Cabinet endorsement of joint work on green infrastructure in inner Wirral

A report by the Interim Director of Corporate Services advised the Cabinet that the Forestry Commission, Mersey Forest and Peel Holdings had been discussing the development of a Green Infrastructure Framework for areas around the Wirral Waters site in Inner Wirral.  The Framework’s objectives included the improvement of the green infrastructure in this area that provided access between Wirral Waters and Birkenhead Town Centre, public transport hubs and existing green spaces such as Birkenhead Park and Bidston Moss.

It was reported that the North West Development Agency had made £1.4 million available over three years for this project to be delivered by the Forestry Commission, Mersey Forest and Groundwork Merseyside.  Wirral Council had an important role to play in steering this investment, with partners.  Local communities also had a role in delivery of the projects, including through the use of an Intermediate Labour Market.

The report provided the background to this project and advised Members of the broad implications for ongoing maintenance (although exact details would only become available as individual projects were developed).

Councillor A McArdle informed that she was very keen for horticultural organisations to be included in the bidding process

RESOLVED: That

(1)    the approach to be taken to greening Inner Wirral through the Setting the Scene for Wirral Waters Green Infrastructure Framework project be endorsed; and

(2)  further reports be presented to the Cabinet in due course on the financial and maintenance implications of individual projects within the Green Infrastructure Framework.