SHAW & CROMPTON PARISH COUNCIL – ANNUAL REPORT

SHAW & CROMPTON PARISH COUNCIL
Council Offices, 23 High Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8RF
Tel: 01706 847590 e-mail: clerk.shawcrompc@btconnect.com

ANNUAL REPORT
The Parish Council met ten times during the civic year 2011-12 (monthly except August and April). In addition to its routine business, the Council:
• Opposed the closure of Beal Hey Recycling Centre
• Opposed the closure of Crompton Pool
• Requested that a bus stop be moved in Market Street, Shaw
• Received presentations on: Old Osram site, Refuge Street, Shaw; Laurel Bank Day Centre; a housing insulation scheme;

Much of the work of the Council is carried out by its Committees and Sub-Committees. The Planning and Finance & General Purposes Committees normally meet every month and the six sub-committees each meet between four and ten times during the year. All meetings are open to the public.

Planning
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) has a duty to consult the Parish Council on planning applications within Shaw and Crompton. Residents are able to make representation to the Parish Council; public participation is encouraged as views from people living and working in the area are important to the decision making process. The Parish Council Planning Committee makes a recommendation to OMBC who make the final decision.

The Parish Council Planning Committee considered 106 applications during the year of which 19 were recommended for refusal.

Community Events
The Communications & Promotions Sub-Committee is responsible for organising activities and events, many of which have become regular features of the town’s life. These include the Family Weekend and Vehicle Rally, held in summer each year, and which was its usual success in 2011. This year the Family Weekend will be held on Saturday & Sunday 23 & 24 June 2012, and planning is already well advanced.

Other events arranged by the Sub-Committee were: Parish Council Chairman’s Civic Service; Civic Reception; Crompton Circuit walk; Lancashire Day proclamation; Christmas Charity Market; Schools’ Christmas Music Festival; Spring Charity Market. Hanging baskets were placed along High Street, Market Street, and parts of Milnrow Road and Crompton Way; a decorated Christmas Tree was placed at Wren’s Nest, where the lights were switched on at the end of November.

An archaeological survey of Crompton Moor was completed during Summer 2011. A 20 page newsletter – “The Parish Matters” – was distributed to every house in the Parish.

Environment
A major aspect of the Council’s work is in the field of environmental improvement. The Council thanks all those who give their time, expertise and effort to assist the Parish through working with the Environment Sub-Committee. One of the many areas that has been concentrated on is invasive species that are threatening the ecology of the local environment, buildings and infrastructure.

There has been considerable effort put into the maintenance of public footpaths and bridleways and the refurbishment/replacement of stiles, or their substitution by Kissing Gates, while attempting to establish new, or to re-establish old, public footpaths. The maintenance and clearance of public areas for the benefit of the community has been another main focus.

Grants
During the year the Council was able to make 10 grants, with a total value of £2,144. The grant scheme will continue during 2012/2013.

Premises
There has been a steady increase of third parties using the building, eg Friends of Dunwood Park. New premises for use as Council Offices were identified and a recommendation for purchase of the leasehold was approved by the Council.

Approval to borrow sufficient funds for the purchase was obtained from DCLG. Negotiations have taken place regarding the terms of the lease. It was agreed to update the software used on the Council Office’s PC.

Staffing & Pay
The Sub-Committee met on two occasions (October 2011 and January 2012). The main work of the sub-committee is to oversee the Clerk’s appraisal and other associated matters such as pay award, annual increments, pension provision, and the Sickness Contingency Fund.

Law and Order
The Council continues to have great concern for law and order issues, in particular the policing of the area and the town centre, and takes all opportunities to bring these matters to the attention of the responsible bodies.

The Council is represented on the Royton, Shaw and Crompton Area Action Team.

Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is an established part of the township. Previously based at the Council Offices, the Shaw Outreach deals with a wide range of queries from many Shaw and Crompton residents.

The Parish Council is happy to continue to fund this valuable service, which means that residents can receive advice locally. The service has been re-located to Crompton Library and is available every Thursday (9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-4.00pm); no appointment is necessary.

Conclusion
During the year, residents have made enquiries at the Council Offices about a variety of issues. Depending on their nature, these have been taken up with Oldham MBC, or referred to Parish or Metropolitan Borough councillors. Matters taken up on behalf of residents have included things such as planning issues, housing issues or roads.

The Council seeks to continue the development of a pattern of civic life to benefit the whole community, by fostering different types of activities. It does not have the resources to organise and run all the varied events and projects which make Shaw and Crompton into a thriving community. Its policy is to assist other organisations within the Parish as much as it can.

For instance, many local charities are able to raise money through having stalls at Charity Markets; a wide range of organisations benefit from the grants that the Council is able to make to them; a number of groups use the Council Offices for meetings in the evenings. Other groups requiring help are encouraged to ask and, where possible, the Council will try to assist.

Dr Ray Hughes
Clerk to the Council

Time is running out to claim your free insulation

Toasty Oldham – Time is running out to claim your free insulation

Loft and cavity wall insulation is now FREE* for all residents living in Oldham Borough.

The ‘Toasty Oldham’ scheme which is backed by Oldham Council is now even more appealing if you haven’t got round to having your home insulated yet.

But BE QUICK, government grants which help to subsidise this scheme are finishing at the end of 2012, after this time the unsubsidised cost is likely to be £350 each!

The best bit…

You don’t have to be on benefits or a certain age to qualify, if you’re one of those people who think ‘I’m never entitled to anything’, this is your chance to grab up to £700 worth of improvements to your home for free!

The scheme now even offers loft ‘top-ups’ for free too, so if you haven’t got the recommended 270mm depth of loft insulation, you should get it topped up now!

Over 10,000 people have already benefited from the scheme across Greater Manchester and it only takes an average of 21 days from enquiry to installation, and surveys are now also available in the evenings and most weekends.

Savings are more than you might think…

Typical annual savings are around £175 for loft insulation and £135 for cavity wall insulation (figures from the Energy Saving Trust).

How to take advantage of this great offer…

Call the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service free on 0800 009 3363 or 0161 245 7638 (open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) or visit www.getmetoasty.com to book a free, no obligation survey for your home.

DISTRESS FUND APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

Oldham Council have been overwhelmed by public donations to support the people affected by this week’s explosion in Shaw.

From today (Saturday, June 30) we are accepting applications from affected residents for support from the Oldham distress fund.

Staff are on hand at the Advice Centre on Farrow Street and will help affected residents to complete the application forms for monetary support.

They hope to arrange payments of monetary support granted by early next week. Staff will also arrange for immediate financial support where required.

We will be also be coordinating items – for example, beds, sofas, cookers and white goods – that residents might need and arranging for donated items to be delivered or collected.

Affected residents will need to have registered at the Rest Centre at the Lifelong Learning Centre prior to applications being received.

UPDATED OPENING TIMES FOR ADVICE CENTRE

On Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July the Advice Centre at the Library on Farrow Street will be open between 10am and 4pm.

From Monday, July 2 it will open from Noon to 4pm and 6-8pm daily.

The Rest Centre at Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre on the High Street is open every day 9am to 7pm.

The Donation Centre on Farrow Street will be open between 10am and 3pm daily.

CONCERNS ABOUT PETS

Oldham Council’s animal wardens will be at the Advice Centre on Farrow Street tomorrow – Sunday, July 1- between 10am and 2pm to discuss any concerns about pets in the houses still affected.

DISTRESS FUND: How to donate

DISTRESS FUND: How to donate

Online
You can donate using our payment gateway. You will need to select ‘Miscellaneous Payments’ and then ‘Oldham Distress Fund’.
• Payment gateway

Phone
You can also call during the opening hours of 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday only).
• Donation line 0161 770 6611

Internet Banking
For anyone wishing to make donations using internet banking, the details of the Distress Fund account are as follows:

Bank: Cooperative Bank
Account Name: OMBC Oldham Distress Fund 225145
Sort Code: 08-92-33
Account No: 61715512

For people making payments from overseas the IBAN number is as follows:
GB37 CPBK 0892 3361 7155 12

Cheques
Cheques should be made payable to Oldham Distress Fund

You can send cheques in the post to:
A Cooper
Finance Services Team
Oldham Council
Level 14
Civic Centre
West Street
Oldham, OL1 1UG

You can hand cheques in at either of the following addresses:
Shaw & Crompton Parish Council
23 High Street
Shaw
Oldham
OL2 8RF

Co-operative Bank
12 Market Place
Spindles Centre
Oldham
OL1 1JG

RELOCATION OF REST CENTRE FACILITY

As affected residents begin to move back into their properties the rest centre for families is being relocated to a more central location in Shaw.

This will offer better accommodation with dedicated play provision for children and more confidential areas for advice and support.

From 9.00am on Friday June 29, the Lifelong Learning centre on High Street, Shaw, OL2 8TB, will act as Rest Centre.

The centre will continue to offer support, a place to meet and refreshments to affected families. It will be open every day between 9am to 7pm.

An advice centre is being opened in nearby Shaw Library on Farrow Street which will offer a quiet, confidential space for residents to obtain advice about benefits, welfare and financial support.

The advice centre will be open from 10am to 2pm every day including over the weekend. There will also be a later advice session on Monday, July 2 between 6pm and 8pm.

From Friday June 29, the donation centre, where residents can drop off any donations and affected families can access supplies, will be relocated to the Salvation Army on Farrow Street East in Shaw.

The donation centre will be open from 10am to 3pm every day and can receive non-cash donations of:

• Clothing
• Bedding
• Toiletries
• Cleaning products
• Toys and Games
• Small furniture items
• Non-perishable foods

Immediately following the explosion, Crompton House School offered their sports hall as a temporary Rest Centre for those affected by the incident.

For the past three days this facility has been vital in supporting the local community.

Councillor Howard Sykes said: “The Council, our partners and all the residents affected are enormously grateful to Crompton House School.”

“The staff and pupils have been tremendously generous and wonderfully flexible. Without their fantastic contribution this tragic situation would have been even more distressing and difficult to manage.

“The facility they provided has been invaluable in ensuring that we had a place where residents could be safe and were able to access advice and services and receive much needed donations.

“But we always knew we would need a longer term solution, as many of the residents will find their properties inaccessible for some time. Residents also needed a centre closer to the affected area and one with more tailored facilities.

“We believe these new arrangements will provide the services that the community needs in a way that is accessible yet still ensures space to provide confidentiality and individual support.”

SHAW EXPLOSION: OLDHAM COUNCIL LAUNCHES DISTRESS FUND

Oldham Council is launching an official Distress Fund for all residents affected by yesterday’s gas explosion in Shaw.
 
The blast in Buckley Street yesterday morning killed two-year-old Jamie Heaton and residents at up to 100 properties in the area were also evacuated to a Rest Centre at Crompton House school.
 
Work to assess the extent of damage to the properties which were not destroyed is still ongoing.
 
The Council is setting up the Oldham Distress Fund which enables people and organisations to make donations from tomorrow to those residents directly affected by the incident.
 
Councillor Howard Sykes said: “The generosity of local people in these tragic circumstances has been inspirational to everyone concerned.”
 
“We’ve been inundated with offers of assistance from residents, businesses and partner groups all wanting to help the people affected in Shaw in whatever way they can. We have now established this official Distress Fund to give people an opportunity to donate.
 
“Funds will be used to contribute towards relieving the distress and suffering they are experiencing and pay for items and costs incurred through the explosion. It will also provide short-term financial support to those awaiting payment of insurance claims and support those without insurance cover.
 
“The hardship being suffered by these people is shocking – and is not just financial, it is also emotional.
 
“Many of the items that people will have lost will potentially have comparatively little monetary value, but enormous sentimental value to them as families.
 
“In addition to the official Distress Fund – and the significant donations of clothing, food and other items we’re getting – Council officers are also now based at the Rest Centre offering interest free cash loans to those residents directly facing immediate hardship.

“Officers are also available to give information and help to people on, for example, benefits and insurance claims.
 
“Oldham Council and its partners are totally committed to doing whatever is necessary to help these people – and we’re certain that many will want to contribute to the Distress Fund.”
 
From tomorrow (Thursday, June 28) residents will be able to donate directly to the Oldham Distress Fund via internet and phone.
 
You will be able to donate online via Oldham Council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk

You can also call 0161 770 6611 during the opening hours of 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday only).

Blast latest

I am sure that most of you are already aware of the tragic incident that took place in Shaw yesterday morning.
 
At around 11.30 am Oldham Council was alerted to a possible gas explosion on Buckley Street.
 
Tragically, two-year-old Jamie Heaton was killed in the blast, which destroyed at least three houses and caused a huge amount of damage.
 
The Council immediately activated the emergency plan, with officers attending the scene and manning the control room.
 
We acted with urgency to provide support for residents affected by the explosion, setting up a rest centre at Crompton House School, which provided help and information to over 100 people who visited throughout the day.
 
I’d like to thank the community and local businesses who have also provided vital support to residents.  
 
Members of the public donated essentials, supermarkets provided vital supplies and a local taxi firm took residents to temporary accommodation for the night.
 
Council officers are now focusing on how best to support residents in their time of need, both in the short and long term.
 
We must meet the immediate requirements of the people who are affected by this, then look to support them in rebuilding their lives – no matter how long it takes.
 
The council’s building control team are inspecting the site today to asses the damage in detail and establish which properties are safe to return to.
 
They are also working closely with the Police and other agencies to ensure that residents are kept informed with developments as they happen.
 
Later today we will also announce the establishment of a Disaster Fund and I’m sure that many of you will want to contribute to this. Details will be available on the Oldham Council’s website when they are confirmed.
 
It goes without saying that all our thoughts and sympathies are with the families affected by this terrible instance.
 

CHANGES TO WASTE COLLECTION

Please be aware that the Waste Management Department will be making changes to Oldham’s waste collection services starting Monday 11th June 2012.

Residents will be glad to know that the majority of the Shaw & Crompton area remains relatively unaffected by this change.

This means resident’s collection system between their old and new calendars will continue as normal i.e. General Rubbish one week Glass, Cans and Plastic Bottles the next.

There is a small area in Crompton (see map above) which will experience a change of collection week. Bins in this area should have been stickered to explain the changes and new collections until their new collection calendar starts.

If you have any query regarding your waste collections please contact:

• website: www.oldham.gov.uk/waste where we have published all relevant information
• telephone Contact Oldham on 0161 770 6644 where operatives are ready to assist residents with the changes
• email: waste@oldham.gov.uk where operatives will respond to residents with any queries directly

Postive ACTION for Shaw – Vote Howard Sykes on 3rd May

Record of Action in Shaw

Click on the file above to view some of the things which have been achieved at the request of local residents.

When it comes to getting things done in Shaw, the record of Howard and your Shaw Focus Team is unparallelled. And they recognise there is more to do. That’s why your vote for Howard Sykes on 3rd May is a vote for positive action for Shaw.