The Werneth Area Committee met on Monday 7 September 2026, discussing neighbourhood policing, community initiatives, and planning matters. Key decisions included approving funding for the Woodley and Bredbury Community Neighbours and rejecting an application from Social Events Activities due to a lack of engagement information.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Inspector Jackie Preston provided an update on policing activity across the Werneth ward. She confirmed that each area now has a dedicated MBO (Mobile Beat Officer) and two PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers), Ahmed Aziz and Liz Millett. Inspector Preston highlighted recent operations, including one in the precinct.

She presented crime statistics for Woodley and Bredbury, noting 5 arrests and 11 charges in the last month, along with 102 intelligence submissions. For Romilly, she reported 33 shoplifting offences, concentrated on the precinct and Sainsbury's, and five residential burglaries. Councillor Mark Roberts requested that the mobile police station visit Romilly and suggested it coincide with the village market. He also raised a public question regarding speeding on Sandy Lane in Romilly, inquiring about the possibility of installing fixed speed cameras. Inspector Preston acknowledged the concerns and pledged to investigate Sandy Lane and explore options for deploying the mobile police station.

Councillor Rosemary Barratt and Councillor Angie Clark raised concerns about anti-social behaviour involving young people, particularly at an empty church on George Lane in Woodley. They questioned the consequences for young offenders and their parents. Inspector Preston explained that in a recent incident at the church, one young person received a community resolution, and the parents of four others were spoken to. She committed to working with Anna Squires to engage with schools on the issue and stressed the importance of communicating the risks to young people involved in such behaviour. Councillor Barratt also highlighted the need for the church owners to take responsibility for securing the property.

Councillor Niki Meerman raised concerns about cars speeding and potentially racing late at night on roads like Bent's Lane, noting a recent fatal accident. Inspector Preston stated that while speed guns might not be feasible at night, traffic patrols could be increased, and an environmental scan of the area would be conducted. Councillor Meerman also mentioned the ongoing installation of a speed-indicating device on Bent's Lane.

Community Initiatives and Funding

Councillor Mark Roberts congratulated Team Barrett and Foodie Friday on their award at the British Street Foods Awards. Councillor Rosemary Barratt announced an upcoming Community Day on Saturday, 3rd October, in Woodley, featuring a coffee morning, afternoon tea with music and games, and an evening ceilidh. Councillor Angie Clark highlighted the Romley Railway Modellers' annual model railway show on Saturday, 12th September, in aid of Action for Children. Councillor Rachel Bresnahan praised the Made in Manchester festival and congratulated young talent, including 15-year-old Jake, who won an award.

The committee considered an application for £1,000 in ward flexibility funding from Woodley and Bredbury Community Neighbours. David Parkinson, chair of the organisation, outlined how the funds would be used for combating isolation through a community event, maintaining public defibrillators, supporting police PACT meetings, restocking litter-picking equipment, and purchasing a community award for Colin Dunning. The application was unanimously agreed.

An application for £250 from Social Events Activities for a seniors connection session was discussed. Councillor Roberts and Councillor Clark expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding resident engagement and outreach. The committee proposed rejecting the application in its current form until further clarification is provided.

The committee considered an application for £100 from the Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy for a project to commission an original artwork by a local artist to be displayed at the Stockport War Memorial. Stephen Waite, representing the organisation, explained that the project aims to remember the sacrifices of Normandy veterans and engage young people through education. Councillors Bresnahan and Clark spoke enthusiastically in support of the project, highlighting its community spirit and educational value. Councillor Roberts, speaking as Leader of the Council, also praised the work of the organisation and its contribution to remembrance events. The application was agreed.

Planning Matters

The committee discussed proposed traffic regulation orders. Members recommended approving the legal advertising of a proposed no waiting at any time order on Hill Rise, Romilly. They also recommended approving the legal advertising of a proposed no waiting at any time order on Ashton Street, Southview, and Perth Avenue, Woodley, noting that the scheme had been reviewed following resident feedback.

A report on planning committee reforms and the implementation of a national scheme of delegation was presented by Mark Jordan, a principal planning officer. Councillors Roberts and Clark expressed concerns that the reforms, driven by central government legislation, would reduce the power of local councillors and their ability to represent residents, potentially leading to a loss of local knowledge. They noted that while the council must comply with the legislation, it would significantly change the role of area committees in decision-making on planning applications. Councillor Bresnahan asked for clarification on the gateway test and schedule 1 and schedule 2 applications, which Mr. Jordan explained. The committee noted the report.

There were no development applications or planning appeal/enforcement appeals/enforcement notices to consider.

Other Business

Councillor Angie Clark mentioned that signage for a quiet lane on Bale Road near Chadkirk is being worked on, following an incident where a dog was hit by a car. This was not on the agenda but was raised for future consideration.

The committee noted the report on the progress of area committee decisions.