Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2018.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 11 December 2019 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.

No declarations of interest were made.

To report any urgent action taken under the Constitution since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

No urgent decisions were reported.

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

The Chair referred to the recent cold weather and expressed thanks to the Council’s Gritting Teams for their work to keep roads clear and passable.

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.

Members of the public were invited to submit questions to the Chair and members of the Area Committee, subject to the exclusions set out in the Code of Practice.

No public questions were submitted.

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

The report provides details of a new structure in Place Management to bring together the Public Realm, Environmental Enforcement, Greenspace and Waste Management teams into a Neighbourhood Team.

The relevant Neighbourhood Manager will attend the meeting to answer any questions from councillors.

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

Officer contact: Ian Walmsley on 0161 474 4382 or email:

ian.walmsley@stockport.gov.uk

Ian Walsmley (Head of Neighbourhoods, Stockport Council) and Charlotte Nicholls (East Neighbourhood Manager) attended the meeting to provide an overview of a new structure in Place Management to bring together the Public Realm, Environmental Enforcement, Greenspace and Waste Management teams into a Neighbourhood Team and outlined how the new service aimed to work closely with members to address those concerns that were of greatest concern to local residents.

Councillors welcomed the new arrangements.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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.

Carolyn Turner, Public Realm Inspector, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors and members of the public in relation to highway and environmental quality issues within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         Works to address problems with drainage on the A6 near the Asda Supermarket were ongoing

·         A trail dig was planned on Marple Road footway opposite Holiday Lane.

·         The trial dig on Wimbolt Street had been completed, and a separate leak at this location has been repaired by United Utilities.

·         Vegetation at the former fire station on Beech Ave in Hazel Grove had been trimmed back.

·         The public footpath though Offerton Fold had been swept.

·         Overgrowing vegetation had been trimmed back from a piece of waste ground on Newby Road Industrial Estate.

·         A request has been logged to litter pick the verge on the A6 between the weather station and the George & Dragon pub. Some work has been undertaken but as the land was not adopted the Community Payback Team would be arranging to pick the hedge at the rear of the area.

·         The installation of temporary “We Are Watching You” signs in locations with reported dog fouling problems was continuing. Signs had been placed on High Street and on Mill Lane in Hazel Grove. Permanent signs were now in stock and arrangements would be made to install them.

·         It was planned to install temporary signs for use near grass verges that were being damaged by vehicles. It was expected that the signs would be put in place for a few weeks/months to allow the grass to recover.

·         The Council was keen to support volunteer groups to undertake a ‘spring clean’ of their neighbourhood. The Council could provide litter pickers and bags as well as arranging for the collection of the bagged waste. The Council was also supporting the “Keep Britain Tidy” campaign that was running between 22 March and 23 April.

·         The post had been removed from the corner of Jacksons Lane and Chester Road, and the bench had been washed.

·         Footway works were planned on the northbound footway of London Road, Hazel Grove from Chester Road to Hatherlow Lane from 18 February to 31 March 2019 (9am to 4pm).

·         Carriageway works were planned for London Road, Hazel Grove from Chapel Street to Oak Street from 25 February to 8 March 2019 (8pm to 5am), and on Lisburne Lane, Offerton, including roundabout re-kerbing prior to resurfacing in March 2019.

·         An abandoned caravan on Totridge Close in Offerton was to be removed.

·         A Warning Letter had been served at a property on Paythorne Green, Offerton as a result of an accumulation of waste in the garden. As a result, the waste was subsequently removed by the occupiers.

·         An Abatement Notice had been served on a property on Hillcrest Road, Offerton, in relation to light nuisance from a security light.

The following additional issues were raised:-

·         A request was made for the Community Payback Team to clear the brambles from the top of Beech Avenue near the GP Surgery.

·         Clarification was sought on the ownership of the bowling green to the rear of the Crown Pub in Great Moor.

·         It was reported that there was frequent flooding and pooling of water at the layby adjacent to the shops on Arundel Avenue.

·         There was a non-functioning street light near number 2 Palmerston Road.

·         A grass verge had been damaged on the A6 between the George & Dragon and the access to the hospital.

·         Fly-tipping was continuing at the site on the corner of Peter Street and Vernon Street.

·         Clarification was sought on the completion of carriageway works on Butley Street.

·         A request was made to litter pick and cleanse the area to the front of Crown Mews.

·         Clarification was sought on whether residents were able to affix signs to lamppost to remind dog walkers to clear up their dog’s faeces.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.(iv)

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

No petitions were submitted.

To consider any applications for Area Flexibility Funding or to receive feedback from organisations who have received funding.

To consider an application for funding toward the cost of a replacement raised gardening bed.

Loraine Reed, representing Allotments Love Life, attended the meeting to answer questions from councillors in relation to an application for funding toward a replacement raised planting beds.

RESOLVED – That an award of £350 be made from the Area Flexibility Fund to Allotments Love Life as a contribution toward the cost of replacement raised planting beds.

The Friends of Woodsmoor Station have indicated they wished to address the Area Committee as part of the Open Forum Arrangements to discuss an art scheme at Woodsmoor and other stations in South East Manchester.

Examples of the artwork to be displayed are included within the agenda.

Andy Stobbie, of the Friends of Woodsmoor Station, attended the meeting to update the Area Committee about a project to install public art at Woodsmoor and other stations in south east Greater Manchester. The Friends Group, working in partnership with the Council, were seeking funding from Northern Rail and the Community Rail Partnership to install aluminium prints of local landmarks. Examples of the artwork that had been commissioned had been circulated with the agenda.

Councillors welcomed and supported the project.

Mr Stobbie also updated the Area Committee on other activity by the Friends Group, including-

·         The Area Flexibility funding granted toward the externally mounted defibrillator had not yet been spent as Northern Rail had not yet completed the installation of CCTV cameras.

·         Footpath work to Woodsmoor Station had been completed.

·         The Friends Group had completed planting around the station.

·         Discussions were ongoing with Northern Rail about the feasibility of extending the Woodsmoor platforms to allow for access to the Stepping Hill Hospital site.

Councillors also discussed the desirability of Hazel Grove Station having its own Friends Group. Offers of support from Mr Sobbie were welcomed.

RESOLVED – That Andy Stobbie be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

There are no development applications to consider.

No development applications were 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) sting any outstanding or recently determined planning appeals and enforcements within the area represented by the Stepping Hill Area Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The Greater Manchester Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment: The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) was approved for public consultation at a meeting of the Joint Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)/Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Joint Board on 11 January 2019. The formal consultation on the document commenced on 21 January 2019 and will run until 18 March 2019.This is the next stage of the process which follows on from an initial consultation on a first Draft GMSF, which ran from October 2016 to January 2017.

The Area Committee is recommended to note the report.

Officer contact: Steve Johnson on 0161 474 3509 or email: steve.johnson@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) detailing the consultation process on the latest iteration of ‘The Greater Manchester Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment: The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.  It was stated that the formal consultation on the document had commenced on 21 January 2019 and would run until 18 March 2019.

Councillors encouraged the public to attend the engagement events and make responses to the consultation.

Concern was expressed that members of the public were not able to make representations on the draft Strategy through the Council. It was suggested that the Council may consider distributing a special edition of the ‘Review’ to raise awareness with the public of the proposals.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Paul Ankers.

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Paul Ankers.

Councillors Ankers raised some concerns and sought clarification in relation to the operation of the recent opened A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, including:-

·         What measures were proposed to test air quality on Macclesfield Road?

·         What was the timeframe for completing the bund on Ashbourne Road?

·         Was any consultation planned now the road had been completed?

·         Further information was sought on the traffic light works on Maccesfield Road.

·         Further information was sought on the accidents on the A555 near Woodford.

A representative of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration attended the meeting to respond to the issues raised.

It was stated that although the road was open, the project was ongoing and the Council was receiving and responding to specific issues being raised by residents, rather than concerns about the overall scheme. It was practice to undertake post-completion consultation five years after the scheme is opened.

In relation to air quality it was stated that the Greater Manchester projections for Nitrous Oxide did not include Macclesfield Road, although it was planned to undertake further measuring by the end of the year that would then be including the data available online.

It was reported that the signals on Macclesfield Road had been adjusted after opening and that this had resolved a number of traffic issues that had been experienced. Fibre optic cabling was ongoing but TfGM anticipated completion of this work and everything being fully operational by the end of February. TfGM was also continuing to asses and evaluate the road to optimise junctions.

In relation to the bund, it was stated that work was due to commence imminently, depending on weather conditions.

Specifically in relation to the minor accidents taking place near Woodford Road, it was reported that the contractor had assessed the junction and was unable to explain the high number of incidents as the junction was of a standard design that was in use successfully on other roads in Greater Manchester. The Police had also not raised any concerns about the road, and it appeared that the incidents were caused by the decision making of the motorists involved.

Councillor Julian Lewis Booth raised the following issues:-

·         The protective fencing to the rear of Darly Road appeared to end prematurely.

·         When would the safety audit be completed? In response it was stated that the audit was current in progress and it was anticipated that results were expected by the end of March. The contractor would then be given the opportunity to respond to any of those findings. It was further stated that because of the significance of the route the audit team included road safety officers from Stockport, Cheshire East and Manchester councils, Greater Manchester Police, and independent auditors.

·         Had the temporary traffic island on Macclesfield Road improved access and egress from Ashborne Road? In response it was stated that it had generally had a positive effect, including reducing ‘rat running’, but that it was not universally popular with residents. Changes to the signal phasing referenced earlier had led to motorists travelling faster. The situation would be kept under review.

·         Could speed cameras be deployed on the new sections of the A555? In response it was stated that there was a camera being installed to enforce the restrictions on the bus bridge but this was not suitable for capturing speeding motorists. The Council would soon be deploying a camera car for use outside schools, but it could be used on the new road.

·         Had the Council come to an agreement with the other councils on practical matters connected to the road? In response it was confirmed that discussions were ongoing but that progress had been made over responsibilities for gritting. All the parties involved were seeking common-sense solutions to ensure consistency of approach along  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

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

The report is to update the Area Committee of the forthcoming public consultation on proposals in connection with the Road Safety Around Schools programme for Fairway Primary School in Offerton. The report is for information only.

The Area Committee is invited to note the report.

Officer contact: Gavin Lightbown, 0161 474 2079, gavin.lightbown@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) informing the Area Committee of a forthcoming public consultation on proposals in connection with the Road Safety Around Schools programme for Fairway Primary School in Offerton.

Councillors welcomed proposals being progressed, but there was concern expressed by some about the length of time take to submit these details to the Area Committee, having been requested at the meeting on 17 April 2018.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

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

The report sets out proposals to to develop vacant land between Beech Avenue and Queen's Road, Hazel Grove as an extension to the current Beech Avenue car park. It is anticipated that this would address issues of parking pressures and unmanaged land, and improves walking and cycling access to local health and library services.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on the proposals and recommend to the Portfolio Holder to approve the scheme.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Deputy Chief Executive submitted report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Area Committee to consider proposals to develop vacant land between Beech Avenue and Queen's Road, Hazel Grove as an extension to the current Beech Avenue car park. It was anticipated that this would address issues of parking pressures and unmanaged land, and improve walking and cycling access to local health and library services.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supports the proposals and recommends to the appropriate cabinet members that they approve the scheme.

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

The Area Committee is invited to considering making permanent an experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Douglas Road, Hazel Grove made in July 2017.

The Area Committee is asked to decide whether the TRO schedule below should now be established on a permanent basis:

No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Douglas Road

North East side from a point 25 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 25 metres.

South West side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 39 metres.

Limited Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1

Hour:

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 49 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 58 metres in a South Easterly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 107 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 20 metres in a South Easterly direction.

North East side from a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Lawrence Road to a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Lawrence Road.

Lawrence Road

Both sides from the North Easterly kerb line of Douglas Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 making permanent an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Douglas Road, Hazel Grove. Since the Experimental Order was made there had been no concerns raised about its operation.

Councillors commented on how effective the Experimental Order had been in alleviating some of the problems being experienced by residents.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order be established on a permanent basis:

No Waiting Monday to Friday 7.30 – 9.30am & 4.00 – 6.30pm:

Douglas Road

North East side from a point 25 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 25 metres.

South West side from a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 39 metres.

Limited Waiting Monday to Saturday 8am – 6pm 2 Hours No Return within 1 Hour:

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 49 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 58 metres in a South Easterly direction.

No Waiting at Any Time:

Douglas Road

South West side from a point 107 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Queen’s Road for a distance of 20 metres in a South Easterly direction.

North East side from a point 10 metres North West of the North Westerly kerb line of Lawrence Road to a point 10 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Lawrence Road.

Lawrence Road

Both sides from the North Easterly kerb line of Douglas Road for a distance of 10 metres in a North Easterly direction.

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

The report seeks resources for the cost for constructing a paving strip on a grass verge on Blackstone Road in Offerton.

The Area Committee is invited to approve the cost of paving on Blackstone Road at a cost of £557.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 fund the cost of a paving strip on a grass verge on Blackstone Road to assist a resident with mobility difficulties.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the provision of a paving strip on Blackstone Road (as set out in plan NM18-6284 attached to the report) to be funded at a cost of £557 from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Offerton Ward allocation).

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

The report sets out proposals to provider 20 Roundel Repeater markings on Egerton Road and The Crescent in Woodsmoor.

The Area Committee is asked to approve the placement of the 20mph roundel markings and approving the cost for lining work of £1700 funded from the delegated Ward Budget.

Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 proposals for the provision of 20mph Roundel repeater markings on Egerton Road and The Crescent, Woodsmoor.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the placement of 20mph roundel markings on Egerton Road and The Crescent, Woodsmoor (as set out in plans NM18-6286-01 to NM18-6286-04 attached to the report) to be funded at a cost of £1,700 from the Area Committee Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).

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

To report sets out the results of an investigation into extending No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on Peter Street in Hazel Grove.

The Area Committee is invited to approve the advertising of the following scheme, at a cost of £600 to be funded from the Delegated Budget:-

Peter Street

South Westerly side from a point 2.5 metres South East of the projected boundary line between Numbers 57 & 59 in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 3 metres.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, max.townsend@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 proposals to extending waiting restrictions on Peter Street at its junction with Mill Street in order to protect signal detector loops embedded in the carriageway.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order, to be funded at a cost of £600 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation), be approved for legal advertising and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the Order being made:-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Peter Street

South Westerly side from a point 2.5 metres South East of the projected boundary line between Numbers 57 & 59 in a South Easterly direction for a distance of 3 metres.

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

The report will seek approval for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the new A6 MARR Turning Head off Buxton Road in hazel Grove.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, Max.Townsend@stockport.gov.uk

With the consent of the Area Committee this item was withdrawn.

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

The report will seek approval for the introduction of No Waiting at Any Time restrictions at the junctions of Commercial Road with Hazel Street and Grove Street in Hazel Grove.

Officer contact: Max Townsend, 0161 474 4861, Max.Townsend@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 proposals introduce waiting restrictions at the junctions of Commercial road with Hazel Street and Grove Street, Hazel Grove to improve safety for motorist and pedestrians.

RESOLVED – That the following Traffic Regulation Order, to be funded at a cost of £640 from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Hazel Grove Ward allocation), be approved for legal advertising and subject to no objections being received within 21 days from the advertisement date the Order being made:-

No Waiting at Any Time:

Commercial Road

South East side from the North Easterly kerb line of Hazel Street for a distance of 5 metres in a North Easterly direction. From a point 5 metres South West of the South Westerly kerb line of Grove Street in a North Easterly direction to a point 5 metres North East of the North Easterly kerb line of Grove Street.

Hazel Street

South West side from a point from a point 2 metres South East of the South Easterly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 3 metres in a South Easterly direction (to tie in with existing).

North East side from the South Easterly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 5 metres in a South Easterly direction.

Grove Street

Both sides from the South Easterly kerb line of Commercial Road for a distance of 5 metres in a South Easterly direction.

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.

Consideration of this application was deferred from the meeting on 11 December 2018 to allow for confirmation of the organiser’s nominated charity for 2019 and the value of previous donations from similar events.

The applicant has confirmed that since Autumn 2016, £37,500 had been donated to a range of charities. The most recent charity was Theodora Children’s Charity.

16 organisations based in Stockport that support individuals with additional needs received free tickets for the Stockport show, as well as ten further organisations in the vicinity of Stockport at which local residents may be involved.

The organiser has also invested further resources into enhancements to make their shows more accessible, including audio description, improvements to the flooring for wheelchair users, and most recently a mobile changing places disabled toilet.

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 for the use of Torkington Park by Circus Starr in May 2019.

Consideration of the application had been deferred to allow the applicant to provide additional information in relation to its charitable activities.

RESOLVED – That the application from Circus Starr for the use of Torkington Park between 7 and 9 May 2019 be approved, subject to the receipt by the Council of appropriate paperwork, licenses and fees.

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

The report sets out an application received to hold a Christmas Market at Torkington Park on 7 December 2019.

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 for the use of Torkington Park by Hazel Grove Carnival Committee Association in December 2019.

RESOLVED – That the application from Hazel Grove Carnival Committee for the use of Torkington Park between 6 and 7 December 2019 be approved, subject to the receipt by the Council of appropriate paperwork, licenses and fees.

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 in progress with the decisions taken at previous meetings and the current position on the Area Committee’s delegated budgets.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager referred to the decision taken at the last Area Committee in relation to a hand rail near Mirrlees Fields (Minute 9 of 11 December 2018 refers) and reported that a further request for funding to install benches along the path through the fields had been received from Public Rights of Way Officers. The Area Committee was asked to consider committing £2149.36 to cover the cost of concrete bases and installation of four benches that were being supplied by the Friends of Mirrlees Fields.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) That approval be given to the installation of four benches (to be supplied by the Friends of Mirrlees Fields) on Mirrlees Fields at a cost of £2149.36 to be funded from the Area Committee’s Delegated Budget (Stepping Hill Ward allocation).