The Cheadle Area Committee met on Tuesday 28 July 2026, discussing neighbourhood policing, community funding, and infrastructure projects. Key decisions included approving funding for two community initiatives and recommending approval for two active travel schemes.

Neighbourhood Policing and Community Safety

Inspector Damien Lutman of Greater Manchester Police provided an update on neighbourhood policing issues, covering burglary, parcel theft, vehicle registration plate theft, robbery, shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and off-road bikes. Residents were encouraged to report incidents promptly to help identify patterns and target resources. Concerns were raised by councillors regarding aggressive begging in Heald Green, illegal e-bikes, police vehicles parking on double yellow lines, drug dealing, and vehicles passing through red lights near Adswood Park. Inspector Lutman committed to addressing these issues with his colleagues. The effectiveness of the Greater Manchester Police website chat facility and Crimestoppers for anonymous reporting was also discussed. A Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting was scheduled for 17 September.

The committee also discussed unauthorised encampments affecting local open spaces, with Jane Bardsley, Thriving Places and Neighbourhoods Manager for Stockport Council, and Inspector Damien Lutman in attendance. They explained the council's approach, which involves statutory processes, welfare, community impact, and human rights considerations for each encampment. Residents were advised to report anti-social behaviour to the police to build evidence for potential police powers. Councillors requested clear explanations for decisions and any delays regarding authorised encampments. The committee supported exploring target-hardening measures for affected green spaces and noted that ward budgets could be used to enhance security.

Community Funding

Two applications for Ward Flexibility Funding were approved:

• Inspire Capital Sports CIC received a grant of £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) towards a sports bursary scheme for young people in Stockport facing financial barriers to participation. While the committee supported the aims, they suggested a borough-wide application for clearer funding distribution.
• Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy was granted £150 (£50 from each ward allocation) to create an artwork and information boards honouring Stockport's Normandy veterans. The proposal was welcomed for its contribution to remembrance and education, with suggestions to explore personal donation opportunities.

Infrastructure and Transport Projects

The committee considered two significant infrastructure projects under the A34MRN Corridor Improvement Plan:

• A34MRN Scheme 7 – Bruntwood Park Active Travel Route: Revised proposals for a shared-use active travel route in Bruntwood Park were presented. Revisions included a separate waiting area by Cheadle Catholic Junior School, a realigned path, wider sections, resurfacing, and lighting designed to minimise environmental impact. While members welcomed the changes, concerns remained about potential conflict between cyclists, pedestrians, and school users, particularly regarding cyclist speeds near the school. The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the revised package, subject to further exploration of signage, markings, and other measures to enhance safety and manage cyclist speeds.
• A34MRN Scheme 4 – Kingsway Crossing: Proposals for a surface-level signal-controlled crossing over the A34 between Broadway and Foxland Road, alongside improvements to the existing subway, were discussed. Members acknowledged the accessibility benefits of a surface crossing and subway improvements. However, significant concerns were raised by some members regarding pedestrian safety, the operation of the proposed crossing, potential traffic impacts, and its proximity to Kingsway School. Traffic modelling indicated no increase in congestion. The committee recommended that the Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services approve the proposed measures, with a vote of 4 in favour, 3 against, and 2 abstentions.

Other Matters

• Progress on Area Committee Decisions: A report was noted, providing an update on decisions made at previous meetings, including the current position on ward flexibility funding, the Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust, and the delegated budget.
• Planning Appeals, Enforcement Appeals and Notices: A report summarising recent appeal decisions and detailing current planning appeals and enforcement actions within the Cheadle Area Committee area was noted.
• Planning Committee Reforms and National Scheme of Delegation Implementation: A report outlining necessary changes to the council's planning decision-making arrangements due to the national scheme of delegation was noted. Members stressed the importance of maintaining strong links between planning officers and ward councillors and requested clear communication for residents regarding the changes.
• Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust Update Report 2026/27: The audited accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026 were adopted. Members noted the improvement in investment performance and supported the development of investment options by the council's treasury management team. No funding was to be made available for distribution from the Trust during 2026/27, and existing investment policies were to be retained to maintain the value of the Trust in real terms and reinvest dividends.
• Section 19 Report Action Plan Progress Update: An update on progress against the action plan following flooding in 2024/25 was provided. Progress included gully inspections, flood warning extensions, and the development of natural attenuation options. Further engagement was required with Network Rail and landowners. Residents were encouraged to consider property-level resilience measures.
• Proposed Moving Traffic Regulation Order: ITB 20MPH Speed Limit Zone – Eden Park Estate, Cheadle Hulme: The findings of a consultation on a proposed 20mph speed limit zone for the Eden Park and Chedlee Drive estates were presented. The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services was recommended to approve the legal advertising of the proposed order and, subject to no objections, that the orders be made.

The meeting also included a community engagement session where Inspector Damien Lutman provided a neighbourhood policing update. No public questions or petitions were submitted.