Councillor Rowlands paid tribute to Tony Garrett, an active member of the Forum, who died recently.  The meeting observed a period of silent reflection.

Councillor Rowlands welcomed residents and forum members to the meeting, the area forum had about 20 public attendees.

Apologies were received from Councillor Andrew Hodson and Tracey Smith (Community Engagement).

The minutes of the meeting held on 16^th June were tabled and agreed as a true record with two corrections:

(i) Page 8 from Russell Favager, related to medical centre.  Russell said he thought it unlikely that all partners would get into one building in the short term (not “that it is unlikely that we are going to have a medical centre” as recorded in the minute).

(ii) From Mike Collins, Wirral Community Patrol.  Mike Collins asked that his attendance at the meeting as the Community Safety representative be added to the minutes.

Christina Bebbington, Community Engagement Manager gave a presentation

on the Council’s current major consultation exercise.

Comments/Questions

Information regarding meetings has not always been accurate on dates and times of meeting.

Can the Council advertise beyond the Globe as the Globe is not universal?

Confirmed that all the staff asking questions are Wirral Council staff? – Yes

Document is complicated.

Document combines legal imperatives with non-statutory items – makes it difficult to prioritise.

Form asks people to choose and make judgements about a range of issues without knowing the full impact of individual decisions.

Takes a long time to fill in.

Councillor Rowlands thanked the Forum for the comments which would be fed back to the team and the Council. 

Councillor Rowlands also thanked the Council Team for their work on the consultation exercise.

• Streetscene
• NHS Wirral
• Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Merseyside Police/Community Safety
• Fire Service
• Older People’s Parliament

Streetscene – The report was tabled.

NHS Wirral – Report tabled and an update given on the Heswall Medical Centre.

Wirral University Hospital Foundation Trust – Report tabled and

additional information sheet was available at the meeting, covering a range of

topics.  An update on Winter preparations was given.

Merseyside Police – An update on Ward meetings and an update on current

issues, including speeding, anti-social behaviour and checks in parks was

given.

The current local priorities were outlined.  Details of Community Pay back at

the Hope Centre were given.

Councillor Rowlands referred to the number of lorries using The Dip which

appeared to be overweight.  Inspector Cunningham agreed to investigate.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service – Report tabled with specific focus on

kitchen fires and support available from the Fire and Rescue Service and

issues related to bonfire night, working with other services, including removal

of inappropriate bonfire material, assisted by Community Payback.

Older People’s Parliament – Report tabled.  Now close to 1,000 members.

Pauline on behalf of a number of people:-

Parking on a significant bend in Downham Road North – issues of parking

around the school.  This has been an issue for over two years.  How long will

it take for double yellow lines t be put in place?

Streetscene gave a response to question and undertook that the matter will

be re-visited.  David Armstrong agreed to speak to the Acting Headteacher at

the school.  Inspector Cunningham also undertook to review the position.

Clare Sanderson – Positive comments re the monitoring of speeding on Gills

Lane, asked for a less visible Police presence.  The parking of a specific

vehicle at the bottom of Pole Hill Road was discussed.

A second member of the Forum also raised issues about parking near Heswall Primary School and the issue of cycling on pavements.  Inspector Kate Cunningham gave details of the current Police approach to cycling on pavements.

Mr Allen – Highgate close kerbstone damage is still an outstanding

issue after several months; the damage is caused by refuse collection

vehicles.  Also a promised grit bin has not yet been delivered to Highgate

Close.  Also blocked drain issues at Brackenside, off Grange Road.

Heswall Society – Issue on Telegraph Road.  There are two Road Narrow

signs next to each other – can the old one be taken down?

Pauline – Litter bin still awaited outside the new dentist’s on Pensby Road, also outstanding dog fouling bins at various locations.  Also the issue of parking on grass verges on Pensby Road.  Notices have been erected but is this been monitored?  Streetscene representative responded that enforcement is being carried out.

Ray Squire: Homewatch Co-ordinator – 20 mph signs outside St Peter’s,

Heswall – when will these be put in place?  Secondly the new Chief Constable

supports Homewatch but has created a new pattern of meetings.  Previously

there were three meetings where contact could be made with the local Police. 

Now currently only one meeting which is not chaired or minuted and not as

helpful as the previous meetings.  Inspector Cunningham responded.  Also

commented on the attendance at Area Forums.

Mike Collier – Positive comments re yellow lines in Boundary Lane.

Issue re reported reductions in nurse’s hours at Arrowe Park Hospital.  The

hospital representative responded and explained the changes to enhance

patient safety re handovers and comply with European legislation.

Issues re cheap alcohol adverts on the front of public houses.  Inspector

Cunningham and Councillor Wilkins responded.  Further questioning re

licence application for the new Tesco Express store on Pensby Road and the

proposed Sainsbury store.  Councillor Wilkins responded to this.

Keith Roberts – The new Tesco site and the road adjacent to it – did this belong to the Council – No, this was unadopted, the road is not owned by the Council but the pavement is Council owned.  The developer is to be required to re-open the pavement.

Are nurses supposed to wear their uniforms when shopping etc?  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 23^rd February 2011.