MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/191C5D13/OctMinutes.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" HINDLEY GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

HINDL= EY GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

MINUT= ES OF MEETING

Held = at Hindley Green Family Church at Bethel on Wednesday 1st October 2008

=  

PRESENT:&nbs= p;       Debbie Birchall - D= B, Barbara Unsworth, Jeff Unsworth, Michael Walsh, Jim Burtonwood, Eric Dickens - ED, Ivy Dickens, Maxine Armstrong - MA, Cllr. <= st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on">Bob Brierley - CBB, Lynn Collier, Ron Shuttleworth, Mike Lynch,

  =             &nb= sp;         Dawn Draper, Ken El= lison, Pauline Dodd, Cllr. Jim Ellis, Cllr. Barry Fagan - CBF, PC8243 Wendy Rowson, PCSO65463 Donna Longhurs= t, SC515 Louise Barber, PCSO 65715 John Barker

        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;           

APOLOGIES:&n= bsp;   were received from = John Vickers, Phil Cooksey, David Dodsworth, Barbara Lane, Alan & Margaret Wright and Sheila Woodward

=  

        &= nbsp;           &nbs= p;   As both the Chair and Vice-Chair were unable to attend the meeting, the Secret= ary proposed a Committee Member Chair the meeting for the evening.  Ivy Dickens proposed Maxine Armstrong as Temporary Chair seconded b= y Dawn Draper, all present in favour.

=  

1.         &nbs= p;   MINUTES: of the meeting held= on Wednesday 3rd September 2008 (having been circulated) were Proposed by Jeff Unsworth and Seconded by Eric Dickens= , all in favour.

 

2.        &nbs= p;    MATTERS ARISING:

 

i.        &nbs= p;     Committee and Commi= ttee Meeting

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>A brief overview of= the Committee meeting held on 18th September was given, copies of minutes issued to members only.  It was agreed at the Committee meeting to leave open the two remaining seats on the Committee.  A nomination w= as received from Ron Shuttleworth, Proposed by Mike Lynch and Seconded by Dawn Draper, all in favour.  Welcome Ron to the Committee.=

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

ii.        &nb= sp;   Police<= /p>

            =       The meeting was attended by PC8243 Wendy Rowson, SC= 515 Louise Barber, PCSO65463 Donna Longhurst, and P= CSO 65715 John Barker.  After introductions were made PCSO’s Donna and = John gave a Homewatch presentation, Ron Shuttleworth is the Chairman of Hindley Green Homewatch Scheme.&nb= sp; The local Community Neighbourhood Team is committed to reducing crime in the area working alongside the Community.  The aim of Ho= mewatch is to help reduce opportunities for crime thereby deterring thieves and van= dals and to improve community relations, membership is entirely free.  Did you know you could receive up = to 20% reduction on home insurance just by being a member of your local Homewatch Scheme?&nb= sp; Security measures should be taken to protect our homes and belonging= s by etching with an ultraviolet pen postcode and door number on personal effects and try to keep a note of all serial numbers.  In the event belongings are stolen= the Police then are able to return them to their rightful owners.  Hindley Green is one of the safest places to live and visit.  All problems or concerns can be taken to the Police Surgeries on the last Wedne= sday of each month at the Bethel, crimes can be reported on 0161 872 5050.&n= bsp; A selection of crime prevention leaflets were left for distribution including stop and lock doors reminder and ultraviolet pens.  Each coordinator can apply for lamp= post signage.  ACTION 39 – JU to promote Homewatch<= /span> on website.  CBF congratulated= Wendy and her team.  CBF is a member= of the PACT’s Select Committee, each area wi= ll have a contact number, the police will be more available to deal with crime in their area.  The WISDOM system will provide more information for wards which has been tried in some areas with success.=

 

            =       The Police POD will be on Tesco Superstore, Cross S= treet, Hindley on Wednesday 15th October 10am to 4pm.  Officers will be on hand to offer = crime prevention advice and will be giving away energy saving light bulbs, comput= er power downers and burglary literature.&nbs= p; Members of the Community will also be able to take part in a Home Security Quiz with a prize for the winner.=   Details to be displayed on website.  ACTION 40 – JU

 

    =             &nb= sp; Urgent calls will be Grade 1, something ongoing will be non-urgent.  A new computerized diary system ha= s been set up, appointments can now be given for non-ur= gent calls via the Public Service Team (PST).&n= bsp; A calling card will be left should no answer be received at time of police visit.  The new system = will not be used for urgent jobs.

 

            =       Thanks to Wendy and her team for giving their time and support at our meeting and = to our community.

 

            =       Operation Treacle is shortly to commence with additional patrols taking place leading= up to and throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.=

 

iii.        &n= bsp; Traffic Calming Mea= sures<= /p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>A list of all traff= ic issues raised at previous meetings was presented at the Township sub-group = on 23rd September.  Engineers will now investigate issues raised and return with possible solutions.  With regard to the= Atherton Road/Leigh Road= junction engineers carried out a footprint usage.  ACTION 41 - CBB to obtain copy.

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

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Ken Ellison has liv= ed on Leigh Road = for 43 years and since an accident happened when his wife was nearly killed Mr Ellison has recorded all accidents which have occu= rred, a total of 44 to date.  He has contacted Wigan MBC and local MP Andy Burnham in an attempt to arrange a meeting.  Three lampposts have= been replaced following accidents.  Two signs have been erected, anti-skid road markings= in both directions and more recently an illuminated speed sign have been place= d in situ, all to no avail.  Mr Ellison states that 40 out of 50 vehicles followin= g the bend in the road go over the white lines.&= nbsp; Further action must be taken before a fatality occurs.

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

iv.        &nb= sp;  Play Areas<= /p>

Copy of job description to be obtained for cleaning parks.  ACTION 42 - CBB

 

106 Monies have £32k to spend on play areas.  It was agreed in principle at the Transport, Economy & Environme= nt Sub-Group to install a slide/climber and a spinning item on Bexhill Drive play area (this considered to be of the highest priority) and to upgr= ade 4 other play areas within the Hindley & Abram Township.  The cost to upgrade Bexhill Drive will be in the region of £8.5k.  This proposal is to go before the next Township Forum for approval.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>  Although upgrade is needed on the = Clayhole this was not considered to be of high priori= ty at this stage.

 

A flyer is to be de= signed regarding Coupland Road play area for distribution to residents with suggestions and questions.  An invite will then be issued to a= ttend a meeting to be held at the Be= thel for residents to have their say with options being available for discussion= .

 

v.   &nbs= p;  Harlea Avenue

<= st1:address w:st=3D"on">Harlea Avenue is currently No.26= out of 70 on the adoption list.  C= BB is to pursue via the Cabinet.  WM= BC have voted to improve 4 roads in 2009/10.&= nbsp; A copy of a letter received from United Utilities was issued.  Residents are charged £73 pa= to take surface water from roads, as there is no road, residents should contact United Utilities for rebate.  = In turn, when the rebate has been received contact WMBC.  CBB to clarify area covered as Harlea Ave= nue

 

vi.   &nb= sp; Clayhole

Westlake Angling Club co= ntinue their search for a Bailiff.  A= team of guys are interested in taking over the lease of Westlake although Westlake Angling Club= are reluctant to hand it over.

 

vii.         Hindley Green Ward Boundaries

<= span class=3DGramE>Investigations continuing.  MA returned vot= ing form stating “will not vote until I can vote in Hindley Green”.  Contact is Ann Loftus.  A map outlining Hindl= ey Green ward boundaries was issued to all Committee members.

 

viii.   Boundary Signs

         It was agreed to have 4 boundary signs on the borders of Hindley, Leigh Road, Smallbrook Lane and Westhoughton, posts already in place for 3.=   Photos of the Clayhole were circulated as suggested at a previous meeting.  It was suggested that we look at t= he past for ideas for the sign itself.

 

ix.   &nb= sp; Social Events and Fund Raising

         A Social Events = and Fund Raising Committee comprising Neil & Karen Dunlop, Eric & Ivy Dickens, Ron Shuttleworth, Dawn Draper and Debb= ie Birchall was proposed by Jeff Unsworth and Secon= ded by Maxine Armstrong.  Zenno = Vattev, Funding Officer, of WLCT, is a good source fo= r fund raising.  GMP may also be able= to provide funds of £300.

 

x.   &nbs= p;  Rock Bus

         The rock Bus is = run by the Methodist Circuit and held at the Wakes Car Park every alternate Mon= day 7 to 9 pm.  Approximately 40 you= ngsters attend from Hindley, Hindley Green and surrounding areas and watch TV, play computer games, face painting etc.  Hindley Residents Association are looking for lady volunteers to ass= ist in supervision.  4/5 youths ha= ve started running the bus and control other youths where there is no swearing= or drinking allowed.  DB and MA volunteered to attend next session.  The Children and Young People’s Group are looking at buy a bus= and kit it out to be placed on Hindley Market Square which is covered by CCTV, this c= ould possibly be a joint venture.<= /o:p>

=  

xi.   &nb= sp; Township Forum

        &= nbsp;         HGRA membership was approved at the meeting on 8th September, HGRA will now have regular attendance at the Township meetings.  However, eventually PACT will take= over from the Forum.

=  

xii     Friends of Hindley Station

      =             <= /span>Sunday 12<= sup>th October - Clean up day - = Manchester bound platform Hindley Station from 10.00am until 3.00pm – All Welcome.  Thursday 16th October – Public Meeting St John’s Church, Bridge Street Hindley&= nbsp; at 7.00pm, hear what the FOHS are doing to improve Hindley Station.   Sergea= nt Andrew Tomkins of the British Transport Police = based at Wigan is to go along and possibly answer any questions in his role with the BT Police.  There will be a prize draw.  Membership cards a= re now printed and will be distributed at the meeting.

 

 

 

 

xii= i.      Spring Bulbs=

Cllr Bob Brierly donated a quantity of bulbs to be planted around HG.  Tattenhams Works on Leigh Road have advised that they don’t want any planting on the grass verge.  Possible areas being grass verges = on Atherton Road between Coupland Road and the Bull & Butcher, Crossdale Road both sides, outside bungalows on Brookdale Road.  DB to arrange = a date of planting.  ACTION 44 - DB<= /p>

 

         = xiv    = Grounds Maintenance

        &= nbsp;         DB continuing to chase Grounds Maintenance regarding shrubbery on Westlake, site meeting arranged for Mon= day 6th October.  = ACTION 45 – DB.  6 concrete bases are now in situ f= or new bins and two noticeboards to be erected.    E-mail received from W= LCT regarding grass cutting who have advised that grass in this area is cut to 25mm without collection.  Any clippings that fall on to the footpath should be swept or blown back on to the lawn within one hour.  They aim to cut the grass 16 times throughout the summer (April - September) which works out at an average of = 10 working days.  However due to = the weather over the last two summers there have been occasions when they have = not been able to achieve this standard.  This has been offset by mild winters that have resulted in grass cut= ting as late as October and commencing again as early as February.  This has meant that they have still achieved 16 cuts but spread over a longer period.

<= o:p> 

xv.         Committee Trainin= g

3 committee members recently at= tended Getting it Right Training Session given by WALH covering constitution, code of conduct, equality & diversity and SLA’s.  Some information could be of value= to the Association.

 

         = xvi    = Planning Matters

A list of all recent planning applications i= n HG pending consideration was presented up to 29th September. 

 

Application for Yes Tree Farm development has been rejected and the 02 mast on Swan Lane has been approved.

 

xvii.  Councillor Surgeries

         CBF advised that both he and Cllr. Louise Fagan share Councillor Surgeries on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at the Bethel and that C= LF handles home visits for women

 

3.      FINANCE

  =        Currently the bank balance stands of £1,315.22.  <= /span>Income of £1,415 (£35 donation this month) with outgoings of £99.28 (computer supplies this month).=

=  

         = JU & MA are contacting local business some of which have agreed to donate a prize rather than cash, 8 business out of 30 approached have sponsored HGRA.

=  

4. &nbs= p;    COUNCILLOR ITEMS

         =

 =         i.       Cllr. Barry Fagan

·         The 620 bus service to be reinstated on a temporary basis from= 13th October running from Swan Lane to St. Helens via Ashton-in-Makerfield.  Investigations continue on how to sustain the service which is much needed.

·         Schools for Future are looking for a further school.  Currently Park High is lying idle = within out catchment area for 1,000 to 1,500 children.=   Janet Newton is the new Schools Coordinator, having shut 19 schools in the area previously undertaken.=

 

         = ii.&nbs= p;     Cllr. Louise Fagan

  =             &nb= sp;   No contact or apolo= gies received.

=  

         = iii.&nbs= p;    Cllr. Bob Brierley

·         The majority of Councillor Brierley’s issues were discussed above.

·         WLCT Audit to be questioned on monies spent.  They are charging 4X more for maintenance of equipment.  Playdale give a 20 year guarantee with their equipment therefore equipment sold by a company should be fit for use therefore minim= um maintenance should be required.  If Coupland Road play area does not go ahead what happens to the money?=   Is it returned to the developer or= do WLCT spend it elsewhere in the Borough.

·         A major incident occurred when a pond behind the old Railway l= ine and B= exhill Avenue was drained by Peel Holding, the Police= and Environmental Services have been involved.=   Apparently a major housing development is planned with private land being sold.  Local residents w= ere advised that they could keep their pens.&n= bsp; The footpath at the side of the old railway has been cleaned up.

 

 

 

5.&nbs= p;     ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

i.        &nbs= p;     CONGESTION CHARGES<= /span><= /p>

Together with the 620 bus service, the 33 bus from Wigan to Manchester has been withdrawn during the week, which is ideal for Hindley Green, but s= till runs on a Sunday with the loss of the 32 to Piccadilly.  If we vote for congestion charging= it will not solve local problems it will just reinstate services currently bei= ng removed.  The age of residents having to walk to catch a bus is not taken into account.  GMPTE made a profit of £40mi= llion for a 6 month period.  It was highlighted that members of the GMPTE were not passing information on to Councillors.  The promise of better rail links are also of no benefit to Hindley Green as we h= ave no station.  There are no local buses running from Hindley Green to either Daisy Hill, Atherton or Hindley stations.

 

ii.     = Schools

        &= nbsp;         Since Hollins closed children are being bused out of = the area, chopping more schools to take 14-19 year olds.  The Guest Speaker at the last meet= ing was against Council Policies.  There is currently £300million available therefore there is no requirement = to sell off schools.

 

6. &nbs= p;    DATE OF NEXT MEETING

         Wednesday 5th November 2008 commencing 7.00 pm at Hindley Green Family Church at = Bethel.

         A Committee meet= ing has been arranged for Thursday 16th October 2008 commencing 7.00= pm at the Bethel. 

         FOTARA to atten the meeting on 5th November giving a presentation on what they are about and what they can for us.

         Apologies for any errors and omissions.

Ref.

Date

Action

Owner

Comments

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

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

Confirm which ward Maxine Armstrong of 7 Bankhall Clo= se, Hindley Green, WN2 resides

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

Ongoing – investigations continuing<= o:p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>12

07/05/08

How does an area become a renewal/deprivat= ion area?

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

Ongoing

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>16

04/06/08

Harley Avenue update

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

To be pursued via Cabinet

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>23

02/07/08

Provide additional personal details

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

Ongoing

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>24

06/08/08

Source Hindley Green map clearly identifyi= ng boundaries

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

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>26

06/08/08

Formally write to Environment Services outlining issues and offer invite to next meeting

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

COMPLETE – will not attend meetings, issues via Township Forum and sub-groups

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

06/08/08

Investigate how standards of play areas we= re achieved in Bolton

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

Ongoing

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>33

03/09/08

Request delay on traffic lights at junctio= n of Atherton Road/ Leigh Road= at Township Forum

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

Ongoing - Issue raised at Forum sub-group = on 23rd September

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>34

03/09/08

Report to be submitted regarding Coupland Road

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

Ongoing

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>35

03/09/08

Mr<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> Draper to contact Trevor Smith regarding vacancy of Bailiff on the Cla= yhole

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

COMPLETE – No longer able to

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>36

03/09/08

Contact WLCT What’s On regarding advertising meetings

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

COMPLETE - Details forwarded 15th September

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>37

03/09/08

Obtain further costs and information regar= ding Christmas trees

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

COMPLETE – Costs forwarded to CBF 16= th September

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>38

03/09/08

Investigate plans for alley gating to the = rear of 753 Atherton Road

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

COMPLETE - No current plans in place<= /o:p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>39

01/10/08

Promote Homewatch on website

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

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>40

01/10/08

Promote details of the Police POD at Tesco on 15th October on website

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

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>41

01/10/08

Obtain copy of footprint usage undertaken = by Engineers for Atherton R= oad,/Leigh Road junction

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

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>42

01/10/08

Obtain copy of job description for cleaning parks

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

COMPLETE

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>43

01/10/08

Clarify area covered as Harlea Avenue

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

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>44

01/10/08

Arrange bulb planting day

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

 

<= span style=3D'font-size:9.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>45

01/10/08

Chase Grounds Maintenance re Westlake Shrubbery<= /p>

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

Meeting arranged for 6th Oct