Q

[Paul Haywood]. I raised the issue of the implementation of byelaws and funding issues, with the area co-ordinator, and was directed to Government Office.  The Government Office advised that the Government will be holding a consultation on how byelaws are implemented and commented on. 

My question is:  ‘Can you ask the area co-ordinator to look into this?’

A

[Andy Brannan]  I will pass the request on to Louise to see if the panel can discuss the issue as a future agenda item.

Q

[Alan Dollery]:  I have a letter from a councillor dated 2006, about a request for 20 mph signs in Prenton Dell Road.  Speeding is a concern with vehicles travelling at 40 mph in early mornings and evenings.  I appreciate that they are not compulsory, but they would be a deterrent.

A

[Cllr Bridson]:  From discussions with officers I understand consideration may be given to illuminated traffic signs.  I will progress that.

Comment

[Cllr Williams]:  I’ve been wanting 20mph signs in the Holmlands, and I agree they are a reminder to act responsibly.  Other authorities are introducing them much more quickly.

Q

[Tranmere Hall Estate Residents’ Association].  We asked a number of questions from David Green, but as you are no longer producing agenda papers, the answers were not given in writing.  A few years ago, the Council allocated funding for 20mph signs in all areas of Wirral.  In February, the Labour group directed the money to speed bumps.  The current controlling group reinstated the funding for compulsory 20 mph signs on all residential streets.  Speed bumps are fine and provide a quick fix to avoid accidents.

Default 20mph signs are only there for a few months and then they are moved on.  They are not a solution.  The solution is compulsory 20mph signs like you have in some areas of the country. We also put forward a number of suggestions for enforcement. 

Q

The outward side of the illuminated sign in Woodchurch Road is illuminated permanently, therefore people are speeding.

Comment

[Richard Neale]:  The Neighbourhood Plan is extremely well presented.  We welcome the attempts to clean up Woodchurch Road shopping area, but there are one or two characters who are adding graffiti to the walls, particularly at the side of Aldi, and the restaurant being developed next to Sainsbury’s.  Hopefully something will be done about it.

A

[Public] The Council have provided graffiti- removal material, and the Friends of the Arno turned out after finding the area covered in graffiti on Sunday morning. 

Comment

[Richard Neale].  There has been a considerable increase in cigarette ends, particularly outside the restaurant in Woodchurch Road, and Cambridge Road seems to act as a receptacle for cigarette ends thrown from cars etc.  The issue is about street cleaning.  The sweeping arrangements need to be reviewed because the mechanical sweepers cannot keep it under control.  I congratulate you on this paper tonight. 

A

[Chair]:  Streetscene are dealing with the issues as detailed in that paper.  It strikes me that those who do the graffiti leave a signature or a tag- and they can probably be identified from school books.

A

[Inspector Griffiths]:  We take photographs and circulate the tags, and we work with schools.  There have been instances on the restorative justice front, where the lad has cleaned them himself

Q

The Shrewsbury Arms uses blowers to blow the cigarette ends all over the place.  These places should have receptacles.

Comment

[Sarah Goulding]: At Sainsbury’s, they don’t remove the graffiti as soon as it happens, it starts on the wall, then on a door, and it could impact on people shopping there.  Do we have any leverage to advise Sainsbury’s and tell them to keep on top of it?  It’s on the wall by the ATM machine and it seems no-one is dealing with it.

Comment

[Community Safety]:  We had that in Wallasey and the answer was if it is not racist or homophobic, they would not clean it up.  They don’t have to clean it up if it’s not racist or homophobic.

Comment

Each organisation like Sainsbury’s should have more respect for its own property.

A

[Police]:  We will visit Sainsbury’s to speak to them amount removing the graffiti.

Comment:

Question:

[Matthew Patrick]  I run a Young Wirral Labour Group and Action Saturday when we go out into the community and clean up.  We would like to work in any areas that need clearing up.

[Matthew Patrick]  A resident spoke to one of our team and expressed concern about the quality and the depth of the consultation around Calveley Avenue? How wide was it and what happened?  Will there be further consultation?

Comment:

[Cllr Williams]:  In 2007, I started the Friends of the Arno and Oxton Fields.  We have people of all ages who regular litter pick and clear up the Arno and Oxton Fields.