Statements

Notice of representations to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, 30 January 2023 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 11.1.

Petitions

Petitions may be presented to the Committee if provided to Democratic and Member Services no later than 10 working days before the meeting, at the discretion of the Chair. The person presenting the petition will be allowed to address the meeting briefly (not exceeding three minute) to outline the aims of the petition. The Chair will refer the matter to another appropriate body of the Council within whose terms of reference it falls without discussion, unless a relevant item appears elsewhere on the Agenda. If a petition contains more than 5,000 signatures, it will be debated at a subsequent meeting of Council for up to 15 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor.

Please telephone the Committee Services Officer if you have not received an acknowledgement of your statement/petition by the deadline for submission.

The Chair indicated that there were 3 public statements to be heard.

Keith Marsh read a statement which emphasised that the Community Asset Transfer process had been an anxious and exhaustive period for Brackenwood Golf Club and members of the community. The statement noted how since May 2022, Brackenwood Golf Club volunteers had acted as custodians of the land ensuring it had been well maintained. He detailed how Brackenwood had submitted a Biodiversity Net Gain strategy which was complimentary of the brownfield first policy in the Local Plan and in support of greenbelt protection and how Brackenwood’s business plans offered affordable golf closer to home, reducing car journeys and carbon footprints as well as providing free access to a sport often seen as expensive to under 16’s and affordable access to adults to promote inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

Robin Clarke read a statement which demonstrated the local communities’ sentiments at the officer recommendation not to proceed with the Community Asset Transfer of Brackenwood Golf Course and echoed the community and volunteers commitment to the site and Biodiversity Net Gain. The statement detailed the support the members of Brackenwood Golf Club had given to businesses who expressed an interest in the future of the club throughout the Community Asset Transfer process.

In his capacity as a Wirral resident, Councillor Jason Walsh made a statement, supporting the previous statements that Brackenwood was a much loved community space and was important to residents.