Meeting Minutes 27.01.2009 to 15.12.2009
2009
15th December 2009
MINUTES OF THE 65TH MEETING ON 15th December 2009
Present: Peter Evans (in the Chair), John F Kay, Keith Hallam, Brian E Holden, Barry Horner, John Kershaw, Ken Rosbotham,
Apologies for absence: Roger and Cynthia Davis
1. Minutes of the last meeting (number 64) approved.
2. Matters Arising
2.1. No progress to date re the Banner at RifRaf
2.2. The work on the tow path is giving concern as photographs provided by Cynthia Davis of the path near the Clegg Hall bridge show that there is no proper drainage and puddles are already forming.
3. Akzo Site – No further information.
4. Durn Marina
4.1. JFK read his notes on the meeting with Paul Rowen MP, Peter Evans and JFK + reps from BW, UU and RMBC on 20th November 2009. The outcomes were further discussions between BW and UU so that the BW lock keeper would have control of the Canal Inlet Sluice at Summit and a meeting will be held between Paul Rowen MP, JFK and Francis Done of TWT re ownership of reservoirs not required by UU
4.2. JFK reported on the interested developer who had now met with Peter Rowlinson of RMBC but who wished to limit the marina to 12 berths. JFK is pressing for a direct meeting with the developer
4.3. A copy of the Lib Dem “Focus” was inspected as it carries an article and photograph about the LCDG Canal campaign
5. Ealees
5.1. HGV Parking – Peter Evans will continue to press the council for action
5.2. No further information about any development.
6. Any Other Business
6.1. IWA have issued a News Flash about government plans to sell off the assets of BW
6.2. Peter Evans will try to establish who are the members of the new canal committee set up by the four local authorities
6.3. Fred Talbot’s television program tonight featured Littleborough
6.4. Rochdale Canal is currently classified as a “Remainder Waterway” and enquiries should be made about upgrading it to a “Cruise Way” which will attract more investment
.The dates of the next meetings - Tuesday 19th January 2010 and Tuesday 16th February 2010.
17th November 2009
Minutes of 64th meeting on Tuesday 17 November 2009.
Present: John F Kay (Chairman), Cynthia Davis, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, Barry Horner, John Kershaw, Ken Rosbotham. Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Cllr Peter Evans, Barbara Tunstall.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no. 63) approved with amendment to date from 19 to 20 October.
2. Matters arising.
2.1 The banner is with JFK.
2.2 JFK will investigate the possibility of placing the banner at the late Rif Raf store during specific periods of the year.
2.3 The towpath from Clegg Hall to Ben Healey Bridge is scheduled to be renovated therefore no further action required to ascertain the specification of such work.
3.Akzo Site.
3.1 RMBC Planning and Regulation Services have advised the scheme for the control and disposal of Japanese Knotweed has been agreed, the actual timing has yet to be agreed. They do not know if the treatment has yet started and are waiting for the applicant’s agent to confirm this point.
The subject of any possible asbestos contamination to be followed up and RD will, in the fullness of time do this.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 Peter Rowlinson Head of Planning and Regulation Services at RMBC had advised a developer was interested in this development. The marina could be sited on Middleton land with access via RMBC land and there is a possibility of some of Mechplant land being available for development.
JFK had written to PR advising of the “Don’t Waste Water” campaign requesting he passed this letter to the potential developer whom he would like to meet.
PR had replied the developer wished to remain anonymous at present but was meeting BW and hoped to attend an LCDG meeting.
There is the possibility of a Marina at Castleton which would tie in with the steam train from Heywood to join up with the current Yorks-Lancs line.
Our MP has been fully informed of the developments.
4.2 BW has forwarded our request for extension of time to their new Marina Unit.
4.3 On 20/11 there is a meeting regarding the Waste Water which will be attended by our MP, Mark Donaghy (UU Affairs), Neil Darcy (BW), Chris Hall (RMBC) and JFK.
It will be pointed out the agreed amount of water to be made available was on out of date figures prior to the canal being re-opened, UU are legally bound to feed the river and the canal. The over flow system feeds the river which in turn can cause flooding in Littleborough. The requirement is for the lock keeper to have control of the sluice gates, bearing in, mind UU meters the water.
Note. The members present fully agreed with the actions taken by JFK.
5. Ealees.
5.1 Cllr Evans to follow up the HGV parking on council land.
5.2 No news on development.
6. Next Meetings. Tuesday 15 December and Tuesday 19 January 2010. Both meetings at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
20th October 2009
Minutes of 63rd meeting on Tuesday 20th October 2009.
Present: Roger Davis (in the chair), Cynthia Davis, Iain Gerrard, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, Barry Horner, Barbara Tunstall, Barbara Weatherley, Bob Weatherley.
Apologies for absence: John F Kay.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no. 62) approved,
2. Matters arising.
2.1 Banner. BHol had received the banner for the 19/20 September meet and will advise at the next meeting where it is.
2.2 Sustrans. No news from the Chairman about the towpath specification.
3. Akzo Site
3.1 RD advised he had written to the planning officer concerning Japanese Knotweed and asbestos on site and was waiting for a reply.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 JFK had advised nothing further to report on this or the “Don’t Waste our Water” campaign.
5. Ealees.
5.1 HGV parking. No news from the Chairman. BarW advised there had been two lorries parked on this site last Saturday (17/10).
6. Any Other Business.
6.1 Bob W advised BW had announced changes to the canal control. This area would now be Manchester and Pennines with a new General Manager. The control for this area had been from Wigan but this was no longer applicable. No announcement had been made as to where control would be based. This new arrangement is in operation wef 1/11.
7. Next Meetings. Tuesday 17 November and Tuesday 15 December. A booking has been made for the latter date on a provisional basis, to be firmed up or cancelled on 17/11. Both meetings at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
15th September 2009
Minutes of 62nd meeting on Tuesday 15 September 2009.
Present: Cllr Peter Evans (Chairman), Brian Holden, Ken Rosbotham, Barbara Tunstall, Barbara Weatherley, Bob Weatherley, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Cynthia Davis, Iain Gerrard, Keith Hallam, Barry Horner, John F Kay.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no. 61) approved. In answer to query by IG kindly refer to minute 6.2 below.
2. Matters arising.
2.1 Banner. RD undertook to ensure JFK was made aware BHol would be at Summit 19/20 Sept.
2.2 Sustrans. PE had not heard about the towpath specification work and will follow this up.
3. Akzo Site.
3.1 RD advised he had heard from the planning officer regarding Japanese Knotweed and asbestos on the site. The letter was not satisfactory and he will be taking action in an endeavour to get a more positive response.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 JFK report of meeting on 8 September regarding “Don’t Waste our Water” he had with Paul Rowen MP and Mark Donohue the Public Affairs Manager of UU. MD advised UU had approached BW who had not responded. MD will have an internal discussion and the mp’s staff will arrange a meeting with UU, BW, LCDG and Paul Rowen.
4.2 JFK had nor heard from John Percival of Impact regarding the land at Durn and will follow this up
4.3 PE advised the water wastage had been raised with Pennine Prospects who were also looking into this.
5. Ealess. HGV Parking. PE will follow the possibility of funding for signs with Pennine Township.
6. Any Other Business.
6.1 PE advised the proposed service from Summit to Summit which would call at the stations and Littleborough Health Centre was now going for funding.
6.2 The approval for disabled access to Littleborough Train Station had been given by Northern Rail.
7. Next Meetings. Tuesday 20 October and Tuesday 17 November. Both at 19.30h in United Reform Church. Victoria Street, Littleborough.
18th August 2009
Minutes of 61st Meeting on 18th August 2009
Present: Cllr Peter Evans (Chairman), Cynthia Davis, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, Barry Horner, John Kay, Barbara Tunstall, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Ray McDonald.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.60); amend date to be 16 June, otherwise approved.
2. Matters Arising.
2.1 Banner, no action at present. JK to give banner to BHol for event on 19/20 September.
2.2 Waiting to hear from Sustrans regarding specification for towpath work. PE to follow up.
3. Akzo Site.
3.1 PE had raised with Trading Standards committee the subject of housing on this site due to the risk of contamination due to the courts decision on the Corby site pointing out the council has a duty of care. Consequently it would be foolish to build houses on this site. RMBC Health and Safety officer agreed.
3.2 RD advised he had written to the planning officer requesting: 1. written confirmation the developer had carried out the instructions agreed with Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, 2. copies of Consents and Licences had been issued by the developer relating to the removal of asbestos and contaminated soils and 3. all conditions detailed in the Notification of Decision had been carried out.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 JK met with John Percival of Impact and explained the proposal. Meeting to take place when the councillors had all returned from their holidays. Indications were that RMBC could be interested in the proposals. Occupancy of their land could be subject to funding availability. Now waiting for reply from Percival.
4.2 BW has extended the “expression of interest” till mid November.
4.3 Don’t Waste Water”. Ongoing discussions with BW and UU. Possibility this subject could be raised in the House. UU claim they are supplying water requirements as decreed in 1923. JK and P Rowen MP to meet with UU.
5. Ealees. HGV parking, waiting for Pennine Township - possible funding catering for signs.
6. Any Other Business.
6.1 PE advised he is endeavouring to get a bus service to run from Summit, Community School, Littleborough Station, Lake, Smithy Bridge Station, A58 to Littleborough, and then repeat this circuit. There is currently a service from Smithy Bridge to Littleborough. This new service would give access to the health centre and shops without having to change buses.
6.2 Plans have been approved for a disabled access to Littleborough Station.
7. Next meetings. Tuesday 15 September and Tuesday 20 October. Both at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
16th June 2009
MINUTES OF THE 60TH MEETING ON 16 JUNE 2009
Present: John F Kay (in the Chair), Peter Evans, Keith Hallam, Brian E Holden, Barry Horner, John Kershaw, Ray McDonald, Ken Rosbotham, Barbara Weatherley and Bob Weatherley
Apologies for absence: Roger and Cynthia Davis
1. Minutes of the last meeting (number 59) approved.
2. Matters Arising
2.1. The Group’s Website won the award for the Rochdale Online Best Content of a Community Website. The Certificate and photograph were displayed.
2.2. No information available about the Planning Application for the banner at Rif Raf.
2.3. JFK has written to British Waterways about the new waterway unit and to be put on the mailing list.
2.4. JFK has written to Peter Foster of Sustrans re specifications for the work on the tow path – no reply.
3. Akzo Site – No further information.
4. Durn Marina – JFK has written to Impact seeking a meeting with no response. It was agreed he should contact Andy Zuntz to seek progress.
5. There has been a letter from British Waterways extending our “expression of interest” until 30 June 2009. This was clearly inadequate and it was agreed that JFK would write to British Waterways accordingly.
6. There has been a report in the Observer and a photograph concerning the “Don’t Waste Our Waste Water” Campaign. JFK also read a letter sent by Paul Rowen MP to United Utilities. The Report in the Observer with a quotation from United Utilities was incorrect and JFK will write a correction to the Observer. Other members of the Group are urged to also write to keep the issue high on the political agenda.
7. Ealees
7.1. HGV Parking – Roger Davis raised the issue at Pennine Township. Barry Cropper has obtained the registration number and has written to RMBC.
8. Any Other Business
JFK reported that we had renewed our membership of the Inland Waterways Association.
It was agreed that as many members were away in July there would be no meeting held on 21 July 2009. The date of the next meeting is therefore Tuesday 18 August 2009.
19th May 2009
Minutes of 59th meeting on Tuesday 19 May 2009.
Present: John F Kay (Chairman), Iain Gerrard, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, Barry Horner, Barbara Tunstall, Bob Weatherley, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Cynthia Davis, Ray McDonald, Barbara Weatherley.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.58) approved.
2. Matters arising.
2.1 LCDG Banner now with JFK.
2.2 RIF-RAF has agreed to put up the banner provided they are not responsible. IG will ascertain what the Planning Department require to grant permission. He will attempt to get an agreement covering a period of 5 years. This being based upon an estimated display in the periods June –July, Sept-Oct, November and Xmas.
2.3 Canal Festival. This is due to start in Littleborough on 11 July and finish in Failsworth 19 July.
Rush Bearing is 18 and 19 July.
3. Akzo Site. No News.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 JFK has written to Impact to discuss with RMBC to arrange a meeting. Waiting for a reply.
4.2 JFK has written to BW requesting extension of the feasibility study for six months.
4.3 Our MP had requested if he could have an inspection of the water supply system. Refer minutes of meeting 58 item 4.1. JFK arranging.
4.4 BHol and IG referred to a BW letter of 1/5 regarding changes. JFK will write to their H.O. regarding this. IG suggested also write to the author of this letter to get on the mailing list.
5. Ealees No news of any developments on this site. RD requested to raise the matter of HGV parking on the site at the forthcoming Pennine Township meeting (26 May).
6. Next meetings. Tuesday 16 June and Tuesday 21July. Both at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
Post meeting.
Re item 5. Mr T Leedham of RMBC Highways advised that to have a no HGV sign would require a
Traffic order which could take six months. No backing from any councillor on this subject. Cllr Maguire advised she had seen the vehicle parked in the Todmorden Road and believed the driver lived there. She felt he collected flowers from the Netherlands over the weekend and delivered in the Greater Manchester area in the week. Having got nowhere I telephoned Mr Leedham on the 27/5 and requested he investigate if the request was in the township budget.
3/6. Mr Leedham advised the enforcement officer had been seeking the driver who is not there in the working hours. Should anyone see the vehicle parked kindly take the registration number and advised Mr Leedham on 01706 924623. Action can then be taken.
21st April 2009
Minutes of 58th meeting on Tuesday 21 April 2009.
Present: John F Kay (Chairman), Cynthia Davis, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, John Kershaw, Ray McDonald, Barbara Tunstall, Barbara Weatherley, Bob Weatherley, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Barry Horner.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.57) approved.
2. Matters arising.
2.1 BHol will check if he has the banner.
2.2 IG to advise regarding planning permission for the banner at a site in the centre of Littleborough.
2.3 Our details were published in the Civic Trust Magazine and will continue for a 12 month period.
3. Akzo Site. No news.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 Water Supply. JFK had contacted the Borough MP who had written to RMBC regeneration director (Andy Zuntz) who had referred the matter to the Head of Planning and Regulation Services (Peter Rowlinson). He had advised the MP 800 boat movements per annum scheduled but only 350 movements had been achieved. JFK will write to PR pointing out details of water shortage only allows 4 boats per day and these movements have to be booked. United Utilities ignores the possibility of waste water usage which it is considered would increase the number movements per day and negate the necessity of a booking system.
4.2 Marina. GJP Marina Developments Ltd. had written to us (letter dated 20 April) with a proposed site plan (drg no. 6050/01). The letter gave a layout for 77 berths, an area for commercial building space and details of the next step. Attached was a summary of costs which gave a PC sum of £828,000 plus an additional PC sum of £2,400,000 for buildings, giving a total of £3,228,000. JFK will contact Impact Partnership and BW regarding these preliminary proposals.
It was decided to form a small sub-committee to further matters. This will comprise of JFK, KH, BobW and IG.
5. Ealees. Nothing to report. It was noted the area next to the Carpet Shop had been tided up and fenced off. This area had a “To Let” sign as did the former Stanton garage area.
6. Any Other Business.
6.1 Rochdale Online Awards had included our website in that category. We are in competition with Thistlyfield Bowling Club and Zion Baptist Church. The awards will be presented at a dinner on 6 June.
6.2 RMcD advised Route 66 cycling had acquired funding for the towpath from Belfield to the Rochdale boundary. JFK will write to BW requesting a copy of the specification and drainage details.
6.3 Festival. There is confusion as to the water route and dates of when this would be in Littleborough. KH advised this was currently being sorted out.
7. Next meetings. Tuesday 19 May and Tuesday 16 June. Both at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleboro
17th March 2009
Minutes of 57th meeting on Tuesday 17 March 2009.
Present: Cllr. Peter Evans (Chairman). Cynthia Davis, Keith Hallam, Brian Holden, Barry Horner,
John F Kay, Ray McDonald, Ken Rosbotham, Barbara Weatherley, Bob Weatherley, Damon Wilkinson, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Barry Cropper, Barbara Tunstall.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.56) approved with the following amendments; add Iain Gerrard to apologies for absence and the web site correct address is www.lcdg4you.co.uk.
2. Matters arising.
2.1 The Banner. Waiting for information from IG regarding planning application.
2.2 Civic Trust has acknowledged receipt of payment for entry in their letter.
3. Akzo Site. No news.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 BW has granted a 3 month extension as requested.
4.2 Peter Barlow of GJP Marina Developments had a site meeting with representatives of LCDG. He will be issuing a report within the next few weeks. This will be discussed at meeting 58.
4.3 It was learnt that water from local reservoirs is not being diverted to the canal but allowed to go into the river. This does not help should there be flooding. JFK will be writing to the relevant authorities and our MP.
5. Pennine Prospects. PE advised he had been requested to arrange a meeting for them with RMBC’s Chief Executive. This had been done. There is a PP meeting later this month (March) and PE will report back.
6. Ealees Site. A request for funding to have “No Heavy Goods Vehicles” signs on this site will be made early in the next fiscal year.
7. Any Other Business.
7.1 The Hollingworth Lake Rangers are organising, on 4th April, a Heritage Trail Launch meeting in Summit Quarry. Full details are available in the Lake Visitors Centre.
8. Next meetings. Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 19 May. Both at 19.30h in United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
10th February 2009
Minutes of 56th meeting on Tuesday 10 February 2009.
Present: John F Kay (Chairman), Cynthia Davis, Brian Holden, Barry Horner, John Kershaw, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Barry Cropper, Keith Hallam, Barbara Tunstall, Damon Wilkinson.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.55) approved.
2. Matters Arising:
2.1 The Banner. Waiting for information from IG regarding planning application.
2.2 Entry made in Civic Trust letter at £10.00
3. Akzo Site. No news.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 BW advised we were waiting a date for the visit of GJP Marina Developments. Extension to BW deadline requested.
4.2 CD to provide information of the “weed” in the canal to JFK.
4.3 Waiting feedback from Cllr PE of Pennine Prospects meeting.
5. Ealees Site. RD to ascertain where the Dutch Flower Lorry is delivering to.
6. Any other Business.
6.1 LCDG updated web sites are:
www.lcdg4you .co .uk OR www.lcdg4you.com
6.2 CD to e-mail JFK photographs of the canal in Littleborough.
7. Next meetings. The aim will be to have meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. The dates for the next meetings being Tuesday 17 March and Tuesday 21 April. Both 19.30h United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.
27th January 2009
Minutes of 55th meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2009.
Present: Cllr Peter Evans (Chairman), Keith Hallam, Barry Horner, John F Kay, John Kershaw, Ray McDonald, Roger Davis.
Apologies for absence: Cynthia Davis, Barbara Tunstall.
1. Minutes of last meeting (no.54) approved.
2. The Banner. Waiting for information from IG regarding planning application.
3. Akzo Site. The developer has left site having, one assumes completed the remediation work. A rumour is that he has liquidity problems.
4. Durn Marina.
4.1 JFK will arrange a chargeable visit by a representative of GJP Marina Developments to look at the site relating to number of boats and its potential.
4.2 JFK read out a report in Rochdale Online regarding Calderdale, Oldham and Rochdale taking over the running of the canal.
5. Pennine Prospects. JFK read out a letter he head written to PE regarding the marina. PE advised PP had a meeting on 28/1 at which he would discuss the matter and report back.
6. Ealees. PE advised he had discussed the matter of Lorries parking in the area with Pennine Township who had stated the matter would be looked into during the next financial year.
7. Any other Business.
7.1 RD gave details of a report presented at the last Township meeting regarding Hare Hill Court. This covered the possible existing sites in Littleborough as alternatives to build new accommodation. The conclusion being the existing site is the most appropriate and the matter be referred to Cabinet.
7.2 JFK will ascertain the possibility of LCDG having an entry in the Civic Trust.
7.3 LEAF have a web site; address being www leaf4you co.uk.
8. Dates of next Meetings. Tuesday 10 February and Tuesday 10 March. Both at 19.30h United Reform Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough.