The Gatley Village Partnership
| Published: 15th April 2008 18:18 |
THE GATLEY VILLAGE PARTNERSHIP
Notes from meeting held on Thursday 10th of April 2008
From 6.45pm at Gatley Hill House
Present:
Sylvia Babcock, Anne Bell, Thelma Bishop, Bob Bolton, Margaret Bracegirdle,Margaret Day, Linda Ewing,David Fernandez (Chair), Frances Heron, Pauline Hilton,Fred Mepham, Sheila Mepham, Colin Owen, John Pollard, ,Sue Pritchard , Sheila Renshaw, Katie Roberts,Michelle Slater, May Stewart, Anna Triantis AboutMyArea/SK8, Ruth Wilson
Apologies:
Cllr Paul Carter, Geoff Coleman, Clare Forrest, Irene Jones, PCSO Robert Longden, John Needham, Bob Read, Margaret Tait
1. Apologies and Introductions
Apologies were received and all those present introduced themselves
2. Notes of meeting on Thursday 17th of January
Accepted as a correct record
3. Matters arising from the last meeting
The developers of the former Tatton Cinema site are expected to submit a planning application in May. DF reiterated that it was not appropriate to hold a detailed discussion on the proposals until an application has been submitted. A general discussion ensued about the development and the Partnership resolved that it wishes to see a development of the former Tatton Cinema site that is complimentary to the existing facilities within the village. It was acknowledged that individual members of the Partnership will have their own opinion on what is complementary to the village.
It was noted that some work has been carried out to repair broken flags along Church Road but that some areas remain unrepaired. KR to investigate.
KR explained that anyone wishing to request that speed limits be reduced on their road needs to put their request in writing either by email to Tracie.McLaughlin@stockport.gov.uk or by post to John Swales, Traffic Services, 4th Floor Hygarth House, Wellington Street South, Stockport, SK1 3TT. A new traffic calming policy has recently been put in place and all requests will be assessed against this policy.
The work to create a left-turn only lane at the A34 crossroads is anticipated to be completed by the 31st of May.
Requests for yellow box markings to be installed at the bottom of the Gatley Hill House drive and to be reinstated at the junction by the House and Farrier have been passed on to the engineer.
The work to upgrade three of the bus stops in the village is almost complete.
A new litter bin has been installed outside Armenique.
4. Terms of Reference of the Gatley Village Partnership
KR circulated a copy of the Partnership's Terms of Reference. DF highlighted the main points in the statement and explained that the Partnership will elect a chair every 12 months. It was agreed that nominations for the position of chair should be made to KR in advance of the next meeting. Anyone wishing to be considered for the position of chair must be a representative of a non-political organisation that has a role or interest in Gatley Village. At the next meeting a representative of each group that sits on the partnership will be eligible to vote for their preferred candidate.
5. Police Update
No police representative was available to attend the meeting.
DF reported that he attended a community consultation evening arranged by the police at Kingsway School on the 10th of March. The purpose of the meeting was to give local people the opportunity to discuss issues that affect their neighbourhood. KR is to explore the feasibility of holding future Gatley Village Partnership meetings at the same venue as the police meetings but an hour earlier so that interested people can attend both.
6. Discussion to ascertain the partnership's position on exploring the feasibility of making Church Road one-way
DF explained that over 10 years ago discussion took place regarding making Church Road one-way but that opposition from bus operators halted the discussion.
Making Church Road one-way could increase parking provision in Gatley Village.
DF drew up a map of the area and a general discussion took place concerning the issues surrounding making Church Road one-way. In summary; the points raised included:
• The most logical stretch of the road to make one-way would be the area from the clock up to The Prince of Wales
• Making any section of Church Road one-way would lead to an increase in traffic on surrounding residential streets
• An increase in parking enforcement activity would improve the number of parking spaces available through the day
• It is important to avoid solving one problem and replacing it with another problem
• Looking at making Church Road one-way is just one of many possible options for improving parking provision and traffic flow through Gatley Village.
DF summarised the discussion by reiterating the Partnership's desire for a full review of on and off street parking and traffic issues in Gatley.
7. Update from local groups
Gatley Festival Committee
The date of the festival is Sunday the 6th of July.
The police are no longer able to provide supervision of parades so the festival committee have been working closely with the Council to provide alternative arrangements. Agreement has been reached that the parade can go ahead as long as it is marshalled by volunteers. At present 20 additional volunteers are required. In previous years Gatley Road has been closed for the duration of the parade but the Council have stated that one lane must remain open this year. Discussions are being held with the Council about arrangements for road closures.
MS reported on fundraising for the event. So far funding has been secured from Cheadle Area Committee, the District and Neighbourhood Regeneration Budget, Intervoice, Hydes and a number of Gatley businesses.
Gatley Carrs
JP reported that the Carrs has now had nature reserve status for 3 years.
Successes have included planting a wildflower meadow, reinstating the ponds, installing new signage and solving the footpath issues.
They are hoping to hold an open day sometime in the autumn.
Walter Stansby Memorial Park
TB reported that they have not been able to work on the Memorial Park for a couple of months. The park is, however, looking good. The group were recently presented with a cheque by the Brownies to put towards snowdrops.
TB explained that there is a rotten bench in the park which they are aware of. There have been some issues with the regularity with which the three bins in the park have been emptied. KR to report.
SPRING
Over 300 bulbs were planted at the recreation ground last year. There have been problems with people ripping up the plants. The group have a little more money available at present and hope to use it to paint the gates.
8. Any Other Business
DF explained that a report on the skate park has been drawn up to be presented to Cheadle Area Committee. The report provides data on incidents in the park that have been reported to the police and Stockport Council. A general discussion followed and concern was expressed that the figures for the incidents that are actually reported do not reflect reality. Disappointment was expressed at the recommendations of the report as it does not call for a decision to be made as to whether the skate park should remain permanently or not. KR explained that she has been asked to work with colleagues to provide figures on reported incidents and information on work that has taken place since the skate ramp was installed. She was asked to put this into a report to then be presented to Cheadle Area Committee for further discussion. Those present expressed their desire to see a further report commissioned to consider the long-term future of the skate park.
DF reported that it is hoped that a hustings event will be organised to take place on either the 23rd or the 24th of April in advance of the forthcoming local elections. Details will be posted on Gatley.net nearer the time. [Now confirmed as Wednesday the 23rd of April, 7.30pm at Gatley Primary School]
CO reported an ongoing issue with a broken light outside Gatley Health Centre as well as a street sign that is missing on Cambridge Road.
AT gave a short presentation about the website that she runs which can be found at www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/sk8.
9. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting will be Thursday the 3rd of July at 6.45pm
Please note that the meetings will now be starting 15 minutes later as the room is in use by another group until 6.30pm. If you arrive early could you please wait in the hallway to allow time for the previous group to leave and for the room to be set up for our meeting.
If you require any further information or would like to send your apologies for the next meeting then please contact Katie Roberts on the following details.
District and Local Centres Regeneration
Lower Ground Floor
Stopford House
Piccadilly
Stockport
SK1 3XE
0161 218 1537
katie.roberts@stockport.gov.uk
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