Rochdale Township Committee Meeting as it happened

Open Forum – The Rotary Club of Rochdale East want to see a permanent memorial to Gracie Fields erected in the Town Centre.

The Club hope a site within the Memorial Gardens can be used.

Councillor Farnell states that it is about time that the borough did much more to recognise Gracie’s birthplace.

The committee support the idea.

A presentation from Greater Manchester Police is given.

Fiji v Ireland game saw no issues and was a positive event for Rochdale.

Rochdale East has seen an increase in burglaries but numbers in Rochdale North are down.

A shop will be opening in the town centre throughout Christmas for shoppers to call in for crime advice.

Councillor Mulgrew raises the issue of public safety regarding organised bonfire and firework displays.

Issues of anti-social behaviour and on street drinking are being raised by a number of councillors.

Flood risk management presentation.

Councillor Biant wants to see the consultation period extended.

River Roch presentation.

The project plans to reopen the river in three areas with construction planned for next year.

Construction work would last 30 weeks.

Highways investment programme shows that everything is on track.

The quality of work on the highways is brought up.

The Committee praised the work.

Heritage at risk survey and strategy – report sets out work of planning services to look at heritage at risk properties.

Revenue budgets – whatever happens with the council tax freeze grant shows there will still be budget pressures.

The committee support the council tax freeze grant.

Councillor Farnell wants to see prices for collection of bulky waste reduced.

Councillor Jane Gartside doesn’t agree with the proposed increase of library charges. The plans propose a charge of 20p per day for overdue books.

A full review of car parking services is currently underway.

Councillor Farnell wants to see the charge for the erection of homewatch signs waived.

The committee are all in favour and begin a discussion on other possible charges to be waived.

Meeting ended.