Steve Wright

AREA PARTNERSHIPS “GAGGED” OVER CIVIC SUITE REVIEW Local Area Partnerships have been “gagged” by Bury Council from discussing the current review of Civic suites by the Conservative Administration. Cllr Vic D’Albert, Lib Dem Chair of Prestwich Area Partnership had requested a special meeting of Prestwich Area Partnership to hear about the issues facing Civic venues and to provide an opportunity for residents to comment, however Bury Councils Conservative leadership has refused the request, saying that the ongoing consultation on plans for the venues makes the meeting unnecessary. The move followed controversial plans by the Conservative-run Council to hold a “task and finish group review into the future of Bury’s Civic Halls. The review follows financial concerns about Civic suites such as the Longfield Suite and Radcliffe Civic Hall. Cllr D’Albert said “The Conservatives want to gag Prestwich Area Partnership and others. They know that the strength of feeling against their plans is enormous, and the truth is that they just don’t want to have to face awkward questions and embarrassing truths in public again. The Area Partnerships are the formal body representing the communities of Bury’s six townships and we have a right to be heard. Once again the Conservatives running the Town Hall have shown that they don’t know the meaning of the word partnership.” The local community voiced its opposition to plans to close the popular Longfield Suite in a public meeting late last year, and Cllr D’Albert believes that this show of feeling is behind the Conservative refusal to attend. “Last time the Tories came to Prestwich, they were told in no uncertain terms that this popular community facility should stay open. What they should have done is gone away, recognised the strength of feeling and committed to working with the local community to safeguard their future and ensure we continue to provide civic venues people want. Instead, they now refuse to talk and continue to leave the threats hanging over our community centres. It’s not on, and it’s now typical of their on-going neglect of Prestwich.” Meanwhile the Councils consultation on the future of the Civic Suites is set to end on February 28th and it is understood that over 900 responses have been submitted already. “Remember after February 28th as a result of the councils gagging of the area partnerships, there may not be any further opportunities to register your views, so make sure you send in your survey responses as soon as possible.” Surveys are available from all council buildings and on-line at www.bury.gov.uk.

Traffic Calming Scheme for Heywood Road

Posted January 31, 2010

Details of a traffic calming scheme for the southern part of Heywood Road (from Heys Road down to Scholes Lane) have been announced.

The proposals include a 20mph zone as the road nears the area of Park View Primary School (Rectory Lane roundabout to Scholes Lane, including Park View Road itself.

The full details of the scheme can be downloaded here.

Local Campaigners fighting Council proposals that they say threaten the future of the Longfield Suite, have now come together and formed the Save Our Suite campaign group to pool resources and coordinate action to fight Bury Councils proposals.
 
At a meeting at the Church Inn Prestwich local residents, users, dance groups and councillors came together and pledged to work together and fight the proposals all the way.
The meeting appointed St.Mary’s ward Councillor, Donal O’Hanlon as Chair of the Save Our Suite Group, Cllr O’Hanlon commented, “I am honoured that the meeting asked me to Chair the campaign. I am determined that Bury Council are brought to their senses on this issue. The Longfield Suite is the jewel in the crown of the Longfield Precinct. It needs improving even refurbishing, not reconfiguring or threatening. We will fight any proposals that threaten these facilities every inch of the way.”
 
Bury Council has set up a Task and Finish group of council officers to examine the finances and operations of the Councils’ Civic suites and provide the Councils Executive with recommended options to reduce costs to the authority.
 
Campaign organiser Kevin Hodges said, “It’s clear to anyone who knows the Longfield Suite that the large sprung dance floor is a key attraction and key to it’s future success, it is sheer madness that the Council could threaten to remove the biggest attraction at the Longfield Suite, further undermining its future success.
 
The Save Our Suite Campaign has organised an event called “The Link” for Sunday December 6th at 12.30, when supporters will come together at the Longfield Suite and link to form a human chain around the building. All welcome. Prizes totalling £100 will be awarded for the best Save Our Suite poster Design.

You do have to laugh sometimes, while out walking Charlie last night I noticed someone had littered the street with a Michelle Wiseman questionnaire naturally I picked it up and gave it a once over.  Question 6 did make me chortle -What community facilities should your local Council be considering for investment in your community- CRIKEY I don’t know Michelle maybe the Longfield suite with a new frontage as requested- unlike your idea of task and burn.

I must say it was only me that was Laughing, Charlie just chewed michelle’s pretty picture - Charlies like that no respect.  

The Conservatives are treading dodgy ground indeed with their claims that the Government is effectively funding Islamic schools connected with extremist organisations.

Childrens education and Islam, never mind extremism, are not the areas to be weighing in with irresponsible unconsidered, not to mention unsubstantiated claims. 

However, whilst I do not support the extremist organisation concerned there are clearly questions that have to be asked. Firstly they claim to be a registered political party. If so the organisation although extremist has the same rights to exist as the BNP - regardless as to whether I loathe their views.

If they are not legitimately registered or indeed if they are to be banned then of course there are procedures and protocols to be followed. And indeed if they have supported the killing of British troops then I would be first in the cue to support a ban.

But where is gets really messy and worrying is the Tories allegations with regard to the funding of schools. Last night claims were made which were then unable to be substantiated then they were withdrawn, and today I woke to find that certain allegations have been reiterated.

The Conservatives really do have to be correct with their facts when it comes to throwing allegations around about extremism especially when it concerns schools and the education of our young people. If there is any substance at all then those facts need to be conveyed to the authorities without the need to wave them like some kind of patriotic flag in the House of Commons. Then on receipt of those facts the Government needs to give assurances that they will be thoroughly and rigorously investigated.

I wonder are we seeing an example of what the Conservatives would be like if they formed the next Government?

Would they ban organisations, withdraw funding, exclude people, on the first whiff of an accusation, before receipt of the facts, before asking the necessary questions.

Jumping on the bandwagon of populism carries risks, even more so when they jump to the tune of the red top tabloids as they appear increasingly prone to do.

Remember we are also dealing with young people and their education

Prestwich Local Area Partnership will showcase Prestwich Winter Wonderland which kicks of on Sunday 22 November with a bumper Prestwich Christmas Farmers Market and Christmas Lights Switch On at The Longfield Shopping Centre with not only top Coronation Street Star Katherine Kelly (Becky) to switch on the lights.

There will be lots of family entertainment to enjoy this splendid day with top local entertainment, Dave K, a Town Cryer, Besses o’th Barn Brass Band, Pop Star Academy, Prestwich Arts College Choir, Sweeky the Clown and Santa’s Grottos of course.

Prestwich Library have pulled its own cracker for the visitors at the Farmers Market to drop in with their children to enjoy Carnival of the Animals Story time and mask-making 11am-12 for children under aged 10 and under in Prestwich Children’s Library and a FREE prize draw for a big cuddly blue teddy bear. (Please contact the library to book your place), a chance for children to write your letters to Santa and post them in the post-box at the Santa Grotto,

Local History Displays – with Craig Brisbane, Guitar Class & Art Society Demonstrations and a one off Computer Taster Session – ‘Shop till you Don’t Drop!’ teaching shoppers how to online shop from the comfort of your home 11-1pm. There’s even a chance to pop in and see Prestwich Hospital Exhibition. What a Cracker!

Well over 200 local residents packed into the Longfield Suite in Prestwich last thursday and sent a clear message to Bury Council that they want to keep the Longfield Suite.
 
At a previous meeting residents had demanded that the Leader of the Council, Cllr Bob Bibby attend to face concerned residents, and he attended for an hour with Mike Kelly, Bury Council’s Deputy Chief Executive.
 
Following introductions from meeting organiser, Vic D’Albert , Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Bury South and a statement from Cllr Bibby questions were taken from the floor.
 
Vic D’Albert commented, “I think it’s fair to say Cllr Bibby received a real grilling on proposals for the future of the Longfield Suite as residents demanded explanations and more details about the so-called reconfiguration planned. Sadly Cllr Bibby was generally unable to respond positively to any great satisfaction of those present.”
 
“What pleased me most was not just the turnout, which for a miserable bonfire night evening, was excellent, but the broad representation of Prestwich residents that were present, which included users, local businesses and concerned local residents.”
 
“I hope Cllr Bibby has now taken notice of the strength of feeling from local people on this issue and I would urge him to show he has listened by scrapping the “Task & Finish” officer group he has established and instead work with local people and councillors in an open and transparent way to look at how the Longfield Suite can be improved in every way to become a more sustainable and even more attractive community centre.” 
 
“It’s a great shame Cllr Bibby had to leave the public meeting to attend a Conservative meeting as many more people had questions to put to the Council leader. However we hope he listened while hear, and we now expect action. Meanwhile I would just thank all who attended and those who have volunteered to help with the campaign - it’s just a shame local people have to go to these lengths for this Council to take notice.”
 

Transport bosses in Greater Manchester are encouraging people to take advantage of two days of free travel on the Metrolink network.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) is providing free travel on Metrolink all day, from the first tram until the last tram, this Saturday, 14 November, and next Thursday, 19 November, as a ‘thank you’ to passengers.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of GMITA, said: “We’ve invested a significant amount in improving the Metrolink network this year; projects that will make journeys smoother, quieter and more reliable.

“We’ve completely replaced the city centre tracks, provided high quality new street finishes, upgraded two of the busiest city centre stops and installed the first sets of new ticket machines – major improvements that were completed on time and on budget.

“However, we fully appreciate that passengers were left without a full service while all this work was done, and we want to thank them for their patience and understanding during that time – that’s why we’ll be providing these two days of free travel.”

The city centre section closed in April and services returned on 2 November.

Major overhauls of the St Peter’s Square and Piccadilly Gardens stops – two of the most heavily used on the network – have been completed.

The St Peter’s Square stop has been widened and the platform heights modified to allow level boarding for all passengers. The Piccadilly Gardens stop has also been widened and new canopies have been installed to provide better shelter for even more people.

New state-of-the-art ticket machines that take bank notes and credit and debit card payments, have also been installed on the two revamped stops. They will be rolled out across the Metrolink network by spring next year
All the city centre stops now bear Metrolink’s new identity, which will be rolled out across the remainder of the network.

Councillor Ian Macdonald, Vice Chair of GMITA, said: “Shoppers will be able to benefit from free travel this Saturday and I hope more people will choose to leave the car at home and try the tram instead.

“Commuters will benefit from free travel next Thursday, but I hope people will also take the opportunity to travel in to the city centre in the evening to sample the Christmas markets and get into the festive spirit.

“Meanwhile, the investment in Metrolink is going to continue, with several brand new trams in service by the end of this year, all-new ticket machines installed across the network by spring next year and four new lines being built.”

A total of 40 new trams have been ordered to provide more room on existing services and to cater for passengers on new lines being built to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, Chorlton in South Manchester and MediaCityUK in Salford.

Passengers who have a season ticket which covers the days valid for free travel can claim a refund by writing to Customer Service Secretary, GMPTE, Freepost MR7 116, Manchester, M1 9QL, by 7 January 2010 with their name, address and telephone number.

They will also need to provide a photocopy of their Metrolink Travel Club membership card as well as a photocopy of their season ticket if it is still valid, or the original ticket if it has expired.

Tonight was the public meeting for save our Longfield and Cllr Bob Bibby was the special invited guest. Cllr Bibby is the Conservative leader of the council with the final decision on the Longfield suite.

Firstly Cllr Bibby said he had another meeting to go to and must leave by 8.oo so we only had a short period of time.
Cllr Bibbys opening gambit was a statement from the Council and as usual it as long as possible let us waste some time. After 10 minutes of time wasting Cllr Vic D’Albert tried to stop the statement and get to the questions and answers, “I’m just setting the scene was the answer” at this time the crowd became very agitated and it was a little bit touch and go if Cllr Bob Bibby saw an easy escape route and went immediately.
We then did get to some question unfortunatley alot of people wanted to make a statement rather than ask specific questions however questions and answers as follows
“You only care about the leafy suburbs and don’t invest in Prestwich and Radcliffe!”  -  as leader I care about all areas I wouldn’t had made sure of the massive investment ( cost neutral ) in the regeneration of prestwich , I have spent more in Radcliffe than twenty years of the previous administration.
I have requested to see the figures as a Local Cllr for this ward and have had no reply- I will make sure it happens
The rest of the questions were more arguments about how can you say the Longfield is losing money and has a usage of 37% etc etc

 At 7.40 the dance group class act came down just to give a brief flavour of what they do at the Longfield and it was a fantastic interlude, but as they finnished Cllr Bibby had slipped half way down the hall and then promptly left to the enevitable boos
After this there was a lengthy discussion of what the next step is and how the campaign should proceed.
At the end of the meeting many people stayed around and had a chat about the campaign many people were aghast about how Cllr Bibby behaved and one of the campaigners who had a long discussion with Cllr Wiseman reported that she was equally aghast with Cllr Bibby behaviour and that she was going to complain to the conservative party directorate. 

Here are the written answers to questions asked by the Lib Dem Group to Full Council last week. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you require any further information.

Suggested answer to written Question 1 submitted by Councillor O’Hanlon

Q The Council is considering changing the use of the Longfield Suite in Prestwich, whilst proposing to retain the Elizabethan Suite in Bury and Ramsbottom Civic Hall.

Why is this the case when the Council’s own figures show that the Longfield Suite is better utilised and makes more money than the Elizabethan Suite and Ramsbottom Civic Hall?

Can the Leader of the Council assure me of the Council’s commitment to provide a civic hall for Prestwich which allows community groups to use a dedicated public events space and which provides a hub for local community activities?

A I would like to thank Cllr O’Hanlon for his question

First of all I would like to remind all members that no decisions have been taken regarding the future of any of these venues, despite some member’s best efforts to whip up public anxiety and anger.

A task and finish group will look at all four venues with a view to finding the most viable and sustainable solution for local communities and the Council. Commitments have already been given by the Leader that there will be extensive consultation with any interested groups, individuals and the Local Area Partnership and their views on alternative use for the Longfield Suite be reported back as part of the Group’s final report.

Suggested answer to written Question number 3 submitted by Councillor Baum

Q At the last meeting of the Council I asked for a progress update on my proposal to allow free parking after 3pm in Bury Town Centre, after a similar scheme boosted trade and Council coffers in Rochdale. Cllr Gunther replied saying that the Council “will continue to look at initiatives wherever they are and assess the value for Bury, taking into consideration the potential impact on the business community as well as the Council’s financial position.”

What are the outcomes of the assessment of “Park free after 3″ for Bury, what is her assessment of the potential impacts for the business community and the Council’s financial position of the scheme, what are the comparative costs / benefits of “Park Free After 3″ compared to “Park Free for 15 minutes,” and when will my scheme be introduced?

A The potential impact on the Councils financial position is likely to increase the parking budget deficit. The anticipated deficit from the on-street “15 minutes free parking” scheme alone is likely to be in excess of £80k. There would also be the additional costs of setting up the scheme such as legal costs, signing, machine software changes etc.
Given the financial constraints of the Council there are no plans to change the current arrangements which are very satisfsactory.

Suggested answer to written Question number 5 submitted by Councillor Pickstone

Q Goals Soccer Centres Ltd seem likely to be submitting an amended application for a commercial soccer centre in open piece of parkland adjacent to the Bury MBC border in Holyrood Ward. Is the Leader of the Council aware of the serious heritage concerns raised by English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Garden Heritage Society and others around the destruction of part of this historic piece of parkland?

Were the Authority aware of these objections when making its own comments to Manchester Council’s original application?

A The application is wholly within the area controlled by Manchester City Council and as such it is for them to assess the acceptability of the Planning Application and any concerns over the application should be sent to Manchester City Council, as per the advice to all local councillors in an email from the Planning Department on the 29th June 2009.
The Council is not party to the replies to consultations received by Manchester City Council, and was not aware of any comments that the City had received when it made its comments.

The Planning Control Committee considered what impact the application would have on the nearby residents in terms of noise and light pollution and the impact on the highways network.

The assessment on the impact of the Listed Park is a matter for Manchester City Council and English Heritage and we are not part of this assessment.

On a point of information, it is understood that whilst English Heritage did not support the application, it did state that it had no objections in principal to the development of sports facilities and made various recommendations for amendments to the scheme.

A joint meeting has been held between English Heritage, Manchester City Council and the applicant to discuss these recommendations and a revised scheme is awaited by Manchester Planning Department.

The Council will be informed of the revised scheme when it is received.

Suggested answer to written Question number 7 submitted by Councillor Andrew Garner

Q Council recycling facilities at Tesco Prestwich have recently been closed. Does the Leader agree with me that this is a backward step for recycling in the borough, and that a reduction in recycling sites without a commensurate increase in collection from the remaining sites will result in fly-tipping?

Have alternative sites and increases in collections been considered? If so, what are the plans and when will they be introduced?

A The decision by Tesco to withdraw this facility was unfortunate but the decision was taken following persistent large scale fly tipping of waste at the site which it proved impossible to control. This was despite a range of preventative measures being employed such as signage, CCTV, regular cleaning of the site and speaking to users of the facility.
There is nothing to suggest that the closure of this recycling centre will result in an increase in fly tipped recyclable waste. That sort of waste does not typically get fly tipped.

There are a network of recycling centres across the borough, the nearest to Tesco’s being the Longfield Centre which has the full complement of recycling banks. Furthermore the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Clifton Road, Prestwich has recently been refurbished and its recycling facilities improved.

Furthermore, all Bury residents living within the vicinity of Tesco’s have access to kerbside collections of paper and card, plastic bottles, cans and glass and so should have little need for a recycling centre in any case.

Suggested answer to written Question 9 submitted by Councillor V D’Albert

Q Could the leader confirm how much is left in this year’s Council budget for Disability Grants for Building adaptations for the current year?
A Private Sector Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s), budget, expenditure to date and remaining budget 2009/10
Budget £1,107,000
Expenditure to 22.10.09 £418,713
Remaining Budget £688,287

Suggested answer to written Question number 11 submitted by Councillor Baum

Q Bury Market is one of the jewels in Bury’s crown, and the best market in the country. I have spoken to many traders who are struggling through the recession, and who trade at different sites but would prefer to trade in Bury more often. Has any thought been given to opening the market fully on more than three days per week, helping traders and boosting visitor numbers to Bury?

A Traditional market days at Bury Market are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Bury Market Hall is open six days a week and Bury Fish and Meat Hall five and a half days a week.

The Open market comprises 212 daily licence stalls and 82 leasehold units who trade on the three established market days. In addition to these market days, Daily licence traders have the opportunity to trade on the open market on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Open market leasehold traders can, if they wish, trade for seven days a week.

However, traders make their own judgment as to whether it is commercially viable to open or not outside of the established market days. The vast majority of traders choose not to open.

Traders are represented by two trader organisations - Bury Market Traders Association (BMTA) and Bury Open Market Traders Association (BOMTA). Markets Management have ongoing dialogue with the trader organisations and have requested they consider Sunday opening in light of Town Centre developments. Feedback to Markets Management is that traders have expressed concerns and are reluctant to open on Sundays. Further consultation regarding Sunday opening is to be undertaken with the Trader Organisations.

Suggested answer to written Question number 13 submitted by Councillor S Wright

Q Can the leader inform us of the total amount spent on taxi fares by the council in the last four years, split down by department?

A I am happy to send round a full analysis of taxi costs by service but for brevity tonight I thought that it might be more helpful to provide the total costs for the last four years, which are

2006/07 £959,546

2007/08 £1,039,983

2008/09 £1,067,548

2009/10 £479,306

Of these costs 99% relate to the provision of transport to people with specific needs within Adult social care, Children’s social care and schools.

I can assure Members that Taxi services are procured following a full tendering exercise and I can also assure Members that the way in which transport is provided to vulnerable people is subject to on-going review to ensure that their needs are met in the most efficient and effective way.

Suggested answer to written Question number 15 submitted by Councillor Steve Wright

Q Has the council given any consideration to allowing sole traders permission to use council-run household waste recycling centres in an attempt to ease problems like flytipping?
A This is a decision for the GMWDA who operate such facilities.
Having said that, the GMWDA, through its contractor Viridor, do provide outlets for commercial waste at some of its other facilities. E.g. when the Transfer Loading Station at Every Street, Fernhill reopens in January traders will be able to dispose of their waste there, subject to a minimum half tonne charge.

Suggested answer to written Question number 17 submitted by Councillor Ann Garner

Q Can the Leader confirm the number & location of all the public waste bins in Bury, the collection rotas for each, and the plans for the future of such waste bins?
A There are currently 728 public waste bins situated across the borough which are emptied on different days of the week at different frequencies, depending on location. A full list detailing the location and collection rotas for each bin can be passed to Cllr Garner.

Requests for new bins are considered on an individual basis, taking into account several criteria, for example

location e.g. on a school route, near shops, fast food outlets etc
feedback received from residents and the Street Care Teams
numbers of bins already within the locality
whether any additional funding or sponsorship is available from tenants and residents groups or LAPs
whether there is any potential obstruction to the footpath.

Suggested answer to written Question number 19 submitted by Councillor Davison

Q Given that 25% of PCN’s are cancelled for one reason or another, can the Leader confirm whether we are attaining “best value” from our current enforcement providers (NCP); when their contract is due for review; and what figures/circumstances would he consider appropriate for an immediate review of such provision?

A A vast majority of the 25% cancellations are based on the Council’s customer care policies and not NSL Ltds performance. In fact less than 1% of cancellations are for Civil Enforcement Officer errors and therefore we are attaining “best value” from NSL Ltd.

The current Enforcement Contract with NSL Ltd is for 5 years with w.e.f. from 31st March 2008 and expires 30th March 2013.

As the mis-understandings of the Annual Report, and the following apologies in the Bury Times regarding the cancellation reasons are not related to the performance of NSL Ltd, I do not consider an immediate view of their enforcement provision is required.
Suggested answer to written Question 21 submitted by Councillor M D’Albert

Q Can the Leader explain what assistance this Council has given to groups wishing to set up Credit Unions in the last year?

A In the last year the Council has not received any requests for groups wishing to establish Credit Unions. At our annual Community Conference this year our lead third sector partnership agency – B3SDA sought the views of the third sector around the possibility of setting up a Credit Union in Bury. However, neither the Council nor B3SDA have been approached by any group seeking support in this respect.

Credit unions are financial co-operatives, linked to a specific body by a “common bond” (eg group of employees, trade union members, residents of a specific area etc).

Many existing credit unions are expanding their common bonds, if a credit union is required by the people of Bury, it would be sensible to first speak to the Bolton credit union (“quids in”). The Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) can advise on initiatives happening in an area, or put residents in contact with the relevant bodies.

Setting up a credit union can take up to three years and simple step-by step guidance is available from the ABCUL – the LA’s role here should be to put residents in contact with the correct regulatory body. Credit unions also have to register with the FSA.

Suggested answer to written Question 23 submitted by Councillor Ann Garner

Q Can the Leader explain what negotiations, when and with whom he or members of his Executive Team have undertaken with neighbouring authorities on resolving issues relating to social housing schemes that we share with our neighbouring authorities?

A We are not aware of any negotiations that have taken place with regards to resolving issues relating to social housing schemes that we share with neighbouring authorities.

However, officers from Strategic Housing in Bury are currently commencing work with officers from Salford and Manchester Councils and housing associations in order to seek to meet the needs of the Jewish community in these boroughs. As yet, this work is at a very early stage.

Bury is also involved with other authorities in Greater Manchester in the sub-regional choice based lettings scheme. However, this is simply an initiative to give applicants greater mobility and does not involve sharing any social housing schemes with neighbouring authorities.