Mr. Garrett asked whether the Chairman of the Residents’ Association for Banks Road and The Moorings was at the meeting, but he was not, and Mr. Garrett explained that letters had been sent to each councillor regarding the Sheldrakes Restaurant, who have been making life very difficult over the past five years with regard to loud music played very late, and repeated planning applications. There seems to be no control by Officers on Planning Restrictions. Cllr. Hodson said that he is Chairman of Licensing, but cannot chair when these problems are raised. He reported that Sheldrakes have, at this moment, gone to appeal over the veranda, and there is an Enforcement Order in place. Cllr. Hodson has written to Sheldrakes about the playing of loud music at all hours, and he offered to go and talk to the Residents’ Committee about the problem.

Inspector Cunningham reported that the Police had been called on several occasions, but they have not found the music and noise to be excessive when they have arrived there, except perhaps people when they are going to their cars.

Dave Steel asked whether there was any feedback from the patients of the Heswall and Pensby Practice over the consultation for the new Centre to be built opposite Tesco, and the closure of the Pensby Road surgery.

Russell Favager replied that the consultation does not end until the 27^th October, and of the 700 or so responses, the majority are in favour of the project.  It is the G.P’s who wish to have this building, and the Pensby surgery is no longer suitable. 

Val Curtis said that she understood that the BMA are against the provision of these huge facilities or “Polyclinics”, and that people were not all in favour of the closure of local facilities, and these mini-hospitals. Representatives from the PCT, including the Chief Executive Kathy Doran, replied that the preferences were not for Polyclinics which were very much larger – but for modernised premises which could offer a range of services, thus avoiding the need for many patients to travel beyond their local surgery for treatment etc. There was some heated discussion. The Chairman requested that order be maintained, and Kathy Doran continued in response that the PCT have to try to respond to the requirements of three hundred and thirty thousand people, and this is very difficult sometimes. There are clinics in London which serve 50,000, In Wirral that could be the equivalent of 6 surgeries whereas we currently have over 60. In Liscard, three Practices are coming into one building providing all types of medical facilities, and the people are happy.

In Heswall there is a plot to be developed, and the consultation has not yet finished. If people say that is what they want, then we will go ahead, but we do have to recognize that there has to be a balance over everyone’s views.

Mr. Tripp asked why do we need two hospitals.  Mrs. Doran replied that we will not have two hospitals, the PCT are trying to bring the two Practices together and provide more services on the one site.

Mrs. Iris Stubbs asked “please will you tell me how much you have spent on your pursuit of the Warrens to date?”  Kathy Doran replied £74,000.00.

A member of the public asked how much the PCT is spending on the advertising campaign in the Heswall News etc. for stopping smoking, mental health etc., rather than using the money to reduce waiting times in the Pain Clinic where weeks ago 200 patients were awaiting attention.  Kathy Doran replied that she did not have the figures with her, but would provide them if required.  She added that she was not aware that any waiting times have been so bad.

 The reason for doing these adverts is so that we know the people of Wirral are aware of the services available and the huge range that are available.

Sandy Cameron said he would like to correct what Russell Favager said about G.P’s all wanting the new clinics, as he has a letter asking him to write his objections to the local press.  Russell Favager asked if he could see it. A member of the public asked why patients should have to move from Pensby to Heswall if this plan goes ahead.  Some people cannot walk very far, and for many others, the parking will not be sufficient.

Val Curtis said that she has no objection to the Heswall Health Centre, and this is important, because at the meeting tonight we have six councillors and the local press. She would like the forum meeting to know that not all objectors object to the same thing. Tomorrow night there is a council meeting where the Warrens will be discussed without the general public, and if the Council are serious about the way things are done, the community need their voice to be heard, and need to engage with democracy She had received a letter from the Committee Clerk explaining why this particular agenda item was exempt as some issues need to be kept confidential until the Cabinet deems it is possible to make it public. She explained her view that the meeting should be open to the public and asked Councillors to take her views on board.

Frank Kinlan stated that he could had been in Heswall over 50 years, and could remember the closure of the Childrens’ Hospital, the Cleaver Hospital, the Oldfield Maternity Home and the Clinic.  The company he worked for took eight years to build Arrowe Park Hospital, and he added that there has been plenty of land in Heswall available to build the new health centre. Mr. Kinlan stated that he is a transplant patient.

Sandy Cameron asked why has it got to be in the Green Belt, right in the middle of the trees and green areas, (this was addressed to Kathy Doran).

Kathy Doran replied that they had been approached by the Council to look at the whole of the site there without the loss of any green or trees.

Sandy Cameron stated that he thought that this was not true, and could not be achieved, and that a true answer should be forthcoming. Kathy Doran said she would respond directly to Mr Cameron.

Mrs. I. Rafferty, Barnston Conservation Society, said that they feel the Council is trying to write them off the map.  There is no mention of Barnston in the Area Forums, and there are no signs stating BARNSTON. The whole Area has been cut in half – part in Wirral South, part in Wirral West, and we would like to be brought to the forefront now and again, and perhaps the Councillors would like to remember us now and again.

Cllr. Rowlands replied that the Area Forums were named according to the Ward names, and this was a Government decision, and that it did go out to review.  Mrs. Rafferty answered that they had replied and got nowhere.

Tracey Smith stated that she could include Barnston in the title of the Area Forum correspondence, and the councillors would be happy to help with any problems. Cllr. Bob Wilkins said that he would like to go to the Barnston Conservation Society meetings if they wish to invite him along.

Mrs. Ashdown from Pensby reported that the three empty shops which were closed after the last Forum had been subject to fly posting, many of which advertised Eskimo, Hoylake. She and her husband took them down, as it is  an offence to fly post. Cllr. Quinn said that she will investigate this matter.

Heather Jones Burden, Cornelius Drive/Kings Drive – the drains need to be de-silted.  It is now several years since the work was carried out, and they are now overflowing when the rain is heavy.  She has photographs to show the damage.  Cllr. Quinn said that she has written to United Utilities asking them to come and look at the problems.  They have already had the Council’s Emergency Team out, to look at it and they were shocked at the flooding.

Alan Wilson, Lower Heswall.  There are no name plates at either end of Village Road, and it is difficult for people trying to find their way round. Please would the Council provide some?  The pavement between Roscoe   Close and the centre of the village is in a dreadful state.  The parapet is at the   same level as the road, and the whole pavement needs to be repaired, as cars pass through the village very quickly.  There is only an 18” wide pavement on the other side of the road and many children use this route to school. Mr. Wilson has lived there for five years, and nothing has been done during that time.  This was picked up by Brian Smith who was representing Streetscene.

A member of the public reported that Irby and Thurstaston Women's Institute have cleaned up and worked hard in Irby village and the surrounding areas.  There is one particular area where rubbish is being dumped – this is behind the bus stop in the centre of the village, and is disgraceful.  They have asked Street Scene some planters which the shop keepers and people were prepared to pay for and maintain. Brian Smith said that he will speak to the Cleansing Dept., however the Council do already clean it out, and they have planted trees and bushes there. The reply was that it would be easier without the bushes and trees, and please could they be removed.  Brian Smith replied that in Hoylake the planters are cared for by the businesses there, and they are looking at local people doing this. It is, however, much better to write in and explain the position and what the community is prepared to do, and then all the necessary information is in the system.

A resident of Pensby Road wished to thank Street Scene for stopping the sale of vehicles on Pensby Road, which was causing a serious problem to people living nearby.  She reported one, and within 24 hours a notice was put on, and the vehicle removed.

Brian Smith reported that the Integrated Transport Block has been allocated £16,500 and that has not yet been allocated.  Mrs. Alison Jones said that she has to report back to the residents who signed the petition she handed in and wishes to know whether the crossing will be installed.  Brian Smith replied that it will be discussed soon.  There is one criteria that must be adhered to, and it must be seen that everything is being done. Innia Hughes showed photographs of a lamp post which had been knocked down, and what might have happened if children had been in the vicinity.  This was to highlight the need for the reduction of the 40mph to 30mph on this stretch of road.  Inspector Cunningham clarified the actual position with regard to that incident and the current evidence the police have on this road, but they are watching the situation. The Department of Transport have to monitor the situation and make the final decision. 

Mrs. Jones asked that if the situation was being monitored for speed, would it be possible not to be in full view. Inspector Cunningham asked for some volunteers for Speed Watch Slow Down, which really only requires people to be in the area wearing a yellow jacket – not necessarily for long periods, but when the children are going to and coming from school possibly. It was stated that the children all have to walk because it is so difficult to get the car out onto Telegraph Road at the morning school rush hour.

Keith Alsop, Barnston Road, Barnston.  He would like to ask Wirral PCT why is he being barred from the Wirral Phlebotomy Clinic from 21st October?

Pippa Roberts reported that users were complaining about the service, and this will go out to tender, and will be carried out at the local surgeries.  Some patients will be able to go to their own surgeries, and they want to extend the service to satisfy patients’ needs.  Silverdale Centre is open to others than their own patients.  Details and information will be sent out.