Heywood Township Committee meeting as it happened

The meeting is opened with the announcement of MP Jim Dobbin’s death.

A minute’s silence is held by councillors, officers and members of the public.

Tributes to Jim are made by Councillor Peter Rush and Councillor Colin Lambert.

A presentation is given regarding plans to build wind turbines on land near Hopwood Hall College.

Technically the land is in Middleton Township but with the closeness to Heywood, officers wanted to speak to Heywood Township as well.

The council would look to build two turbines. One on land North West of Hopwood Hall College and one North East of Hopwood Hall College. The turbines would be medium scale and could produce anywhere between £14 and £16 million over their lifespan. This would hopefully generate £150,000 of renewable energy per year.

Councillor Lambert was in favour of the plans and stated, “We need to push these proposals forward. If this went ahead then Rochdale Council could have its own energy supply company.”

Councillor Rush and Councillor Wardle echoed Councillor Lambert’s support for the plans.

If the plans were to go ahead, the turbines would be run by Rochdale Council rather than a national company (like Scout Moor Wind Farm). Public consultations will go ahead regarding the plans.

The open forum is next.

Issues regarding Bamford Road and nuisance motor bikers are discussed.

Members of the public also give praise to councillors and those involved with the Heywood Charities Fete.

The Capital Programme, The Savings Programme and the Local Council Tax Support Scheme are agreed by councillors.

The East Lancashire Railway/Heywood Castleton master plan is next.

The report informs councillors of the progress being made on the implementation of regeneration proposals for the Heywood/Castleton master plan including the extension of the railway from Heywood to Castleton.

Developments at the station include a play area for children and a food cart, which should be completed by the end of the year.

A review of polling stations is next.

The council is reviewing where polling stations should be placed and is assessing areas including pubs and bowling clubs.

Changes to the process for LA government appointments is next.

The report to councillors discusses the changes to all LA governor appointments coming into effect by 31 August 2015.

It is noted that from 1 September 2015 all LA governor appointments will be made by the governing body with nominations only from the LA.

Meeting ended.