the lack of safety on the District’s streets, citing several recent incidents of anti-social behaviour, and the lack of police presence. In particular the questioner asked why the police were not in attendance at this meeting?

 

Councillor Fielding responded that government cuts had reduced numbers in the police force and attending meetings such as this was not best use of their limited resources. Members of the public could attend their surgeries to discuss their issues, or speak with them while on patrol.

 

Question 13 – Mr Bates

 

The Chair ruled that this was a statement, not a question. It was not read out or responded to.