Meeting documents

Area Forum (Liscard and Seacombe)
Monday, 19th June 2006

Present

Ward Councillor

D Hawkins, AER Jones, C M Jones, DT Knowles, G Leech

Community Representatives

Margaret Allen (Seacombe Community Representative), John Drew (Seacombe LCP), Diane Ledder , Jo McCourt (Wallasey YMCA), Fr. Leon Ostaszewski, Carole Thomas (Liscard Community Representative)

Lead Officer

Mark Camborne (Health & Safety & Resilience Operations Manager)

Area Service Co-ordinator

Andrew Brannan

Primary Care Trust

Marie Armitage (Director of Public Health, Beb. & W. Wirral PCT)

Merseyside Police

Sgt Damian McElvogue

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

Tony Buratti

Council Officers

Geoff Bell (Assistant Director, Traffic Management), Chris Jones (Area Streetscene Manager), David Morrell (Wirral Wardens Manager)

Apologies

Inspector John Hogan, Dr S Mukherjee, Cllr John Salter

Index to Minutes

Minute 1 - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Minute Text :

The Chair welcomed ten members of the public and Councillor Leah Fraser, who was attending her first meeting following her election in May as Councillor for the Liscard Ward.

He also reported that Ann Mather was unwell, and it was agreed that a card be sent to her on behalf of the Forum.

Minute Decision :

Resolved that the Area Co-ordinator to arrange for a get well card to be sent, on behalf of the Forum, to Ann Mather.

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Minute 2 - MINUTES

Minute Text :

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 8 February 2006, were accepted as a correct record, subject to a number of spelling corrections.

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Minute 3 - AREA CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT

Minute Text :

Andy Brannan, Area Co-ordinator, presented a comprehensive report, which consisted of the following:

Section 1: Minutes of the previous meeting (see minute 2 above).

Section 2: Local updates, grouped under the various themes within the Local Area Agreement, as follows -

(a) Safer and Stronger Communities:
(i) the opening of the new community police station;
(ii) the launch of a report on accessibility of services for disabled people within the Borough;
(iii) the joint initiative to make the promenade in Wallasey a safer place;
(iv) measures to tackle cold-calling by salesmen;
(v) the Wirral Trader Scheme aimed at giving the public more confidence in buying goods and services.

(b) Healthier Communities and Older People -
(i) a £280,000 cash boost for swimming for older people;
(ii) the Churches Together in Wirral website.

(c) Children and Young People -
(i) Life Education centres which provide learning experiences for children aged 3-11;
(ii) launch of the new Swim Wirral scheme;
(iii) the "Play like Brazil" football project;
(iv) the awarding of certificates of achievement under the Streetwork Project;
(v) proposals for new skate parks.

(d) Economic Development and Enterprise - plans for promoting Wirral during the period of the Open Championship 2006

(e) Cross-cutting issues -
(i) successful Wirral schemes that were recognised at the Annual Merseyside Environmental Awards;
(ii) successful schemes under the Local Agenda 21 Awards 2006;
(iii) the opening of the new pavilion at Birkenhead Park;
(iv) the availability of community project grants under the "Wirral - Open to All" campaign;
(v) the recognition of the beach at Harrison Drive as one of the cleanest and safest in the country;
(vi) the availability of £9.4m to provide affordable housing across the Borough.

Section 3: Community Initiative Funding - a list of the latest grants recommended for approval.

Section 4: Local Area Plan - it was expected to be ready by the end of June, for distribution to all interested parties.

Section 5: Youth update - activities in the Liscard and Seacombe area and participatory schemes at the Wirral Youth Theatre.

Section 6: Streetscene update - various issues.

Section 7: Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service - see minute 4 below.

Section 8: Community Safety update - various issues (see also minute 10 below).

Section 9: Highway and Structural Maintenance Programme 2006/07, showing the priority accorded to various schemes within the Forum's area (see also minute 8 below).

Section 10: Results of Citizens' Panel consultation on people's awareness of the Area Forum and its activities.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Area Co-ordinator be thanked for his report.

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Minute 4 - COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE (1) - FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Minute Text :

Tony Buratti, Station Manager for Wallasey and West Kirby, gave a brief update on the activities of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. He explained that, in addition to the obvious function of fighting fires, the Service performed a number of other vital activities aimed at reducing injuries and deaths. It was important that the Service was pro-active in that respect, and it undertook activities such as the Home Fire Safety Initiative, the provision of smoke alarms and the distribution of leaflets and advice, and it targeted specifically any vulnerable people drawn to their attention. Statistics showed that those activities did have an impact in reducing deaths and fires. There had also been a reduction in fires involving abandoned cars and rubbish, also as a result of a pro-active approach to ensure that such items were removed quickly.

He also pointed out that Wallasey Fire Station had become a community fire station and was promoting health through the Wirral Heartbeat initiative. Obesity in adults and children was a particular target. Use of the gymnasium facilities was free, and other organisations such as the Red Cross and WIRED were on hand to assist. He was particularly anxious to ensure that all those who did become involved joined the information network that helped to identify people at risk. The Chair and Margie Allan both testified to the excellent facilities and the benefits that they were providing.

The Forum thanked Mr Buratti for his report.

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Minute 5 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Minute Text :

Dave Hale, a member of the public, asked whether a review could be undertaken to find an appropriate venue for young skate-boarders (in the 8-14 year range), a large number of whom were currently playing in the vicinity of his house. The Forum noted the fact that planning applications had been submitted for skateboarding facilities at the Tower Grounds and Lingham Park, which had still to be approved. Councillor Fraser pointed out that part of the car park at Grove Road Station was well used by skateboarders, which was tolerated by Merseytravel.

Mark Camborne undertook to report back on the potential for various sites within Wallasey.

Father Ostaszewski asked about action in relation to cycling on pavements, particularly in the Torrington/Wallasey Roads area. The culprits appeared to be children from Mosslands School, usually between 3.20 and 4.00pm, and he asked whether the police could enforce existing restrictions. Sergeant McElvogue undertook to look into the matter.

Diane Ledder asked if action was to be taken to remove the tarmac from around the base of a number of trees in Liscard Boulevard. Chris Jones replied that instructions had been issued to create larger pits for the trees; the work could only be carried out on a Sunday, but it would be done as soon as possible.

Carole Thomas asked what action the police would take in relation to cyclists who were ignoring the designated lanes on the Promenade and also in respect the cars that were regularly seen there. The Chair stated that he was aware that the question of activities on the promenade was high on the police agenda, as there had been a number of unfortunate occurrences. He suggested that observers should take the numbers of any cars seen on the promenade and report them to the police. However, he had some sympathy with cyclists, in that the cycle lanes were often occupied by pedestrians. Sergeant McElvogue stated that it was the practice to issue fixed penalty notices for cars seen on the Promenade. The police were taking a zero tolerance approach and would continue to do so. However, there were a number of local drivers who simply used the prom as an easy way of performing a 180-degree turn, as opposed to doing so in the roads leading to the prom. Mark Camborne confirmed that the issue had also been raised at the New Brighton/Wallasey Forum and that the Director of Technical Services was looking into the matter.

Minute Decision :

Resolved that:

(1) Mark Camborne to report back on the potential sites for skateparks within Wallasey.

(2) Sergeant McElvogue to look into the matter of people cycling on pavements around Torrington and Wallasey Road areas.

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Minute 6 - YOUTH PARTICIPATION AT AREA FORUMS: PRESENTATION

Minute Text :

Steve Chan, Acting Deputy Head, Youth and Community Service, gave a detailed presentation on youth participation in area forums. He began by explaining what arrangements were already in existence to encourage the views of young people. It was an integral part of various schemes and initiatives: Connect-uz Connexions, play schemes (where children were invited to comment on safety and the types of activities involved), schools councils, the Children and Youth Voice Conference, which involved elections to the UK Youth Parliament, hot-seating (which involved shadowing councillors, Council officers or voluntary workers) and pupil panels, dealing with health, lifestyle and citizenship skills.

Recent achievements had been the completion of the Hear by Right analysis, the Participation Strategy and the launch of the Charter for Participation; and the obtaining of Beacon Status for positive youth engagement.

It was now well established that children and young people wanted to have their say over matters in which the Council was involved, such as the Leasowe Adventure Playground. Children and young people could make a difference if their views were given proper weight, for example, at a recent conference on personal safety, views had been expressed about the safety of young people in parks, especially at night. Also, participation was now expected as a result of government policies; the establishment of the Every Child Matters agenda and its five key outcomes; the need to adhere to the Charter for Participation and the impending Youth Parliament in October.

The next steps would involve Youth Forums becoming a focus for participation and consultation. The four Forums would be coterminous with the four new District Boards that formed part of the governance arrangements for Children's Services. In addition, Youth Forums would be developing links with schools, and it was also being proposed that a Wirral Executive Youth Board be established. Activities could be supported by funding arrangements via the Youth Capital Fund and the Youth Opportunities Fund. Consideration was being given to establishing links between the Youth Forums and Area Forums: for example, would it be possible to hold them on the same evening?

At the end of the presentation, Steve Chan responded to a number of questions.

Margie Allan commended the various activities and initiatives but was concerned about reaching disaffected young people. Steve Chan confirmed that that was part of the work programme - there were a number of outreach teams, including Play Outreach, and there was a co-ordinated approach with other agencies.

Margie Allan commented that mutual respect was an important feature of dealing with young people. She had been involved in a recent initiative to establish a dialogue between young people, who had been accused of anti-social behaviour, and older people, who she felt could be guilty of an intolerant approach to young people. The results of that dialogue had been very satisfying. In that context Steve Chan referred to an initiative in Sefton to promote restorative justice.

A member of the public referred to the fact that many young people congregated around green spaces and parks and queried whether any thought had been given to involving them with the various friends groups that provided support for park environments. Steve Chan replied that he would welcome any collaboration in that respect - Central Park, Coronation Park and Harrison Park were suggested areas for such an approach. Diane Ledder pointed out that the Wallasey Central Park Forum would meet the following Wednesday and asked if someone from the Youth Service could attend a subsequent meeting. She was particularly concerned about a recent incident where a large number of sheds at the Love Lane allotments had been damaged over the previous weekend. An additional concern was the fact that children as young as eight were able to find access to that area.

John Drew asked whether the Youth Forums had any input into what services they wanted from providers of youth facilities, such as the Allandale Centre and the YMCA. Steve Chan confirmed that that approach was already being adopted.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That Steve Chan be thanked for his presentation.

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Minute 7 - LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDENS: PRESENTATION

Minute Text :

David Morrell, Wirral Wardens Manager, gave a presentation on the role of the Wirral Wardens. He explained that there were currently 21 wardens, who were either Neighbourhood Wardens or Environmental wardens. They were funded through a combination of Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Housing Market Renewal Initiative and Community Foundation monies, and they operated in the main regeneration areas. He described their activities under a number of key themes:

(i) Caring for the street environment, which included reporting environmental problems to the relevant authorities; removing graffiti, litter, etc.; monitoring empty properties; and organising community environmental projects;

(ii) Reducing crime and the fear of crime, including monitoring community safety issues such as street lighting and abandoned vehicles; visiting vulnerable members of the community and victims of crime; and working with partner agencies and other Council officers;

(iii) Deterring anti-social behaviour, including funding and providing diversionary activities during school holidays; providing advice and assistance to victims of anti-social behaviour; and encouraging the take-up of local facilities and activities;

(iv) Fostering social inclusion and working with community groups, which included holding surgeries for the community; offering guidance and support to community centres and youth clubs; and attending residents' meetings and community events;

(v) Involvement in a wide range of community projects.

It was important that the service continued to develop, and consulting the community on how to improve the service was an important feature. Overall, the aim of the Warden Service was to provide a "friend on the street" to local residents.

The Chair paid tribute to the work of the two local wardens. Sergeant McElvogue asked whether there were any plans to expand current working hours. Mr Morrell replied that there were not at the present time, because of limited funding, but wardens' activities were not limited to ordinary working hours.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That Mr Morrell be thanked for his presentation.

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Minute 8 - STREETSCENE UPDATE - TRANSPORT CAPITAL MONITORING, INTEGRATED TRANSPORT BLOCK 2007/08

Minute Text :

(A) Integrated Transport Block 2007/08

Geoff Bell sought the Forum's views on how the Council might allocate the £180,000 available for various schemes, across the whole of the Borough, within the 2007/08 Local Transport Programme. The suggested options were to divide that sum equally between the 11 forums areas; to set aside £70,000 for two speed reduction schemes (in accordance with borough-wide priorities) and divide the remaining £110,000 equally; or to leave the whole sum to be allocated according to the priorities determined by applying the UKPMS criteria. He pointed out that, in addition to the budget under discussion, there would be other funding available for other safety schemes. The Forum's views would be reported back to the Council's Cabinet.

Following a discussion involving both members of the Forum and members of the public, it was agreed that the decision on the allocation of funds for particular schemes within the integrated transport block be left to the Cabinet.

Dave Hale queried whether funding might be supplemented from parking income. That could be obtained from a review of the parking policy for Liscard, particularly for evenings and weekends now that the area was being promoted as a town centre. Mr Bell explained that such income would be part of an entirely separate budget.

(B) Streetscene Update

Chris Jones provided an update on Streetscene issues and answered questions from the Forum and the public. In response to a question raised earlier by John Drew, he explained that the streetlighting in the Poulton area had been fitted in the 1960s and '70's. They no longer met the higher standards now in operation, and there was a programme of gradual replacement. That was likely to take some time as a recent bid for capital funding had not been successful. Gorsey Lane and Poulton Road had been completed; the main issue now was to deal with the side roads. In relation to the structural maintenance programme, he would be doing his best to ensure that as many as possible of the schemes identified (set out in the Area Co-ordinator's report) were implemented.

Margie Allan thanked him for the assistance given in dealing with problems around rear entries. She believed that the main responsibility for fly-tipping in those locations was with local residents. The perpetrators were usually well known and there was a need to prosecute them. Mr Jones replied that an enforcement policy and procedure was being prepared, and his inspectors would be involved in that. One of the Environmental Wardens who was present pointed out that although many cases had been resolved, many people appeared to be repeat offenders. It was therefore necessary to improve education and information services for the public. Mark Camborne added that he hoped that wherever and whenever there was a problem the public would still phone in to let the Council know about it (606 2004).

Dave Hale felt that the Streetscene service was doing an excellent job but problems were increasing in central Liscard, with litter from hot food establishments scattered around the area and attracting vermin. There was a need for a hotline so that immediate action could be requested. Mark Camborne stated that Streetscene did take urgent action, though Mr Hale indicated that there had been delays of several days in some cases.

Father Ostaszewski asked whether urgent action could be taken to alleviate the problems associated with the extended trench in Belvedere Road. Chris Jones undertook to look into the matter.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That Chris Jones to look into resolving problems re: extended trench in Belvedere Road.

(2) That the two reports be noted.

(3) That the Cabinet be advised of the Forum's view in relation to the Integrated Transport Block allocation.

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Minute 9 - PRIMARY CARE TRUST - UPDATE

Minute Text :

Marie Armitage explained her role as Director of Public Health for the Bebington and West Wirral Primary Care Trust (though she was familiar with the issues affecting Wallasey also). Her role was to improve and maintain the health of the population of Wirral, so that they could live as long and as healthy a life as possible. She believed that the issue of health was an integral part of many of the matters raised already at the meeting, such as community safety or the condition of the streetscene. She was particularly concerned to promote physical activities, in which case it was important that people should be able to cycle and walk in safety. Despite the efforts of the Health Authority and the Local Authority, it was still the case that 90% of health improvement was in the hands of people themselves.

In collaboration with the Local Authority, many physical activities were being encouraged, and particular encouragement was being given to older people and those with long-term heart conditions. There was also collaboration with Jobcentre Plus in relation to people with long-term incapacity. Poor mental health was often seen as a barrier to living an active life, and that was being tackled through the Brighter Futures Programme (more details of which could be obtained by ringing 647 1703).

Much was being done in relation to anti-smoking legislation, particularly to protect workers. Such legislation appeared to be working very successfully in Ireland, but there was a need for support services so that people knew where to obtain advice, including specialist advice (647 0211). Ms Armitage answered a number of questions.

Carole Thomas referred to her own experience with delays in obtaining an appointment with a physiotherapist. Ms Armitage said that she would look into that matter. Health Services were broadening the number of staff that could give advice and particular efforts were being made to encourage chair-based exercise and training in posture; losing weight and healthy eating were also key features of physical well-being.

Councillor Hawkins referred to his experience of pro-active checks for older people within community groups - those involved were noticing that they needed to see a doctor on fewer occasions. Efforts were being made to expand that scheme but currently funding was limited. Ms Armitage stated that she would be happy to discuss that matter.

In response to Father Ostaszewski's comment, Ms Armitage stated that it had now been decided that there would be one primary care trust for Wirral, with three areas for advisory services, probably Birkenhead, Wallasey and the remainder of Wirral. The establishment of patient involvement forums was being looked into at the current time.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That Marie Armitage be thanked for her report.

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Minute 10 - COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE (2) - MERSEYSIDE POLICE and COMMUNITY SAFETY SECTION

Minute Text :

A briefing note was circulated which showed crime statistics in the Liscard and Seacombe wards over the period April 2005 to March 2006. Over the year, Wirral's crime rate had dropped by 12%, reflected by an improvement in the public's perception of their safety. In the last quarter, Wirral had shown a downward trend in incidents of youths causing annoyance, and both reported crimes and anti-social behaviour had shown a slight reduction.

Although attending as a member of the public, Alf Mullin stated that he had recently joined the Community Safety Team as a Senior Youth Worker and had been impressed at how well partnership working was operating.

Sergeant McElvogue reported on a number of issues:
- action being taken in the area of the flats in Wheatland Lane, particularly in relation to drugs. A Section 30 Order was in operation, which the police were looking to extend as far as the Park. The Chief Constable had been particularly complimentary regarding the partnership approach to that operation.
- the mobile Police Station had been set up in the Kwiksave car park, though he felt it was not the ideal location. It was being staffed from 10.00 am to midnight.
- Operation Cougar, which involved only the police, was aimed at tackling criminal damage in the Birkenhead, Rock Ferry and Seacombe areas, because of the rise in incidents. The various elements of the Operation would be carried out every few months.
- the police had assisted Wirral Partnership Homes to evict certain tenants, action which was being well publicised because of its effectiveness.

Councillor Hawkins referred to the extension of alcohol-free zones, which local councillors had discussed with Sergeant McKewan, and which they fully supported.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That Sergeant McElvogue and Alf Mullin be thanked for their reports.

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Minute 11 - DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS and PRESENTATIONS

Minute Text :

It was noted that the next meeting had been scheduled for 18 October, at the same time and venue.

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.00pm and thanked everyone for their attendance.

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(Minutes Published: 26 July 2006)