MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/70FD1A39/Meeting1stJuly09.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" HINDLEY GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

HINDLEY GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF MEETIN= G

Held at Hindley Green Family Church at Bethel on Wednesday 1st July 2009

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PRESENT:  &nbs= p;     Debbie Birchall - DB, Jim Burto= nwood, Mike Lynch, Mike Walsh - MW, John Vickers - JV, Jeff Unsworth - JU, Barbara= Unsworth, Dawn Draper - DD, Avis Shone, Lynn Collier, David Dodsworth, Margaret Wrigh= t,

    =             &nb= sp;       Alan Wright, Maxine Armstrong, = John Hatton, Barbara Lane - BL, Cllr. Bob Brierley - CBB,

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APOLOGIES:  &n= bsp; were received from Julie Bradsh= aw, PC Wendy Rowson, Sheila Woodward, Cllr. Barry Fagan - CBF, <= /p>

    =             &nb= sp;       Ken Ellison

 

 

Prior to opening the meeting, the Chair advised memb= ers of the resignations of Eric Dickens ( HGRA Treasurer ) and Ivy Dickens. The Chair thanked them both in the= ir instrumentation of setting up HGRA and its constitution and for all their h= ard work and efforts given during the past two years.  Eric and Ivy are to remain members= of HGRA..
HGRA are now seeking a new Treasurer and a further Committee member.  If anyone is interested in fulfill= ing these roles please contact a Committee member.

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1.         &nbs= p;   MINUTES: of the meeting held= on Wednesday 1st April were circulated and proposed by Jeff Unswort= h, seconded by Maxine Armstrong.  Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd June were also circula= ted and proposed by Barbara La= ne and seconded by Dawn Draper.

 

2.        &nbs= p;    MATTERS ARISING:

 

i.        &nbs= p;     Bethel Update

A meeting was held = with the Church Elders on 23rd June putting HGRA’s proposals forward.  We reiterated the co= ntent of the letter sent previously by the Committee that we are = not in a position and are unable to commit ourselves to long term agreements.  We would like to utilize the build= ing for social activities that would fit in, not conflict with the Church and t= heir commitments.  JU advised that = we are now a fully constituted organization with input in the Township Forum and a= re at a stage where we want to move forward and do more for Hindley Green.  Our main hold back is lack of fund= ing, due to having no Headquarters or fixed base.  To gain this we need to find a pla= ce we can call “home” and would like to come to an agreement with the Church.  Certain members of Hi= ndley Green, in the political sphere, are going after the lease but it was made c= lear that HGRA have not and have never had any intention of moving forward in th= is way. 
We see the facilities at the B= ethel and ask if there is a way we could agree to use the building as an address,= as both organizations work together for the benefit= of Hindley Green, hence our request for a meeting.

Quote from the meeting. JV - Is there any way you can consider having us as lodging? 
Rob Channings, Pastor, - If the Association had a pigeon hole would that be sufficient? 
JV – Yes.  JV asked if we wanted to use the facilities, would it be possible for social events, etc. which we would put to the Elders beforehand? 
RC advised that there were two other elders to discuss our requests with.  As a Christian organization they d= o not believe in Halloween, etc. and would not allow such events, as values are m= ost important to the Church.  This= HGRA happily agreed to, as we appreciate and recognize the values of the Church = and would not in any way go against their values.  Eddie Marshall advised that they a= lways consider proposals, to which HGRA is in agreement.  In the past there has been a battle which was unnecessary, as we all want to serve the people of Hindley Green. 
In previous HGRA minutes, a question was asked, “Can we evict the Church?”  This question = was raised by a member attending the meeting and not by a committee member. Thi= s has never has been HGRA’s intention.

HGRA is obliged to record in the minutes, what is said at its meetings.   

RC advised that the letter sent to The Church was a nice letter and well written.  They said that they = would discuss our proposals later that evening at their prayer meeting but they c= ould not see any problem.  For soci= al events we were advised that Wednesday and Thursday evenings are out as the building is committed to other organizations and also Monday evening.  The Church Elders were thanked for= a quick response and for listening to our requests.  We are now awaiting official confirmation from the Church Elders to our requests and hopefully we will b= e in a position to start raising funds for the benefit of Hindley Green.

 

ii.&= nbsp;           Boundary Signs

Four boundary signs are = now in situ. The requested 5th sign at the Westhoughton which now leaves us in the unfortunate position of n= o boundary has not been installed.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>  ACTION 131 - DB

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 

iii.        &n= bsp; Engineer’s Fu= nd<= /p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Quotation is now in hand.  Rather than just flag t= his area it is proposed to block pave an area of 6me= tres wide x 10 metres back, to install one bench and a noticeboard.  Shrubbery to t= he rear of the land to be cut back and tidied.  ACTION 132 = – CBB.  JU to design a plan for proposals.&nbs= p; ACTION 133 – JU.  Submit plan and quotation to M= C ACTION 134 - DB

 

iv.     Sponsorship<= /o:p>

Help is still being sought to obtain funding from other sources in particular, should confirmation be received from the Bethel regarding = our requests.  There are many orga= nizations from where funding can be sought.

 

v.&n= bsp;            Thomas Street= One Way System

JU was invited to attend the Transport Economy & Environment Sub Group mee= ting however MC did not consider this to be a good idea and suggested Stephen Be= ll contact JU to discuss proposals for the Thomas Street one way system.  JU met with Stephen Bell explainin= g the proposals. It is important that these proposals are understood as misunderstandings had previously occurred.=   Stephen gave some valid reasons for some suggestions not to be considered but also came up with other suggestions himself.  Stephen will now discuss this furt= her with Kevin Hargreaves and make further contact within one month.=

 

vi.        &nb= sp;  Highways Capital Project

Traffic attempting to turn left into Atherton Road from Richmond Road is an accident waitin= g to happen especially for large vehicles i.e. bin wagon ( a= demonstration is to take place at 10.30am).  Plans have been passed for the pedestrian island although this is at an angle, residents should be consult= ed over plans of this nature.  The crossing is encouraging people not to use the pelican crossing 50 yards away.  One person was killed n= ear Tesco but not near Richmon= d Road, the island needs to be removed.  Is traffic calming really needed?  Why was the island put there is the first instance?  There is a speed camera not too far away, approx 50 yards, although this is not a deterrent, especially if no f= ilm is inserted.  MW has attempted= to contact Roscom without success.  The island has not stopped customers visiting the shops from parking or reversi= ng on to Atherton Road.  In the last 12/13 years there have= not been any accidents near to the speed camera.  The Askwith roundabout slows traff= ic approaching this area

 

= vii.    Traffic Issues

   &nb= sp;     Smith’s Lane/Leigh Road - Two lanes have been installed for traffic approaching the traffic lights in Smith’s Lane, the facility for cars parking has not been changed allowing vehicles to park on both sides of the road thus causi= ng obstructions for vehicles entering Smith’s Lane.

 

   &nb= sp;     Swan Lane &= #8211; HGV’s and speeding continue to be a problem despite works to restrict these having been carried out.  Vans parking on the pavement is an issue, preventing pedestrian access.  Sat Navs a= re now directing vehicles via Cou= pland Road.  Can weight restrictions be applied?=   DB will try to get to tomorrow’s TE&E Sub Group meeting tomorrow to address issues.  <= b>ACTION 135 – DB

 

   &nb= sp;     Speeding on Green Lane is a continual problem and also Leigh Road with motorbikes.  Is it possible to have more mobile= speed cameras?

 

vii.         Clayhole

         Andy Tonge, together with his wife are taking over a bailiff of the Clayhole on behalf of Westlake Angling Club, who have extend= ed their current lease.  Andy wil= l only become involved in angling issues. Any other issues will be dealt with by W= igan MBC or the Police.  Youths were breaking bottles on the Clayhole at approx 10.55pm last night.  The Council was contacted this mor= ning to remove the shards of glass.  There are no funds available to put scaffold bars on the swings to prevent them being thrown over.  A resident has offered to pay, when contacting CBF he was advised to ring the Police.  All incidents must be reported to the Police, obtain a log number, enabling all crime to be monitored, showing there are problems in areas of Hindley Green.  Statistics show the only problems = are from off licences.  Both Cllrs. Fagan have large sums remaining in their Brighter Borough Funds, can these funds be utilized?

 

         A demonstration is to take place on Monday 6th July at 2.30pm by W= igan Leisure & Culture Trust of how glass is removed from the sand by a rotovator.  CBF advised that he visits Westlake at 5pm every evening, this has proven to be untr= ue.

 

viii.       Grot Spots

         = An article was recently pla= ced in the paper asking residents of Hindley Green to contact us identifying grot = spot areas.  To date we have receiv= ed no contact.  We will work with CB= B in clearing the grot spot areas involving the local community “Beat It” team organized by Damien Jenkinson.  A skip was blown up in the alleyway between the two hairdressers on Atherton Road.  CBB is to arrange for a digger and driver at £150 to scrap off= the surface in the alleyway thus reducing the potholes.  Who is responsible for this street= , Bexley Street?  Contact Damien Jenkinson.  ACTION 136 - DB

 

ix.          Planning Matters

 = ;        No applications this month.  Plans are set at WMBC for the next= 20 years and are reviewed every three yeas.&n= bsp; The proposed A5225 is being brought back on line (land opposite Russ Rigby’s) this was safeguarded land to be opened up for housing. This = land previously belonged to As= pull Church.  Peel Holdings seem to be purchasin= g a lot of land in the Wigan area under diff= erent names.  The Local Development Framework (LDF) can be accessed via the internet www.w= igan.gov.uk/ldf JU to add link to website.  ACTION 137 – JU.  A few months ago details were given in the Borough Life leaflet distributed to all households.  Blight orders were lifted on some houses until KLDF adopted.  Page 94 – refers to North Le= igh which is actually Hindley Green.  When this is opened up the volume of traffic will drastically increase.  The project was sto= pped due to funding.  After reading= the LDF please ensure you put in your objections.

 

3.      FINANCE

 &nbs= p;       The current bank balance stands at £926.33, with an income of £17.00 from the sale of refreshment and raffle at June’s meeting.  A cheque in the sum of £6.00 payable to Land Registry still remains uncleared.  JV is currently working on a list = if available sources for funding.  ACTION 138 - JV

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4.   &nbs= p;  COUNCILLOR ITEMS

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   =       i.       Cllr.= Barry Fagan - No rep= ort received.

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ii.          &nb= sp; Cllr. Louise Fagan - No report received.<= /span>

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         = iii.&= nbsp;    Cllr. Bob Brierley

·  &n= bsp;            Emma Barton is arranging a demonstration on Mond= ay 6th July at 10.30am of a breakdown vehicle exiting Richmond Road as a result of the new traffic island now being in situ.  This new island is directing people not to utilize the nearby contro= lled crossing.  Dave Culshaw advise= d the width is 2.4m as opposed to 3.1m.  A list of stats has been requested.  It has been said that CBF would rather have a vehicle reverse that h= ave an accident

·  &n= bsp;            Councillors are paid £11K per year less ta= x; can claim 43p per mile, receive an additional £3K for an outside body= .

·  &n= bsp;            CBB requested Cllrs. Fagan become involved in wo= rks to parade of shops on Athe= rton Road.  CBB advised CBB has £18K in his Brighter Borough Funds.  It is very difficult for HGRA to g= et involved as we are a non-political association.  CBB being the only Councillor to o= ffer support and to attend meetings.  All three Councillors receive a total of £17K for Hindley Green which is shared between them, all three Councillors having their own projects.  No monies are lost should they be unspent.  CBF is up for electi= on in 2010.  What are Brighter Borou= gh Funds for if not for spending?  BL to write to CBF.  ACTION 139 – BL  Any questions regarding Brighter Borough Funding can be directed to = Dave Bilner, WMBC.

·  &n= bsp;            Lord Peter Smith has given £10K from his Brighter Borough Funds

·  &n= bsp;            CBB is setting up other groups in an endeavour to obtain further funding.

·  &n= bsp;            CBB is unable to utilize Brighter Borough funds = to remove trees.  HGRA are unable= to assist funding as these are for individuals and would set a precedent for o= ther to approach us.

 

5.  &nbs= p;   ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

i.      =         Walkway off Leigh Road

The new pathways ar= e being churned up by motorcycles.  CB= B has requested styles.

 

ii.      Street Cleaning

A waste bin has bee= n placed in Alder Lane with a further two requested. 

 

iii.     Clayhole Foodp= ath

The cost of tarmac = the footpaths are Westlake would cost in the region of £21K.&nb= sp;

 

iv.     Projects

If you can think as= of any projects you would like to see or improvements in Hindley Green then please bring your ideas to the next meeting or contact a Committee member.

 

6.   &nbs= p;  DATE OF NEXT MEETING

         The next meeting will be on Wednesday 5th August 2009 commencing 7.0= 0 pm at Hindley Green Family Church at Bethel.

         = Apologies for any errors and omissions.

 

Ref

Date

Action

Owner

Comments

2008 ACTIONS

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>03

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>07/05/08

Confirm which ward Maxine Armstrong of 7 Bankhall Clos= e, Hindley Green, WN2 resides

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB<= /p>

CANCELLED – Boundaries reviewed every 10 years

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>29

= 06/08/08

Investigate how standards of play areas were achieved = in Bolton

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

CANCELLED - Difficulty obtaining info

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>47

= 05/11/08

Request further footprint be carried out at Atherton Road/ Leigh Road junction from Wigan MBC

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB/

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB

E-mail sent to CBB 28/11/08 – awaiting response = from WMBC – Chased CBB 20/01/09 & 02/02/09

2009 ACTIONS

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>104

= 07/01/09

Contact Wigan MBC regarding inadequate lighting on Ludlow Avenue

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

Ongoing - E-mail sent 21/01

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>114

= 04/02/09

Investigate proposals for bale hostels

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

Ongoing - No further information available at present<= o:p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>119

= 04/03/09

Obtain information regarding the PACT Process from Township Forum

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

Ongoing - Not at last meeting

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>120

= 04/03/09

Raise at Township Forum problems with vehicles parking= on grass verge Blair Avenue=

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

Ongoing – Greenspaces investigating

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>121

= 01/04/09

How do Highways consult with residents regarding propo= sed projects/plans?

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>122

= 01/04/09

What can we do to encourage our local Councillors to support us?

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

Currently in hand

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>123

= 01/04/09

Update on hanging baskets on terraced properties along= Atherton Road

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB

CANCELLED

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>124

= 01/04/09

Who owns the land on Leigh Road, the old railway gap

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>126

= 01/04/09

Add waste collection details to website

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JU

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>129

= 03/06/09

Send copy of plans for proposed 20 mph on Crossdale Road to HGRA

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB

COMPLETE – 20 mph zone already in place

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>130

= 03/06/09

What proposals do Cllr. Barry and Louise Fagan have in= the pipeline for their Brighter Borough Funds

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

Ongoing

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>131

= 01/07/09

Chase 5th boundary sign at Westhoughton boundary

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

E-mail sent to Malcolm Coe

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>132

= 01/07/09

Arrange for shrubbery to be cut back to the rear of the land adjacent the Bethel

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>CBB

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>133

= 01/07/09

Design plan for proposals to new layout of land adjace= nt the Bethel

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JU

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>134

= 01/07/09

Submit plan and proposals to MC

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>135

= 01/07/09

Put forward traffic issues to TE&E Sub Group<= /o:p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

E-mail to M Coe & Traffic Dept

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>136

= 01/07/09

Who is responsible for Bexley Street?<= /p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>DB

E-mail sent to D Jenkinson

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>137

= 01/07/09

Add Local Development Framework to website<= /span>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JU

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>138

= 01/07/09

Provide list of sources available for funding

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>JV

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>139

= 01/07/09

Write to CBF regarding Brighter Borough Funds

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial'>BL

COMPLETE