Droylsden District Assembly

Minutes

Held in the Droylsden High School for Girls on 18th September 2003

Commenced: 6.30pm and Terminated: 8.00pm

Present:

Councillor J. Middleton (Chair), Councillors; G. Cooney and S. Quinn

Advisory Group:

Messrs; S. Eyres and K. Hyde. Mrs J. Brazil, Ms S. Heath and Ms E. Rushworth

Apologies for Absence:

Councillors; A. Holland, B. Holland and K. Quinn, Mrs Bloor and Mr Freeman (Advisory Group Members)

32. Minutes

The Minutes of the proceedings of the District Assembly held on 31st July 2003 having been circulated, were signed by the Chair as a correct record, with the following amendment;

Minute 25 (j) Mrs S. Eyres, corrected to Mr S. Eyres

33. Tameside Community Legal Service Partnership

The Community Legal Services Co-ordinator gave a short presentation on the work of the Community Legal Service which was part of the Government's drive to increase access to justice by assisting people in finding help easily and increasing their confidence in the quality of help they receive. It brought together a network of local organisations offering information and legal advice on civil law matters such as consumer advice, debt and money advice, welfare benefits, housing and family matters. Details of local advisers and solicitors who provide information about people's rights through to taking a case to court could be found by contacting the Community Legal Service call centre on 0845 608 1122, on the Partnership's website www.tameside-cls.org.uk, or by visiting a library or customer service office.

34. Garden Competition

Councillor S. Quinn thanked everyone who had entered the garden competition and commented on the extremely high standard this year. She also thanked New Charter Housing and Daisy Nook Garden Centre for their support of the competition and their kind donation of the prizes.

Councillor S. Quinn and Paul Tyler, Manager of Daisy Nook Garden Centre and Robin Bissell of New Charter Housing, presented the prizes as follows:

Best Garden

• 1st Prize - Pauline Littler - 25 The Quadrant
• 2nd Prize - Ann Stocks - Lees Park Way
• 3rd Prize - Carole Jones - Peregrine Crescent

Best 60+ Contribution

• 1st Prize - Ralph Acton - Chatsworth Road
• 2nd Prize - Kathleen Wood - Sutton Drive
• 3rd Prize - Brian Jackson - Alderdale Drive

Best Balcony, Container, Patio or Yard

• 1st Prize - Steve Tomkow - Market Street
• 2nd Prize - Mr and Mrs Siddall - Hampshire Road
• 3rd Prize - Ena Gentle - Fairfield Square

Best Commercial Premises

• 1st Prize - The Bush - Market Street
• 2nd Prize - The Beehive - Market Street

Best Communal Garden

• 1st Prize - Park House - Gorsey Fields
• 2nd Prize - David Doran - Fairbank, Fairfield Road
• 3rd Prize - Fairfield House - Manchester Road

Highly Commended

• William Sharples - Fairway

Overall Winner

• Pauline Littler - The Quadrant

Prize Draw - £50 Daisy Nook Voucher

• Mr D. Dale - Vernon Road

35. Community Safety

Sylvia Morris, Tameside Patroller, introduced herself and updated the Assembly on issues currently being addressed by the Patrollers, in particular; dog fouling, bag snatching, youths causing annoyance and abandoned vehicles.

P. C. Tanswell of Greater Manchester Police attended the meeting and answered questions on Community Safety. In response to a question from the floor with regard to motorbikes in Lees Park, PC Tanswell explained that he was aware of the problem, however, as there were a number of access points to the Park, it was extremely difficult to apprehend the culprits.

The Chair and Mrs Brazil, Advisory Group Member, made reference to rumours circulating that there were no police officers on duty in Droylsden last weekend and would not be during the forthcoming weekend also. PC Tanswell refuted these rumours, and explained that there was a new shift pattern being trialed, however he confirmed that officers would be on duty this weekend, and that they had been last weekend.

The Chair and Councillor Cooney extended their thanks to PC Tanswell for his attendance at recent Homewatch meetings.

36. Droylsden Scene

The Town Manager, Robert Wheeler, detailed improvements planned for Lees Park, which included; the play area, perimeter access, plants/shrubberies etc.

He also made reference to Copperas Lane Playing Fields and improved security measures being planned.

The Town Manager informed the Assembly of fencing work carried out around the bowling greens in the Floral Gardens. Unfortunately there had been some resentment to this work, and the fence had been damaged, however, repairs had been undertaken. He also stated that the Youth Workers had been working together with the Bowling Club in order to devise a programme to involve youths.

Members of the Bowling Club present, thanked the Councillors and the Town Manager for the work on the bowling green.

It was reported that proposals to provide hanging baskets in locations other than in the Town Centre, were currently being considered.

New Cleaning schedules by the Compact 50, due to commence in early October, were outlined.

Resovled – That the content of the presentation be noted.

37. Question Time

The following questions were submitted;

(a) Mrs S. Gregory of Broadway North submitted a question on behalf of Ms E. Bennett of Rutland Court, Kennerley Road, Stockport who complained about the parking of cars at the junction of Broadway and Ashton Hill Lane.

The Chair stated that Ms Bennett would receive a written response from the Engineering Development Manager.

(b) Mr A. Cherry of Annable Road, Droylsden raised a number of issues;

(i) He complained that the roads and pavements on the Dunkirk Street Estate were in a bad state of repair

(ii) Mr Cherry requested speed humps and a 20mph speed limit on Dunkirk Estate

(iii) He asked if the fencing could be completed on all pathways on to Lees Park, Lees Road and Annable Road.

(iv) Mr Cherry requested lighting of the pathways on Lees Park

(v) He stated that the children's play area in Lees Park was in poor condition

In response to question (i), the Chair made reference to the ongoing programme of carriageway resurfacing/footway refurbishment and stated that the roads and pavements in question would be considered as part of this programme.

With regard to question (ii), the Chair announced that the Engineering Development Manager would undertake a survey and respond to Mr Cherry in writing.

In response to the issues raised regarding Lees Park (iii, iv, v), the Chair referred to the Droyslden scene item (Minute 36), where the Town Manager had detailed improvement works planned.

(c) The residents of Sunnyside Road, Droylsden complained of problems caused by the speed hump/cushion at the junction of Chappell Road and Sunnyside Road, and requested that it be smoothed over.

The Chair announced that the Engineering Development Manager would investigate this matter and respond in writing.

(d) Ms I. Richards of Edge Lane, Droylsden asked if the pathway running parallel with Manor Road/Ash Road could be re-paved/tarmaced.

The Chair stated that the possibility of re-surfacing the pathway would be investigated, and that a written response would be provided.

(e) Fairfield Tenants Ltd submitted a question in advance of the meeting which enquired whether Broadway North was to be used as a trial site for the provision of parking bays for vehicles to ease congestion. They asked for confirmation of this and of the estimated time scale for work to commence.

The Chair stated that the Town Manager would respond in writing to this question.

(f) Mr C. Leeson of Ashdale Crescent, Droylsden submitted a question in advance of the meeting; he asked if a skateboarding area could be provided in the Droylsden area, for young people?

The Chair informed the Assembly that discussions were underway regarding this issue and a number of areas were under consideration. He invited suggestions from members of the public, for a suitable location.

(g) Mr M. Dermody of The Crest, Droylsden submitted a question in advance of the meeting; he complained of the deterioration of Fairfield Avenue, and in particular, the amount of litter accumulating there.

The Chair stated that Mr Dermody would receive a response in writing.

(h) Mr E. Marsh of Hawthorn Road, Droylsden, raised the following issues;

(i) He complained of the irregular emptying of the bins in the Hawthorn Road area, and asked for clarification of which day the bins should be emptied.

(ii) He made reference to the 20mph speed limit in Market Street and asked if it could be re-appraised and removed completely.

(iii) He asked if the traffic lights at Moorside Street/Holyoak Street could be re-appraised and moved. Mr Marsh also commented on the design and quality of the lights, stating that a bulb had been out and not working for some time.

(iv) He requested that the possibility of moving the pedestrian crossing lights at Market Street, be explored.

The Chair, in his response to question (i), acknowledged recent problems with refuge collection in the area, and gave assurances that these had now been Resovled, and that the bins should be emptied on the given day.

In response to question (ii), the Engineering Development Manager explained government guidelines which enforced the 20mph speed limit. He added that extra signage could be considered, and that he would monitor the situation.

In reply to question (iii), the Engineering Development Manager explained that there was a large building which restricted the line of vision and so causing a road safety issue. He added that he would ensure that the bulb was replaced.

The Engineering Development Manager, in his response to question (iv), explained that this was a long established crossing point, and following careful consideration it was decided not to re-position it.

38. Services to Young People

Pauline Venus, Area Youth Manager, attended the meeting and updated the Assembly on youth work and activities in the area. She outlined the highlights of the summer programme and also detailed some new projects including; the video project, virtual babies project and a bowling project (also referred to by the Town Manager in the Droylsden scene item above, Minute 36 refers).

39. Local Education Authority Governors

It was noted that the following vacancies existed for the above:

• Droylsden High School for Girls - 2 vacancies
• Greenside Primary School - 2 vacancies
• Littlemoss High School - 2 vacancies
• Moorside Primary School - 2 vacancies

40. Experimental 'One Way' Traffic Order – High Street, Droylsden

The Engineering Development Manager submitted a report which detailed the history behind the permanent closure of Henry Street.

It was reported that, as a consequence of the closure, it was recognised that traffic on 'upper' Market street when encountering traffic queues which diverted via Hart Street onto High Street, turning left onto Greenside Lane, towards the mini roundabout and turning right, back onto Market Street. Under the 'give way to the right rule', traffic on Market Street was not moving forward because of this rat running traffic. Therefore, on 30th May 2002, an experimental one way traffic order for High Street from Greenside Lane to Hart Street was made, with an experimental period of 18 months. The making of High Street 'one way' had made Market Street less congested and traffic that had been using Market Street had dispersed onto alternative routes.

The report acknowledged that the Scheme had met it's objectives by cutting out a significant rat run the area, and its removal could re-establish its use as a rat run.

Resovled – That the existing experimental one-way traffic order on High Street be made permanent, subject to funding.

41. Budget Miscellaneous Road Safety Campains – School Frontage Road Safety Initiative

Consideration was given to a report of the Engineering Development Manager which made reference tot he meeting of the District Assembly on 12th September 2002 (Minute 28 refers), where approval was given to continue the School Frontage Initiative.

The report sought approval to complete the remaining schools in this financial year, as listed below:

• Fairfield High School
• Littlemoss High School

The proposed road safety measures for these locations were as follows:

• 1)   School keep clear zigzag markings extended along School Frontage, as required.
• 2)   No stopping Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm on school entrance markings.
• 3)   Incorporate 'H' markings across residential driveways within close vicinity to school, subject to consultation.
• 4)   Improvements to school warning signs.
• 5)   Red surfacing to highlight crossing points and 'SLOW' ROAD markings.

The average cost of treatment was approximately £2200 per school, subject to detailed design, giving a total of approximately £4400. Of this it is proposed that £1530 would be funded from within the Miscellaneous Road Safety Campaign Budget for 2003/2004. The remainder of the costs (approximately £2870) will be funded from the Engineering Capital Programme.

Resovled – It is recommended that these proposals were approved and authority given to advertise the traffic regulation orders. Any objections received during the statutory period of notice would be the subject of a further report to the District Assembly for determination.

42. Budget Monitoring

Consideration was given to the report of the Town Manager on the position of the Assembly's budget as at period 5 (period ending 26th August 2003) 2003/2004.

Resovled – That the monitoring statement be approved.

43. Next Meeting of the District Assembly

To note that the next meeting of the District Assembly would be held on Thursday 20th November 2003 at 6.30pm at Fairfield High School.

44. Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 – Urgent Items

The Chair announced that there were no urgent items for consideration at this meeting.