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TWO TOWNS AREA FORUM

MEETING, 13th January 2009

Present – 11 members of the public attended the meeting.

Councillor Robert Ronson - North East Ward (Chair) Councillor Barbara Ronson - Horwich North East Ward Councillor Stephen Rock - Horwich North East Ward Councillor John Raymond - Horwich and Blackrod Ward Barrow Councillor Michael Hollick - Horwich and Blackrod Ward Councillor Pat Barrow - Horwich and Blackrod Ward

Also in attendance

John Shannon - Area Working Manager Nicole Buhagiar - Area Working Support Officer Ellen Miller - Assistant Director, Strategy and Commissioning, Adult Services Paul Round - Head of Sport, Health and Inclusion, Children’s Services Helen Williams - Principal Planning Officer John Sharrock - Environmental Services Manager Helen Dix - Environment Agency Esther Steel - Royal Hospital Shaun Vernon - Police Ben Brookfield - Greater Manchester Police Rajesh Gohil - Greater Manchester Police David Sigh - Greater Manchester Police Andy Vernon - Greater Manchester Police

Councillor Robert Ronson in the Chair.

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15. INTRODUCTION

Councillor Robert Ronson welcomed everyone and introduced himself, John Shannon, Area Working Manager and Ellen Miller, Assistant Director, Strategy and Commissioning. He then invited the Councillors for Horwich and Blackrod, Horwich North East and the Town Councillors to introduce themselves. He explained that the two main themes of the meeting would be the Budget 2009/10 and services to young people in Blackrod and Horwich.

16. BOLTON COUNCIL BUDGET 2009/10

Steve Arnfield, Director of Corporate Services, Bolton Council, gave a presentation on the Bolton Council Budget 2009/10. He explained that 75% of the income for the budget was determined by central Government, leaving 25% of income to be determined by the Council through Council Tax. The Director of Corporate Services also informed the meeting that inflation and increased costs are largely due to increased fuel costs. He then outlined the results of last year’s consultation explaining what was asked of the Council and how they allocated their budget:

Priority Services for Extra Spend:

You said: We did:

62% on Roads and Transport £1,000,000 31% on the Environment - 42% on Adult Services £500,000 44% on Children’s Services £700,000

Mr. Arnfield also stated that despite suggestions being put forward for a Council Tax increase of 2% or 3%, the tax remained the same, therefore there was a 0% increase.

The Director of Corporate Services then outlined the major budget changes for 2009/10: Page 2 of 10

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£M % Schools increase spend 6.4 4.4 One off funds not available in 2009/10 1.5

Other Services Inflation/increased costs 10.0 Capital Financing 1.0 Waste disposal/transport 1.9 Town centre swimming pool 0.3 New secondary schools 0.3

Less increase in Government grant 4.3 3.5

Mr. Arnfield explained that the Council’s current position was to find £10.9m from savings and Council Tax. For illustration this could be achieved by an increase in Council Tax of 4.5% and by making efficiency savings in services of 5%. The Director of Corporate Services then explained that a questionnaire would be distributed to all Forum attendees and urged residents to give their feedback as the Council would welcome their views. He clarified that he would attend a future Forum to report back on the progress made. Following the presentation several questions were put forward by Forum attendees:

- Would the questionnaires be sent to all residents of Bolton? - Was there any money available to build new schools? - How do the Council determine how much will be spent on which services? - Was a reserve fund available in case of emergencies?

Resolved – That the report be noted and the questions that have not been answered at the meeting be directed to the appropriate Council Department of external agency.

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17. SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN BLACKROD AND HORWICH

Paul Round, Positive Contributions Lead Officer, Bolton Council, gave a presentation on the provision of services for children and young people aged 5 to 19 in the Forum area. He explained the Government initiatives to support young people:

- Youth Strategy – to reform provision for children and young people 13 to 19 - Flexible and responsive services delivered by a range of groups and organisations - Young people’s involvement is central - Facilities and Services open/available when young people need them - Extended schools - The 5 hour PE and Sport Offer for schools

The Positive Contributions Lead Officer then outlined how Bolton Council would respond to these initiatives:

- 5 to 19 integrated service - Universal/targeted/specialist approach - Involvement of Partners – third sector, faith sector, elected Member input - Youth Service/Play Service/Sport, Health and Inclusion/Connexions teams to work on an area basis - Mapping of provision and production of Ward profiles for services

Mr. Round explained in more detail how Bolton Council planned to tackle the issues and what the main concerns were. He explained how sport could not survive without the voluntary sector and the main focus at the moment was provision for young adults on Friday and Saturday evenings. He clarified that the idea of extended schools was to provide alternative activities in a school setting and the Ward Councillors needed information regarding the wants and needs of young people so they could make informed decisions regarding development for them.

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Regarding physical activities in schools, Mr, Round stated that the National target was to ensure children were taking part in two hours of physical education per week. After investigations it was revealed that some schools were not even providing half an hour of physical education for their pupils. Following this, work was carried out and at least 90% of schools were now achieving the National target of two hours per week. It was also revealed that it was the Government’s aim to ensure that young people in schools and colleges would be taking part in five hours of physical activity per week.

The Positive Contributions Lead Officer then outlined the next steps for the Two Towns Area Forum:

- Indentify and develop existing provision - Consultation - Identify gaps in provision - Horwich and Blackrod Action Plan

Following the presentation several questions and comments were put to Mr. Round which were answered at the Forum:

- Would it be a sport orientated initiative or would other activities be available? - Some volunteers had left their posts as child protection and health and safety requirements had had an influence. - Could the churches be used as venues providing activities for young adults? Why was there such a stigma attached to churches? - Could fining be introduced to deter young adults from using bad language? - Could a music orientated activity be introduced? - Trust needs to be generated with young adults – false promises lead to disappointment. - Could we transform the attitude of society in general? Why was it thought of as “uncool” to use a church as a venue?

Resolved – That the report be noted and the questions that have not been answered at the meeting be directed to the appropriate Council Department of external agency. Page 5 of 10

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18. UPDATE ON BIG ISSUES

Ellen Miller, Assistant Director, Strategy and Commissioning, gave a presentation regarding the progression of the Big Issues in the Two Towns Area Forum. Ms. Miller explained that the Big Issues in the area were:

- Development of services and opportunities for young people. - To ensure that all parties involved in the operation and regulation of recycling facilities work closely together to minimise any impact on the area. - Development of Old Station Park. - Transport links between Blackrod and Horwich. - Misuse of alcohol and underage drinking - Development of market facilities in the Forum area.

The Assistant Director, Strategy and Commissioning, clarified that these issues were being dealt with and residents of the Two Towns Ward would be kept updated at future Forum meetings. She stated that the Council thanked it’s partners such as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Greater Manchester Police and Environment Agencies for their continued support. A question was raised regarding the bus service in Blackrod:

- Why were the buses to Blackrod cancelled so frequently? Who could be contacted to discuss this?

It was explained that all services were not franchised and were run privately. All bus services were licensed to the Traffic Commissioner and if services were failing to perform their licence could be cancelled.

Resolved – That the report be noted

19. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st October 2008 were submitted and approved as a correct record with the Page 6 of 10

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exception of one query regarding the maintenance of the public art on Mansell Way. This would be looked into and the outcome would be reported at the next Two Towns Area Forum.

20. UPDATE ON BUDGETS DEVOLVED TO THE AREA FORUM

John Shannon, Area Working Manager, gave a presentation on the subject of budgets and grants available to the Two Towns Ward. He explained that there were four areas to consider for the Horwich North East Ward:

- Highways Maintenance Budget - £10,245 - Area Forum Budget - £25,000 - Area Based Grant - £4,820 - Voluntary Sector Grant - £2000

The budgets and grants available to the Horwich and Blackrod Ward were:

- Highways Maintenance Budget - £10,245 - Area Forum Budget - £25,000 - Area Based Grant - £4,180 - Voluntary Sector Grant - £2000

Proposals were put forward to improve access to properties around the Dale Street area in the Horwich North East Ward. This was supported by the Ward Councillors and the whole of the Area Based Grant was allocated to this project.

The Area Working Manager stated that support had been given to the Greater Manchester Police Residential Course at Hawse which was a residential weekend for young people and the police in the Horwich and Blackrod Ward. The cost of this was £1683.50, leaving £2496.50 to be allocated at the Ward Councillor’s discretion.

Mr. Shannon explained that a decision on the allocation of the Area Forum Budget for Horwich North East would be made by Ward Members and an update would be provided at the next Page 7 of 10

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Two Towns Area Forum. The Horwich and Blackrod Ward Councillors had allocated £11,000 of their Area Forum Budget towards tackling environmental improvements in their Ward, leaving £14,000 to be allocated before the end of the financial year.

The Area Working Manager explained that the Highways Maintenance Budget was available to tackle smaller Highways schemes in the Two Towns Ward. Proposals were to allocate the money towards Dale Street West and Ainse Road. Ward Councillors voted and the proposal was carried, allocating the full amount towards these projects.

Mr. Shannon then reviewed the Vountary Sector Grants approved so far for the Two Towns Ward:

Voluntary Sector Grants for Two Towns Budget 2008/9 - £4000

Less grants awarded to date this year under delegated arrangements detailed in the Council’s Scheme of Delegation

Kadenza Community Choir - £200 Bolton Wanderers Football in the Community - £200 Blackrod 55/60s Club - £100 Horwich Resource Centre Management Committee - £250 Horwich Widows - £100 Jesus Club - £450 Brazley Nature Area Steering Group - £316.30

Balance to spend - £2,383.70

Resolved – That the report be noted and the Highways Maintenance Budget and the Area Based Grant be allocated according to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.

21. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION

Councillor Robert Ronson introduced this item on the agenda and invited residents to ask any questions or put forward any comments they had regarding issues and concerns in the Two Page 8 of 10

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Towns Ward. John Shannon, Area Working Manager began with written questions from a Two Towns resident:

- Could Bolton MBC consider replacing Horwich Market with a multi purpose three storey building, to be built on almost the footprint of the existing building. Multi purpose to the extent that it would house a Health centre on half of the ground level with the other half providing provision for the Market. Being three stories high the other two levels could comprise an Intermediate Care centre, serviced by internal stairs and stand alone lift shafts (having separate power supplies from the main building) at either end of the building so that no one would be trapped in emergency situations. - Could Bolton Council consider using one of their assets for the youth of Horwich (the neglected sports fields alongside Horwich College) which, although they are in the hands of the education department, are ultimately the property of Bolton Council. Should Bolton Council be considering the development and reinstatement of this area, perhaps with a partner, i.e. Bolton Lads and Girls club, to provide a satellite facility? This is because there is enough spare land to construct a substantial building and to complement the grass pitch with at least two MUGA’s and a larger all weather playing surface. - Could Bolton Council, again with partners, build several Social Housing Bungalows, specially adapted for the disabled, on the plot of disused land on the right-hand side of Claypool Road between where the houses finish on Claypool Road and the rear of the houses at Oakfield Close?

Mr. Shannon indicated that the three questions had been referred to the appropriate Council Departments and feedback would be given to the resident concerned.

Following the written question, a number of questions were raised by residents which included:

- Was the Council looking at relocating Horwich Market and building on the site? Page 9 of 10

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- Why was it that members of the public from other regions in the country could be given priority regarding Council houses over residents of Blackrod? How was this justified? - What facilities were available in the Blackrod area for the provision of footballing activities? - What was happening with Blackrod Youth Club? Was anyone currently running it and were there any staff? - Could minutes of meetings involving such groups as the Horwich Trust be circulated amongst Councillors to ensure they were aware of all activities and changes taking place in their Ward? - Could clarification be given regarding the proposed gasification plant near Douglas Valley Golf Course, especially the proposed hours of operation?

Resolved – That the report be noted and the questions that have not been answered at the meeting be directed to the appropriate Council Department of external agency.

22. CHAIR’S CLOSING REMARKS

Councillor Ronson concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and announced that the next Two Towns Area Forum would be held on Tuesday 3rd March at 6.30pm at St. John’s Methodist Church.

(The meeting started at 6.30pm and finished at 8.20pm.)

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