The Green Streets programme in Wirral is a development of the existing work of community greening initiatives in the Mersey Forest that supports urban tree planting and long term stewardship of Mersey Forest sites.

A report by the Interim Director of Technical Services sought the approval of the Cabinet for the proposed Green Infrastructure scheme which would involve the planting of up to 600 trees on green spaces and approach roads to the proposed Wirral Waters developments around the East and West Float, Bidston Docks and environs e.g. on Hoylake Road, Ilchester Square, Duke Street, Tower Road etc. in conjunction with The Mersey Forest Organisation as part of the Green Streets Wirral Waters Project.

The Interim Director’s report also sought approval to undertake future adoption of trees planted on Council owned land, once the scheme was completed and future maintenance responsibility, after the expiry of the five year maintenance period.

The Interim Director introduced Ben Greenaway of the Mersey Forest Organisation, who was pivotal in taking the project forward and Grif Evans, the landscape architect, who were in attendance at the meeting to Cabinet Members.  He informed that the plans were currently on display in the foyer of Wallasey Town Hall.  The Cabinet noted that the scheme was being externally funded and managed by the Mersey Forest Organisation

Councillor Harry Smith informed the Cabinet that the scheme would greatly improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

Councillor Phil Davies told the Cabinet that the scheme was the result of a great imaginative idea.  It was a key regeneration mechanism and would enhance the land around the Wirral Waters project.

RESOLVED: That

(1)   the implementation of a tree planting scheme for the Wirral Waters approaches as defined in the map (Appendix A to the report) be approved; and

(2)  the outline master plan set out in the Green Infrastructure Investment Framework document be approved.