The Chair, Councillor Tony Cox welcomed the Forum members and16 members of the public to the Greasby, Frankby, Irby & Woodchurch Area Forum meeting held at Meadowside School.

Apologies:John Smith & Mike Hornsby

Andy Brannan informed the meeting that the updates from the previous minutes were on Page 9 of the briefing pack.

2.1The update on Tranmere Rovers is that there will be further consultation

on the Planning Application.  If any more information is required enquire at the end of the meeting.

2.2The yellow lines on Hoole Road have still not been done.  This will be

checked.

Andy Brannan informed the meeting that a display for a ‘Warmer Wirral’ is set up at the back of the meeting.  It is offering Wirral residents an opportunity to apply for free loft and cavity wall insulation.  For more information speak to the representative.

He also informed the meeting that suggestions for the Structural Maintenance Programme (road and pavement repairs) are being sought.  Forms are available to complete.

Steve Foulkes, Leader of the Council introduced himself to the meeting, and expressed that he is introducing the Neighbourhood Plan to make Wirral a better place to live in.  He wants the Council and Communities to work together,

Each area has different needs, he wants to revitalise the Area Forums and to help guide Wirral Council to distribute money into the communities.

Kevin McCallum delivered a power point presentation to the meeting to explain how the Neighbourhood Plan will go ahead.

The consultation process will be taking place across the borough at various locations and events.  (Shops, summer fairs etc)  If anyone knows of any events taking place and would like the team to come along, then contact the team and it will be arranged.

Consultation Process  July – September 2011

Analyse  September

Results  October

Findings  December

The findings will be presented to Cabinet in December.

Q.  What makes this different from the previous Community Engagement Team?

A.  This is open to all – It is a vision for the community.

Q.  Why these two months, when schools are closed and people are away?

A.  Unfortunately the time scales are set.  Schools will be targeted.  It has to be completed by the end of the calendar year.

Q.  Is the Neighbourhood Plan the same as the Localism Bill?

A.  No, it is not the same – the wider issue is where the resources of Wirral Council go.

Q.  There is some confusion over the 2 plans?

A.  The 2 are linked together.  The Neighbourhood Plan is to encourage more people in the community to get involved.

Q.  It might be an idea to look back at previous experiences with the Community Engagement Team and take it from there.

A.  The idea is to start spending smarter, work together and getting peoples priorities.

Q.  I Agree that everyone should work together – but it seems to have been glossed over that a community that doesn’t want the planning permission to be granted for a new Sainsbury’s in Greasby.  Can we take this protest to neighbourhood plan or the Localism Bill?

A.  There has been no answer as yet to the planning application.  The Neighbourhood Plans or Localism Bill won’t be ready in time for this.  The Planning department will decide.  It is advised to lobby members on the committee and give reasons for refusal.  Be aware appeals cost when it goes to court.

Q.  Is the Government backing communities in issues like this with Sainsbury’s taking business off local businesses?

A.  The law states that competition is not an issue.  The Planning Officer will take into account people’s feelings. 

Q.  There is a meeting on Monday in Woodchurch for the Community – Would you like to be involved in this meeting?

A.  Yes

Q.  The roof needs replacing at the Community Centre and it would be an idea for it to be replaced with Solar panels.  Is this the sort of plan that can be funded through the Energy Efficiency Fund  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Q.  The Oak Tree in the centre of the Spinney in Upton has a large branch broken on it.  The branch is hanging and is dangerous.  The police were informed, who said they would inform Street Scene.  A couple of signs have been put up around it to warn people of the danger.

A.  This will be checked and will be sorted as soon as possible.

Merseyside Police:

For a detailed report, see the Neighbourhood Newsletter.  This includes the Chief Inspectors Annual Report. 

• There has been an increase in burglaries over Wirral, Greasby has not suffered. 
• Advice was given to ensure that UPVC doors are kept locked.  A lot of the break-ins are to steal car keys.

Q.  Tickets have been issued to cars on New Hey Road and the area is not yellow lined.  Why have they been issued?

A.  The ticket depends on the offence.  The advice would be if your not happy with the ticket is to not pay the ticket and appeal which will be a court hearing.  Be aware that the ticket is originally £30, it then rises to £60 after a limited time, then it goes to a warrant.  So if you are going to appeal, do it straight away.

Q.  Why are the Police Areas not the same as Wirral Council?

A.  The areas are have been changed – Irby is covered by Heswall Police Station.  Rather than go to two Area Forums, bring any information or questions to this forum and they will be passed onto Heswall.

Q.  There is nothing for the youths of Irby to do.  They tend to gather at Thurstaston.  Can something be arranged for the youths of Irby to do.

A.  This is the exact information that is being sought through the neighbourhood plans and will hopefully help shape services in the future. Another suggestion is to contact the Community Police Officer in the area.

Q.  Does Upton Police Station cover Heswall when Heswall is shut?

A.  The 999 calls go through to a central call centre in Bromborough.  The call will be despatched to the nearest officer.  The response times for 999 calls are 10 minutes.

Ron Green – Community Representative:

• There has been a delay with the lighting in Coronation Park.  The posts are in but no idea when the tops will go on.
• The work on the Pavillion after the fire is almost complete.  Need confirmation from Asset  Management when the Pavillion can be used.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital:

For a more detailed report, see pages 22-25.

In addition to the report it was reported that the official opening of the Womens and Children’s Unit was opened by Countess of Wessex.  We are all very proud of the unit.

Q.  Have seen in the local press that some of Arrowe Park Services are moving to The Countess of Chester Hospital.  Is this correct?

A.  There is some discussions in place for Vascular services to move.  The reasons behind this is to get the best possible service for patients and to work in partnership with the Countess of Chester.  There is nothing to worry about.

Q.  How many Blue badge parking spaces are there at Arrowe Park Hospital?

A.  Unsure of how many, but know where they are.  There are no plans to increase the spaces.  Aware that people do abuse the use of blue badge spaces.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Q.  Who is responsible for the telephone box at the top of Hill View Road in Irby?

A.  A Brannan will take details and report back.

Q.  Residents have been complaining about the recycling operatives attitude when emptying the bins.  Also received a letter stating that she had put the wrong rubbish in the bin and if it happened again, a fine would have to be paid.  There was no evidence as the bin was in the back garden as they were on holiday.  Not happy at all with this.

A.  Street Scene will check up on this.

Q.  Thanks are to be given to Councillor Tony Smith and Councillor Stuart Whittingham for their help in taking the issues up regarding the Boxing Club

Q.  There are concerns over the Neighbourhood Plan.  Don’t feel that Wirral Council will be capable of listening to residents.  Wirral Council are running away with their agenda and they are not very good at engaging with the community.  After the previous Community Management Team, there are concerns that the same will happen again.

A.  No agenda is being set.  The Neighbourhood Plan is to get communities involved in how to split the resources and how to get services.  Unfortunately it is hard to change people’s opinion from past experiences.  This is an open process

Q.  Which Cabinet meeting did this go to?

A.  All parties are involved – The agenda will be checked and will report back.

Q.  After the library fiasco – take note!  Wirral Council didn’t listen to the public.

A.  Noted.

Q.  Is there any progress on where the grit bins will be put for the winter?

A.  Locations have been agreed, but not distributed yet.  Andy Brannan will find out and report back.

Q.  An email was sent to request a grit bin for Cross Drive as the deadline for the forms had been missed.  No reply has been received from this email.

A.  Andy Brannan will check.

Q.  Home Watch Scheme – There is a meeting next Wednesday 22^nd June at 1-3 Victoria Road.

Q.  After the No Cold Calling Signs have been put up, cold calling is still happening. 

A.  Will need to speak to Trading Standards regarding this.

Thanks are to be given to the Governors, teachers and pupils of Meadowside School for the use of the school this evening.  Andy Brannan will send a letter.

Date:  6^th October 2011  Venue:  To be confirmed