Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

Rochdale Council Meeting - Rochdale Town Hall - 22 January 2014

In an extraordinary council meeting, the council decided to give The Right Hon.Lord Barnett and Rochdale Hornets the Freedom of the Borough.

Starting the Council meeting, the council is asked to pass a motion of notice regarding domestic violence.

Councillor Lambert states that the council will stand by victims of domestic violence and will prosecute perpetrators.

The motion is passed with the full support of the council.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed is appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2014/2015.

Members present quarterly reports to the council. The first report is from the Leader of the Council and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

In his report, Councillor Lambert adds that the wind turbine programme will produce a net increase of £23.4 million, which is an extra £1m a year for the council.

Councillor Sullivan asks why on earth you would want wind farms as they are destroying our countryside.

Councillor Dearnley states that the Town Hall needs work and describes it as the jewel in the crown.

Councillor Lambert agrees and adds that work is under way and will continue. He also adds that a public consultation will take place to find the correct use for the building.

The report from the Cabinet Member for Finance is next.

Councillor Ahmed states that all saving methods will be considered.

Councillor Holly praises the budget team and states that we have a good budget team in the council.

Councillor Sultan Ali presents his report as the Cabinet Member for Strengthening Communities.

He says he hopes to hold a community cohesion event in line with all townships.

He adds that Rochdale homes have benefitted from £457,000 worth of energy efficient devices in their homes.

The report from the Cabinet Member for Place and Regulation follows.

Councillor Farnell states that by getting back control of Rochdale markets, it could become the heart of Rochdale town centre.

Councillor Beswick adds that there were 100 bins stolen between November and December 2013, which are now being replaced.

The issue of recycling is addressed.

Councillor Beswick adds that the council is running a number of initiatives to improve recycling rates and reveals that the borough has stayed at a 34% recycling rate.

It is reported that the right bin, right stuff campaign has increased recycling by 50% in the area that it was trialled. This has generated a financial gain of £24,000.

The report from Corporate Services and Townships follows.

Councillor Kelly asks about a theatre in Rochdale.

The report from the Cabinet Member for Adult Care with responsibility for the Voluntary Sector is next.

Members of the council praise the report.

Councillor Donna Martin presents the report regarding Children, Schools and Families.

She says that the council will not fail children again.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Customer Services is next.

Councillor Farnell praises officers for the first Literature and Ideas Festival.

He adds that over 5,000 people attended the festival and the borough did it all without a theatre.

He goes on to say that he is not a fan of the winning design for the River Roch. It is confirmed that consultation will go on and the design could yet change.

Township Reports are now given.

Councillor June West adds that with the success of Oktoberfest in Middleton, it is hoped to become annual event.

When speaking on the Pennines Township Report, Councillor Brett says that the robbery which took place at Milnrow Cricket Club has frightened people.

For the Rochdale Township report, Councillor Farnell praises the work being undertaken by the highways department to upgrade the roads and thanks them and the environmental agency for the Christmas tree in Kirkholt.

Councillor Sullivan further comments on a theatre in Rochdale and adds that she firmly believes that we need one in the borough.

Councillor Cecile Biant responds by saying that our hearts are in it but, at the minute, the economy isn’t.

Councillor James Gartside says that it is dangerous having open streets near the bus station and Councillor Lambert adds that work regarding a crossing on Smith Street is being taken forward.

Councillor Jane Gartside says that there are 1,800 people working at Kingsway.

Councillor Winkler states that the penalty point scheme for taxi drivers is good but does not go far enough.

The report regarding Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority is presented next.

Councillor O’Rouke asks about what is happening with Heywood Fire Station.

It is reported that now the station will be crewed during day and night shifts.

Councillor O’Rourke adds that Heywood fire station is improving.

Meeting ended.