ITEM NO
ORDSALL AND LANGWORTHY EXECUTIVE GROUP
SUMMARY OF MEETING HELD ON 3RD APRIL, 2007
The main points discussed at the meeting of the Ordsall and Langworthy Executive
Group held on 3rd April, 2007, were as follows:Off-Road Motorcycling
A Private Members’ Bill requiring the registration of off-road motorbikes entered
Parliament on 2nd March, 2007.
Alcohol Exclusion Zone
Signs warning of the penalties for violating the alcohol exclusion zone had been
erected in the Broadwalk area.
Ordsall Park Masterplan
The Political Executive was given details of a masterplan for the development of
Ordsall Park into a district park within Ordsall and Langworthy. This would include
provision of a pavilion with potential for community use. Members emphasised the
need for adequate resources to ensure that any security introduced at the park was
maintained and it was confirmed that CCTV and park rangers would be utilised. In
view of the ambitious scale of the project development would be on a gradual basis.
Work had already begun on drainage for the football pitch and it was hoped that this
could be used by a newly-established team in the new season. Budgets would
include revenue costs for the maintenance of facilities.
Salix Homes
The Political Executive was given details of the Salix Homes Project to manage over
10,500 Council homes in Central Salford , achieve decent home standards by 2012,
deliver housing market renewal for Salford City Council and work with partners to
promote a range of related services. The Pendleton Project Team would continue
their PFI activities within the Salix organisation and Salford City Council would retain
a strategic overview and ownership of properties. There was concern, however, that
the transfer of staff away from the Cornerstone on Langworthy Road would be a loss
to the community. The retention of experienced or skilled personnel could be
assured by the ability of Salix Homes to co-opt appropriate persons. The
membership of the regional board was, in any case, strong.
Choice Based Lettings Policy
The Political Executive was given details of the Choice Based Lettings Policy
intended to promote transparency and openness in the housing allocations system.
As it was not legal to place age restrictions on provision of services the practice of
allocating blocks of properties to particular age groups was to be reviewed in 2007.
Efforts would be made to identify the level and type of demand and determine how it
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could be met. It was difficult to determine the scale of the Choice Based Lettings
Policy or the number of persons involved as much depended upon the popularity of
properties. Whilst the Political Executive saw the policy as a positive development
there was concern that more vulnerable households might find the process
overwhelming and withdraw. It was confirmed that a training plan had been
prepared and that relevant training agencies such as the Mental Health Team,
voluntary agencies and community groups would be involved.
Review of Section 7 of the CAP “Enhancing Life in Ordsall and Langworthy”
As part of the process of monitoring success in achieving the targets within the CAP
the Political Executive was given a review of section 7 of the Plan. Members felt that
the scheme for the free collection of bulky domestic waste was very popular but that
the time taken to pick up the waste was frustrating and could prompt residents to fly
tip. There was a need to widen the areas in which the publicity schemes were
undertaken and an option was to advise groups on the Community Committee
mailing list and ask for them to communicate details throughout their neighbourhood.
The replacement of recycling bins was under review. Recycling had not been widely
taken up; efforts would be made to develop a more responsible attitude amongst the
community. There were practical limitations on the introduction of recycling in flats at
the Quays and at Blackfriars. The use of CCTV and of searching through tipped
waste had identified offenders and resulted in prosecutions. Practical action such as
Beat Sweep had reduced fly tipping by 28% in the last 12 months. Beat Sweep had
been a high visibility policing initiative undertaken during Enforcement Week and
involved the seizure of five vehicles and of one arrest.
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