A report by the Wirral South Constituency Representatives detailed progress to date following the co opting of five Community Representatives ( Com Reps) to the Wirral South Constituency Committee. The report highlighted particular issues being experienced by the communities within the five wards and sought to bring them formally to the attention of the Committee.

The Com Reps expressed their dissatisfaction with the demise of the Constituency Committees, particularly Wirral South CC. The Com Reps reported that they are proud of their achievements over the past five years and the way in which they had worked together with Elected Members in supporting the needs and aspirations of their communities.

Com Reps reiterated their frustration, disappointment and concerns over the lack of progress in developing a Wirral wide strategic Neighbourhood Development Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in October 2015.

Information on work completed in each of the Wirral South Constituency Wards was detailed within the report.

Mark Craig, Com Rep for New Ferry thanked Members of the Council for agreeing to allocate funds to the New Ferry community following the March 2017 explosion. He advised the Committee that as the second anniversary of the explosion approaches, an event is being organised to mark the occasion. He advised that some residents remain traumatised and therefore the proposal is to hold a quiet and respectful lantern parade.

Ray Squire, Com Rep for Heswall addressed the Committee to express his disappointment in the disbanding of the Committee and commented how it had been a great shame to not have any Cabinet Members on the Committee.

It was moved by Councillor P Gilchrist and seconded by Councillor D Mitchell that an additional recommendation be agreed as follows:

 “ This Committee places on record it’s grateful thanks to all Com Reps” and:

Resolved That (12:0):

(1)   the Chair liaises with the appropriate Council Officers to ensure that the resolutions approved in the Com Rep report in October are actioned as a priority; and

(2)  this Committee places on record its grateful thanks to all Com Reps.