Middleton Township Committee meeting as it happened

Open Forum starts the meeting.

The first questioner asks what the committee will do regarding inconsiderate parking on Manor Street.

A council officer for Highways states that the Council has issued enforcement notices in that area with the last enforcement taking place on the 21 October. The officer described that area as a hot spot.

The next questioner asks, with the Rochdale Town Centre development plans, is Middleton getting its fair share? The answer is a total of £72 million has been spent on Middleton.

Flood risk strategy presentation.

There is now more of an understanding regarding surface water flooding within Middleton.

Housing Benefit Update.

The presentation focused on the entitlement of housing benefit.

The committee support the nominations for the school governing body.

The adoption of Baytree Lane by the Highways Agency is next. Councillor Donna Martin doesn’t want to see half of the road adopted. The issue has now been deferred to the next meeting.

Update of the highways programme.

The programme is well ahead of progress and work scheduled for next year is already being undertaken.

Councillor West praised the work of the Highways programme.

Disposal of properties in Middleton – Limefield Pavilion and the former public toilets at Manchester Old Road are being discussed.

Committee are in favour of demolition of the toilets.

Committee are in favour of pushing Limefield Park for green flag status.

A local junior football team is asking for permission to be able to play football at Limefield Leisure Park.

The committee welcome all groups to come forward to use Limefield in a positive way.

Discretionary fees and charges for 2014/2015 see an increase of 2%, which was previously agreed by councillors.

Revenue budget update for 2014-2015 and 2016-2017.

The Council is recommending that the council tax freeze grant be accepted.

Councillor Robinson thinks that further cuts will harm the borough more.

Heritage at Risk Survey and Strategy.

Report will identify at risk heritage sites within the township.

A further report will follow in the New Year.

It is hoped that Hopwood Hall will be used as conferencing building as well as used in line with the college curriculum.

Meeting ended.