On a motion by Councillor C Povall and seconded by Councillor J Stapleton, it was –

Resolved – That Councillor P Gilchrist be appointed Chair for this meeting.

Members of the Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any items on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

The Panel considered the report of the Head of Environment and Regulation reporting upon an objection which had been submitted by a resident of Manor Road objecting to the revocation of Traffic Regulation Order the effect of which would be to dispose of the car park in Manor Road, Wallasey.

The report indicated that a review had recently been undertaken in respect of the Council’s vacant land and buildings to determine whether assets were required by the Council or whether they were surplus to requirements. The Head of Environment and Regulation had identified as part of the process that Manor Road Car Park was no longer required for Council purposes and was therefore considered appropriate for sale.

In response to the objectors written representations detailed in the report, it was reported that making Manor Road car park, pay and display or resident’s only parking would not be financially viable due to the current budget constraints upon the Council and its Departments.

The report further indicated that there was already sufficient capacity in the nearby car park accessed from Liscard Village and Blue Badge holders could park there for up to three hours on double yellow lines and free of charge for an unlimited amount of time in all Council pay and display car parks; and the Council was currently consulting with the objector on implementing additional spaces for blue badge holders within Liscard Village car park to assist the resident in parking.

Following publication of the agenda two late written objections had been received to be considered by the Panel.

Mr S Atkins, Parking Manager and Mr M Peet, Service Manager outlined the report and responded to questions from Councillor Mooney, Ward Councillor and Members of the Panel.

Councillor B. Mooney on behalf of local residents made representations to Members of the Panel objecting to the proposal to dispose of the Car Park at Manor Road, Wallasey.

Prior to making her representations Councillor Mooney declared a personal interest in the item by virtue of her employment.

The Objectors were not present at the meeting.

Members considered all representations made orally and in writing.

In response to Members, Mr S Atkins indicated that he would investigate the suggestion of ringfencing the advertising income to be used to cover the maintenance costs.

Resolved- That:

(1)  the objector be thanked for their attendance and their objections be noted;

(2)  it be recommended to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the Car Park at Manor Road, Wallasey be retained; and

(3)  the Head of Environment and Regulation be requested to investigate if the income associated with advertising could be ringfenced to be utilised for use against the maintenance costs. 

Prior to consideration of the item Councillor Gilchrist declared a personal interest by virtue of him being a Member of the Wirral Cycle Forum.

The Panel considered the report of the Head of Environment and Regulation reporting upon objections received as a result of proposals to introduce a toucan crossing on Bridge Road, near to the junction of Orrysdale Road, West Kirby.

The report concluded that the provision of a Toucan crossing facility in Bridge Road would have a positive effect on assisting cyclists, disabled, visually impaired persons, persons with prams and pushchairs, children, and pedestrians in general to cross the busy road.

Mr M Redman, Team Leader (Projects), and Mr D Rees, Road Safety Manager outlined the report and responded to questions from Members of the Panel.

Mr Redman indicated that he had, had held on site meetings with the objector regarding their concerns in relation to access and had suggested a revision to the proposals which consisted of moving the crossing and reducing the size of the zig zag markings to assist.

Following publication of the agenda, further written objections to be considered by the Panel had been received by the objector who was unable to attend the meeting. Following receipt of the objection Mr Redman had undertaken further investigation using an auto track manoeuvre computerised system which had demonstrated that the proposals detailed within the report would enable access to be given to deliveries via the objectors driveway.

The Panel heard representations from Mr A Hodgson, on behalf of Merseyside Cycling Campaign Wirral Group and Councillor G Watt on behalf of local residents regarding their objections to the proposals to introduce a Toucan crossing on Bridge Road, near to the junction of Orrysdale Road, West Kirby.

Members considered all representations made orally and in writing.

Resolved- That:

(1)  the objections be noted; and

(2)  it be recommended to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the proposed scheme to introduce a Toucan crossing on Bridge Street, near to the junction of Orrysdale Road, West Kirby , as shown on attached drawing no. R&E/1/13/MCR-b and detailed within the report, be approved.

The Panel considered the report of the Head of Environment and Regulation reporting upon an objection received as a result of proposals to introduce a Kerbline ‘Buildout’ and an upgrade of the existing pedestrian refuge island on Torrington Road, Liscard near to its junction with Marlowe Road.

The report concluded that the scheme was identified as part of the 2012/13 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme (‘Improving Road Safety’ block allocation) to provide a ‘Local Safety Scheme’ at the junction of Torrington Road/Marlowe Road, Liscard.

Mr D Rees, Road Safety Manager outlined the report and responded to questions from Members of the Panel.

Mr W Smith, local resident made representations to Members of the Panel regarding the proposals and sought approval to circulate photographs taken from property address No. 32 to the Panel for their consideration.

Members considered all representations made orally and in writing.

Resolved- That:

(1)  the objections be noted; and

(2)  in the interests of road safety  it be recommended to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the proposed scheme to introduce a pedestrian refuge island with associated tactile crossing points on Torrington Road, Liscard near to its junction with Marlowe Road as shown on drawing no. DR&E/2/13/a in the report  be approved.