Ordsall and Langworthy Community Committee - 3rd July, 2006
ORDSALL AND LANGWORTHY COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
Hawkshaw Court,
Howard Street,
Off Eccles New Road,
Salford.
3rd July, 2006
Meeting commenced: 7.00 p.m.
" ended: 8.45 p.m.
PRESENT: Roy Marsh (SARA) - in the Chair
Community Representatives
Sallie Ackroyd - Resident
Gary Angold - Grain Wharf
Syd Cauldwell - Queen Alexandra Close
Peter Clarke - Salford South Board Member
Ann Cosgrove - Nursery Street TARA
Jonathan Dale - New Barracks TMC
Edward D. Down - Thorn Court Residents’ Association
Jim Doyle - PATHS
Andrew Hammond - St. Clements Church
Anne Marsh - Southgarth Area Resident
Rachel Ross – Resident
Ward Councillors
Councillors Gina Loveday and Andrew Salmon (Langworthy Ward)
Councillors Alan Clague and Peter Dobbs (Ordsall Ward)
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
John Bentley - Chief Executive’s Directorate
Caroline Earle - Community Justice, Salford
Mike Hanmer - Landlord Licensing, Housing Services
Pauline Holt - Chair of Salford Magistrates
Terry Mc Bride – Seedley/ Langworthy Team
Chris Payne - Urban Vision
Laylah Pyke - Chief Executive’s Directorate
Ross Spanner - Neighbourhood Manager
Malcolm Sykes - Area Co-ordinator
Marie Taylor - Salford Primary Care Trust
17. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor John Warmisham and D. Curran, Gill Finlay, May Thompson and Matthew F. Thomas.
18. MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
RESOLVED: THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 16th May, 2006, be approved as a correct record subject to:
· the attendance list being amended to refer to Edward D. Down rather than Edward D. Dovan
· Minute 3 being amended to clarify that Jim Doyle represented PATHS rather than the North East Ordsall Tenants’ Association
· Minute 11 being amended to indicate that : Ann Cosgrove referred to the schizophrenic attitude of Salford City Council in laying Yorkshire stone on Langworthy Road, although the area was subject to demolition works, whilst using tarmac to repair footpaths on the Barracks Estate
· Minute 4 being amended to add Gerry Stone to the membership of the Local Executive Group for 2006/07
19. BUDGET SUB-GROUP
The Committee was asked to consider filling the two vacancies on the Budget Sub-Group but no further volunteers were forthcoming; the Area Co-ordinator agreed to see if the Chapel Street Partnership Board would make a nomination at their meeting on 7th July, 2006.
20. TIMES AND LENGTH OF MEETINGS
It was reported that concern had been expressed in another area about the length of meetings and the time at which they finished. Members were asked to consider if they would wish to start meetings at the earlier time of, say, 6.00 p.m. with a view to meetings concluding no later than 8.30 p.m.
Members felt that their work and child care commitments would not allow them to alter the start time of the Committee but agreed that efforts should be made to conclude discussions by 9.00 p.m.
21. WATER HYDRANTS
(Previous Minute 8 - 16th May, 2006)
The Area Co-ordinator reported that discussions were being sought with United Utilities on actions that might be taken to make it more difficult to set off water hydrants and agreed to pursue the matter and report back.
The Neighbourhood Manager reported that a DVD was close to completion for use in schools to educate pupils on the dangers associated with setting off water hydrants.
22. LIFT CENTRE
(Previous Minute 8(b) - 16th May, 2006)
On behalf of Steve Whittaker the Neighbourhood Manager submitted details of the GP practices which had expressed an interest in relocating to the new LIFT centre. Doctors Tankel, Bakhshi and Owen from the Lance Burn Health Centre and Doctors Austin, Bertani and Collier from the Pendleton Medical Centre would relocate as would other services from the Lance Burn Centre. Planning permission had been secured for the development and partners were working to achieve financial close by late July. If this deadline was met construction could commence in the Autumn and the LIFT centre open in Spring, 2007.
23. FEEDBACK FROM THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE CENTRAL SALFORD VISION AND REGENERATION FRAMEWORK
(Previous Minute 8(d) - 16th May, 2006)
The Neighbourhood Manager reported that a newsletter was to be developed so as to give feedback to those persons who had participated in the consultation exercise on the development of the Central Salford Vision and Regeneration Framework.
24. HIGHWAYS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME/BLOCK 3 TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2006/07
(Previous Minute 10 - 16th May, 2006)
The Area Co-ordinator reported that, since the Committee had discussed projects for possible funding under the budget which had been devolved for local highway schemes, a suggestion had been submitted for works to the subway under the Regent Road/Trafford Road junction and a Member referred also to a possible cycling scheme.
There was concern that, unless local proposals were developed, the devolved budget would be used to cover the cost of schemes that would have been met from the mainstream budget. It was considered that, rather than process all suggestions submitted, there was a need for objective criteria against which proposals could be assessed. The Area Co-ordinator reported that larger scale programmes such as the Local Transport Plan did contain clear criteria and accepted the need for a more local transport vision. He reminded Members, however, that the timescale for development of highway projects was such that assessment of projects against criteria and a decision on any schemes would have to be made at the September meeting of the Committee.
Rachel Ross reported that the increase in traffic on Ordsall Lane was creating difficulties for pedestrians crossing that road and so denying access to the amenities at the river.
Jim Doyle asked about progress on the scheme to provide double yellow lines on Ordsall Lane and Asgard Drive to prevent parking by drivers visiting Ordsall Hall. The Neighbourhood Manager indicated that he was not aware that a commitment had been made to provide such markings but that he would liaise with Chris Payne on the issue.
25. REVISIONS TO SALFORD CITY COUNCIL’S POLICY ON THE USE OF BITUMINOUS MACADAM AS A SURFACE MATERIAL
(Previous Minute 11 - 16th May, 2006)
The Area Co-ordinator reported that the Lead Member for Planning was to recommend that, in certain circumstances, the Cabinet make exceptions to its policy on the use of bituminous macadam as a surface material. He reported that the areas where it was recommended the policy be relaxed were:
· Outside of, and adjacent to, listed buildings
· Areas of special character in the vicinity of local listed buildings
· Areas of special character
· Home zones
· Sustainable urban drainage system areas
· New developments
· Large areas of surface level car parking
The Area Co-ordinator and Councillor John Cullen, Heritage Design Champion, would inspect the Barracks Estate to determine if it met the criteria for an exception to the policy with a view to making a recommendation to the Lead Member for Planning. Representatives of the New Barracks Co-operative were invited to take part in the inspection which would commence at 12 noon on 7th July, 2006, at the offices on Coronation Street.
26. MEDIA CITY : UK - RELOCATION OF THE BBC TO SALFORD QUAYS
The Committee applauded the success of Salford City Council in becoming the sole contender for the relocation of BBC offices to Salford Quays. The Area Co-ordinator conveyed the appreciation of the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to all who had contributed to the success of the project and the Chair commended all involved on their enthusiasm.
27. ATTITUDE OF THE MEDIA
(Previous Minute 15 - 16th May, 2006)
The Area Co-ordinator reported that, following concerns expressed at the May meeting about the apparent reluctance of the media to publish reports of positive events in Ordsall, the Executive Group had met with the Marketing and Communications Manager to discuss how such problems had been resolved in Seedley/Langworthy. It was apparent that the media preferred stories which reflected a “personal” aspect and that the development of a profile for the Ordsall area could help to promote a positive view of events in the area.
Members concurred pointing out that Warren Smith, of Legendary Properties, had given a personal interview and this had been reported in the media. Furthermore, more than a dozen journalists had visited Salford Quays in the last week and left with a good impression.
28. RECRUITMENT OF LOCAL MAGISTRATES
Pauline Holt, Chair of Salford Magistrates, explained that Ordsall/Langworthy was amongst the areas which were underrepresented on the Magistrates’ Court. She sought volunteers from the community and gave details of the procedures involved.
Magistrates heard 97% of all adult and criminal cases as well as family matters and appeals from local authorities on licensing issues. Magistrates were voluntary but paid expenses. Professional qualifications were not required but candidates had to live within 15 miles of Greater Manchester, not have a criminal record and accept initial training. Cases were heard by a team of three Magistrates with an advisor. Ms. Holt found her role to be challenging and demanding and the decisions made far reaching. She encouraged Members to consider accepting the recruitment packages available at the meeting.
29. COMMUNITY JUSTICE IN SALFORD
Caroline Earle reported on “Judge for Yourself” an interactive event at which participants were able to vote, via electronic keypads, on real court cases. A District Judge attended to outline factors which would have influenced sentences and Ms. Earle indicated that one of the more interesting aspects of the event was how the initial sentence put forward by participants varied as mitigating factors were outlined. She encouraged participation in the event to be held on Sunday, 16th July, 2006.
30. HOUSING MARKET RENEWAL PROGRAMME ACROSS ORDSALL
AND LANGWORTHY AND REGENERATION PROGRAMME IN SEEDLEY
AND LANGWORTHY
Terry McBride submitted a report (a) setting out the objectives of the Housing Market Renewal Programme for Ordsall and Langworthy, (b) indicating that the programme had been appraised and scrutinised to ensure that the bid and project activity would achieve the objectives, (c) indicating that ,on 20th June, 2006, an allocation of £106M had been approved for the Manchester/Salford Pathfinder in 2006 to 2008, (d) outlining the sources from which funding had been secured and indicating the activities to which the budget would be allocated in Seedley and Langworthy and in Ordsall, (e) setting out the regeneration programme for Seedley and Langworthy and the future role of the Seedley and Langworthy Parent Board and (f) listing activities for the next 12 months.
In response to questions from Members, Mr. McBride:
· Outlined the process of land assembly intended to establish attractive “neighbourhood choice” and indicated that this would include ongoing acquisition of both residential and commercial properties
· Indicated that the extension of responsibilities into the Weaste area would fit with the ongoing works in Langworthy/Seedley
· Acknowledged the need for a glossary of the abbreviations and technical terms used in reports of this nature
· Reported that a Compulsory Purchase Order for properties in the south east of Langworthy had been confirmed. The process of General Vesting Declaration, by which the Council would acquire ownership, should be complete within three months although three homeswaps were still pending. The sites, after demolition, would receive temporary treatment (e.g. landscaping and knee rails) to fit into the area
· Indicated that works to the next selection of commercial properties would not include roofs or chimneys and that footpaths would be treated at a later stage
RESOLVED: THAT the report be noted.
31. POSSIBLE INTRODUCTION OF SELECTIVE LICENSING FOR
LANDLORDS IN LANGWORTHY
Mike Hanmer made a presentation on the licensing of private rented properties so as to improve conditions for tenants and the local community.
Local Authorities were obliged to licence, on a citywide basis, Houses in Multiple Occupation which met certain criteria (i.e. three or more storeys, five or more people and two or more households) but allowed also to introduce selective licensing (subject to approval) for all private rented sector properties within certain areas of the city with a view to improving the area.
Salford City Council intended to introduce selective licensing in areas which were subject to anti-social behaviour and / or low housing demand and in need of improved tenancy management. The first such proposed area was to be Langworthy. The timescale and procedures for the licensing process were outlined.
There was some confusion as to whether the area in which selective licensing was to be introduced was the Langworthy Ward or the Seedley/Langworthy renewal area. Mr. Hanmer indicated that whilst a map was not available the Committee could be given a list of the streets in which the properties were located.
Mr. Hanmer reported that the licensing system had to be self regulating and self financing and that, therefore, a fee was charged to landlords. Members were concerned that the landlords might pass these higher costs onto tenants via rent increases and asked that this situation be monitored.
RESOLVED: THAT the report be noted.
32. IRWELL CITY PARK : LIVING LANDMARKS BIG LOTTERY BID
The Committee watched a short film on the bid which had been made for lottery funding to create a continuous walkway along the banks of the River Irwell from Salford Quays to Manchester and onto Peel Park. The concept was to use the available space to create an urban park hence the title of Irwell City Park. The timescale for the project was that an initial decision on the bid would be made in August, 2006, and, if that stage was passed, a business plan and detailed design plan would be drawn up and consultants appointed. If successful work would begin in 2008.
Whilst Members welcomed the proposal they were aware that similar projects had been introduced in the past and been unsuccessful because the improvements had not been maintained. The Area Co-ordinator acknowledged the point and confirmed that a maintenance budget had been secured for 2006/07.
Laylah Pyke agreed to incorporate into any development plan the suggestion that the City Park should be varied enough to encourage wildlife even if this did, on occasion, generate untidiness. Ms. Pyke confirmed that the development of the City Park would not involve the demolition of properties. Mr. Spanner reminded Members that they had the opportunity to express opinions to the Steering Group which was developing the City Park via their representative : Mr. McMullen.