Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2024.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 4 November 2024 were approved as a correct record.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of David Gosling.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Members of the Forum were invited to declare any interest they had in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

There were no matters arising.

To consider a verbal update from the Highways & Transportation team in relation to Heaton Mersey Common.

Officer Contact: Alex Purrier alex.purrier@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Highways & Transportation Team gave a verbal update in relation to non-public right of way and greenspace paths.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The progress made on paths was welcomed, in particular the path from Allerton Road which was now safe to cycle.

·         It was reported that signage would be installed indicating when cycle paths would be lit.

·         The path from the corner of Mersey Road at the side of Priestnall had an incorrect segregation sign; the section of the path with bollards was a pedestrian route and not a cycling route.

·         The shared pathways were for cyclists and pedestrians and not for equestrian use.

·         Whilst there were no bridleways on the common, equestrians were allowed to use the common.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.

To consider a verbal update in relation to non-public right of way and greenspace paths, led by the Thriving Places Neighbourhood Manager.

Officer contact: Jane Bardsley | jane.bardsley@stockport.gov.uk

The Thriving Places Neighbourhood Manager provided a verbal update on non-public right of way and greenspace paths.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         An update was provided in relation to Woodbank Park, in particular the pathway from the bottom of Cowell Lane to Offerton Cricket Club. This pathway was usually muddy, even on a bright day due to the natural layout of the sight. Officers offered to walk members of the Forum along the pathway to discuss areas for improvement.

·         Officers also provided an update about Morton Clough which had experienced a landslide. This pathway was not within council ownership and was leased from a neighbouring farmer. Consideration was being given to redirecting the pathway onto neighbouring farmland and officers intended to make contact with the landowner.

·         The landslide would need to be addressed prior to consideration being given to whether this path was suitable for equestrians.

·         The council worked with the Totally Local Company (TLC) on general path maintenance. The time and scope for TLC to work on pathway maintenance was limited. Plans were underway to take a more proactive approach to pathway maintenance.

·         It was reported that the fence on the Middlewood Way path separating horse riders from pedestrians required replacement.

RESOLVED – That the verbal update be noted.

To consider a verbal report/update on outstanding Definitive Map Modification Orders led by a Senior Transportation Officer

Officer contact: Nicholas Robinson nicholas.robinson@stockport.gov.uk>

A Senior Transportation Officer provided a verbal report/update on outstanding Definitive Map Modification Orders.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was reported that there were no further updates from the previous meetings. In order to try to progress the outstanding Definitive Map Modification Orders (EMOs), Transportation Officers were having regular meetings with the council’s legal team.

·         Forum members referred to specific items within the register which required updates; it was reported that council officers were working through the archives but that it was the case that some of the information might be missing.

·         It was further reported that officers were working with Democratic Services to obtain archived Committee reports related to EMOs.

·         Members commented that waiting more than ten years for EMO updates was unacceptable and suggested that decisions be made outside of the remit of Area Committees.

RESOLVED – That the verbal update be noted.

To consider a discussion item on the inclusion of equestrians on any new multi-user paths.

This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Vice-Chair.

This item was placed on the agenda at the request of the vice-Chair, Debbie Hall to consider the inclusion of equestrians on any new multi-user paths.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members reported that Active Travel England had made a funding announcement to spend £300 million and that Central Government had included horse riding within active travel. Members commented that, in the light of those factors, equestrians should be included in all new active travel plans

·         In response, officers reported that equestrians were included in Stockport’s active travel plans where possible; although funding sources had particular requirements which also required consideration.

RESOLVED – That the discussion be noted.

To consider a verbal update/ discussion item in relation to recent activity, led by the Strategy Growth and Improvement Manager.

Officer contact: Emily Brough emily.brough@stockport.gov.uk

The Head of Highways & Transportation provided an update on recent activity.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was reported that legal action was pending regarding pathway obstructions. Officers were unable to comment further on that issue.

·         It was reported that the council’s website team had made updates to the rights of way improvement plan, which could now be viewed in a new layout.

·         It was reported that work was ongoing on footpath 62M, a more detailed survey expected shortly.

·         The Transport Capital Programme was awaiting sign off, but was available to view on the agenda for the most recent meeting of the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Members and officers are invited to suggest agenda items for future meetings of the Forum.

Members and officers were invited to suggest agenda items for future meetings of the Forum.

Members requested that equestrian footpaths be included on the agenda for the next meeting.