MINUTES OF THE FULL MEMBERS’ MEETING HELD AT KILN GREEN ON TUESDAY, 23RD SEMPTEMBER 2008

1. Apologies were received from Robin Bissell; Peter Blundell; Peter Carter; Brian & Eileen Farmery;  Lorna Gartside; Alex Jeffery; Julie Johnson; Marlene McLean; Lynn & John Newman; Ralph Oakes-Garnett; Nora Parkinson and Alan Rea.
2. Present: Barbara Barnes; Charles Baumann; Barbara Beeley (Borough Councillor & Chair of the Area Committee); Terry Biltcliffe; D & W Bradbury; Mary Brookes; Brian Cliffe (Act. Vice Chair); Gordon Coates;  P & E Davies; Royce Franklin (Secretary);  John Gartside;  Rosalind Gartside; P.C. Mick Greaney; Bob Greenwood: Keith Hardy;  Margaret Hardy;  Paul & Eva Hartland;   John Hewett; Pete Jones; Margaret Kay;  Roger Kerfoot; Kathleen Lambert;  Lee & Lisa Mansfield;  Deborah & Neil Mooney;  John Redfern; Duncan Rhodes (Ex. Member); Borough Councillor Alan Roughley;  Doreen Russell; Cheryl Schofield; Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer); Marian Shaw;   Nigel Shaw (Acting Chair); Mark Simmons (Area Manager Saddleworth & Lees)  P.C.S.O. Rachel Stead; Lesley & Alan Stuart; Tony Wood (Ex. Member) and Yvonne Lees.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 th June, 2008 were accepted as a true record..
4. Matters Arising: (a) Welcoming Pack  4 distributed.  Anyone know of anyone new to the village to details to Royce please. (b) Diggle Fete Attended 10 new members recruited. (c) Diggle School congratulatory letter sent to Headmistress for lacrosse team. (d) Prize for Canal  Now given to winner Julie Johnson. (e) Overhanging Trees Huddersfield  Still not cut. Royce to chase. (f) Community Charge Last date for submissions 10.10.08.
5. Role of Area Committee (A.C.)  Barbara Beeley (Borough Councillor and Champion of Area Committee)  distributed a paper on the newly-constituted A.C.  She said the A.C. was constituted and therefore can make decisions not just suggestions.  In time the plan is to give A.Cs a bigger budget and a greater say in the delivery of services.  Barbara emphasized she and Mark (Area Manager) were going round the Saddleworth Associations. The A.C. wanted all Saddleworth to have a voice so that we could work together and have a louder voice heard in Oldham.
6. Diggle Band Contest  Diggle has been accepted to be part of the Band Contest on 5th June, 2009.  The report in the Chronicle last week was wrong in several details: (i)  There will not be access to toilets in the school;  (ii) The Whit Friday Committee was wrongly named.  That title belongs to the central committee and (iii) The nomenclatures of Chair, President etc were not correct.  The group was thanked for their hard work in achieving this milestone for Diggle.
7. Shaw’s Nigel gave a resume of a meeting the Executive had had with the owners Messrs Wiggett, Rothwell and Tilley.  The meeting had been requested by the owners because they are advertising the land for development to see what prospects there are for the area to be used for employment.  A notice has already gone up at the mouth of the property.  Without this advertisement the land can not be used for residential purposes; it has to remain for commercial use.  Nigel said the Executive were calling a special meeting on 14th October, 2008 to discuss the matter further.   There would be no other item on the agenda.  The three ideas (not proposals) were for a complete commercial base; a mixed residential and commercial use and for the school.  If it were the last there would still be space for housing on the 23 acre site.  Alan Roughley said:  under the Building Schools for the Future a decision would have to be made about any new location of Saddleworth School before the end of the year.  Otherwise the local authority stood to lose substantial amounts of money.  Charles Baumann, Governor of Saddleworth School, said the present school would certainly be moved.  To where was the issue.
8. Traffic Nigel reported signs had been erected on the bend at Thurstone’s and 30/40 white markings with narrowing  strips had been painted on the road near the school.  Both these tasks were completed after pressure from the association.  After discussion Nigel agreed he would again approach the Highways’ Department about the possibility of yellow lines at the mouth of Huddersfield Road close to the Fish Shop. The fallen wall on Huddersfield Road was also mentioned.  Mark Simmons (Area Manager) agreed to look into the lack of action.
9. Voluntary Weekend This takes place in the Civic Hall Uppermill on 3/4/5/10.08. Members were asked to volunteer for the rota to staff the stall.

10 Membership  29 members who paid last year had not paid this year and   members were reminded  the subscription was annual.  The Committee plan to deliver a leaflet through the door of each household to try to increase membership.  It is hoped the A.T.C. will assist in delivery.  The current balance is £319.76...
11. Crimes in the Area There were some youths floating about the village who seemed to be causing some concern.  Rachel Stead requested members to report anti-social behaviour to the Police. Without evidence the Police can not apply for an Anti-Social Behavrour Orders.  If you can’t get hold a Uppermill Policed Station ring 0161 872 5050.  Crime in Diggle was low but there had been 6 break ins in Delph recently when the P.V.C. handles had been unscrewed and access gained.  Members with such handles were urged to ensure the screws could not be unscrewed.
12.  Celebration of Completion of Diggle Tip This would be on 4th May, 2009 when all the hard work carried to develop the tip will have reached completion.  It is hoped to arrange it at the same time as any Canal Festival, similar to the one held this year. But it is not yet certain there will be such a Festival this year.
13. Diggle Heroes  Brian Cliffe said the Executive were looking at having an annual award to those who had made a significant contribution to life in Diggle.  Full details would be announced at the A.G.M. 
14.  Contact with other Saddleworth Residents’ Associations  Nigel and Royce had been to a meeting in Delph.  Other Associations present included Greenfield & Grasscroft; Delph and Dobcross.  The meeting was useful in sharing experiences which will stand us in good stead in the future.
15.  Diggle Education Foundation  Duncan reported this fund set up in the 1914-18 war had been dormant but has now been revived.  There is not much money in the kitty but it could have given a donation to the lacrosse school team recently for instance been active.  Its aim is to promote education including physical and social activity for children who live in or near Diggle.  Duncan is a trustee and can deal with any possible applications. this tr
16. Hawkyard & Whitehead Trust   Charles Baumann Chair of this Trust said its aim is to help meet certain education costs.  These may include buying uniform or equipment, going on school trips or for music or sports scholarships.  Families eligible must be experiencing financial difficulties.  The child/children must be:  between 5 and 16; resident in Saddleworth and attending school in Saddleworth.  Applications through Charles.
17. Work with Youths  Brian reported further discussions had been held with the Youth Service but nothing firm had been developed.  Negotiations to meet the needs of  Diggle youths were continuing.
18.  Litterpick Day  Members were reminded there was a litterpick on Sunday, 28th September,. 2008  commencing at 1.30 p.m. from the Hanging Gate. This is primarily a P.T.A. function but D.C.A. have been asked to be involved.  Volunteers wanted.
19.  Sam Road Telephone Box Royce reported no one had raised any objection to the demise of the box and its disappearance is awaited.
20.  Recycling  Royce read out the following from Joanne Stanley:  Diggle will be part of the May expansion as it is on the Uppermill round.  The exceptions to the new scheme will be those properties on the country round (those properties that already have a brown bin and a grey bin with a blue lid).  Recycling will look at these properties once the new in-vessel composter is built in Rochdale next year.
21.  Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday, 9th December, 2008 at Wrigley Mill.  The meeting was reminded there are currently two vacancies on the Executive.  Anyone interested should contact an Executive member.

MINUTES OF THE FULL MEMBERS’ MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 12TH JUNE, 2008 AT THE BAND CLUB DIGGLE

1. Apologies:  Charles Baumann; Terry Biltcliffe,  Robin Bissell; Peter Blundell; Gordon & Olwin Bradburn; Rosalind Gartside;  John Hewett; Linda Heywood;  Denise Hudson;  Alex Jeffery; Deborah Mooney;  Nora Parkinson; Doreen Russell and Alan Stuart.
2. Present:  Jill Arthurs; Peter Ashworth (up to Item 6 only); Barbara Barnes; Peter Carter; Brian Cliffe (Exec) Eileen and Brian Farmery;  Royce Franklin (Secretary); Lorna & John Gartside;  Margaret Hardy; Julie Johnson;  Kath Lambert; Yvonne Lees; Marlene Maclean; Lynn & John Newman; M. Parry (?) Alan Rhodes; Duncan Rhodes (Exec); Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer); Phil Sewell (Exec); Marian Shaw;  Nigel Shaw (Acting Chair); Katherine Swann;  Tony Wood (Exec) and 2 others who did not sign in.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th March, 2008 were accepted as a true record.
4. Matters Arising:  (a)  Welcoming Pack: Two distributed to date.  Reminder that their distribution depends upon members notifying the secretary. (b) Footpath Survey now underway.  Anyone who finds any deficiency in the footpaths can report to the secretary. (c)  Transport Innovation Fund A consultation period will now start in July.  This includes views about the congestion charge.  Emphasised there is little in it for Saddleworth. (d)  Ward Lane Bridge  Network Rail had sent a speedy reply explaining:  ‘The bridge is visually inspected annually and receives a detailed examination every six years.  The condition of paint work, etc will be reviewed when reports are received and any required work will be planned as felt appropriate.  (e)  Dog Fouling  School had been approached to remind pupils taking dogs for walks they should clean up.  No appreciable difference noticed. There was a suggestion that a phone number should be made available to report offenders.
5.     Financial Support For Other Organisations in the Village.  Nigel referred to the report in the Oldham Chronicle that evening giving information about the resignation of the Chair Peter Blundell.   Nigel said he had been Vice Chair and it had been agreed by the Executive he should be Acting Chair until the next A.G.M and Brian Cliffe had volunteered to be temporary Acting Vice Chair.  Nigel explained that Peter had resigned after the Executive had failed to give unreserved support to an application for funding.  The application would have involved the Executive being responsible for not only monitoring any successful application but for distributing the moneys of any successful application.  The Executive felt they did not feel they had the resources to administer this process.  They were anxious to treat everybody equally and if there were a flood of such applications which proved successful the task would become too great without paid staff. In addition, the majority of the Executive also did not believe that fund holding and its subsequent management was what the DCA was set up to do.  There had been two comprehensive debates within the Executive on this matter;, the second had endorsed the decision of the first.  Peter had resigned on principle. He had felt the Executive were not assisting groups to advance in the way he had envisaged.  Nigel said the Executive had reviewed closely the Constitution and believed wholeheartedly that their decision was fully in line with its aims.  The Executive did not want it to be seen as being unhelpful and they were open to ideas to expand the role of the Association in any way felt appropriate by members, provided resources allowed.
6. Band Contest  Nigel introduced Peter Ashworth who had agreed to act as the co-ordinator for a Band Contest in Diggle, hopefully in 2009.  Peter said he had previous experience of organizing events notably the revival of the Morris Men’s involvement in the Rushcart.  The meeting was told t the Police had to be contacted to file plans about the proposed location of the contest.  The central committee chair for the Saddleworth  Contest, Mr Rogers also had to be contacted  A fair number of people had volunteered to assist with the contest but more help would be welcomed.  Peter was thanked for his attendance.
7. Post Office is to remain open.  It was hoped that villagers would continue to use the shop.
8. Shaw’s and Vindon’s  Royce explained he and Peter Blundell had been to see the Chief Planning Officer, Geoff Willerton again but no further information had been forthcoming.  Royce read out a letter from Ron Gregory Head of Asset Management at O.M.B.C.  This letter was in response to a letter written by Tony Wood to Phil Woolas, M.P. about Shaw’s.  The letter read:  ‘The current position is that the site has been identified as a potential site for the replacement of Saddleworth Secondary School.  It is the authority’s opinion and that of its Technical Consultants that the site could be suitably developed to provide for a new Secondary School for Saddleworth together with the required infrastructure and playing fields.’  One member felt that the council should be looking for alternative sites but it was pointed out that most members felt the school was the lesser of two evils. 
9. Youths’ Needs in Saddleworth Brian Cliffe said he had been in contact with Kathryn Bardsley from the Satellite Centre in Greenfield.  Most of the initiatives for youths are held in Oldham Town centre and there is little for either Diggle or Saddleworth.  We need somewhere for the youths to ‘chill out’.  Mountain biking, canoeing, Mountain Rescue involvement were mentioned as possibilities and it was noted the Air Cadets had recently started a group in the area.  It was queried whether we could transport groups to facilities already available.  The meeting was advised of the facilities in the village. These are appended at the end of the minutes.
10. Security and Crime in the Area   The police were not able to be present; they had been in court this a.m. giving evidence about an anti-social behaviour order. Brian said crime since the last meeting in Diggle:  criminal damage x 2; theft 4 including 3 lead; 1 theft of motor vehicle; 1 theft from motor vehicle; 3 burglary other than dwelling; 2 burglary dwellings.  Police contact numbers:  all Uppermill Police Station 0161 856 8990;  856 4523 and 856 4524. Some discussion about the role of P.C.S.Os.  Brian said they were the ears and eyes of the Police and in his view were serving a very real purpose.
11. Traffic Issues:  Nigel reported some progress had been made:  orders had been laid for both new road markings near the school and bend signs near to Thirstones. Further discussion about the obstructions near Ward lane end.  Photographs of any obstructions would prove useful.
12. Review of the Canal Festival Day  The turn out was amazing in view of the weather which was a disaster. Julie Johnson had won the nearest time through the tunnel which was 2 hours 59 minutes.  Her estimate was 2 hours 57 minutes 25 seconds.  Royce had been in touch with Sue Day today but was still waiting for the prize of 4 tickets to go through the tunnel.  The quoits’ game and the tunnel estimate had accrued £22.80 only.  Royce said there was some criticism of the organising of the day but this related to the Horseboating Society rather than our Association.  There were lessons to be learnt.  There is a possibility of a repeat next year but a near certainty for 2011 which is the bi-centenary of the opening of the opening of the tunnel.
13. Review of the Talk: The Restoration & Future of the Huddersfield Canal

17 members had attended what amounted to an excellent talk by Dr. Bob Gough. All those who attended had spoken most favourably about it. The Membership agreed that more “social” events should be organized.
14. Review of Visit by First Choice  Homes in Village 10.6.08
       Some comments about the signage at the mouth of Moor Crescent.  Trees are scheduled to be cut on 12.8.08.  Comments made earlier in the day about the ash trees opposite houses in Huddersfield Road situated on the allotments.  Royce to deal.
 15.Subscription and Finances  Balance to £302.96.  This is without the payment to Bob Gough for his talk - £25.  Members reminded it is an annual payment of £2 per household.
  16.Presence at Diggle Fete 0n 15th June, 2008  The Association will again have a stand in the hope of attracting more members.
  17. Smithy Lane Surgery  Royce said the Smithy Lane Surgery is not closing.
  18.Future Events:  Balsam bashing Wed. 25.6.08 – volunteers wanted.  20/21.6.08 junior All Start show at Kiln Green.  13.7.08 All Creatures Great and Small – an invitation to all owners to attend with their animals. Further details to follow.
  19 Any Other Business  It was reported Diggle School had reached the finals of the Lacrosse competition in London.  They had reached the quarter final.  Agreed the secretary would write to the headmistress congratulating them.  Additionally they had now reached the finals of the ‘quick cricket’ competition at Old Trafford.
  20. Thanks  Nigel thanked all those who had attended and wished to place on record his thanks and that of the Executive for the work Peter Blundell had done before his resignation.
   21..Date of next Meeting  September – exact date to be confirmed. Venue       hopefully Wrigley Mill.

Appendix
Youth Facilities already available in the village: Youth Club Wrigley Mill 7-11 years – contact 870538.  Other details to follow and to be put on the Community’s Notice board.

MINUTES OF THE DIGGLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEETING  HELD ON TUESDAY 18TH MARCH, 2008 AT KILN GREEN

1.         Apologies were received from Jill Arthurs; Robin Bissell; Christine Bocking; Wendy Bradbury;   Eileen & Brian Farmery; Alan Green; Rob Greenwood; Linda Heywood;  Bernard Holden; Denise Hudson; Ralph & Salisa Oakes-Garnett; Alan Rea;  Alan Rhodes; P.C.S.O. Monica Seville; Phil Sewell and Alan & Lesley Stuart.

2.         Present: Tony Ackroyd;  Barbara Barnes; Charles Baumann;  Peter Blundell (Chair); Paul Borg; Gordon & Olwin Bradburn;    David Bradbury; Shirley Cannon; Gordon & Alison Coates;  Maurice Farrand; Royce Franklin (Secretary); Lorna & John Gartside;  Rosland Gartside;  Sandra Hague;  Michael Hall; Keith Hardy;   Margaret Hardy; Eva & Paul Hartland; John Hewett; Alex Jeffery; Julie Johnson;  Kathleen Lambert;  Yvonne Lees;  Marlene MacLean; Chris & Marjorie Malone; Neil & Debra Mooney;  Lynn & John Newman; Nora Parkinson; Margaret Payne;  John Redfern; Duncan Rhodes (Exec); Councillor Alan Roughley (Denshaw); Neil Russell;   Doreen Russell; Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer); Frank Settle; Nigel Shaw;  E. Siddall; Zoe Thompson plus 2;  Patricia & Ronald Tingay;  Tony Woods (Exec).  Guest for item 3 only: Sue Day.

3.         Horse Boating Society Event  Sue Day from the Horse Boating Society said the Society wanted to leg through the tunnel on Sunday 4th May, 2008 but British Waterways were insisting on a payment of  £1600 before they would agree to the event.  Other organisations are supporting the event and it may be possible to have stalls not far from the tunnel entrance.  Sue explained since the tunnel opened in 2001, most events have been confined to the Marsden end of the tunnel where there is a Visitor Centre.  Sue explained if it were possible to have the event it could become an annual affair and she noted 2011 is the bicentenary of the opening of the tunnel.  It was agreed the Association should support the event and write to British Waterways asking them to waive the charge and point out the legging of tunnels is an important part of our heritage.  Sue was thanked for her attendance and agreed to keep us up-to-date with progress.  

4.         Minutes of the Meeting Held on 11th December, 2008 were accepted as a true record after the substitution of Brenda for Beryl under Diggle 21.

5.         Matters Arising
(a)  Post Office  Royce explained there would be no further progress until after the local elections.  He said the government were urging local councils to take on the responsibility and this was being effected in parts of the country.  
(b)  Diggle Railway Station  Royce said there was nothing more could be done on this topic in the short term and he proposed to take it off the agenda. 

6.         Shaw’s and Vindon’s   Peter said he had met with Mr Wiggett who had agreed to come to a meeting of the Association, when appropriate.  There were no plans at the present time for Vindon’s but the building of the school on Shaw’s remained a distinct possibility.  If this were to happen, in addition to the school there could be shops and houses on the 22 acre site.  Peter said to some extent with the school’s presence in the village with 1300 pupils, the focal point of life in Saddleworth would change to some extent, especially over lunchtime.  It was hoped to have a health facility, a community centre, housing for elderly people and use of some of the school facilities during the evening e.g. football pitch.  Charles Baumann, Governor of Saddleworth School, said the Governors had met last week and the likelihood was if it were the school completion would be around 2011-2012.

7.         Band Contest  & Voting Result and further Developments   Firstly Royce thanked all those who had taken round the voting slips to residents. He said he considered the response satisfactory:  83 forms had been returned representing 168 votes with a majority of 92.3% in favour of the Band Contest.  Over 20 had volunteered to help in some way and a meeting had been held.  The Police will be seen to discuss a venue and there was a possibility of some sponsorship in the pipeline.  A committed organiser was still needed and members were asked to think of someone who would be prepared to take on what is a massive task.  Without that person it is doubtful whether the wish of the residents could be realised.
8.         Result of the Surgey of Youths’ Needs in Diggle Village Royce explained the Kathryn Bardsley from the Satellite Centre in Uppermill had conducted of survey of needs at Saddleworth School for Diggle pupils.  Discussions had taken place but in the absence of Alan Rea and Phil Sewell, neither of whom had been able to attend this evening, it was not possible to take this matter forward at this stage. 

9.         Members’ Expectations of the Executive  The Chair explained at the recent Executive meeting it had been queried what additional expectations there might be of the Executive and the events in which the Association could become involved.  To date there had been no social events organised for example.  It was pointed out that there are already a fair number of activities in the village and the annual pantomime and the play:  ‘When The Lights Go on Again’ which is scheduled for 10 – 12.4.08 were cited as examples.  Zoe Thompson (new member) said she wanted to form a choir and wanted the support of the D.C.A. in its formation. Access to funds through D.C.A. was a possibility. Zoe said she had a tentative agreement from a possible leader.  Zoe also mentioned in her professional life she raises funds and she had already agreed to discuss with D.C.A. the registration as a charity and its advantages.

10.       Security and Crime in the Village    Royce explained that it had been hoped Monica Seville, P.C.S.O. would be here tonight but because of a large number of burglaries in Lees she had been called away.   Crime figures since 11.12.08:  6 criminal damage; 3 thefts of motor vehicles; 1 theft from motor vehicle and 3 burglary other than a dwelling.  One of the criminal damages had been the bus stop on Station Road. This had involved not only the defacing of the timetable casing but the pushing through of one of the partitions giving ready access to the railway line. One resident said he had evidence to identify the culprits He was later given the contact details of Monica Seville to take this matter forward.  The state of Ward Lane bridge was mentioned and it was agreed Royce would contact whomever to look at its condition.

11.       Transport Issues:  Nigel said he and Duncan were becoming frustrated by the lack of action by the Local Authority. He reminded members they had met with Tony Noblet during the early part of last year and action had been promised. A letter setting out action had been received from Tony dated 22nd May, 2007.  He had broached Ken Bennett with the hope of getting some publicity in the Chronicle about Diggle’s traffic problem in particular the speed of vehicles coming down Huddersfield Road past the school.  He said a speed camera was needed in this area.  The possibility of a chicane was also mentioned.  Parked traffic at the end of Ward Lane as you drive on to Huddersfield Road was also a special problem which needed resolving.  The ludicrous 60 mph. speed restriction on the bottom part of Sandy Lane was mentioned.  A lack of money had been used as the excuse for not moving forward with proposals but the money spent on the erection of the 4 signs in Sandy Lane (2 on entry into Dobcross village and 2 at the bottom end of Sandy Lane) could have been used to move the signs near the school further up Huddersfield Road.  The school have agreed to support any representations the Association makes. It was agreed the Association should write again to the Local Authority expressing concern about the lack of action.  Royce refereed to two meetings he attended recently one on the Transport Innovation Fund (T.I F) which related to the congestion charge.  He asked for support of the meeting in writing to Northern Rail on two issues:  hourly trains to and from Manchester on a Sunday and the absence of any benefits for the Saddleworth area from the T.I.F.   He said he wanted to include in the letter the absence of fare collection on the trains particularly on a Sunday. This was agreed.

12.       Litter and Dog Fouling   There had been a pretty thorough sweep of various streets recently but dog fouling continues to be a problem.  One member mentioned children taking dogs for walks and not bothering to clean up after them.

13.       Footpath Survey in Saddleworth   Royce said at least 6 people in the room were taking part in a survey of Saddleworth footpaths. The aim was to get them up to standard and if anyone wants to volunteer to help please contact Royce.

14.       Notice Board  And Its use Royce said the notice board was now in place on the wall outside the post office.  Members were asked to pass any suggestions about the content to Royce.  Similarly he meets with the website designer Frank Settle before each full members’ meeting and any ideas about any possible improvements would be welcome.
15.       Presence at Diggle Fete on 15th June, 2008  Nigel reported it had been agreed the Association would again have a stall at the Diggle School Fete on 15th June, 2008.   He said the Parent Teachers’ Association would welcome any advertisements in the School Fete programme.  He said on Wednesday 16th April, between 8 am and 9 a.m the school would welcome any clothes etc. Collection of old clothes, coats, shoes, bedding, curtains, belts and handbags (no bric a brac) in aid of P.T.A. funds.  Please bring any items along in bin bags.

16.       Package for new Residents in the Village  Royce said he plans to create a package for any new residents in the village to let them know of the Association but in particular to welcome them to Diggle.  He would like to know from any resident of any newly-arrived resident so that   packages can be pushed through the door.

17.       Subscriptions and Finances   Brenda reported currently there was £294.08 in the bank and he reminded those who had not paid for 2008 that the subscription was only £2 per household.  Royce remarked we were being asked to pay for the Kiln Green for the first time at £9.50 per hour.

18.       Report Back From meeting Held in Civic Hall Uppermill on Monday, 10th March,2008  Peter said he had attended a meeting in the Civic Hall on 10th March, 2008 when a way forward for Saddleworth was discussed.  He said he would keep members informed of developments.

19.       Date of the Next Meeting Thursday, 12th June, 2008 now confirmed at the Band Club.

MINUTES OF THE FIRST DIGGLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT WRIGLEY MILL ON TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 2007

1. Apologies were received from: Jill Arthurs; Robin Bissell; Gordon & Olive Bradburn; Mike Cannon; Bob Greenwood; Margaret Hardy; John Hewitt; Linda Heywood; Bernard Holden;  John Newman; Ralph & Mrs. Oakes-Garnett; Norma Parkinson;  Margaret Payne; Phil Sewell and Dorothy Shaw.

1. Present: Barbara Barnes; Terry Biltcliffe; Peter Blundell (Chair); Paul Borg; Shirley Cannon;  Peter Carter;  Brian Cliffe (Ex. Member);  Brian and Eileen Farmery; Royce Franklin (Secretary); Lorna & John Gartside;   Rosalind Gartside; Alan Green; Alex Jeffery: Julie Johnson: K. Lambert; Yvonne Lees; Marlene MacLean; Neil & Debra Mooney;    Marjorie Malone; Lynn Newman; Alan Rea (Ex. Member);    John Redfearn; Alan Rhodes; Duncan Rhodes (Ex. Member); D. Russell; D & N Mooney; Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer);  Nigel Shaw (Vice Chair); E Siddall; Rachel Stead (P.C.S.O.); Alan & Lesley Stuart and  Tony Wood (Ex. member).

3.         Chair’s Report:  The Chair, Peter Blundell, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked members for their support.  He said his report had been circulated to all members and he did not propose to go through it in any detail.  No comments were made on the report and it was accepted by the meeting.

4.         Treasurer’s Report  This was presented by Brenda Scowcroft and accepted by the meeting.  It had been audited by A. Wilson on 4.11.07:

MINUTES OF THE DIGGLE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT WRIGLEY MILL ON TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 2007

• Apologies were received from: Jill Arthurs; Robin Bissell; Gordon & Olive Bradburn; Mike Cannon; Bob Greenwood; Margaret Hardy; John Hewitt; Linda Heywood; Bernard Holden; John Newman; Ralph & Mrs. Oakes-Garnett; Norma Parkinson;  Margaret Payne and Dorothy Shaw.

• Present: Barbara Barnes; Terry Biltcliffe; Peter Blundell (Chair); Paul Borg; Shirley Cannon;  Peter Carter;  Brian Cliffe (Ex. Member);  Brian and Eileen Farmery; Royce Franklin (Secretary); Lorna & John Gartside;   Rosalind Gartside; Alan Green; Alex Jeffery: Julie Johnson: K. Lambert; Yvonne Lees; Marlene MacLean; Neil & Debra Mooney;    Marjorie Malone; Lynn Newman; Alan Rea (Ex. Member);    John Redfearn; Alan Rhodes; Duncan Rhodes (Ex. Member); D. Russell; D & N Mooney; Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer); Phil Sewell (Executive Member Nigel Shaw (Vice Chair); E Siddall; Rachel Steed (P.C.S.O.) and a second unnamed P.C.S.O.; Alan & Lesley Stuart and  Tony Wood (Ex. Member).

3.              Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th September, 2007 were accepted as a true record.

4.             Website  (www.digglevillage.org.uk)    There have been further inclusions on the site.  Royce had contacted Barbara Jones about Diggle Bowls Club requesting information for the site.  He re-iterated he had concentrated on Diggle, rather than Saddleworth, to emphasize the uniqueness of Diggle.  If anyone has any ideas about what else might be included he invited contact for discussion.  He is now meeting with Frank Settle, the designer of the site, every few weeks to put on additional information and up dates.  He said he had been very disappointed about the absence of any requests for events in the village.

5.             Band Contest  After the last Association meeting  Bernard Holden, D.C.A. member, had convened a meeting of the group who had agreed at the last D.C.A meeting to look on behalf of the village at the possibility of a contest.  The group had representatives from the Executive:  Nigel Shaw; Phil Sewell and Tony Wood.  The group were concerned there was not necessarily wholesale support in the village for the event and the D.C.A.  Executive felt village residents should have the opportunity of expressing a view.  It was accepted by the meeting that the villagers should be leafleted before the next meeting of the D.C.A.   It was emphasized that the event could not go forward without someone being prepared to put in the enormous amount of time needed to organize the event.  Without that person with a fairly large number of committed helpers the event had little or no chance of materializing.  It is too late already for 2008.  Peter, Chair, said the Executive were prepared to deliver the leaflets but no Executive member was prepared to run the event.  The Executive would be pleased to hear from anyone who was prepared to help with the distribution.

6.            Post Office Up Date Royce had been to a meeting in Oldham about the closures, organized by the Council.  He said that meeting advised the area should fight to sustain all Post Offices in Saddleworth. The timetable for the closures had been postponed according to an article which had appeared in the Chronicle because it was felt it would adversely affect Labour’s chances in the local elections in May.  Whenever closures are effected, they are timetabled under a Constituency basis.  Oldham is lumped with Greater Manchester and although it is anticipated about 7 or 8 of the Borough’s post offices might close, the criteria were not necessarily on a borough basis.  For example if there were a post office in one of the contiguous borough say 100 yards inside the other borough’s boundary the closure of the nearest one in Oldham could be affected. There are ways in which the Association can be involved:

• At the start of the local public consultation process for an area all branches that are likely to be affected by the proposals in that Area Plan, will display posters and provide leaflets so that you will know what is proposed and that consultations have started.
• You will then have the opportunity to provide feedback in writing to post Office Ltd. giving your views on he proposals.
• The Council will invite residents and businesses to discuss the proposals at Community Councils or submit views directly to the Council.
• Postwatch is the independent consumer watchdog for postal services. Postwatch will scrutinise and comment on Area Plans and will check the plans comply with the Government’s minimum access criteria.

Royce said when he had some months ago been to a meeting in Preston when the main criterion for closure seemed to be economic.  He felt there had been some broadening to encompass social aspects of closures.

7.         Notice Board  An application had been made to the Saddleworth & Lees Community Council for funding for a Notice Board.  The application had been successful but the exact amount allocated is not yet known.  Thanks are due to Janet and Paul from the Post Office who have agreed the board can be on the post office building.  This is a central location and can enhance the means of communication considerably in the village.  Planning permission is likely to be needed,  further lengthening the process.

8.         Shaw’s & Vindon’s    Peter said he had met with Mr Wiggett regarding Shaw’s.  Mr Wiggett had promised to maintain liaison. Members were reminded the Chronicle had published the site was likely to accommodate the Saddleworth School but Peter stressed no decision had been finalised. In any event the site would not be swallowed up totally by the school. Peter said it was the view of the Executive that Shaw’s was probably the best site for a new Saddleworth School and this was echoed in the meeting. The alternative was that Saddleworth would no longer accommodate a secondary school. If the school were in Diggle, the current Saddleworth School site would be made available for residential development as an integral to any deal. Peter said he felt we should still get a football pitch and a community hall out of any proposals. Concern was expressed by one member about the practicalities of having a football pitch where the elevation could be well-below the canal’s level.  The school development would be under the auspices of ‘schools for the future’ which would involved consultation with the community.  There was no further news on Vindon’s. 

9.         Maintenance of Footpaths  Royce said a group had been formed to look at the footpaths across fields etc. in Saddleworth.  Volunteers were needed to help with   the project which aims to enhance footpaths up to agreed standards.

10.       Diggle 21  Brenda Scowcroft said some residents had expressed concern about the retention of the name of Diggle Tip.    It was felt by some it did not reflect the attractiveness of the new site whereas others felt the name maintained the heritage of the site.  The Diggle 21 group was anxious to retain the heritage by installing information boards on the site.  Beryl said the Parks and Regeneration departments support our idea to think of a new name that is in keeping with the area’s history and the wishes of the community.  Beryl continued:  We are keen to involve the whole community in the decision making process, and have asked Diggle’s older residents, through the Diggle Diamonds to think of appropriate names.  If anyone would like to offer a view please contact Brenda on 875853 or Julie Johnson on 873535.  Alternatively anyone can vote by contacting the Advertiser who are running a story this coming week.

11.       Highways A Way Forward    Nigel said he had had further  contact with Peter Noblet regarding the  issues which had been identified at the outset and the absence of money was being used as the reason for a lack of action.  Other priorities e.g. the A.635 through Greenfield and the A.62 modifications were partly responsible.  Royce said he had met with Tony Noblet about another matter after a discussion with Nigel and Mr Noblet had promised to ensure that during the next financial year beginning in March, 2008 the speed limit near the school on Huddersfield Road approaching Diggle down the hill would be looked and the necessary alterations made. Alex Jeffery said any speed modifications on Stanedge Road could impact on Huddersfield Road Diggle – a minor road can not have a high speed than the major road. Duncan Rhodes reported the school governors were also looking at making further representations.  Royce said there was little prospect of any no waiting signs in the area adjacent to the Fish Shop. On  a positive side, the weight restriction sign and the school sign on Ward lane had now been put back correctly.

12.       Environment  Royce expressed to some disappointment at the lack of action by the Highways Department in respect of representations made to them about overhanging vegetation.  He said they had cut the trees surrounding the bus stop opposite Harrop Green and the vegetation on Sugar Lane (in Dobcross) at the latter at the insistence of Alex Jeffery.  That apart they had not cut back other vegetation despite several  requests to do so.  Royce said he had had a further request for the path above Carr Lane on the Diggle side of Stanedge Road to be cleared.  It was totally obscured by grass and the bushes in several instances totally covered the whole of the pathway.  Peter to contact ken Bennett to seek an article in the Oldham Chronicle on  our frustrations

13.       Security  Rachel Stead informed the meeting that the website entries for the Police were incorrect and said she would inform Royce of the correct ones.  Crimes in Diggle:  4 criminal damage, 1 theft of motor vehicle; 2 burglary others and 2 burglaries.  Royce informed the meeting he had met with Kathryn Bardsley earlier that day.  Kathryn is the youth worker in charge of the Satellite Youth Centre in Uppermill.  Kathryn visits Saddleworth School every Thursday and has agreed to carry out a survey of Diggle youths attending the school on 17.1.08 to assess the needs of the local youngsters.

14.       Planning  Applications    The Executive were taking the view that they should not become involved in planning applications unless the plans were likely to have a considerable impact on the village e.g. Shaw’s; Vindon’s and telephone mast.  This would exclude any involvement in a dispute between neighbours for example.  This was accepted by the meeting.

15.       Diggle Station up Date  Royce said since the last meeting he had had a long discussion with Northern Rail who are the providers of the rolling stock for the Huddersfield to Manchester line.  He now took the view that in the short term there was no chance of a station at Diggle.  It was emphasized that although this was the view currently held by the Executive any possible way forward as it arose would be looked at. It was suggested a further contact Alan Whitehead a member of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (G.M.P.T.E.).  Royce agreed to do so.

16        Bus Stop Marshlands Huddersfield Road  Tony Wood told the meeting he had approached G.M.P.T.E. about this bus stop which wa not marked out on the road and vehicles were parked there daily.

17.      Finance  As per the A.G.M. the Association had £234.08.  Members were reminded that the subscription is per household £2 per year and 2008 subscriptions were due now.  Anyone wanting to join today could pay for the 2008 subscription as per last year.

18.       Events in the Village   Duncan Rhodes said he hoped members and other Diggle residents would be more supportive of events that take place in the village.

19.       Date of the Next meeting   Tuesday, 18th (NOT 11TH  as originally stated) March, 2008.  Venue - Kiln Green Church Hall.

MINUTES OF THE MEMBERS’ MEETING HELD AT WRIGLEY MILL DIGGLE
ON TUESDAY, 19TH JUNE, 2007

1. Apologies: Shirley Cannon; Brian Cliffe (Exec. Member); Bob Greenwood; John Hewett; Alan Rae (Exec. Member); Lesley Stuart and received after meeting Constable Mick Greaney.
   
   
2. Present: Barbara . Barnes; Jill Arthurs; Christine Backing;  Charles and Megan Baumann;  Ken Bennett (Press); Peter Blundell (Chair); Paul Borg; Owen & Gordon Bradburn; Terry Biltcliffe;  Lesley Brown; Pat Cliffe; M. Critchton-Kane; Alison  & Gordon Coates;  Eileen & Brian Farmery  Marian & Maurice Farrand (Membership Sec.); Royce Franklin (Secretary); Lorna Gartside;  A.R. Green;   Margaret Hardy; Mick Hey; Linda Heywood; Denise Hudson; Alex Jeffery; Julia Johnson;  Kathleen Lambert; Yvonne Lees; M. Maclean; D. Mooney;  Lynn & John Newman; J. Payne;  Duncan Rhodes (Exec. Member); Brenda Scrowcroft (Treasurer); Phil Sewell (Exec. Member); Nigel Shaw (Exec. Member);E Siddall; L. Staddon; Paul Strutt;  Alan Stuart;  Patricia and Ronald Tingay;  Janet Waite;  Anthony Wood (Exec. Member).
   
   
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th March, 2007 were accepted as a true record.  There were no matters arising which were not on the substantive agenda.
   
   
4. Environment Issues Royce highlighted the achievements so far:  painting the railings on Ward Lane; regular road sweeps; Himalayan Balsam weed clearance (second planned); meeting with Waste Minimisation Officer – paper available; pond clearance; groundwork clearance near allotments on Ward Lane.  Gulleys’ and graffiti clearance.  Royce said he would append to the minutes the departments to contact including e mail addresses.  Once a  complaint has been made a job number should be given and there is an expectation the work will be completed within a fortnight.  Issues identified for attention:  pond still needs some clearance; footbridge over railway (who has responsibility is an issue) and weeds growing in Gloucester Drive.
   
   
5. Traffic Nigel reported the Traffic Group had met with Tony Noblet, Service Director Highways and Engineering Department  and he had written in reply to the 6 (now 7) issues indicated at the last meeting.  1.  Speeding traffic travelling downhill towards school from Stanedge:  recommendation move 30 mph sign  back to Carr Lane and additional signage; 2. Ellis Mill to Post Office accepted provision for off-road parking needed but funding a problem; 3.Parking adjacent to chip shop – no proposals; 4. Bottle neck at mouth of south end of  village – will be integrated into Shaw’s development; 5. Speed on Stanedge Road above Spurn Lane – to be reviewed in common with other speed limits in borough over next 2 years and stonewall modification possible near houses; 6. speed along Spurn Lane – not seen as a problem.  (N.B. post the meeting 30 MPH sign now erected) and 7th issue: No bend indication at Thurstons – to be reviewed by Traffic Engineers.  Members were urged to read the leaflet currently being distributed about congestion charge and object that there was no provision whatsoever for any advantage to Saddleworth residents.
   
6. Village Security Brenda reported Crime Prevention leaflets will be dropped off at each house in the village by Executive during next few weeks.  Survey of youths’ needs to be carried out in village by Youth Service during September. Diggle School Governors are looking at the possibility of use of the school field for extra-school activities.
   
   
7. Website Peter reported not progressed as far as was hoped but digglevillage.co.uk has been determined as the website.
   
   
8. Post Office Royce reported petition now in the Post Office.  Announced at Whit Friday gathering at Hanging Gate but no copies other than in the Post Office encouraging everyone to go in.  300 signatories to date.  Aim to try to get 90% of the population.
   
   
9. Meeting of Chairs of Residents’/Community Assocations across Saddleworth Royce reported this had been arranged for 26.6.07 to be chaired by John Brocklehurst, one of the Saddleworth team Ministers.  Royce emphasised there had already been some negotiations with other associations over traffic and the railway station.  Letters had been written supporting the reinstatement of the full-sized Marina at Uppermill and an objection to wind turbines at Jellystone.
   
   
10. Contact with members including Notice Board for the Association Royce reported he sent round e mails regularly to members who had the facility.  The Executive were to erect a Notice Board specifically for the Association which members could read.  The Parish Notice Board is too small and wrongly-located.
    
    
11. Diggle Station Royce reported he now had the contact for S.T.O.R.M. and would be arranging a meeting shortly.
    
    
12. Diggle 21  Paul Strutt from Diggle 21 gave a history of the group which had existed for 10 years.  He reported the group had been granted £8000 by the
    Big Lottery Fund.  The current proposals for the land next to Huddersfield Road/Sam Road  are
    • The construction of rock pools, weirs and clearance works on the stream to improve its appearance and to attract flora and wildlife;
    • The installation of footpaths, seating, bird boxes and bat boxes;
    • Planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and flowers;
    • Informal, level and rained grass area,
    • Future negotiations with O.M.B.C. and with Environment Agency.  Further funding will be needed to complete the task.  Meeting pleased with the proposals.  Any questions to Brenda Scowcroft on 875853 or Pat Cliffe 873901.
      
      
13. Shaw’s and Vindon’s The Chair informed the meeting that there was a delay in the selling of Shaw’s largely because the owners were Portuguese and consequently it was more complicated.  He said the Executive had met and some negotiations had taken place with the Local Authority. He was confident the village would be consulted about the development. He said the Executive were proposing the following:
    
    
14. Priority 1 – Vital
    • Station/Community Hall (also indoor sports centre)/Vistor Centre – if these are combined, there is a better chance of getting this through;
    • New buildings to be in stone/slate – in keeping with the surrounding buildings and area;
    • Sports facilities (field/hall) this includes a football pitch.
    • Medical and Care facilities.
      
      
15. Priority 2 – Very Important
    • Recreation Park (for children);
    • Tree screening (to improve the overall site);
    • Affordable housing (for local people).
      
      
16. Consequential (these matter must be considered, whatever happens to the site)
    • Access road to the site – new road system at the Uppermill end of Huddersfield Road.
    • Size of Diggle School – both the nursery and primary.
    • The Chair reported Vindon’s was likely to be developed for residential purposes.
      
      
17. Bank Balance  Brenda reported this stood at £188.08.  We currently have 58 members.
    
    
18. Stall at Village Fete  The Association will have a stall at the village fete on Sunday next in an attempt to attract more members.
    
    
19. Sustainable Communities Bill  Royce said the Association had had contact with both Phil Woolas and Gordon Brown urging them both to support the Bill currently going through Parliament.  If passed it could involve greater involvement by this group in decisions made locally.  He referred to a full page entry in The Guardian on Tuesday, 12.6.07.
    
    
20. Health Promotion Evening  Royce referred to a meeting to be held at Uppermill Civic Centre on 17.7.07 looking at health facilities throughout Saddleworth.  The Association would be represented.
    
    
21. Date of the next meeting Kiln Green Tuesday, 18th September, 2007 at 7.30 p.m.
    
    
22. The meeting closed at 8.55 p.m.  The Chair thanked members for their attendance.

MINUTES OF THE MEMBERS’ MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13TH MARCH, 2007
AT KILN GREEN CHURCH HALL, DIGGLE

1. Apologies were received from: Nick Cox; Phil Davenport; Herbie Davies; Harriet Gray; John Hewett; John McCann; Verna Marsh; Duncan Rhodes; Alan Roughley and Dorothy Shaw.
   
   
2. Present: Jill Arthurs; Terry Bilicliffe; Peter Blundell (Chair); Paul Borg; Gordon and Olwin Bradburn; W. & D.  Bradbury; Councillor Mike Buckley;   Shirley Cannon; Brian Cliffe (Executive member); Alison & Gordon Coates; Peter Davies; Chris. Dronsfield;  Maurice Farrand (Membership Secretary); Brian & Eileen Farmery; Royce Franklin (Secretary); John Gartside;; Loran Gartside;  Sandy Gray; P.C. Mike Greaney; Rob. Greenwood;  Keith Hardy;  M. Hardy;  Alex Jeffery; J. Johnson;  Yvonne Lees; Mr & Mrs. J. MaClean; Marjorie Malone; Deborah & Neil  Mooney; Andrew Myers;  Alan Rea (Ex); Phil Sewell (Ex);  Brenda Scowcroft (Treasurer); Nigel Shaw (Ex); P.C.S.O. Rachel Stead;  E Siddall; Barbara Stocks;  Alan & Lesley Stuart; Melvyn Taylor;   P Tingay; Janet Waite;  Tony Wood (Ex).
   
   
3. Executive Structure: The Chair (Peter) explained that the 10 Executive members had split various duties, in order to spread the load and to try to establish a relationship with organizations and local authority personnel.
   
   
4.  Post Office:  Peter said the Association was doing everything it could to support the continued opening of the Post Office.  Janet and Paul (proprietors) who were present at the meeting said they had had no notification of when decisions would be made about closures.  Recent articles in the Oldham Chronicle had indicated that 7 post Offices in Oldham could be closed.  Members were urged to inform the Executive of any further action which could be taken.  It was emphasized it was up to us all to try to support the remaining shop in Diggle as much as possible.
   
   
5. Diggle Station and Public Transport in Diggle: Peter said Royce; Tony Woods, Filipina Moore (Greater Manchester Transport Resource Unit) and he had met with 3 Councillors looking at the possibility of having a station at Diggle.  A strategy had to be developed looking at how to approach the authorities.  Currently there are 3 obstacles which have to be overcome:  (1)  Challenging the criteria for having a station e.g. not on a bend which eliminates Ward Lane; (2)  Challenging the Passenger Transport Executives in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire who have a fare differential specific to their own area e.g. to go to Huddersfield single from Greenfield costs approximately twice as much as a return fare from the same station to Manchester and (3) Dissemination of  Local knowledge to the authorities emphasizing the need.  As part of the strategy the Executive were looking at establishing a group of potential rail users from Greenfield (where there is a parking issue); Dobcross; Delph and even Denshaw where the residents of these villages are likely to have a use for a Diggle Station.  Liaison with such groups as S.T.O.R.M. (Save The Oldham and Rochdale Mainline) could also prove beneficial.  Peter said he felt the development of Shaw’s could be an issue which would further the quest.  Royce said the Transport Executive had been reviewing the buses provided. Denshaw’s evening service is to be culled from 15.4.07.  Similarly the 351 and 356 which were established some years as co-ordinated links to Greenfield Station passing through Diggle some days would finish on the same date.  The latter two were having only 1.7 passengers per journey and could not be justified.  The Councillors had told us evening services in Diggle could be under threat in the long term.
   
   
6. Traffic  Nigel Shaw explained the group consisted of Duncan Rhodes and Alex Jeffery (a non-Executive member).  A paper giving full details was distributed to the meeting.  The paper identified 6 issues for attention:  (1) The speed of traffic on Huddersfield Road from Thurstons to Sam Road;. (2) The area between Ellis Mill & the Post Office; (3) The area around the crossroad with Ward Lane and Spurn Lane; (4) The bottleneck on Huddersfield Road when approaching the junction with Stanedge Road; (5) The speed of traffic entering the 40 P.M.H. zone on Stanedge Road above Spurn Lane and (6) The speed of traffic traveling along Spurn Lane.  Nigel said the group were intending to approach the Institute of  Advanced Motoring and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for advice and assistance.
   
   
7. Village Security:  Brian Cliffe spoke on behalf of the group consisting of Brenda Scowcroft; Phil Sewell and him. He said the group were concentrating on three issues: (1) village security generally; (2) vandalism and (3) youth behaviour. He said following discussions with Martin Cooper from Clydesdale the group were looking at the possibility using the school playing field for supervised football knockabouts.  Ultimately this could involve the provision of floodlights. Negotiations with the school have not yet been held.  He distributed a list of incidents reported to the Police during the period 25.11.06 to 25.1.07.  Out of the 2800 to Oldham Police only 15 had come from Diggle.  He stressed the need to report instances and although the Police, because of other priorities, may not be able to deal with issues straight away they would record them and could then have an overall view of red spots which needed attention. Non-emergency calls should be made to 0161 872 5050 - messages can be left on mobile phones of Uppermill staff or by phoning the Uppermill Police Station (numbers to follow separately).  P.C.S.O. Rachel Stead  cited a situation recently when residents from the Heather Way and Clydesdale area had been written to assuring them they were trying to deal with an issue relating to youths. Brain said firm relationships had been established with the Uppermill Police and during the next few weeks a leaflet Be Safe, Be Secure would distributed to every house in Diggle. In response to a query from a member P.C. Mick Greaney said residents should not attempt to approach anyone who they may feel could be a threat and where any approach could to lead to personal injury to the resident. Rachel informed the next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhoods for the Saddleworth North Area would be held on Tuesday, 27th March, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Denshaw Village Hall.  Rachel said this was an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the Police first hand
   
   
8. Village Appearance: Royce said he had had several discussions and e mail exchanges with Ian Meynell who is the Streetscene manager for the area.  That group had responsibility for the wall to wall cleanliness of streets.  He said he had full co-operation from Ian and recently a new litter bin had been sited on Ward Lane close to the entrance to the Duck Pond.  It had been removed unlawfully within days and would be re-erected shortly.  The bins were now being emptied regularly and Ridge Lane had been swept for the first time for some years. He said that is the good news.  The Park areas were the responsibility of the Parks Department or Countryside Group and there was no co-ordination between Streetscene and those 2 groups.  The newly-sited bin on Ward Lane was only 10 yards from a bin inside the Park for example. They are emptied independently by the respective departments. The Parks Department had refused to install more red bins for collecting dog fouling.  The Area Committee had recently been given money to Saddleworth and District Angling Association to maintain cleanliness on the Canal Bank on the opposite to Huddersfield Road.  A resident had found 6 cornbeef tins on the other side last weekend and the S.A.D.A. had been alerted to this. A fifth group involved in keep in Diggle clean was the Waterways – 5 different organisations altogether. One resident said the Duck Pond needed attention it was littered with various debris under the surface.
   
   
9. Future Developments of Shaw’s Pallet Factory and Vindon’s Works Kiln Green Peter said he was in constant touch with the Planning Department about Shaw’s and no plans had been submitted at this stage.  Vindon’s  had only just been reported to the group and similar observations would be maintained.
   
   
10. Phone Mast  Kiln Green Turning Circle   Peter said orange had wanted a mast 2½ years ago.  The application had lapsed and they had re-applied last year but Orange were currently constrained by their financial situation.  It was now known whether there had been objections to the original plan and a watchful eye is being kept on the situation through the Planning Department.
    
    
11. Emptying Gulleys: Nigel Shaw said he had attempted to contact Peter Kiley at Oldham Council without success.  Anyone who had a problem with gulleys should telephone 0161 770 4325.  Alternatively Cliff.jackson@oldham.gov.uk
    
    
12. Formation of Website for Association Peter said he was in touch with Frank Settle who had agreed to form a website for the Association at his own expense.
    
    
13. Contact with Rural Resource Unit Royce said he had attended at meeting 3 weeks ago held at Uppermill Museum.  He said it was important the group established meaningful relationships with established groups who form part of local and national networks.  It was through this meeting that contact was made with Filipina Moore who attended the Association’s meeting with Councillors on transport.  Royce said he was to attend a Greater Manchester Meeting in Manchester on 23.3.07.
    
    
14. Health Promotion Evening Royce said there would be an evening for Smithy lane Surgery patients on 17.4.07 between 7pm. and 9 p.m. it would smoking, obesity measures, alcohol consumption and dieting amongst others. All patients welcome.
    
    
15. Stall At Village Fete:  Nigel Shaw said the Association would be having a stall at the Diggle Fete on 24.6.07 when it was hoped to attract more members.
    
    
16. Membership to Date:  Maurice Farrand reported membership was 49.  He urged those who had not joined at £2 per annum per household to do so.
    
    
17. Treasurer’s Report:  Brenda Scowcroft reported there was £118.08 in the Bank.
    
    
18. Chairman’s Closing Remarks:  Peter emphasized the group was here to help and support residents.