## **Chairman’s Report 2025** ## **February** (no meeting is held in January) ## Planning Applications: Information has been asked from the Council. L.C.T. has been told to use one point of contact. That contact has been used, but NO reply since August 24. A Councillor had asked at planning meetings to at least to recognise the requests. Canalside: New overflow pipe into the canal. Reports of plastic & rubbish from the site in and around the canal. Enforcement action is expected. Save our Greenbelt: All points raised by the group have been ignored. Planning application 22/01364/FUL has been made to build 199 “dwellings” on the land West of Smithy Bridge Road. ## Flood Group: A Zoom meeting was held between a student at Birmingham Uni’ and I.J, M.P. and G.P. who was studying the effect on the elderly in flooding. Charlotte from the National Flood Forum informed us that a new Flood Emergency Warning system is to be developed this Spring. L.C.T. to be included in Beta test. Volker Stevin: M.P. reported that the V.S. engagement app’ was well worth a look. ## Barkers Wood: Bottle diggers had caused £3000.00 worth of damage. This was reported to the council who got funding and had done a good job of repairing the area. ## Pennine in Bloom: R.S. reported that new disabled access was being created onto the area at the bottom of Hollingworth Road. Also, an arch and improvements are to be made to make the area a “Pocket Park”. Area around Coach House: Punch Taverns have said Yes to doing work to improve planters, etc; and a grant has been applied for. The large tree outside the front will require more funding. ## Points raised: Do we need another school in the Village? A decision is to be made by RMBC in the Summer. Shop front outside new shop at the former Royal Oak: Plenty of complaints about the state of the shop front and the bright lights that shine directly onto the road. T.F. reported she carries out litter-picking regularly, and said no litter teams had been seen around certain areas of the village. J.T. asked to be emailed with details and said to complain to relevant council dept’ and they should respond. Wallis’s Amusements arcade has kindly offered assistance to litter picking groups with provision of equipment and use of bins. Bus Review: Ongoing until 28th Feb. Church Clock: Under review. Monies from TV filming at Hollingworth Lake given to Rochdale Council are to contribute towards improvements of footpaths and car parking at the RSPCA site. As always, local planning applications/updates were discussed. Following concern regarding a major housing development on a former brownfield site the Environment Agency have visited the site following complaints of water runoff into the canal and mud being deposited on Hollingworth Road by HGV’s leaving the site. The EA were happy that these issues have been dealt with. Greater Manchester Save The Greenbelt Group are still fundraising to finance a judicial review in an attempt to stop Greater Manchester Mayor’s scheme called ‘Places for Everyone. ## **March** Spar’s planning application has been refused again; still on the grounds of Highways Dept. recommendations. ## Flood Group: M.P. reported that the Trust are helping with Beta testing for flood warnings on Gov.uk ## Blue Plaques I.J. had a Zoom meeting with Historic England and Civic Voice regarding this. Other regions/towns/cities have far more than Littleborough, which has 6. ## Church Clock: A visit up the Church tower to view the clock was made Thursday 6th March. The horologist is to send a full report and costings regarding the repair of the clock. Questions were asked about a previous grant to the Church which has not been spent. Discussion then ensued as to if that grant money [to the Church’s Project 2020] could be claimed back and be used for repairs to the clock, dependent upon decisions from the Council’s Pennine Township Committee. It was suggested that L.C.T. could look at several potential funding streams when appropriate but currently anticipate much forthcoming bureaucracy with the Church of England hierarchy. “Rail Corridor Strategy” quoted as saying more homes would be built around the village. R.J. pointed out that existing applications for housing were all counted. Some disagreement about this in the meeting. ## **April** Flood Group: M.P. reported that the Trust is helping with Beta testing for flooding project. Text messages sent regarding flood warnings for test purposes, etc. MP done readings of data loggers. MP will ask about arranging another visit to the site at Gale with Volker Stevin. MP also stated contact with VS had been very good. A question was asked about replacement flood resistant doors being fitted around Newall St area and who was paying. No firm answer was given. Church Clock: No response yet from Horologist regarding cost of repairs, etc. M.B. from Re-use Littleborough spoke about trying to get more people in the boro’ involved in things like repairing the clock, and other improvements around the village. This was much appreciated by the members present. Pedestrian Crossing at Church St: A point was raised that the crossing outside the Grape and Grain was causing traffic to back up around the lights at the junction with Todmorden Rd. A point was made that it had been altered to make it safer for people crossing there. R.J. said the Council have a review coming soon regarding the traffic lights/traffic flow all along the A58, all the way to Rochdale. The “Pinch Point Study on the A58” will hopefully have a beneficial effect on traffic flow. Royal Oak/Shop: More complaints regarding the frontage of this shop. It is a disgrace to have this in the centre of a village within a Conservation area. The Council Conservation officer is currently on maternity leave and no one can be contacted. Also mentioned were the shops on Church St which are also a disgrace. R.J. has asked the “enforcement officers” to check if any rules have been broken. Road Marking at the “top” of the boro’: These have become so worn they are missing, along with several other sections of road. R.J. said it was on a current worksheet to be done. ## **May** Planning Applications: No updates on current planning applications. J.B. Asked why the fence was still around land to the side of Hare Hill Rd; R.J. reported that ground pollution had been found during the last soil testing and this was to prevent public access. The report on the samples is pending from Public Health England, (now called UK Health Security Agency) Pennine in Bloom: R.S. said they have received a grant of £3500.00 from Grantscape (Crook Hill Wind Farm). Land by the side of the canal near bike shop – Not viable to put in a small park in this prolonged dry weather. Church Clock: IJ said the horologist will send costs soon. Royal Oak/Shop: More complaints regarding the frontage of this shop. The shop does NOT own the area around the shop; i.e. the “small cobbled car park” at the front. RJ said enforcement officers and Council Dept’s had been in to inspect the shop and area; and a report is expected. Shop keeper has been told to move goods outside that are a trip hazard. A question was raised regarding the state of the wall at the bottom of Blackstone Edge Rd. It was pointed out that that section does not belong to the Council. A complaint was made regarding all the roadworks around the village. A question was asked when the bus shelter outside the Wheatsheaf being repaired. RJ will ask TfGM about it. The area that was the Smithybridge Pub – The builder has gone bust so no work is in progress at the moment. 8 weeks has elapsed since any activity has taken place. ## **June** Pennine in Bloom: All planting has been done in a) Littleborough; Hollingworth Rd, Canal St. b).Shore area being done. c). Wardle baskets in progress. d). “Cotton Tree Corner” (?!) in progress and more in Milnrow. Flood Group: IJ had asked flood officers about potential flooding at Smithy Bridge Library, and has asked for a meeting regarding this. Requests have been made to the Environment Agency to have a Flood Warning Siren in L’boro, but yet again with no response. Church Clock: IJ asked members to vote on spending money to maintain the clock once all repairs are done. This would be approx.. £160/year for 6-7 years. The vote was unanimous; with Cllrs Taylor and Branton abstaining. Several members generously offered to pay for at least one year, including K.H and S.B. Also JB said he was sure the L’boro Lions would make a contribution. Royal Oak/Shop: More complaints regarding the frontage of this shop. Council officers have been in several times, but outcome of those visits not known. ## **July** Flood Group are meeting with the National Flood Forum representative on 29th July and are visiting/meeting with the Environment Agency at the Gale site on 7th August. A completion date of Spring 2027 has now been given to Rochdale Council. Church clock. IJ informed the meeting that at the moment, the situation was stalling somewhat with the anticipated bureaucracy. However, much discussion ensued on the subject. The meeting was informed by IJ that a member of the Trust had a meeting of other matters scheduled with the Bishop of Manchester and had said that he would take the opportunity to bring the subject of Holy Trinity Church clock up within that meeting. We await the outcome. One person present poignantly commented “A clock left stopped shows the community has given up”. We have not given up. A discussion took place regarding potholes and the state of Rakewood Rd. The car park access off Rakewood Rd is very bad having deep holes along Its length. This was brought to notice by S.P. Additionally, Station Approach is in a very poor state of repair but this is not the responsibility of the Council but rather Network Rail. There is a fair amount of bureaucracy involved with quite a few areas around the village. For instance, United Utilities and Your Trust at Hollingworth Lake. Then also throw into the mix that what is leased by the Council. This creates lots of levels that must be navigated through to get work done; even when road safety is critical. The Chairman brought it to the attention of the meeting that he had informed the Council’s Highway’s Dept. that very day and that he had posted the following on the Trust’s Facebook page: ‘***ROAD SAFETY ISSUE*** The junction of Church St. and Hare Hill Rd., one of the two main junctions in Littleborough, there is not a single trace of white road marking paint demarcating the junction. We have reported this matter to the Council's Highways Dept. and encourage all individuals to do the same as it is a serious road safety issue. One councillor was present at the meeting who had had the situation reported to him previously and he stated that he had again brought it to the attention of Highways on Friday 11th. Given the fact that as stated above, 'the situation reported to him previously', sadly, and dangerously, the Council's Highways Dept. have obviously chosen to ignore the fact for some time!! Unbelievable, when Church St. is an A class road: the A58. The Chairman reminded the meeting that some time ago, M.P. technically stood down as Secretary, but had kindly continued to fulfil the duties until a replacement could be found. Similarly, that G.P. had stood down as Minutes Secretary, with J.B. carrying out dual roles as Treasurer, whilst at the same time taking the minutes. At this point K.H. volunteered to take on the role of Minutes Secretary. The Chairman then informed the meeting that two of the Trustees had stood down, for personal reasons as of 1st July. At this point, Kevin Hooson; Ada Pratt; Mike Darnbrough and Graham Roberts volunteered to become Trustees. Finally; It was brought up that yet again (approx. 5th time) that roadworks had begun again at the infamous sinkhole at the Hurstead bus stop, causing the inevitable traffic congestion. R.J. then pointed out that there is a very useful website ‘one.network’ that provides both current and upcoming roadworks, with timings etc. Once on the website, click on ‘Live Map’ and have a play around, clicking on the signs and dots. It really is extremely useful. August Guest speaker Stuart Mendelsohn gave a short presentation on the archaeology of the area. Roman coins and lead artifacts have been found close to Hollingworth Road suggesting that a Roman Road passed through the area. A full archaeology survey is incomplete so there could be more to discover. Geophysics survey also suggests the existence of a Roman Road. Local councillors are against the Bloor Homes plan and are working together to formulate an official objection. Anybody wishing to make their own objection should include valid reasons for their objections. A simple “I object” will not carry any weight. Members have noted that Heavy Goods Vehicles are parking on Hollingworth Road and on the pavement making it difficult/impossible for pedestrians to pass. The Environment Agency will be holding ‘Flood’ drop-in sessions at Littleborough Library. An Olympic Event was held in Hare Hill Park, Sunday August 18th. mainly for the kids by the Archery Club to celebrate local girl Sybil Fenton Newall (17 October 1854 – 24 June 1929), best known as “Queenie” Newall who won Olympic Gold for archery in 1908 and who lived at Hare Hill House. Work is to start on the drains under the railway subway at Smithy Bridge to address the flooding problem. Members were advised/given advance notice of the following: There will be no rail services between Rochdale and Manchester from Friday September 6th. until Monday September 23rd. for replacement of a bridge over the M62 west of Castleton. There will be a replacement bus service from Rochdale to Manchester. Latest information is that trains from Leeds to Manchester will terminate at Hebden Bridge where there will be a replacement bus service. Trains from Blackburn to Manchester will terminate at Todmorden where there will be a replacement bus service. The tram service from Rochdale to Manchester will restart on Monday August 19th. following the closure due to a land slip. The M62 will close on Friday September 6th. pm. until Monday September 9th. am. It will close again on Friday September 20th. pm. until Monday September 23rd. am. Diversion signs will be in place but there could potentially be a lot of traffic on the A58 through Littleborough on these dates. It was noted that Network Rail could take advantage of these closures to make permanent repairs to the Level Crossing at Smithy Bridge. September Bloor Homes. The Trust have pointed out to the Planning Dept. that they feel there are numerous flaws in the planning application one of which is a breach of data protection and should be withdrawn. Local councillors have submitted a comprehensive and detailed objection to the application. The playing fields at the side of the Cricket Club where the proposed new School is to be built, Littleborough Junior Football Club have played on this field for a long time, but now the council has stopped cutting it because it has been handed over to the Education Department and they don’t want anything to do with cutting the grass. The Football Club has to cut it with a little hand mower, and there is now a big loss of playing ground in and around Littleborough. ## **August** ## Planning application updates The meeting was advised that the AKZO developers had appointed a Travel Plan Officer, in order to comply with their planning conditions. The document (available on the Council’s website; published 25/07/25 promotes, walking cycling; riding. The Travel Plan Officer is based in Leeds!! Read the document and draw your own conclusion! ## Flood Group The Flood Group met with the National Flood Forum, the Council, and the Environment Agency at the Gale site on 7th August. From the Environment Agency perspective regarding the site info, it was very complex, yet very informative. They have now pushed back the completion date to December 2027. Several other local issues were raised but all were evaded by the National Flood Forum, the Council, and the Environment Agency. The Phase 1 project (Littleborough) includes two attenuation basins which are to be built. a) At the side of the River Roch in the bottom of Smithy Bridge Rd (Rochdale side) and b) Albert Royds St., adj. to the industrial estate near Howarth Cross school. Both would require access roads constructing. The Chairman asked at the meeting at Gale if the Smithy Bridge Rd access road would potentially leave a legacy for a future Taylor Wimpey development. The answer was ‘a shrug of the shoulders’ from the E.A.!! To conclude; all in all, it was a one-way meeting. ## Pennine in Bloom R.S. informed the group that judging took place three weeks ago and they await results. Victoria Street corner is going to be dealt with. There will be a few days on the front bed and they are looking to put incredible edible in, having liaised with Incredible Edible Todmorden. The other beds there that need doing are costed at £7000, There was a sharp intake of breath. ## **September** ## Planning application updates The Trust had been informed at the previous meeting that it was possible the Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey applications could have come up at the next RMBC planning committee meeting of 4th September, but didn’t. It was pointed out that both companies along with Vistry, who are currently constructing the former AKZO site are, along with several other companies, under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (formerly The Monopolies Commission) for their involvement in a price fixing cartel. ## Canalside Development Group: It was agreed, subject to agreement of the remaining Trustees, to close this subcommittee down as it no longer served any purpose. John Kay informed the meeting that he had closed off all administration for this, what was originally a C.I.C. registered group, some considerable time ago. The ring-fenced monies of £1191.18 should be incorporated into the normal Civic Trust sum total. ## Pennine in Bloom R.S.informed the group that 2 new bench seats have been in the garden at the junction of Victoria St/Lodge St. ## Church clock The meeting with the Bishop of Middleton is scheduled for October. G.W. informed the meeting that there are three possible levels of administration to go through before any further proceedings. He will ask the Church management what level will be required for permission to restore the clock to working order. K.M. advised that he would contact the British Horological Institute to see what had taken place at other similar locations and circumstances. It was mentioned that the convenience store which was formerly the Royal Oak still displaying on the pavements Enforcement case is ongoing. Road markings at the junction of Church St./Hare Hill Rd. are supposedly on the work schedule for RMBC Highways Dept., and it was mentioned that Hare Hill Rd needs and could be getting work done down to the A58. The meeting unanimously agreed to donate £100 in Anne Stott’s memory to Spring Hill Hospice from the Civic Trust. ## **October** ## Planning application updates The meeting was informed that several works were in the planning applications for the Environment Agency to continue to carry out their flood resilience ongoing works. K.M informed the meeting that RMBC had again been looking at the United Reformed Church, Victoria St., with a council officer visiting the congregation on Sunday 5th, and officers seen in the following days looking at the rear of the premises. ## Pennine in Bloom R.S. informed the group that bulb planting is nearly complete and tells us that he has planted around 600 bulbs. Asked if he was happy, he said he was. ## Church clock G.W. informed the meeting that the C of E require a full-blown application (Faculty) and that a C of E architect was due to visit shortly. ## A.O.B. The Chairman reminded the meeting that the position of Secretary is still vacant. He also asked for volunteers for Remembrance Sunday 9th November to distribute the Orders of Service. Meet 9am > 9.30am at the Cenotaph. Refreshments provided courtesy of The Falcon. On 27th September, veterans from the Parachute Regiment held a short service at The Cenotaph in The Square to commemorate the WWII 81st anniversary of Arnhem, which included laying a few wreaths. However, S.B. informed the meeting that shortly afterwards, Littleborough’s sweet little brain-dead morons threw all the wreaths over the wall at the rear. They were kindly retrieved and returned to The Cenotaph by the residents of Garden Mews. Reported to Police and the Council. Please be vigilant. They gave their tomorrow for our today. “We will remember them.” Vandalism in Hare Hill Park appears to be on the increase. A stone with metal fencing attached has been dislodged and dropped from the bandstand, along with other mindless acts. The recent function for the 250th anniversary of Hare Hill House was attended by I.J. and K.M. ## **November** Planning application updates Application for a HMO (houses of multiple occupancy) has been submitted for building to the rear of the takeaway shops on Church St. Concern was raised re parking provision. The council want people to comment on the problems of traffic flow on the A58. TFGM looking at traffic light software upgrades is this what we want which is why there's the inquiry to the population. ## Flood Group A tree that has fallen into Townhouse Brook has been reported to The Environment Agency and RMBC several times. No action to date. ## Barkers Wood. The group are shortly expecting a supply of saplings from City of Trees imminently. ## Pennine in Bloom Pennine in Bloom did amazingly well at the Royal Horticultural Awards last week. Overall, Pennine in Bloom achieved a Gold award. Also achieving a Gold was: Wardle Village, Littleborough Town Centre Hollingworth Lake Hare Hill Park. Hollingworth Lake was also awarded best large tourist attraction and visitors centre bagging a cup. The Globe in Wardle, only recently opened, achieved a Bronze Award ## Church clock The meeting with the Bishop of Middleton scheduled for October only produced his comment: “It will have to follow due process. An architect turned up at Holy Trinity to inspect the tower/clock chamber but refused to ascend into the clock chamber, stating that only when it had been professionally cleaned of pigeon droppings would he pay it any attention. A.P. said that she will take on the church and will contact the Bishop; meanwhile K.M. said that he will contact the British Horological Institute again, who deal with church clocks across the country. The Chairman reminded the meeting that the position of Secretary is still vacant. He thanked the volunteers for Remembrance Sunday 9th November who distributed the Orders of Service amongst the crowd. There was no confirmation of the rumours that RMBC have purchased the United Reformed Church, Victoria St., for £325,000. Enforcement action is ongoing over the rubbish and flowers left on the pavement by the former Royal Oak; now an ‘open all hours’ convenience store. K.H. raised the problem of dog mess in the village He said that their practice will purchase a sign to go on the building their building. This is about getting a message across and hopefully making dog owners more aware of the effects of this mess on local people. It was commented upon that there is only one disabled parking place in the village, despite a general lack of parking in the centre overall. Waste wheelie bins. It was noted that the bin men sometimes are leaving the wheelie bins across pavements but sometimes in the roads. It was suggested that if we have this problem the men responsible for these bins are generally happy enough to put them correctly if spoken to nicely. We must be aware this job can be quite dangerous on streets with limited access as the Binmen frequently cross backwards and forwards behind the bin wagon. Some car owners can be more than a little impatient and will try to swing round them without due care and attention. ## **December** The Trust’s A.G.M. took place in the usual format. Planning application updates: Bloor Homes Much discussion revolved around RMBC’s recent planning decision to approve and the Committee’s attitude to the community/environment; including the legalities of not approving. b) A ‘Special’ Pennines Township meeting was scheduled for 11/12/25. This was due to discuss Schools and placements. ## Flood Group update. M.P. reminded the meeting that there is an App. for mobile phones called Volker Stevin Engage from where you can view updates on the flood defence work taking place in Littleborough, with versions for both Android and iPhone. Drop-in sessions continue at Littleborough Library. All sessions are 10am. until 2.30pm. ## Pennine in Bloom. Plans to upgrade the plot of land on Victoria Street in preparation for planting continue. ## Parish Church clock Following an architect turning up at Holy Trinity to inspect the tower/clock chamber but refusing to ascend into the clock chamber, stating that only when it had been professionally cleaned of pigeon droppings would he pay it any attention. Since then, K.M. has contacted Cumbria Clocks who will visit the church on Tuesday 16th December and give an update to what exactly is required and acceptable. Flats/construction site at former Smithybridge pub. No-one seemed to be any the wiser as to the current situation with the site at a standstill. Despite ongoing enforcement action, the Convenience store at former Royal Oak pub continues to flout the rules. Townhouse Farm. The landowner is proceeding with plans to erect ‘Glamping Pods’ without planning permission and has been witnessed being aggressive with anyone who challenges him. RMBC are aware. Confirmation that RMBC have now purchased Littleborough United Reformed Church as a community hub at a cost over £300,000+ – Why, when we have adequate community hubs? ## Littleborough Civic Trust Finances 2025 Balance from 31st December 2024: **£3267.43** **Income: Expenditure:** Membership (35) £350.00 Room Hire (11 Months) £275.00 Interest. £56.75 Remembrance Wreath £25.00 Donation to Hospice £100.00 Internet Domain Name £7.85 Internet Hosting £120.00 Total Income: £406.75 Total Expenditure: £527.85 Balance at 31[st] December 2025: **£3146.33**