Issues raised:

1. Mr Holt, Holm Lane, Oxton: Concerned about the serious road traffic problems, namely inconsiderate parking, access to properties, blocking off closes, noise levels, speeding and parking on pavements.  Unable to back out of his drive because of cars parked on pavements and stated that he has been in communication with the Council for approximately twenty years regarding these problems.  He expressed concern that, although pavement parking is illegal, no-one enforces it and people are not being prosecuted.  All the residents are affected and annoyed by the problems and are asking for yellow lines and fines, particularly around the school area. 

Cllr Williams agreed that she also experiences the same problems but that it is at least two years since she has received a letter from him.  She believes that there are plans for double yellow lines but does not know at this stage how far they will be extended, although it should be at least down to Holm View Close; however, this will not stop people dropping off children.  She confirmed that he will receive a response to his complaint.

Mr Holt stated that he feels the Police should be more involved.  Graham Bell, Merseyside Police agreed that yellow lines are a deterrent, however, there are four other schools in the same area which also have parking problems 

Cllr Williams stated that the school is trying to work with local residents to improve the situation.  Cllr Doyle said that parking problems are common to every school in Wirral but are made worse in Holm Lane due to it being used as a short cut to Woodchurch Road. 

2.Alan Dollery: Problems around the recycling bins which were located near the flats in Prenton and have had to be removed due to local youths playing football and lighting fires and asked how this problem will be solved - Cllr Bridson confirmed the flats belong to Wirral Partnership Homes and agreed it is a difficult situation which is currently on hold while it is being reconsidered.  She offered to contact them again to try to resolve the problem. 

3. June Foster: Concerned about non-enforcement of the laws regarding illegal parking, litter and dog fouling- Steve Maddox confirmed that fixed penalty notices are in fact issued to people who drop litter and that people are prosecuted for dog fouling.  The key is to educate people to stop doing these things in the first place. 

Alan Stennard commented that there was a policy to issue a press release relating to people who had been prosecuted for dropping litter and dog fouling however these go unnoticed as media decide that local people prefer to read about ASBOs.  More educational work is being done and a new scheme is in place where people are being rewarded for being socially responsible.  Other council officers including the Park Service and Community Patrols can become involved in the enforcement process, consequently people are cleaning up after their dogs. Society’s attitudes need to change young people need to be educated as to what is acceptable.  There is also a need to encourage fast food and take-away businesses to support this and sponsor more bins.

4. Richard Neale: The parking situation at West Knowe, raised at the previous area forum meeting, possibly involving members of the congregation of St Saviour’s Church - the Police confirmed that parking around West Knowe has decreased.

5. Richard Neale: Local people being unable to park near local shops which appears to be at odds with the Council’s policy of supporting local businesses, as stated in Steve Maddox’ presentation, citing the example of a local newsagent on Woodchurch Road where people were unable to park outside.  Mr Maddox suggested that this newsagent could join the Business Forum and if he communicated with him, he would receive a response.  Cllr Bridson confirmed that this area of Prenton has seen a problem with confusion over parking for many years and that several businesses have closed down.  Mr Maddox felt that many of these problems are as a direct result of the large number of cars on the roads.

Louise referred back to the February papers which included a report from Technical Services explaining parking restrictions on Woodchurch Road at the request of Cllr Kelly.

6. Alan Chape, Oxton Society:  Problems around dog fouling and informed the meeting  they are trying to set up a scheme in Oxton where people can help themselves from a receptacle containing bags for dog dirt which has been successful in other areas; however, they have been told that this requires planning permission.  Alan Stennard stated that he would like to support this scheme and will have further discussions with Technical Services and report back to him.

7. A member of the public referred to the minutes of the last meeting when it was agreed to hold a further meeting regarding car parking in Osmaston Road.  He felt that there has been no improvement and that the issue has “gone quiet”: Cllr Holbrook stated he was very supportive to the suggestions made at that meeting but that there is a minority of residents who are opposed to parking restrictions, making it difficult to impose a solution. There is currently no solution which all residents are in agreement with. 

Andrew Taylor: Access protection markings, would residents have to pay for this themselves? Also suggested that the Council is continuing to give planning permission for businesses with no thought for subsequent parking problems.- Cllr Holbrook commented that the problems in Osmaston Road are largely due to Sainsbury’s enforcing parking restrictions in their car park for commuters.

8. A member of the public: request for the PCT to include a separate report regarding mental health issues and dementia which is an increasing issue.  Abhi Mantgani: the PCT report only touched on current issues, given the size and nature of their organisation, however the PCT have invested heavily in mental health services and offered to obtain details of these services. 

Cllr Bridson mentioned that the Select Committee which she chairs for Social Services is currently undertaking a review into dementia and will be liaising with Wirral Health and Mr Mantgani agreed that mental health services is an area where more needs to be done.

Louise had received a report from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Trust for previous meetings however apologised for not requesting one for this meeting

Cllr Williams stated that the Authority’s partners should be congratulated for their initiatives in the reports and for the work that goes into them.

9. Mr Dowling: Although he had enjoyed the presentation by Steve Maddox felt there should have been a bigger audience at the Forum and that the public should be given more information on what the Council are doing.  Mr Maddox confirmed that they will explore ways for more people to engage in decision making.

A member of the public requested the Forum Agenda be advertised in the local press- this already takes place however not all communities receive these papers. 

10. A member of the public: Why has the Council given the contract to repair West Kirby Marine Lake wall to a firm from Anglesey which had gone out of business?: - Mr Maddox confirmed that the business concerned had fully met all the stringent financial checks put in place by the Council and, in fact, this is the first time this situation has occurred.

Minute decision:

i. Area co-ordinator to contact Technical Services regarding parking and traffic congestion in Holm Lane.

ii.CllrBridson to contact Wirral Partnership Homes regarding recycling bins for flats in Prenton area 

iii. Alan Stennard to liaise with Oxton Society regarding dog fouling bag dispenser scheme.

iv. Area co-ordinator to contact Mark Smith, Technical Services for a final update on Osmaston Road.

Cllr Williams thanked the public and forum members for attending and closed the meeting at 9.15 p.m.