My Report to Council

Posted By: Jean Ashworth
Date Posted: 09/10/2008

ROCHDALE METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

TOWNSHIP CHAIR REPORT TO THE COUNCIL



REPORT OF THE PENNINES TOWNSHIP CHAIR TO THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON 15TH OCTOBER 2008


Thank you Mr Mayor for the opportunity to report to the Council the latest developments on various matters relating to the Pennines Township

There are four initiatives which I want to report tonight, all of which support Townships’ aims of increasing democracy. The first is an innovation we are planning to make with the structure and pattern of the Pennines Township Committee scheduled for 11th November. We wish to take a more pro-active role in setting the agenda, rather than passively waiting for officers to put things on the agenda. We also have a bit of time available at the meetings because decisions are being made through the Township Plan, Ward Consultation meetings and Service Group meetings. As an innovation, then, November committee will be dedicated to an in-depth discussion on a particular topic – Environmental Management. Open Forum will still go ahead, of course, and we will take reports which are time sensitive or urgent, but no reports for information or consultation. Senior officers in Environmental Management have welcomed the idea and have agreed to come up with some nitty gritty questions for debate with members and local people. Pennines Councillors will also be given the opportunity to come up with issues which they would like to see included. It’s not the occasion for day to day management issues, though, as we want to concentrate on a longer term vision and how we want the service to develop strategically. I look forward to reporting on the outcome of this new approach in the future. If it is successful, we of course plan to repeat the exercise with other topics and priorities.

In the first week of this month I chaired the first meeting of the Littleborough Joint Service Centre Advisory Group, involving the Council, local residents, Health Service Staff and officers from the special projects team. Our own Township office staff will move into the new building, along with customer services, and the Library as well as possibly RBH. If the necessary PFI credits are agreed, building work is scheduled to start in 2009/10. There was discussion about the location – we were told that the most cost effective site is already NHS owned, i.e. the existing clinic on the A58. Lack of parking was mentioned as a potential problem but there are good bus links and it was acknowledged that almost any site in proximity to residential areas could not provide unlimited parking; public services must prioritise spending on service delivery, not spaces for cars. The Group has agreed to meet again in another two months when we hope to have more details of the architect’s plans and the necessary funding.

This brings me on to my third topic which was discussed at the same meeting – what will happen to Hare Hill House when staff vacates it. The building is much loved and there is great concern locally about what will happen to it. With the support of the community, the Pennines social enterprise charity, MoorEnd Development Trust, has aspirations to take ownership of the House when staff vacates it. They are currently completing work, financed by the Greater Manchester Council for Voluntary Organisations, on parameters for a feasibility study. This has included a full structural survey which has revealed that the building is structurally sound, although in need of minor repairs. The next stage will be for the Trust’s directors to secure funding for the detailed feasibility and business planning work. Many options for prospective uses will be explored and, clearly, the scheme will need to be commercially sound with income generating activity which can subsidise community activity. We are hoping that taking this forward will help to test the Community Transfer of Assets Toolkit, which has been devised by the Regeneration team.

Finally, I would like to mention an improvement to service in my own ward of which we can all be justifiably proud. Smallbridge Library has been completely refurbished and we had a successful Dr Who themed launch a few weeks ago. I am happy to report that the building is much improved the Library looks wonderful and is busier than ever with more and more people enjoying the new facilities.


Thank you Mr Mayor, I will be pleased to answer any questions from Members of the Council about these or any other matter relating to Pennines Township.


Councillor Jean Ashworth
Chair Pennines Township