The Werneth Area Committee of Stockport Council met on Monday 20 October 2025, discussing a range of local issues including road safety, community initiatives, and policing updates. Key decisions included approving funding for the Romiley in Bloom project and appointing councillors to lay wreaths at Remembrance Day services.

Public Footpath Safety Concerns Addressed

A public question was raised regarding the safety of a public footpath known as The Tang, which connects Irwick Road to Green Lane in Harrystown and Otterspool. The issue highlighted was the increasing use of the path by motorised vehicles, particularly delivery drivers, which posed a danger to pedestrians, including school children and those with prams and mobility aids. Councillor Angie Clark, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Romley and Bradbury Green, acknowledged the problem, explaining that a bollard previously prevented vehicle access but was removed several years ago. The committee agreed to investigate reinstating a bollard or other measures with council officers to ensure the path's safety for pedestrians while maintaining accessibility for mobility scooters and horses. Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of the Council and Group Leader, emphasised the value of residents bringing such concerns to public meetings to help escalate them.

Neighbourhood Policing Update and Community Concerns

Sergeant Mike Lindup provided an update on neighbourhood policing, noting ongoing challenges with staffing levels across Greater Manchester Police (GMP), with some areas operating at 50% capacity. He highlighted that GMP is focusing on increasing arrests, which has led to custody suites being at capacity. Sergeant Lindup also mentioned the Right Care, Right Person initiative, which aims to redirect non-policing matters to other services, resulting in a 20% reduction in police calls.

Concerns were raised about the delay in arranging Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, with the last one held in January 2024. Councillor Joe Barratt, Chair of Werneth Area Committee and a representative of the Bradbury and Woodley Independence, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the difficulties in securing a venue without payment, which councillors have now agreed to fund themselves. A PACT meeting is tentatively scheduled for 29 October at St. Mark's Church Hall, though confirmation from the police was still pending.

Other policing matters discussed included:

• Migrant Hotels: Police resources are being committed to two migrant hotels in Stockport, with some protesting activity observed.
• Burglary: There had been 54 domestic burglaries in the Stockport area since the last meeting, with Bredbury and Woodley experiencing three. Operation Siberia has been implemented with a dedicated burglary car.
• Shoplifting: A high percentage of crimes in the East area were shoplifting offences, with repeat locations including Sainsbury's and Co-op stores.
• Community Speedwatch: A lack of volunteers and issues with vetting processes have hindered progress. Councillors expressed strong interest in volunteering themselves to help get the scheme operational.
• Vulnerable People Harassed by Drug Dealers: Councillor Angie Clark reported concerns in the Sunfield area of Romiley regarding vulnerable people being harassed by drug dealers. This information was to be followed up with Inspector Singh.

Petition Regarding Speeding on Joe Barratt Lane

Paula Plattner presented a petition with 86 signatures requesting the installation of a speed camera or other measures to address vehicle speeding on Joe Barratt Lane. Ms. Plattner highlighted that speeding is a significant issue, with residents experiencing near misses and tragically, two cats being killed on the road within a month. Councillors acknowledged the petition and the community's strong feelings on the matter. They discussed the difficulties in getting speed cameras installed, as the criteria often requires multiple fatalities or serious accidents. The committee agreed to pass the petition to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and explore other speed calming measures with council officers.

Ward Flexibility Funding for Romiley in Bloom

The committee approved an application from Romiley in Bloom for £550 from the Ward Flexibility Funding. This grant will support the purchase of flowers, plants, compost, and equipment for the initiative, which aims to enhance the appearance of Romiley village and prepare for its entry into the Britain in Bloom award in 2026. Helena Fone, organiser for Romiley in Bloom, explained that the project has grown significantly since its inception in 2021, bringing together various community groups and receiving positive feedback from residents and local businesses. Councillor Angie Clark noted that Romiley had already been recognised in an RHS In Your Neighbourhood competition, highlighting the positive impact of the group's work. Councillor Mark Roberts emphasised the vital role of volunteers in maintaining community spaces, especially given current council budget constraints.

Traffic Regulation and Road Safety Measures Approved

Several reports concerning traffic management and road safety were considered and approved:

• 20mph Speed Limit Zone – Westfield Drive Estate, Woodley: The committee recommended approval for the legal advertising of a 20mph speed limit zone and associated traffic calming measures, including speed cushions, on Westfield Drive Estate. This initiative, funded by the Integrated Transport Block, aims to improve road safety and encourage walking and cycling. Consultation results showed strong support from residents.
• Berrycroft Lane, George Lane, School Brow, Barrack Hill Junction: Approval was given for a topographical and 3D modelling survey at this junction at a cost of £2,600. This is to investigate the feasibility of introducing a yellow hatched box to improve visibility and traffic flow, addressing concerns raised by local councillors and residents.
• Proposed Traffic Regulation Order 'No Waiting At Any Time' on Hollingworth Road, Bredbury: The committee recommended approval for the legal advertising of no waiting at any time restrictions on Hollingworth Road. This follows concerns from local businesses about congestion and obstruction caused by parked vehicles, which have led to near misses and collisions.
• Stockport Road West & The Broadway Junction, Bredbury: Approval was granted for a traffic survey at this junction at a cost of £2,500. The survey will investigate the feasibility of a right-turn filter light and the potential for an additional pedestrian crossing point, addressing resident requests for improved safety and accessibility.
• Road Safety Around Schools - Greave Primary School, Woodley: The committee recommended approval for the legal advertising of traffic regulation orders as part of the Road Safety Around Schools scheme at Greave Primary School. Measures include new waiting and loading restrictions, improved signage, and the installation of bollards to enhance safety for pupils. While consultation results showed a split in opinion, the majority agreed with the proposals.

Remembrance Day Services Appointments

The committee appointed Councillor Mark Roberts to lay a wreath at the Bredbury War Memorial and Councillor Rachel Bresnahan, Chair of the committee, to lay a wreath at the Romiley War Memorial on Sunday, 9 November 2025.

Christmas Tree for Bredbury

The committee recommended approval for the installation of a temporary Christmas tree at the junction of Stockport Road East and Bent's Lane in Bredbury, at a cost of £2,665.15, funded from the Ward Discretionary Budget. This initiative aims to foster a greater sense of community in Bredbury, which currently lacks a central hub. The possibility of a more permanent, sustainable Christmas tree in the future was also discussed.