Haslingden Task Force Meeting
MINUTES–01/02/16
sT MARYS FOOTBALL cLUB, HASLINGDEN
Present
Marilyn Proctor –(Chair)
Alison Wilkins Rossendale Borough Council (RBC)
Heather Mullins Rossendale Borough Council (RBC)
Evette Whelen – Dry Cleaners
Tony Whelan – Dry Cleaners
Cllr Granville Morris
County Cllr David Stansfield
Graham Hackett - Osprey
Apologies
Cllr Ann Kenyon
Leesa Amin - Library and Love Haslingden
Cllrs Alyson Barnes
Martin Proffitt– Proffitts
Darren Law
Karen Burgess
- Welcome & Introductions
Acting Chair of the forum Cllr Marilyn Proctorwelcomedmembers to the meeting.
- Haslingden Traders Association - Tony Whelan provided an update
Treasury and Chair have stepped down due to family commitments
New Chair will be Denise from Heads Above and Treasurer Ann Kenyon
At the last meeting the group decided to cut the agenda down and focus on events including a street fair on the Queen’s birthday,
Christmas event and a monthly craft fair on the Saturday before the Farmers market. The group have requested from RBC a market discount.
The group are working closely with Leesa from Love Haslingden
TW raised the issue of business rates and asked if it can be confirmed if some traders may lose their discount
Action:Chase up information about business rates
Action: Advise if traders can have discount for Market.
Who: HM AW
- Promoting The town Centre -Graham Hackett [Osprey] provided an update
Graham explained why he was attending the meeting, and updated the group on his involvement so far and previous work carried out for RBC.
Overall the objective was to raise the profile, create an identity and a strong brand for Haslingden.
The group discussed creating a guide for Haslingdenthat will support the Rossendale guide. This guide could be placed in businesses and other areas.
The Haslingden information would be tagged onto the Visit Rossendale website.
Graham explained the Haslingden Trail.
County Cllr David Stansfield raised the issue of bins and the impact this will have on the promoting Haslingden project if not resolved.
Suggestion made by Cllr Morris about bringing in external funds for Haslingden
The group suggested sending a letter to all members inviting them to Graham’s presentation of ideas at the next meeting.
The group have asked see all costs for the promotion of Haslingden
The group agreed they would like to see ideas at the next meeting.
Action: Graham to produce ideas for the next meeting and present to the group.
Who: Graham Hackett [Osprey]
Action: Send out invites to all members inviting them to see draft ideas.
Who: HM AW
- Clean Up For The Queen – Alison provided update
Event will take place on the 5th March
Love Haslingden are leading on the event.
AW advised the pavement deep clean would start the week after
- On Street Parking Proposals. – Alison provided update
AW and HM have met with Brenda Garside from LCC. Proposals include:
Extend the parking bays (30 minutes) on Blackburn Rd to nearer the main junction of Blackburn Rd / Manchester Rd / Deardengate
Mark out parking bays on one side of Warner St (opposite side to health centre) and mark double yellow lines next to health centre.
Warner St - Create loading bay by the Health Centre and create no loading restrictions at the junction with Manchester Road
Put double yellow lines on the corner of Warner St and Lower Deardengate, on the right hand side of Lower and Higher Deardengate (opposite the parking bays) – i.e. tighten up existing restrictions to make it clear you can’t park.
Blackburn Road - Put double yellow lines by the garage and market up to the junction with Deardengate and remove restrictions further up Blackburn Road outside numbers 56 – 66
Bank Street - Put double yellow lines on both sides – road is too narrow to stop
Alison gave out copies of the new proposals and asked the group to feedback.
Action: Group to feedback on street parking proposals
Who:HTF
- Shop Front Improvement – Alison updated
Received 27 expression of interest forms back
AW and HM are working with the planning, and conservation officer and referring to the RBC shop front design guide
There will be two phases to the project. Phase 1 will be general painting and tidying up of shop fronts and 2nd phase more physical works.
A design guide proforma will be given to all traders, advising them of standards required when carrying out works.
Traders will be asked to provide quotes for all works and information on leasing arrangements including permission from owners to carry out work
RBC will give the go ahead for works once full details and quotes are received, and planning permission obtained where necessary.
Business owners will be responsible for obtaining quotes, planning permission and contracting the work.
Grants will be paid on completion following inspection of the works by RBC
Action: Design proforma and send out to all Traders who have expressed an interest.
Who: HM AW
- Victoria Park – Cllr Granville Morris
There has been a rethink about the maintenance of the park re standards which is positive
Alison RBC has managed to secure approx. £15.000 funding for the outdoor gym in the park, including funding from Up and Active, Friends of Victoria Park and RBC.
Cllr Morris thanked Alison for all her hard work on such a successful project.
- Rising Bridge Roundabout – Alison gave update
The project is about easing congestion and improving safety
New traffic lights will be installed
Work to start end of Feb beginning of March
Landscaping is the next piece of work
Suggestion that should make a request to Winfields if they want to sponsor roundabout
- AOB –
Cllr Proctor informed the group that there will be a Street Fair on the 4th Sept
The group discussed changing the day to of the meeting to enable more people to attend - need to check Cllr Barnes availability
Date of next meeting: 17 March
Venue: Haslingden Community Link