Heywood Township Committee meeting as it happened

Monday 3 November 2014 

A minute’s silence is held in honour of former Heywood and Royton MP Lord Joel Barnett who died at the weekend. Councillor Colin Lambert described Lord Barnett as having a “tremendous following” who “represented many people”.

The issue regarding plans for ‘No Waiting At Any Time’ on Starkey Street is brought forward. The report is to inform councillors of the objections received to the plans and for the councillors to consider any other plans.

Councillors agree that they can’t do nothing and something needs to be done but disagree that blocking the road would not work. Members of the public also disagree at blocking the road.

Councillors propose a roundabout for the area and want a feasibility study to be undertaken. Therefore a decision has not been made and other options are to be looked at.

The Open Forum is next.

Councillors address issues surrounding the lodge in Queens Park, money for the Township, maintenance of land and the Town Team are addressed.

The disposal of surplus land is discussed next. The issue is regarding land on Angus Avenue, which the Council hope to dispose of via sale. Councillors agree the report and would like to see the land used for development purposes.

Derby Street Nursery is discussed next.

It is reported that the nursery is losing up to £500,000 a year. Despite the nursery being classified as good by Ofsted, only seven children showed interest in using the facilities in September. Councillors add that the Council cannot support a building that is losing almost half a million pound.

Councillors agree for the nursery to close with Councillor Ray Dutton describing the decision as a “sad day”.

A report regarding Guidelines and Standards for Residential Development and Hot Food Takeaway Using Supplementary Planning Documents is next. The purpose of the guidance is to assist in the process of ensuring high quality residential development throughout the borough. Councillors note the report.

The Revenue Budget for 2015/2016 and 2017/2018 is next. Due to a number of changes the revised funding budget for 2015/2016 is £55.6 million.

Proposed Discretionary Fees and Charges for 2015/2016 are discussed next. The committee note the report.

The Heywood Township Highways Capital Programme for 2015/2016 is next. Councillors are pleased that North Ward is getting work done as much of it is based in the Town Centre.

The Christmas and New Year collections are next. The Environmental Management Service will be delivering a full waste collection service over Christmas and Newt Year with the aim of providing a quality service with minimum disruption to normal scheduled collections.

Councillors agree the report.

Meeting ended.