Swinton Community Committee s1

SWINTON COMMUNITY COMMITTEE

14th June, 2005

Meeting commenced: 7.00 p.m. " ended: 9.20 p.m.

PRESENT: Community Representatives

Frank Arnold - Beech Farm Residents' Association Andrew Connolly - Swinton Open Space Christopher Harrison - PACE Margaret Hickman - Swinton Action Group Louise Jackson - Clifton Charity Shop Over 60’s Group Liz James - Swinton Open Space B. John - Swinton Action Group Michelle Lewis - Swinton Action Group Larraine Mollack - Swinton Action Group Barry Owen - Swinton Action Group Graham Pattinson - Moorside Rangers JFC Nicola Ramsden - Swinton Families Nasima Rahman - Salford Community Network Dennis Schofield - Deans Youth Club Norman Shacklady - Beech Farm Residents’ Association Deborah Swift - Swinton Action Group Pat Symon - Parish of Swinton and Pendlebury Stuart Thompson - PACE Maureen Wilkinson - Transport and Environment

Ward Councillors

Councillors Bernard Lea, Maureen Lea and Barry Warner (Pendlebury Ward) Councillors Derek Antrobus, Jim Dawson and Bill Hinds (Swinton North Ward) Councillors Val Burgoyne, John Cullen and Charles McIntyre (Swinton South Ward)

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Neil Baker - Salford PCT Tommy Curran - Salford Community Leisure Alan Eastwood - Area Co-ordinator Brian Elsey - Community Development Worker Heidi Finlay - Neighbourhood Manager Ian Hilton - NPHL Andy Howarth - Greater Manchester Police David Jolley - Urban Vision Mohammed Nazri - Salford PCT Patricia Nunn – NPHL

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc Anne Parkes - Groundwork North West/Coalfield Communities Kurt Partington - Urban Vision Anton Shultz - Groundwork North West/Coalfield Communities Helen Wilson - Youth Service

NOTE : As this was the first meeting in the Municipal Year the Committee undertook a number of procedural activities to fulfil the requirements of the Annual General Meeting.

1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: THAT Norman Shacklady be elected Chairman of the Community Committee for 2005/06.

Norman Shacklady - in the Chair

2. ELECTION OF DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED: THAT the Link Member - Councillor Cullen - be elected Deputy Chairman of the Community Committee for 2005/06.

3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE

Details were submitted of the Community Representatives who had formally registered as Members of the Committee and who were, thus, entitled to vote at meetings. The Area Co-ordinator encouraged other members to register.

4. MEMBERSHIP OF THE SWINTON EXECUTIVE GROUP

RESOLVED: THAT the membership of the Swinton Executive Group for 2005/06 be confirmed as follows:

Community Representatives - Chair of the Community Committee (Norman Shacklady) and Bob Docherty Ward Councillors - Councillor Cullen (Swinton South), Councillor Bill Hinds (Swinton North) and Councillor Maureen Lea (Pendlebury) Partnership Organisations - Helen Barker (Groundwork Salford and Trafford), Gary Dewar (Fire Service), Inspector Julie Hughes (Greater Manchester Police) and Helen Kelly/ Charmane Eckersley (PCT) Officers - Area Co-ordinator (Chair) and Neighbourhood Manager

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc 5. DATES OF MEETINGS

RESOLVED: (1) THAT, in view of Member commitments, the meeting scheduled for 9th August, 2005, be postponed to 13th September, 2005.

(2) THAT other meetings of the Committee be held at 7.00 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:

11th October, 2005 13th December, 2005 14th February, 2006 11th April, 2006

6. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Detective Inspector Bob Ashton, Bob Docherty, Inspector Julie Hughes, Christine Sigurnjak and Barry Wilde.

7. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Bernard Lea declared a personal interest in the subject matter of Minute 12 below and left the meeting while discussions took place. Nicola Ramsden took no part in voting on the grant application for Swinton Families referred to in the Appendix to Minute 17 below.

8. MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th April, 2005, were approved as a correct record subject to the grant paid under Minute 97 (Budget Sub-Group) to the Neighbourhood Management Team being increased from £3,000 to £5,000 so as to enable the play schemes to be extended to include the Clifton area.

9. ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE IN SALFORD (Previous Minute 93 - 12th April, 2005)

It was reported that the Community Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee had created a Sub-Group to look at the access to primary care in Salford. Because of the potential size of the issue, the Group had agreed to focus upon the access to General Practitioners. This work was expected to last six months. The Group had already co-opted members of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum. The Group would maintain an overview of the issue and its recommendations would be directed towards the whole service. However, the Group was aware of particular problems in a small number of practices across Salford. Members of the Patients’ Forum highlighted the problems to which Councillor McIntyre referred in Minute 93 of the meeting held on 12th April, 2005, and had done some work on the issue. Specific problems such as this would be considered by the Group and raised with representatives of the Primary Care Trust. By highlighting issues in this way it was hoped that progress could be made and improvements secured.

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc 10. VISIT TO SWINTON HIGH SCHOOL (Previous Minute 96 - 12th April, 2005)

It was reported that arrangements had been made for the meeting of the Committee scheduled for 11th October, 2005, to be held at the Swinton High School.

11. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CRIME

RESOLVED: THAT, in view of the indisposition of Detective Inspector Bob Ashton, consideration of this matter be deferred.

12. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAGISTRATES COURT IN SWINTON

Dave Jolley and Kurt Partington gave a presentation on the application which had been submitted for permission to develop a Magistrates Court in Swinton. An outline application had been submitted with a view to determining if the scheme could be approved in principle. A further, more detailed, application covering issues such as car parking and landscaping would be submitted at a later date if the outline application was successful. However, as further information had been submitted at the outline stage the presentation gave an indication of the siting and elevations of the proposed courts as well as of the street scene.

Details were given of how the application had been publicised and of the level of objections which it had generated. The Committee were advised that an assessment of the application would be undertaken with a view to making a recommendation to the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel and that objectors would be given notice of, and the opportunity to speak at, the meeting.

Members raised, and received responses to, a number of concerns about the planning application:

 Traffic congestion - it was felt that it was not sufficient to wait until the detailed planning application was submitted before considering traffic issues associated with the development. By the time such a submission was made the project would be committed and it would not be possible to avoid any consequences. It was suggested that the traffic assessment in the application was not sufficient as it amounted to only a car count and did not take account of the likely impact of the proposed court nor of other developments such as the LIFT project. This was a particular concern as a traffic survey suggested that the East Lancashire Road would not be able to cope with the anticipated growth in traffic flow even before the proposed development had been put forward. Mr. Jolley confirmed that traffic flow and car parking would be key factors in the analysis of the proposal as would the associated level of air pollution.

 It was suggested that the level of direct consultation with persons residing in the vicinity of the site had not been adequate and that this had given rise to a suspicion that efforts were being made to conceal the likely impact of the scheme. Mr. Jolley reported that the consultations had been undertaken in

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc accordance with procedures but agreed to examine the list of households contacted direct.

 The development of the courts on the car park adjacent to the Salford Civic Centre would reduce the land available, whilst increasing the need, for car parking. Members asked why, therefore, the presentation had not included a commitment to addressing this potential problem. Mr. Jolley acknowledged that, if planning permission was granted, parking provision would be required before the site could be occupied and replacement parking would be a condition of any permission which might be made.

 Councillor Antrobus reported that health and safety considerations had prompted the relocation of the courts from Bexley Square and gave brief details of factors which had prevented other sites from being considered as possible locations for the replacement. The former Albert Mill had been utilised for the new police station and the former police station at the Crescent had poor access. The selected site was close to facilities such as the police station and represented an efficient use of space.

 The planning application related to the development of a Magistrates , rather than a County , Court.

 Representatives of the Court’s Service had expressed a willingness to attend meetings of any Residents’ Associations to discuss the proposed development.

 Councillor Antrobus asked that, in addition to the concerns about transport and car parking, the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel be made aware of concerns about the design of the courts and the location of the building within the site.

RESOLVED: THAT the Planning and Transportation Regulatory Panel be made aware of the abovementioned concerns about transport and car parking associated with a proposal to develop a Magistrates Court in Swinton and be asked, if minded to approve the planning application, to (a) examine options for the site layout so as to minimise the car parking loss and (b) ensure that the building is designed to the highest standard so as to improve the frontage of Partington Lane.

13. NEWLANDS (LIVIA) PROJECT AND COALFIELD COMMUNITIES CAMPAIGN - PROGRESS

Tim Jones submitted a report on progress with schemes under the LIVIA project. Proposals were being developed to improve the site via better land management and habitat creation and there were early indications that the soil conditions would not deter the Forestry Commission from entering into lease arrangements. The outcome of the community consultation exercise had been circulated to groups and , although it had generated little response, the key results would be incorporated into the design of the site. A draft masterplan had been produced. Agreement had been reached with the Forestry Commission on the inclusion within the project of the Queensmere Dam which should facilitate significant improvements to the area.

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc Work on preparing a bid for Newlands funding had begun; the earliest date when approval might be secured was September/October, 2005. If the bid was successful funds would be used for clean up works, improving footpaths and key access points, commencing woodland management and possibly holding events to raise the profile of the site. Negotiations on lease arrangements were at an advanced stage.

Anne Parkes reported on progress with schemes under the Coalfield Communities Campaign. A number of projects had begun including laying a new floor in the Resource Centre and installing CCTV at The Green. Staffing changes included the employment of Matt Jones, an Outreach Youth Worker , and of Anton Shultz , Project Co-ordinator. A Steering Group had been established to help prioritise projects. Additional funding was being sought to extend the CCTV and to undertake environmental improvements of Queensmere.

In response to questions from Members it was reported that:

 The removal of the redundant road at The Green might be premature as, although currently landscaped, the site was still allocated for housing and could be developed in future.

 The operation of the CCTV was monitored so as to identify any action required to ensure that it covered all sites and to improve visibility.

RESOLVED: THAT the reports be noted.

14. REVIEW OF THE HOUSING ALLOCATIONS POLICY

Ian Hilton reported on proposals for reviewing the way in which social housing was allocated. The new Choice Based Lettings system would require homeseekers to express an interest in any property in which they wish to be a tenant . Details were given of revisions to be made to the method for allocating properties which would give priority to applicants (a) from areas of renewal or regeneration, (b) who were statutorily homeless, (c) in housing need and with local connections and (d) on the housing register and not in groups A to C. With a view to widening the choices offered to homeseekers the Council was trying to include in the new service homes owned by Housing Associations, Accredited Private Landlords and other Greater Manchester Local Authorities.

Councillor B.J. Lea expressed concern that the new system gave the impression that there were many properties available for homeseekers. He pointed out that, to the contrary, factors such as right to buy had reduced the number of available properties. Mr. Hilton advised that accurate marketing and information would be key to ensuring that unrealistic expectations were not raised and hoped that the inclusion of Housing Associations and other landlords would extend the number of available houses by 8,000.

Councillor Lea expressed concern also about the high priority given to home seekers from regeneration areas. He pointed out that regeneration was taking place in areas other than Swinton and that persons displaced would be given priority for housing in

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc Swinton over persons who already resided in the area. Mr. Hilton reminded Members that the high priority assigned to homeseekers from regeneration areas was a continuation of past policies. It was hoped that the range of properties available to all categories of applicant would be extended. There would be other options available such as shared ownership.

Councillor McIntyre expressed concern about the lack of a clear definition of the terms “homeless” or “deliberately homeless” and about reports that persons classified as homeless could accumulate rent arrears which would not transfer to any new property. Mr. Hilton explained that a tenant would be classed as intentionally homeless if, after being evicted for non payment of rent, it was discovered that they could have paid the rent. It was hoped that the revisions within the proposed new system would introduce safeguards so that it would be possible to check if applicants were able to pay the rent before accepting them as tenants thus reducing the risk of arrears. The Homeless Strategy was in the process of being re-written to clarify the definition.

As the success of the proposed revisions was dependant upon the co-operation of partners such as Housing Associations the Council had reinstated its entitlement to nominate 50% of their tenants.

RESOLVED: THAT the presentation be noted.

15. DRAFT BLOCK 3 TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2005/06

Councillor Antrobus, Lead Member for Planning, presented a proposed programme of transport capital expenditure for the Swinton Community Committee area and relevant Citywide projects during 2005/06 which had been approved to enable further design and public consultation to take place as necessary.

RESOLVED: THAT the report be noted.

16. SWINTON FESTIVAL/FUN FAIR - 20 TH - 23 RD MAY, 2005

The Chairman outlined developments which had hindered the success of the Swinton Festival/Fun Fair. Attendance had been poor possibly as a consequence of the inclement weather and inadequate direction signs to the site.

17. BUDGET SUB-GROUP

The Area Co-ordinator (a) submitted the recommendations made by the Budget Sub- Group at their meeting on 7th June, 2005, (b) reported that a number of groups, including the Art Factory, Helping Hands and the Deans Youth Club, had submitted reports on the activities which they had undertaken using grant aid from the Committee and (c) drew attention to the acknowledgement of the funding from the Committee in the newsletter of the Swinton Open Space Community Association.

In considering a suggestion that the grant previously made to support play schemes should be increased to cover a wider range of areas Members noted that a shortage

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc of suitable venues would prevent schemes being introduced in areas such as Beechfield.

RESOLVED: (1) THAT the applications for funding be dealt with as set out in the Appendix to these minutes.

(2) THAT the financial position statement as at 30th May, 2005, be noted.

(3) THAT the following Members serve on the Budget Sub-Group for 2005/06:

Pendlebury Ward - Councillor B.J. Lea and Christine Sigurnjak Swinton North Ward- Councillor Dawson and Norman Shacklady Swinton South Ward - Councillor Cullen and Marlene Goode

(4) THAT a report on the outcome of the activities of the Swinton Health Focus Group be made to a future meeting.

(5) THAT, as the Swinton Community Committee will not meet until 13th September, 2005, the Budget Sub-Group be authorised to determine any applications which they consider to be urgent which may arise before that date.

18. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

The Committee noted the contents of reports on the following items which had been submitted for information:

 The newsletter of Partners in Salford  The summer programme for events in Victoria Park  The Salford Carers’ Forum event  An update on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority  Details of how Swinton Residents could have their homes insulated at reduced costs  A description of a bogus caller who was operating in the area  Details of how Members could participate in Salford live events  Details of a campaign by the Manchester Evening News to promote a positive image of Salford

19. SALFORD COMMUNITY LEISURE LIMITED

Tommy Curran reported that (a) Salford Community Leisure (SCL) was seeking a representative from Community Committees to serve on their Board with a view to developing strategy and policies for sport and leisure in the City, (b) SCL had exceeded the target which had been set for encouraging young people aged 6 to 16 to participate in sport and (c) activities organised by SCL over the Whit week holidays had been very well attended and generated a good response.

20. COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN - CONSULTATION D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc The Neighbourhood Manager reminded the Community Committee that Residents’ Groups were to be consulted direct to determine their top priorities for inclusion in the Community Action Plan.

D:\Docs\2018-04-15\04a206feaad909105d591e7166f23b54.doc