Ian Brand - Cabinet report was considered on 2^nd February 2012. Cabinet took into account the strong views from the special area forum.  Ian Brand read the cabinet minute that had been agreed. He explained that this was a draft minute, subject to call-in. 

He went on to explain that since the last meeting there have been repairs undertaken such as the car park flood lights, trailing electric leads have been taken away, roof repairs underwent emergency work especially to the clock tower building and there has been a lot of interest with regards to community take over. 

Cllr Cherry Povall – Read letter from Susan Nicholson on the support and future plans.

Dennis Boyd – Thanked Ian Brand for replying to his emails. The Council undertook strategic asset review but was it not highlighted that these buildings had got into the state they were in? It is not good enough.  £1.2 million worth of damage in those buildings exist due to our elected members! If building is run down to this level it is considerable damage to the tax payer.  How do I know I can trust you Mr Brand?

Mr Ian Brand –It is my job to respond and deal with you in professional manner and it is down to you if you trust me or not.  I cannot make you trust me.  All I can say is we will do our level best. 

Public Member – (Francis – Yoga Teacher, Mayer Hall) There was a stage when I was told Mayer Hall was closing and I cannot find anywhere now to hold my evening classes.  I remember the stage when it was that bad we were scared the plaster would fall on our heads.  My aim is a lot of people do not know about Mayer Hall and what happens there.  There is no community note up at the hall. 

Public Member (Dorothy Williams Mayor Hall Trust) – I use Mayor hall 3 times a week.  There are 16 groups that meet in Highcroft that had nowhere to go, no one could accommodate us so re-opened Mayor Hall.  I would like to thank Cllr Alan Sykes who supported me in the last meeting.  People confused Pennant House with Mayor Hall.  There was a letter in the Wirral News from Councillors stating that nothing had been spent on the building for 25 years but there has.  Highcroft paid for curtains and furniture and repaired the hall, in 2001 outside was painted and a new kitchen fitted.  The Council then fitted a boiler.  The hall was re-roofed with a grant from a user group and we raised £26k and Council paid difference however, this was not fixed properly which caused the real damage to Mayor Hall. 

Cllr Sheila Clarke – Explained it was confirmed in last meeting that £1.3 million would be the cost to do 3 buildings.  Cannot just isolate the 3 buildings, need to include Bebington Civic Centre as well.

Public Member – Basically the Council has ear marked £1.3 million, if this is structured right it is very likely we could apply or look for match funding.

Public Member – Why ask us to pass a motion when the motion passed in January did not happen?  Before I vote on this I want to be sure it will be carried out. 

Cllr Adrian Jones – We are talking about resolution of cabinet.  Until last May we had one cabinet, from this bear in mind it’s an ever shifting cabinet.  At the moment priority is given to beautiful buildings like Birkenhead Town Hall.  With regards to approach of profession Officers; they are in very difficult position.  They are working in a movable feast.  I have worked with Ian Brand and I couldn’t want for a better and honest colleague.  I am not getting involved in the local politics. 

Motion: MAYER HALL, PENANT HOUSE, 65 THE VILLAGE/CLOCK TOWER AND BEBINGTON CIVIC CENTRE COMPLEX: