We Asked, You Said, We Did

Stockport Council has secured £20m worth of Capital Levelling Up funding towards the Marple Active Communities Hub and we sought your views on the design of the Leisure and Community Hub as well as walking, cycling and highways improvements to be delivered at the same time, all of which formed part of the funding bid.

• People living nearby should not be adversely affected
• The range of facilities proposed at the hub was received positively by consultees
• There should be a greater amount of on-site car parking
• Memorial Drive should be widened
• Retain trees, particularly on Station Road
• Improve accessibility of health clinic
• There should be more sustainable features proposed
• The pool spectator area should not be accessed through the changing rooms
• Toilets to be available to all not just users of leisure centre
• Improve the appearance of Hollins House including the removal of the extension.
• Improve children’s play provision as part of the scheme and include communal outdoor space with seating.
• The development should not increase the risk of flooding
• Cycle and disabled parking should be close to the Hub entrance
• The library should include workspaces and break out areas
• The sandpit at infant play area should be removed
• Removal of the level change within the library
• You were in favour of the signal crossings proposed on Station Road at the canal and at Manor Hill Road
• You were divided in your views on providing a new crossing near Ley Hey Road
• You preferred the zebra crossing on Hollins Lane near ASDA to the one near Station Road
• You supported the new crossing on Stockport Road near the cinema and the widened path through the park
• You were not in favour of the proposed coach layby on Station Road

Marple Area Transport

In response to the comments received in both the drop-in sessions and the online engagement for the highway improvements to support a proposed new Marple Active Community Hub, which has received Levelling Up Funding, the following action has been taken:

We sought your views on the School Street trial at St Thomas’s CofE Primary School in Heaton Chapel around: whether or not it should continue as a permanent scheme; views on how it operated; and what changes respondents would like to see if it became permanent.

There were a total of 265 responses.  119 parents/guardians indicated that they would like the scheme to continue unchanged with 10 responding that they would not.  19 residents who were permit holders (not parents/guardians) indicated that they would like the scheme to continue unchanged, with 3 seeking changes and 13 against its continuation.  Of residents in the wider neighbourhood, 61 respondents indicated that they would be happy to see the School Street continue, 6 sought changes and 20 were against.

The key suggestions arising from the consultation were:

• Additional traffic management measures and signage
• Additional enforcement
• More road safety training for children
• Addressing antisocial and dangerous driving and parking by parents
• Alternative car parking
• Clarification of the role of marshals

The consultation comments and analysis have been shared with the Ward Councillors who have agreed that the scheme should continue.  Changes suggested will be explored further and may be progressed should funding become available. 

• We asked for your views on whether we should replace the 6-month Expedited Public Spaces Protection Order (E-PSPO), which was due to expire in May 2023, with a 3-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
• The council has duties to protect the health and safety of its staff, as well as to promote the health and wellbeing of residents, including those who are seeking vaccination against COVID-19.
• We consulted on these proposals to explore resident views on whether the proposed PSPO would achieve this without unduly weakening the right to peaceful protest.

This consultation had 17 responses. 88.2% of respondents were in favour of the introducing the 3-year PSPO.

Those who agreed with the proposal stated protestors were intimidating and aggressive to staff. Further comments were made regarding the effect on the wider public, including  “One Stockport Hub is a family friendly environment and the aggressive nature of the protests deterred residents from visiting, both for vaccinations and to use the space with their families”, and another saying that the E-PSPO “was very effective in minimising distress to staff and members of the public.” 

The respondents who were both for and against the proposal commented on the right to peaceful protest, and safeguarding staff against intimidation.

Those who did not agree with the proposal questioned whether it was needed for a further three years, given that the intimidating and aggressive behaviour outside the clinics  is vastly reduced.

• On 2 May 2023, the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care considered the responses to this consultation, together with the previous consultation on the E-PSPO.
• The Cabinet Member decided to end the E-PSPO and replace it with a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order.
• This PSPO was issued on 22 May 2023, and can be found at https://www.stockport.gov.uk/pspo/vaccination-centres

We wanted to know what the people living near Hawk Green think about a plan we have. We're thinking of putting a picnic bench and a special plaque to remember things that happened during the COVID times. This is part of a project called the COVID Community Commemoration Fund.

We asked the residents near the village green three different places where we could put the bench. We also gave them the choice to say they don't like the idea at all. We want to make sure everyone is happy with what we're planning!

A total of 44 responses were received.

27 respondents (61%) rejected the proposal and 17 (39%) were in favour.

Reasons given 

In the main, the objections submitted related to the potential for an increase in anti-social behaviour and litter on the green and an increase in local traffic congestion.

Preferred location

Of those in favour of the installation (17):

• 10 (59%) opted for the location adjacent to Hawk Green Road, near The Crown public house
• 4 (24%) for the location to the west of the existing play area 
• 3 (18%) for the location to the north of the play area

Based on what you told us, we're changing our plan. Instead of putting in a picnic table, we're going to install a planter (like a big flower pot) and a special plaque. And guess what? We're putting the planter near Hawk Green Road, close to The Crown public house, just like you suggested! Thanks for your input – it really helped us make a cool decision!

We asked for the views of residents and commuters on the trial Road Closure of Hartington Road to Park Road.

Stockport Council is currently analysing all consultation responses received regarding the Hartington Road Trial Road Closure – thank you for your engagement.

The results from this consultation will be presented at a future Marple Area Committee. Please use the following link to view the Council’s monthly meetings calendar: Monthly meetings calendar - April 2023 - Stockport Council. This page will be updated when the report is ready to be presented.

We sought your views on the Regulation 16 version of the Marple Neighbourhood Plan as part of a six-week public consultation. A series of questions were asked on its content to see how far you agreed or disagreed with each section and whether you would do anything differently.

There were a total of 19 responses to the online survey. Most were in agreement with the Plan with particular support for policies on the protection of indoor community spaces, open spaces, historic assets and spaces for coworking. The key themes arising from the survey in relation to specific chapters include the following:

• Town Centre: A new food store could harm independent food retailers, the environment needs to be improved.
• Getting Around: Emphasis on resolving transport connections and congestion is crucial. Policies to discourage car use not appropriate in an isolated town such as Marple and where many older people have specialist access needs.
• Housing: Proposals to change the demographics are not likely to succeed. Development should be minimised to preserve character.
• Natural Capital and Climate Change: New open spaces should be created as well as protecting existing assets. Support and criticism on climate change proposals.
• Community Space: The aspiration for Marple Memorial Park is largely welcomed, although there is some preference for other sites and queries raised about the existing swimming pool site.
• Heritage and Tourism: Agreement that Goyt Mill has potential for alternative uses.
• Business and Employment: Importance of supporting independent small businesses.

Areas suggested for improvement include the need to for the Plan to consider children and young people, use the most up-to-date data, and to address the impact of the pandemic on commuting and working patterns.

The consultation comments have been shared with Marple Neighbourhood Forum who will decide whether any minor modifications should be made. The Plan will be subject to an independent Examination later this year and if successful, will be brought forward for a Referendum.

We asked you to review the JSNA (Joint strategic needs assessment) analysis and report into Mental Health and Wellbeing, asking for your comments and for any additional information that should be considered.

Those who responded felt that on balance the report reflected their views and knowledge of this issue for Stockport and no-one disagreed with the findings. Respondents commented on the impact of shorter working weeks and housing on wellbeing. Respondents also highlighted what they should be the emerging priorities as the result of the report.

We discussed the findings with those who are developing Stockport’s Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy and the JSNA and Strategy have now been finalised. The JSNA will be published on www.stockportjsna.org.uk once IT upgrades have been completed.

We asked for your views on a number of highway proposals on Bramhall Lane. These proposals included the potential implementation of a Toucan Crossing on Bramhall Lane close to the junction with Beech Road, with the associated provision of a footway buildout and one-way route going westbound on Beech Road. Additional proposals involved pedestrian improvements along Bramhall Lane, including footway buildouts on Cale Green & Adswood Lane East and tactile paving to improve the pedestrian route along Hallam Street, a shared use footway and cycle path through Hallam Park, as well as a number of TRO’s (parking restrictions) and bus stop upgrades. These proposals form part of the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Bus Pinch Points scheme to support sustainable travel choices and improve safety whilst maintaining and managing the performance of our existing transport network.

A total of 64 responses were received with 52% of respondents supporting the general principles of the proposals, whilst 42% of respondents were against and 6% neither agreed nor disagreed. In relation to specific elements of the scheme the majority of residents agreed with the all of the proposals to introduce a toucan crossing, footway buildouts, No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines), shared footway/ cycleway through Hallam Park, bus stop upgrades and improved pedestrian facilities on Hallam Street.

There were a number of comments made in response to the survey which expressed concerns that the proposals to introduce a one-way system on Beech Road could result in an increase in traffic on surrounding roads. In response to this feedback, traffic counts were undertaken on Beech Road and neighbouring side roads to understand the effects the one-way system would have on traffic flow along the neighbouring roads.  It was determined that the levels of traffic on Beech Road were minimal and were not considered to represent a significant impact for adjacent side roads. However, in order to reduce a potential increase in congestion on Heath Road, it was proposed to extend the existing No Waiting at Any Time restrictions (double yellow lines) on the south side of Heathfield Road.

Following the overall positive feedback from the consultation exercise and the changes made to the proposals to reflect the consultation feedback, the proposed works were recommended for approval at the Central Stockport Area Committee held in June 2023 and subsequently approved by the Cabinet Member. Subject to further funding, the scheme will now progress through Detailed Design to be constructed in early 2024

We asked for your views on the proposed implementation of a Toucan Crossing on Broadstone Road and the associated provision of raised junction tables, footway buildouts and dropped kerbs with tactile paving on Broadstone Road, Keswick Road and Briarfield Road. These proposals are being developed as part of the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) Bus Pinch Points scheme to support sustainable travel choices and improve safety whilst maintaining and managing the performance of our existing transport network.

A total of 104 responses were received with 59% of respondents supporting the proposals to introduce the Toucan Crossing, whilst 39% were against and 2% were impartial. Associated proposals were also generally supported by respondents; the proposals to introduce raised table junctions, and bus stop upgrades received 62% & 56% of agreement respectively.

Following the overall positive feedback from the consultation exercise, the proposed works were recommended for approval at the Central Stockport Area Committee held in March 2023 and subsequently approved by the Cabinet Member. We expect the TRO’s to be advertised in Autumn 2023. Subject to further funding, the scheme will now progress through Detailed Design to be constructed in early 2024.

We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage and implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.

A total of 81 responses were received with an equal split of 44% respondents supporting /against the proposals. 33 respondents strongly disagreed with the proposals, all of whom commented on the proposed parking restrictions. whilst 25 respondents that strongly agreed with the proposals some felt that the proposed restrictions don’t go far enough.

In response to the feedback received, the proposed restrictions on Clough Meadow and Northdown Avenue will be reduced.  The consultation responses have been reviewed and analysed and will be discussed with ward members. This may lead to a reduction in the extent of parking restrictions proposed.

What happens next?

A meeting is proposed to discuss changes and amendments to the scheme will be carried out before the proposed scheme and report is presented to the Werneth Area Committee in April 2023, alternatively June 2023. If approved to continue with changes the TROs are expected to be advertised in late spring/summer 2023

We asked for the views of those who live and work in Stockport on the Council’s proposal to close St Mary’s RC school.

• There were 241 responses. A third were parents or carers. Nearly half were 'other interested parties"
• 88% disagreed that the council has no other option available other than close the school. 61% believe there are other options that the council should consider
• 91% do not support the closure of the school
• 63% do not support the admissions process should the council choose to close the school

Given the strength of consultation feedback and the position taken by the Diocese of Salford and their Trustees of the Emmaus Trust further time is sought before a decision is made on the closure of the school.

A pause will allow time for the Trustees to fully consider the feedback from consultation and establish a final position as to whether the school should be converted into their Trust.

The decision is to pause considerations of discontinuance until June 2023 at which point, should it be necessary, a further officer decision will be taken regarding the progress of the discontinuance process.

We asked for your views on the Expedited Public Spaces Protection Order (E-PSPO) for the safety of staff and visitors to vaccination centres. The order aims to protect the public from the harm that some protests can cause around schools, vaccination centres and NHS Test and Trace sites. The order is not designed to restrict free speech or the right to protest, however it is intended to ensure  both the public using the services, and staff and volunteers providing them can do so free from intimidation, harassment and any restriction of access to those services.

There were a total of 27 responses to the survey which allowed members of the public to share their views and experiences of the order and its requirements.

When asked about interference to the vaccination centres, all respondents agreed this should be covered by the E-PSPO. We also asked about signage, text and images used, with 100% of respondents agreeing it should be a requirement of the E-PSPO to be removed if breaching it. The majority of respondents stated these behaviours had a major impact and led to harassment and intimidation.

Overall 96% of respondents completing the survey agreed with the council’s decision to introduce a 6 month E- PSPO to help prevent harassment, intimidation and impediment at COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Stockport.

The results highlight the concerns regarding the behaviour around COVID- 19 vaccination sites for staff and service users. As a result of this consultation, we are opening a further consultation to seek views on replacing the e-PSPO with a 3-year public spaces protection order, which would be otherwise identical in its effect to the e-PSPO.

Participants were asked to consider the following eight proposed changes to the Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy:

1. Unspent funds - we will be more flexible when we look at any unspent funds in Direct Payment accounts. We will no longer automatically claim back unspent funds which are in excess of eight weeks. Instead, we will ask DP clients what their plans are for any unspent funds. For example, they may be planning to spend it later in the year on something that has been agreed will meet the outcomes in their support plan. If this is the case, they will be able to keep the money in their account until they need it.
2. Support from family members - if we think it is necessary, DP clients will be able to ask a family member to manage their Direct Payment and for another family member to be paid to provide their support.  We have also deleted the section that said that a family member living in the same house as a DP client should only be paid to provide their support in exceptional circumstances.
3. Using personal bank accounts – under the new policy it will be possible to have a Direct Payment paid into a personal bank account. Though we will continue to recommend that people set up a separate bank account as this will make it easier for them to administer DP monies and avoid them having to share generic details of other non-DP related financial transactions.
4. Holiday costs - sometimes Direct Payments are used for respite, this means that DP clients might spend some time away from their carer, or the people they live with. They might choose a traditional form of respite, where support is offered on site. Or they may decide to go on holiday with their Personal Assistant or another family member or friend who doesn’t normally care for them. The new policy says that, with our agreement, they can, in liaison with their social worker, use their Direct Payment to pay towards travel and accommodation costs if they decide to go on holiday for respite where this has been identified as an outcome of their Care Act assessment. 
5. Travel expenses - Direct Payments will not normally be used for daily travel expenses, but we may agree to fund reasonable travel expenses if we feel that DP clients need this because of their individual circumstances. 
6. Paying for Council services and using DPs outside the UK – we have removed the statements that said that DP clients could not use their Direct Payment to pay for services from the council or to pay for things outside of the United Kingdom.
7. Paying for leisure activities - we will support DP clients to explore leisure activities that they are interested in and enjoy where these will meet the outcomes included in their support plan. We will not rule out anything unless the items and activities they are suggesting do not meet the outcomes in their support plan. Principles of Best Value will also apply.
8. Periods away from home – DP clients will no longer need to let us know of plans to spend time away from home.

A total of 340 representations were received, with 259 responses from client/carers, 37 from members of staff and 44 from members of the public. A further 61 people were engaged through focus group discussions.

With overall agreement of fifteen percent for proposal three ‘Using a personal bank account’, this was the least agreeable of the eight proposals and was particularly unpopular with staff taking part in the consultation. Proposal six ‘Paying for Council services and using DPs outside the UK’ proved to be unpopular across all groups consulted, with just one in five staff agreeing with the proposal.

For clients and carers, proposal two ‘Support from family members’ proved to be the most agreeable with proposal one ‘Unspent funds’ and proposal four ‘Holiday costs’ a close second.

Strong themes have appeared throughout the consultation.

Responses about what people like about the proposals can be broadly set out into 3 categories:

1. Flexibility and control

Across all proposals, a key theme was that the policy would give greater control and flexibility to the client. It will also give greater flexibility to staff members who will be able to be more creative and have more responsibility when writing support plans. It was noted that this needs to be communicated to practitioners so that support plans can be altered to reflect the flexibility.

2. Mental health and wellbeing

Respondents largely felt that the proposed changes would improve their own, or the person they care for’s mental health and wellbeing. This was particularly prevalent on proposals relating to unspent funds and leisure activities.

3. Cost of living

A key theme across the proposals was that the changes will help ease financial pressures felt by clients and carers. For example, travelling to appointments and other activities set out in the care plan, paying family members, and using Direct Payments to pay for leisure activities.

Responses about how the proposals could be improved can be broadly set out into 3 categories:

1. Language around leisure

Respondents felt that the language under proposal seven: using your Direct Payment to pay for leisure activities could be rephrased. For example, the terms wellbeing or wellness should be used instead. Also, it was found that the language under proposal 6: paying for council services and spending your Direct Payment outside of the UK needs to be clearer.

2. Clarity

A key theme across all proposals was that clarity and training is needed within the policy so that Practitioners can effectively and confidently write support plans and that clients and carers can confidently use their Direct Payment to fulfil their needs. Clarification is needed on proposal three that using the same bank is a choice, not a requirement and how this will be audited. Also, clear guidance on how Direct Payments can be used for holiday and/or respite, and travel. There also needs to be guidance on what leisure activities are acceptable and how this will be managed by practitioners. Furthermore, clarity is needed on whether there are any rules on people spending prolonged periods of time away from home. There also needs to be assurance that the policies will be linked to individual outcomes.

3. Scope for misuse

Another key theme across the proposals was a concern for the possibility of proposals being open for misuse. This was particularly prevalent through the proposals relating to unspent funds and paying family members. Respondents felt that there needs to be a defined process to reduce the risk of misinterpretation as funds are derived from the public purse.

Summary of the feedback we received and the action we plan to take in response to it:

We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage, bollards and implementation of dropped kerbs with tactile paving; as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.

From 37 letters deliver and 10 on street notices we received 1 positive response from a resident who strongly agreed with the proposals.

A report was submitted to the Central Stockport Area committee in January 2023 where approval was granted for the scheme, including advertisement of the TROs.    Following advertisement of the TRO’s no objections were received during the consultation period, therefore the order was made. Works have been ordered and are nearing completion on site.

Between Monday 30th May and Monday 20th June 2022 we asked for your views on the introduction of a 20mph speed limit zone with supporting signs and the installation of temporary traffic calming cushions on Finney Lane, Heald Green. This scheme was implemented to make the local areas safer for everyone who uses it using the government’s Safe Streets Saves Lives grant.

A total of 540 responses were received, 525 were residents, although representations were received from two local businesses.

• 25% of respondents were in favour of the proposed changes before they were introduced – 46% were not
• 60% support the 20mph zone – 36% do not
• 27% support the introduction of speed cushions – 71% do not

Following on from the consultation, the Cheadle Area Committee recommended the Cabinet Member approve the proposal to make the 20mph speed limit zone with supporting signs permanent and to remove the installation of temporary traffic calming cushions on Finney Lane, Heald Green. Please see the decision here: https://stockport.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/705148

Between 11-28 March 2022 we asked for your views on the proposal to trial a part closure of Stonepail Road Gatley with the introduction of a modal filter and planters/bollards .  This proposal was one of a series of traffic calming measures introduced in Gatley and other areas around Stockport.

A total of 44 responses were received, predominantly from residents, although representations were received from five local businesses.

• 41% of respondents were in favour of the proposed changes before they were introduced, 43% were not
• 48% support the introduction of the modal filter, 41% do not
• 48% support the introduction of bollards/planters – 45% do not

Key Issues raised were with regards to parking and safe movement around the junctions. 

Following issues raised around parking and safe movement around the junctions,  Councillors have asked officers to revisit plans for Stonepail Road.  Affected residents will be contacted in due course outlining the proposals.

We asked for your views on the potential introducton of a prebooked minimum journey free for Hackney Carriages.

There were real concerns regarding the proposal from people who either use hackney carriages or who are carers for people who use hackney carriages.  Your told us of your concerns around the increased cost associated with a prebooked fare.

Yout said that you felt aggrieved by the proposal for a prebooked minimum fare and their response is that they would use private hire instead.

Results indicated concerns from service users regarding  the request for the introduction of a  minimum fare to be charged for prebooked hackney carriage journeys.

The concerns were re-laid to the hackney carriage trade association who have decided to withdraw their request for a prebooked minimum fare from the current fare review.

The hackney carriage trade association have asked the Council to undertake research with other local  authorities to see if any similar schemes operate successfully in other council areas, so that the matter may be considered in any future hackney carriage fare review

We asked how far you agreed or disagreed with the Stockport Active Communities Strategy principles, approach, priority groups and action priorities.

There were a total of 94 responses to the online survey. 69.15% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed whole systems approach; 67.03% either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed principles and approach; 70.22% either agreed or strongly agreed with the identified priority groups and 29.79% respondents felt that there were some action priorities missing. The key themes arising from the survey were that everyone needs to be included and that accessibility and inclusivity is of upmost importance. It is also about getting everyone involved through good communications and leading by example. 

The next stage of development is the implementation plan and that is the stage when we will not only consider in detail what we propose to do to further support and facilitate activity for our priority groups but also consider how to measure impact.

We asked for your views on the potential implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and associated signage; implementation of bollards and dropped kerbs with tactile paving; road markings; speed limit repeater signs and new school warning signs as part of a Road Safety around Schools scheme to support the Council’s overall strategic ambition to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school.

A total of 9 responses were received with 78% of respondents supporting the proposals.

The proposed scheme was approved at the Central Stockport Area Committee on the 10th March 2022. The TROs are expected to be advertised in spring/summer 2022.

The full report can be viewed on the Council’s Democracy web pages here (Item 11): https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=148&MId=27523&Ver=4

We asked for your views on the School Admission arrangements for the 2023-24 academic year including changes to the processing of late applications and school holiday dates.

There was overwhelming support for keeping the school holidays the same as in previous years, with many saying these allowed parents of primary aged children to book holidays in the May half term.

There was a mixed response to the change of processing late applications, many stakeholders felt it was fair to allow these applications to be made on time following offer day. Others felt that there is sufficient time for everyone to apply and it was unfair to the parents and children who applied by the deadline.

The proposals were considered and approved with school holiday dates following the same format as in previous years and ‘late applications’ will be considered as on time 2 weeks after offer day. The full determination can be found here: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/determination-notice-2023-24