The Heatons and Reddish Area Committee approved funding for the Nursery Bowling Club and the Coming Home Project, and agreed to new traffic regulation orders on Ramsey Avenue, Whitehurst Road, and Mauldeth Road. The committee also discussed neighbourhood policing, planning appeals, and progress on previous decisions.

Neighbourhood Policing

The committee received an update from PC Tal Maddux and PC Lewis-Charnley of Greater Manchester Police. They reported an increase in anti-social behaviour around Halloween and Bonfire Night, with a particular focus on the misuse of fireworks. The police are now responsible for enforcing domestic violence protection orders and have five such orders in place across the Reddish and Heatons areas. In Reddish, a warrant for drugs and off-road bike usage was executed, resulting in drugs being seized. Investigations into pedal bike thefts from schools in Reddish are ongoing, and a criminal behaviour order application is being prepared for a prolific young offender. For the Heatons area, investigations into criminal damage to motor vehicles, including cars being scratched, are underway. There has also been an increase in drug-related activity, leading to the apprehension of a drug dealer and the seizure of suspected Class A drugs and stolen items from a flat. In a joint operation with Trading Standards, hundreds of illegal single-use vapes were seized.

Councillor James Frizzell raised concerns about ongoing drug dealing in the Gordon Street and Dodge Hill area of Reddish, which residents have reported to the Friends of Dodge Hill group. PC Maddux acknowledged the issue and stated that it primarily falls under the Lancashire Hill team, but they would feed back the information.

Councillor Rachel Wise read out a question from a resident in North Reddish expressing concerns about violent incidents, including those involving knives, and drug use in local parks and near their workplace. The police representatives mentioned the Safer for Summer Scheme and Opceptor for knife crime, and stated they would feed the concerns back to Sergeant Cotton.

Councillor Colin Foster discussed an incident on Wittenbury Road involving damaged fence panels, noting that the green space there is poorly lit. The police confirmed they would monitor the area more frequently and investigate the potential for improved street lighting. The importance of residents reporting all incidents, no matter how small, was stressed to build an intelligence picture. The use of Crime Stoppers and Fearless (a platform for young people to report anonymously) was highlighted as a preferred method for reporting concerns.

Daniel Farley, a member of the public, raised concerns about drug-related anti-social behaviour and criminal activity occurring throughout the night on Browning Road and Goldsmith Road in Reddish North, near the Mike Dawes Centre. Councillor Rachel Wise confirmed this is an acknowledged problem and that drug dealing had been identified as a priority by Sergeant Cottam. The neighbourhood policing team would respond directly to Mr. Farley.

Ward Flexibility Funding - Nursery Bowling Club

The committee considered an application from the Nursery Bowling Club for £500 from the Ward Flexibility Funding to help install an irrigation system on their bowling green. Gail Gregory and Anita Savage from the club explained that the green suffered significantly during hot, dry summers, leading to its closure. They stated that future summers are likely to be similar and the system is desperately needed for the upcoming season. The club would fund the remaining balance.

Councillor James Frizzell clarified that the bowling green is part of a pub but confirmed that the club independently manages and maintains the green, covering its own costs. He expressed support for the application, noting the mental and physical health benefits of the club. Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick also confirmed support from the Heatons South ward councillors, noting that approximately 25-30 members are from Reddish.

Councillor Rachel Wise and Councillor David Sedgwick also voiced their support. Councillor David Sedgwick proposed an additional contribution of £125, bringing the total grant to £625, citing the wider historical significance of the Nursery Bowling Green area. This was agreed. Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick mentioned the existence of a Climate Action Now (CAN) fund for similar projects, though it had recently closed.

The committee unanimously agreed to approve an increased grant of £625 from the Ward Flexibility Funding Budget (£250 from Heatons North, £125 from Heatons South, £125 from Reddish North, and £125 from Reddish South) for the installation of the irrigation system.

Ward Flexibility Funding - Coming Home Project

An application was received from the Coming Home Project for £200 from the Ward Flexibility Funding (£100 from Heatons North and £100 from Reddish North) to establish a Women's Justice Steering Group. The project aims to bring together women with lived experience and partner organisations to inform the creation of an action plan.

Councillor Rachel Wise spoke in support, highlighting the under-recognition of the impact of women's experiences within the criminal justice system and the project's focus on lived experience and partnership working. Councillor Claire Vibert echoed this support, emphasizing the vulnerability of the women the project aims to assist and the importance of supporting them to move forward and recover from trauma. Councillor Colin Foster also supported the project, noting the overlapping issues of housing, mental health, and employment that affect women. He expressed regret that no representative from the project was present to answer questions.

The committee agreed to approve the grant of £200.

Traffic Regulation Orders

The committee approved the legal advertising of several Traffic Regulation Orders:

• Ramsey Avenue, Reddish: An extended 'No Waiting at Any Time' restriction on the west side of Ramsey Avenue, from a point 10 metres south of the southern kerb line of Longford Road West for a distance of 20 metres in a southerly/south-westerly direction. This was to address difficulties caused by double parking on the bend of the road. Councillor Rachel Wise supported the proposal, noting that while some respondents suggested extending restrictions on Longford Road West, the current proposal focused on improving safety on Ramsey Avenue. The cost of £800 will be funded from the North Reddish ward budget.
• Whitehurst Road & Mauldeth Road, Heaton Moor: 'No Waiting at Any Time' restrictions at the junction of Whitehurst Road with Mauldeth Road. This includes restrictions on both sides of Whitehurst Road for 10 metres from the south-western kerb line of Mauldeth Road, and on Mauldeth Road for a specified distance to tie in with the Whitehurst Road restrictions. This was to address safety and visibility issues caused by parked vehicles. Councillor James Frizzell noted that while one objection was received regarding the removal of on-street parking, the council has a responsibility to ensure road safety. The cost of £900 will be funded from the Heatons North ward budget.
• CRSTS - A6 Wellington Road North, Heaton Moor Road, Manchester Road, Heathfield Avenue, Cambridge Road, Heaton Chapel: The committee recommended approval for the making of Traffic Regulation Orders, traffic calming measures, and a Toucan crossing on A6 Wellington Road North. This scheme, funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) budget, aims to improve cycling facilities, pedestrian/cyclist crossing points, and reduce traffic speeds. Councillor Gary Lawson welcomed the proposals, stating they would improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Councillor John Taylor suggested the proposals be subject to a review period to ensure they deliver the intended improvements. An objection had been received regarding the Toucan crossing and associated parking restrictions, but officers responded that the loss of on-street parking had been minimised and most affected properties had off-street parking.

Other Business

The committee noted a report on progress on area committee decisions, including updates on area flexibility funding and ward discretionary budget funding. They also noted a report summarising recent appeal decisions, current planning appeals, and enforcement actions within the Heatons and Reddish area.

The meeting concluded with the Chair wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and announcing the next meeting would be on 2 February 2026.