Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 6 November 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillors and officers were invited to declare any interests they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

The following interest was declared:-

Personal Interest

No urgent decisions were reported.

To receive any announcements from the Chair about local community events or issues.

The Chair reported that the Mayor’s Carol Service was taking place at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 12 December 2018 at St Mary’s in the Market Place. She encouraged everyone to attend.

Representatives of Greater Manchester Police will attend the meeting to update the Area Committee on activity in the area committee area and to respond to questions.

Inspector Cantrall of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attended the meeting to update the Area Committee on recent police activity, including crime statistics and police operations.

The following update was provided:-

·         In the previous three months (September-November) there had been 70 burglaries, 15 cars stolen and 82 cars broken into. This was broadly in line with the figures for the previous year. There was a GMP operation (Amberley) focussing on Stockport, Manchester and Trafford to target gang burglaries to steel car keys and cars.

·         There had been a double of robberies from 7 to 15 in the previous three months compared to the year before, due to a particular spike over one weekend in November. The situation had now stabilised. Additional resources had been secured to support vulnerable victims.

·         The public were encouraged to use the online chat facility on the GMP website, particularly when the 101 number was busy.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was requested in relation to a spate of anti-social behaviour and burglary incidents in November. In response it was confirmed that a number of arrests were made and charges brought in relation to burglaries. The neighbourhood team were also working with the British Transport Police in relation to the problem activity around train station. This formed part of Operation Barometer.

·         Had Operations Amberley and Barometer been successful? In response it was stated that there had been successes with Amberley, but because of the affluence of Stockport and its good road links this created an inviting target for organised gangs. Nevertheless the Police had made arrests and a number of suspects were on remand awaiting trial. In relation to operation Barometer, there was ongoing partnership working to target individuals who could be identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

·         Residents appreciated feedback from the Police on their work, through social media often, even if that update was not positive. It was also commented that contributors to social media often portrayed a much more negative picture of crime in the community that was not then borne out in statistics. In response it was stated that social media could be a very positive tool, but also facilitated the easy spreading of bad or misleading news. Residents would often provide information on social media and be disappointed by the response, but the Police needed to ensure evidence met more stringent tests in order to be acceptable to court.

·         Councillors commended the work of Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and thanked the police for the support they provided. In particular councillor highlighted Jan Kitchner’s contribution.

·         In relation to complaints about off-road bikes it was commented that GMP had very limited specialist resources to address this issue, but residents experience this nuisance were encouraged to keep diaries and logs of incidents to allow the Police to prioritise the deployment of resources.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Cantrall be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

Members of the public are invited to put questions to the Chair of the Area Committee on any matters within the powers and duties of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice (Questions must be submitted prior to the commencement of the meeting on the cards provided. These are available the meeting.  You can also submit via the Council’s website at www.stockport.gov.uk/publicquestions.

No public questions were submitted.

The local Public Realm Inspector will attend the meeting to provide an update on matters raised at the last committee meetings. Councillors and Members of the public are invited to raise issues affecting local environmental quality.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that no Public Realm Officer was able to attend the meeting but a written statement had been provided (copies of which had been circulated).

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive petitions from members of the public and community groups.

No petitions had been submitted.

To consider an application from Hurricanes Cheerleading seeking a contribution toward the cost of new uniforms and competition entry costs.

Karen Broadhurst, of the Hurricanes Cheerleading group, attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee about an application for funding toward the cost of the Group participating in cheerleading competitions, including the purchase of uniforms.

RESOLVED – That an award of £2000 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to Hurricanes Cheerleading toward the cost of competition expenses.

To consider an application received on behalf of Chelwood Foodbankplus for a grant towards the cost of items of stock in advance of the rollout of Universal Credit.

A representative of Chelwood Foodbankplus attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee about an application for funding seeking contributions to prepare for the anticipated increase in demand for non-food items following the roll-out of Universal Credit in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That an award of £500 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to Chelwood Foodbankplus as a contribution toward preparations for the roll-out of Universal Credit.

To consider an application received on behalf of Defibulous for a grant of £800 towards the cost of a defibrillator.

A representative of the Defibulous attended the meeting to answer questions from the Area Committee about an application for funding toward the cost of providing a defibrillator in the Davenport area. It was confirmed that permission had been given by the owners of the Jolly Sailor Pub on Bramhall Lane South to mount a defibrillator on their exterior wall.

RESOLVED – That an award of £200 toward the cost of an externally mounted defibrillator.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, Stockport Homes Ltd.

The report provides an update on the progress of the delivery of Stockport Homes’ Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The Area Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Rebecca Cullen, 0161 474 4372, rebecca.cullen@stockporthomes.org

Janice Samuels, Neighbourhood Housing Manager at Stockport Homes, attended the meeting to present an update on the Stockport Homes Neighbourhood Action Plans.

The following issues were highlighted:-

·         The Offerton Masterplan had begun to be implemented, and there had been positive feedback, particularly in relation to improvements to heating.

·         Neighbourhood Investment Budget was being used to provide fencing around properties.

·         As part of any new initiative efforts were being made to ‘design out’ features that were causing or facilitating problems.

·         Work had commenced on improvements at Hexham Close and on Blackstone Fields.

·         Through Viaduct Housing funding had been secured from its contractors to support community initiatives, including an art group based at the Offerton Community Centre.

·         Work was underway to prepare for the roll-out of Universal Credit, particularly in providing support for digital claims.

·         Stockport Homes was using Community Protection Notices to address anti-social behaviour and other nuisance.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was requested on improvements at Kyle Court, Hazel Grove. In response it was stated that several areas had been addressed and there had been some difficulties arising from the differing lifestyles of residents, but that the situation was being monitored and there had not been any repeat complaints about cleansing.

·         More information was sought in relation to the Customer Service vacancies and whether tenants had the opportunities to take up these roles. In response it was stated that Stockport Homes provided work experience and volunteering opportunities for tenants and would be seeking to expand those opportunities to customer focussed jobs. Stockport Homes also provided a range of support tenants seeking to get back into employment.

·         Concerns were expressed about a number of areas of open space where responsibility and ownership was split between the Council, Stockport Homes and other housing providers and where maintenance and cleansing were often poorer as a result. Tannock Close/ Tiree Close and Cow Lane were identified as particularly challenging areas.  

·         The café and art group at the community centre were commended.

·         Clarification was sought on whether community skips would be provided to tenants. In response it was stated that further deployments of skips was planned but that notice of this was given close to the date to prevent misuse.

RESOLVED – (1) That Janice Samuels be thanked for her attendance and presentation.

(2) That the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes be requested to provide further information in relation to the following issues:-

·         Proposals for Torkington Lodge

·         Responsibility for the park to the rear of Tannock and Tiree Close

·         Engagement with small clusters of tenants.

There are no development applications to consider.

No development applications had been submitted.

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report summarises recent appeal decisions; lists current planning appeals and dates for local enquiries; informal hearings for planning appeals, and enforcement action within the Stepping Hill Area Committee area.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates, 0161 474 3219, vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area covered by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Returning Officer.

The report sets out proposals in relation to polling arrangements within the area and seeks the Area Committee’s views in order to inform the Council meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections. The proposed arrangements have taken into consideration the comments of the Area Committee made at its last meeting.

The Area Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Caroline Bell, 0161 474 3173, caroline.bell@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Returning Officer (copies of which had been circulated) seeking the Area Committee’s views on the proposed polling arrangements within the Area Committee area in order to inform the Council Meeting’s determination of polling districts, polling places and polling stations for forthcoming elections.

Councillors expressed support for the proposals contained in the report in relation to the Offerton Ward.

Concern was expressed about the disruption caused to Moorfield Primary School by its use as a double polling station and queries raised about whether any of the other nearby schools could be used.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Returning Officer be requested to confirm whether alternative schools had been considered for the polling stations for TE and TF districts.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The purpose of this report is to provide Members with the accident statistics for the A6 London Road and Commercial Road in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Nick Whelan, 0161-474-4907, nick.whelan@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Area Committee with the accident statistics for the A6 London Road and Commercial Road in Hazel Grove, following a request from a councillor.

Councillors expressed serious concern about the number of accidents on Chester Road/ Gundy Road and on Commercial Road and their disappointment that there were no proposals to address these ‘hot spots’. Councillors queried why these issues had not been addressed through the A6MARR Mitigation Measures and whether additional speed cameras were appropriate.

It was suggested that the additional highway works on Commercial Road planned as a result of permission being granted for the redevelopment of the former Royal Oak Public House should be expedited to address road safety concerns in this area.

Councillors also expressed concerns about the efficiency of the A6 London Road/ Buxton Road through Hazel Grove and into Great Moor due to the current traffic light arrangements; the lack of enforcement of box junctions, in particular at Buxton Road and Dialstone Lane; the lack of parking enforcement in the vicinity of the A6 and its major junctions that was contributing to traffic congestion, and the inadequacy of the length of the filter lane for right-turning traffic from Buxton Road into Bramhall Moor Lane.

Councillors also expressed concern about the impact of standing traffic on air quality.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Cabinet Member be informed of this Area Committee’s concerns about the number of accidents in Hazel Grove along the A6 and on feeder routes and that she be asked to ensure that officers submit a further report on possible solutions.

(3) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to submit a report or reports back to the Area Committee

·         detailing the current synchronisation of the traffic signals on the A6 in Hazel Grove and Great Moor;

·         providing an update on the requested pedestrian crossing facility on Commercial Road;

·         options for improved signage at the at junction of Buxton Road and Dialstone Lane to reduce the number of motorists inappropriately entering the box junction.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

Following complaints from the public and at least one accident involving a wheelchair user, there was need to install a handrail at the railway footbridge. The estimate obtained from Totally Local Company (£4,432.50) is to improve safety for pedestrians, local residents, dog walkers and users with disability, who choose to enjoy the footpath. The installation of the handrail will therefore enhance safety at the railway bridge.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the use of its Delegated Budget to support the scheme.

Officer contact: Ernest Nama, 0161 474 4595, ernest.nama@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) requested the Area Committee to consider a proposal to install a handrail at the railway bridge near Mirrlees Fields, Woodsmoor.

RESOLVED – That the proposal to introduce a handrail at the railway bridge near Mirrlees Fields, Woodsmoor to improve safety for pedestrians, local residents, dog walkers and users with disabilities be approved at a cost of

£4,432.50 to be funded from the Area Committee delegated budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out an application received from Circus Starr to hold their circus in Torkington Park on 8 May 2019 with access from 7-9 May.

The Area Committee is recommended to approve the application subject to the organiser producing the appropriate papers: event plan, health and safety documentation, licenses and insurances, and paying the fee.

Officer contact: Jacky Budd, 0161 474 3332, jacky.budd@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider an application from Circus Starr to use Torkington Park between 7-9 May 2019.

RESOLVED – That consideration of the application be deferred and the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to confirm the organiser’s nominated charity for 2019 and the value of previous donations from similar events.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The report provides an update on progress since the last meeting on decisions taken by the Area Committee and details the current position on area flexibility funding. The report also includes the current position on the highway and traffic management delegated budget.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Area Committee on progress with decisions taken at previous meetings and on the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budgets.

In response to a query raised by the Chair, the representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that due to budget pressures it was unlikely that the remaining £3,861 needed to progress the provision of additional laybys on Lisburne Lane, Offerton (Minute 10 of 8 August 2017 refers) was not available from strategic resources. It was suggested that the Area Committee may wish to make up this shortfall by increasing its contribution to the scheme from £7,722 to £11,583 (with Stockport Homes contributing a further £3,861).

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be authorised to utilise a further £3,861 from the Area Committee’s delegated budget (Offerton Ward allocation) toward the cost of the provision of additional laybys/ parking capacity on Lisburne Lane, Offerton (Minute 10 of 8 August 2017 refers) in order that the scheme can be progressed.