Prior to consideration of the submitted report of the Birkenhead Constituency Manager, the Chair permitted two short presentations on matters pertinent to the Birkenhead Constituency and the wider work of the Committee.

Tranmere Rovers Football Club

Mark Palios, Chairman of Tranmere Rovers Football Club, was in attendance at the meeting with the National League Play-off Final Trophy.

He noted and endorsed comments made about community and partnership working that had been made during the meeting, advising that the Club was seeking to work in a similar manner to bring the community together.  Examples of work being undertaken in the community were outlined to the Committee.  Mr Palios commented that he felt the spirit generated by working together had contributed to the success of the team at the Wembley final.

Policing Update

Inspector Georgina Minnery, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, in referencing earlier remarks relating to partnership working, noted the importance of collaborative working in the current challenging policing landscape. 

Reference was made to a recent day of action in an area of Rock Ferry that included the execution of four warrants, the making of three arrests and the closure of a house.  The police work had been supported by other agencies, including the Council and the Probation Payback Team, in undertaking complementary work in the same area.  Members of the Committee thanked Inspector Minnery for the action taken, noting also the other multi-agency issues that had been addressed and actions taken.

In response to a query from a member of the public, Inspector Minnery indicated that the Police were aware of and appreciated the issues caused by off-road motor bikes.  While noting that this was a difficult issue to deal with, it was confirmed that the Police did seek to address such matters.

Report of the Birkenhead Constituency Manager

The Committee then received and noted the report of the Birkenhead Constituency Manager that provided an update on progress in relation to agreed schemes of work from the budget devolved to the Constituency Committee and in relation to other Birkenhead Constituency Committee neighbourhood projects in progress.

The report considered and reported on progress of projects and schemes under the following areas –

• Keeping Birkenhead Clean
  • Progress on the current five ‘love where you live’ hubs and litterpick kits;
  • The 2018 ‘In Bloom’ projects, together with examples of where agencies had put in time and funds to work with schools and residents to make improvements.  A number of positive outcomes from ‘In Bloom’ projects were highlighted;
  • Skip Fund Community Partnership days and clean-ups which had removed an estimated 120 tonnes of waste;
  • Clean-up dates in the past 12 months; and
  • Work undertaken and jobs completed by the ‘Community Payback Team’.

• Feeding Birkenhead
  • Beechwood Update – including the official opening of the Skateboard Park; activities at the Little Centre Beechwood; meetings to look at a new community partnership to takeover running of the Ballantyne Centre; securing of a non-levy apprenticeship contract by the Beechwood Community Trust; and the Beechwood Digital Hub;
  • Gautby  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8