Tim Pickstone

Last Thursday was the regular meeting of Prestwich Local Area Partnership. This brings together your 9 local Liberal Democrat Focus Team Councillors, together with representatives of local service providers (Police, NHS etc) and community groups.

Highlights included:

Prestwich Cash Office - Consultation on Proposed Closure
Bury’s Director of Finance Mike Owen gave a presentation on the consultation on the future of the cash desk at Prestwich Library. The Council is currently considering whether or not it is financially viable / practical to keep the cash collection facility open, or whether to spend the money on staff who focus on “customer contact”. Mike reported that the number of cash transactions had reduced significantly, and that a number of other options (post offices, and shops that take cash payments for things like bills etc).

Many people at the meeting expressed concern about the loss of service for local people, particularly many elderly people who don’t have access to other payment means. The Council will take these views into their fuller consideration on the issue in the coming months.

Prestwich Village Centre Consultation
The meeting received an update on the consultation on the future of Prestwich Village. Around 300 people have responded so far, broadly 85% or so were in favour of the proposals and its broad themes which include:
- the vision for Prestwich Village
- making Bury New Road more like a real High Street
Particular concerns were raised about the proposed “narrowing” of Bury New Road and the historic frontages on that road - particularly some of the older pubs.

Update on Police Issues
Sgt Ian Campbell from the Prestwich Police Team reported on some recent good news on tackling graffiti in the local area and on a new scheme where police will be looking out for people who are suffering as a result of fuel poverty. Sgt Campbell asked for people to let him know of neighbours who we are worried about because of fuel poverty.