Secretary: Mike Rooke, Sycamore Mount, Higher Arthurs, Greenfield, OL3 7BE

Oct ‘05

Dear Everyone,

Open to all Greenfield and Grasscroft residents, our next meeting will take place on Wednesday 23 rd Nov ’05 at 7.30 p.m. at the King Bill, Chew Valley Road, Greenfield.

AGENDA

Minutes of our last meeting held on Tues October 18th ‘05

Present: George Bennett, Joan Frost, Mike & Edith Howarth, David & Kath McNeeney, Jacky & Graham Parker, Mike Rooke, Jason White.

Apologies: Christine Bennett, Mavis Bingley, Tony & Pat Bywater, John Frost, Sybil & Vince Hill, Ted Nolan, Val Smith, Sue Wolfenden.

1. Matters Arising

	We had received 2001 Census population data from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) Policy and Research Unit – i.e. 1,422 people in Greenfield , 427 in Friezland and 1,703 in Grasscroft. To assess how far local GP services are stretched, we were awaiting a detailed reply from Oldham Primary Health Care Trust. Jacky explained that demand was not only determined by patient numbers but also by the health of a local population e.g. frequency of doctor visits. Once more statistics at our disposal, we’ll decide if we’ve got a genuine case to halt future house building in the area until additional GP provision is put in place
	George has reminded OMBC’s Mr Hindle of his promise to get back to us with a decision about release of small-scale OS maps, but has yet to get a positive response.
	Jacky, Graham and Kath reported back on OMBC’s Renewable Energy conference. The council’s primary concern on this occasion was focussed on how its Energy Policy was being communicated to the public. In general most delegates felt that not a lot appeared to be happening. Our UDP has committed the borough to achieve 10% renewable energy targets on developments of 10+ dwellings and/or 1,000 sq. mtrs. Jacky said she’d compile a brief written report for us.
	Mike has e-mailed Diane Higgins (Saddleworth Area Youth Worker based at the Satellite Club) that we look forward to inviting to meet us for a discussion on local youth issues at our January meeting.
	Fletcher’s Mill – i). We had submitted a letter to the Appeal Inquiry Inspector in support of the council’s decision to refuse planning permission to convert the Social Club into 6 residential units. ii). Prior to our submission to Phil Woolas, Chris Davies (MEP) and Andrew Fletcher (OMBC) on Oct 21 st, Mike R. distributed Ideas for Development arising from our last sub-group meeting – based on four desired outcomes: Community, Tourism, Leisure & Recreation and Jobs. Under proposals for Accommodation, we decided to omit the word “Option” from the list, but to include “Hotel/Conference Centre” drawing attention to the exclusive nature of such an option. Our purpose in meeting the key political players is to progress our people-friendly community objectives, celebrating our culture, environment and heritage - beginning a process that will entail a). Assessing local, borough-wide and regional demand for our different proposals, b). Determining the amount of capital available for the whole project (and elements within it) and c). Predicting the sustainability of different options for the site.
	Following our question raised at September’s Environmental Services’ Area Committee re. OMBC’s response to the Ancient Highways’ 4-Wheel Drive lobby, and Don Wagstaff’s (OMBC) reply, Kath reported that on Oct 14 th Rights of Way User Group Meeting, the Trail Riders Fellowship were formally welcomed as delegates. As an ancient highway, Shadworth Lane , Greenfield , is being evaluated for possible other use. Motorbike riders have recently been seen on this track that would provide them with a continuation of a route stretching from Stalybridge and along the hillsides above Mossley. As the law stands, the Trail Riders (supported by 4 wheel drive lobby groups) can request a modification order to upgrade the status. Legislation to protect such routes is presently being drafted at Westminster but is a long way from the statute books.

2. Correspondence and Communications

	Following advice from Inspector England we’d written to him requesting that the police give extra support and assistance to the NCP Parking Officers - to monitor vehicles obstructing sightlines on double lines on Chew Valley Rd at the junction with Kinders Lane
	We had received notice of a Communities Together Conference being held by Oldham Partnership at the Pennine Hotel on Nov 22 nd. Mike R., Mike H and Edith put their names forward as GGRA delegates.
	A Funding Forum held by Voluntary Action is to be held on Oct 31 st. Graham Parker, our new Treasurer, agreed to attend this event.
	The Lancashire Branch of the CPRE intend to set up a committee of local volunteers in Oldham and plan to hold a launch day with speakers at Gallery Oldham on Sat. Nov 5 th. Mike R. said he’d go along, but not commit GGRA to any formal involvement at this stage.
	Phil Woolas had sent us the address and phone number of Alan Cooper, a resident at Hey Top who had formerly had some involvement with Fletchers’ Mill. Graham said he’d try to make contact with Alan.

3. Treasurer’s Report

	Now that the £180 GTEC Printers’ Bill has been paid for 1,000 meeting posters, our total balance is £310.97.
	We agreed to find appropriate ways of spending the remaining £173.80 of our Community Chester grant, so that an End of Grant Progress Report Form can be submitted. Mike will contact Stephen Hoy at Voluntary Action Oldham to assess what future technical costs for the web-site may be incurred.

4. Open Forum

	Mike H. led a discussion about Wind Farms.As on previous occasions when this issue has been raised at GGRA, a wide range of views were expressed. As well as those members For and Against, at least a couple of people felt that each application should be considered on a case by case basis.
	Edith and Mike H. had attended a luncheon held at Sadd. Museum on Oct 16 th to mark the setting up of Saddleworth Trust, an organisation set up to fund the purchase/protection of local land/properties. The first project has been the procurement of gardens of Delph.

5. Date of our Next Meeting - Wednesday Nov 23 rd – 7.30 p.m.

For past minutes, please visit the minutes archive.