Rochdale Township Committee meeting as it happened

A police update is provided.

Some wards in Rochdale South have seen a small increase in violent crimes.

It is reported that GMP received thanks from Leeds for the way they policed the game on Saturday. This is the first time this has happened from a visiting team.

Burglary is a priority within Castleton and Kingsway. Councillor Sheerin is concerned with the number of burglaries in Castleton.

Those responsible for the vandalism in Balderstone Park have not yet been identified.

The open forum is up next.

The first issue is regarding taxi drivers using the bottom of Drake Street.

It is announced that there are plans for a trial period regarding taxis using the road.

Public taxi drivers welcome plans that a trial period will begin but want to see the street only used by public taxi drivers.

A speaker for private taxi drivers wants to see a fair deal made between the two.

The next issue is regarding security at Balderstone Park bowling green, which has been targeted by vandals.

Councillor Linden states that there is no solution at the minute. It is further stated that resources are currently unavailable to fix the issue.

A recommendation has been made by the committee that budgeting for fencing is to be considered in future budgets.

Issues regarding a theatre in Rochdale are brought up.

Councillor Sheerin states that this is something that the committee is focused on. Councillor Sullivan adds that this is the time for a theatre and that once the 'Black Box' is demolished the site could be used for a theatre.

The Turner Brothers Asbestos site is up next.

Revisions have been made to an emergency response plan.

The intention is that the plan is finalised by the end of January and once agreed the plan needs to be tested. It is hoped this can happen by the end of the financial year.

The next item is the Drake Street Public Realm Funding.

Work on the area has seen positive feedback with Councillor Sheerin describing Drake Street as the gateway to the town.

The committee then agree that money from the project be used to regenerate parts of Kingsway.

Naden Mill Adoption is next on the agenda.

It is stated that the council has no choice but to adopt the site.

Councillor Hobhouse is concerned by the adoption of the site, as it will make it an official road.

Councillor James Gartside and Councillor Winkler don’t understand why the site has to be adopted.

Disabled Persons Parking Bays is up next.

Bays are currently not enforceable but proposed plans hope to make new bays enforceable. This means that any disabled person with a blue badge could use the bays.

Councillor Linden thinks that this is an unworkable strategy.

The item has been deferred to allow councillors to set up a sub group to deal with the issue.

The capital programme is next.

Discussion regarding funding for a youth zone shows that members are against proposed plans.

Discussions regarding the regeneration for Kirkholt are brought up.

Councillor Bethell states that the area does not need a new road, as it will split the estate.

Councillor Farnell says that he doesn’t think there will be any money left for the new road after other parts of the regeneration are undertaken.

The committee ask for further investigation around plans for the new road.

Meeting ended.