The Chair, Councillor Peter Reisdorf welcomed the Forum members and33members of the public to the Greasby, Frankby, Irby & Woodchurch Area Forum meeting held at  Irby Methodist Church Hall.

Apologies:

Councillor Gill Gardiner

Inspector Brian Griffiths

Councillor Tony Smith

Ron Green

The Area Co-ordinator gave an overview of the Area Co-ordinators Report which high-lighted the minutes and matters arising from February’s Forum.

(4.6) It was reported that the correct name for the Women’s Forum should read “BritishFederation of Women’s Graduates”

(5.3) Population Statistics - It was asked why this was not in the matters arising.  Apologies were made for this and it was agreed to check on this matter and report back at the next meeting.

It was agreed that the minutes would be read page to page and discuss any issues.

(3.2) It was asked if the rules for disabled concessionary travel alters at the weekend.  The rules are stated on the bus pass.

The question was raised as to how far the apologies extend to the forum.  Apologies are for the Top Table only.

(4.6) Mersey rail is not responsible for Upton station, Arriva Trains North Wales are the responsible organisation that Upton, Heswall and Bidston stations.

(6.7) The paved area outside Greasby shops is adopted highway, and is therefore owned and managed by the Council.

Andy Brannan, Area Co-ordinator asked if anyone has any questions regarding the report/minutes, they should contact him.  Contact details at front of report.

Ø  Come along and choose how you would like to spend £20,000 in your area

The ‘You Decide’ Scheme gives local people the opportunity to make a difference in how council funding is spent in this area.  Each area forum has £20,000 to spend on additional council services.

David Smith gave a presentation on the You Decide Scheme, and explained how the voting would take place.

At the end of the presentation, discussions took place on the areas for the fund to be distributed.  The vote took place after the discussion, using a new computerised system.  Each person had a voting hand set, they placed their vote and the results were registered on the computer.  All the results will be collated, including the competed location cards and will be reported back at the next meeting.

Councillor Reisdorf thanked everyone for their patience and participation during the vote.

4.1.  It was raised that the hourly bus service through Irby (Glenwood Road/Coombe Road) is irregular – this is due to the roads being blocked by cars and the bus can’t get through.  Can this issue be looked at for solutions – eg: Yellow lines/use the grass verge to make road wider.  This road problem is also a problem for refuse collections.  This issue will be taken away and discussed and will report back at the next meeting.

4.2   PCT – What progress is being made on the Warrens development?

A.  Planning permission is required, there are some ecological issues to be discussed with the developer.

4.3   Would it be possible to have a breakdown of monies spent to date?  Has it gone up from £430k.

A.  There are no figures as yet.

4.4.  How could it be that a music festival can take place and cost the council money, when they had closed Ivy Farm because of savings.

A.  The music festival was privately funded.  There may have been legal fees  involved, unsure of how much, but will find out for the next meeting. 

4.5  When reporting a fault to Street Scene, is there a time limit for responses? There have been a number of issues reported and no letters or replies have been received. 

This is not acceptable or satisfactory.

Some of the issues reported are:

§  Sign to be replaced at Coniston Road – 9 month wait

§  Clean up of roads – WI did a litter sweep

§  Tree replacements for Greasby Road

·  Crab Apple Tree – Irby Village – Causing a hazard with the fallen apples on the road.

A.  The normal response to complaints should be within 30 days.  This issue will be raised with the Director of Street Scene and will report back at the next meeting.

4.6  One of the You Decide activities for the money to be spent is £500 for notice boards at allotment sites.  Mersey Travel sourced their old notice boards and donated them to each allotment site.

4.7.  Who’s idea was it to place the large yellow road signs to state how many accidents had happened on various roads around Wirral.  What happens with the numbers when another accident occurs?

A.  It is a National Inspired Scheme, paid for by a government grant.  The idea is to make motorists aware of hazardous parts of the roads and to reduce the risk for any future accidents.  The first signs appeared in a neighbouring authority.

4.8  Could the signs be removed?

A.  The signs are part of a grant and cannot be removed.  The grant is to get the balance right with the risks and seriousness on the roads, trying to keep residents and visitors safe.  The motive of the signs is good, to educate and make people aware of the risks on the roads.

4.9.  Greasby library is currently being extended to include a children’s centre.  Congratulations were extended to the previous administraton who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

6.  PARTNER UPDATES/ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Community Safety Team

The Community Safety Team also has the responsibility for the Community Patrol.  All officers are now fully qualified The Security Industry Authority (SIA.)

Community Patrol staff now carry the personal CCTV, the images can be used by the Police as evidence.

It means Community Patrol is fully licensed to undertake their security role. In addition, the staff in the Council CCTV Control Room are also registered in order to view images. In both cases they have to qualify to be licensed and it's not just a 'paper exercise' but a qualification to undertake their duties

There are 4 extra officers to enforce Dog Fouling.

5.1  With regards to the dog fouling in the local parks, the bins are placed well in Coronation Park, so dog fouling can be disposed of easily.  However, there are not many bins around Arrowe Park, so causing a problem.

A.  This information will be passed onto the wardens, and the need for

more bins.

Wirral Hospital Trust

Any questions regarding the trust and the report, then speak to the representative at the end of the meeting.

NHS Wirral

There is now funding for drop in centres for Carers and Dementia.  This is to provide support for patients and carers suffering with dementia.  If anyone wishes to volunteer or offer support, then contact the number on 0151 630 5206 – All support will be welcomed

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

As well as the You Decide Funding, there is a small grant available for Community & Voluntary Groups.  Applications are available until 2^nd July 2010.  For more information, speak to Andy Brannan.

Leaflets are available on the Local Police Stations – Upton is now open on Saturday mornings.  The Upton Priority Setting meeting stated in the newsletter is being held on 22^nd June and not the 23^rd.

A thank you was given to the Police for their mobile police station in Rosslyn Road, Irby.  It was a worthwhile and successful day.

Ø  Wednesday 11^th October 2010 (venue to be confirmed)

It was decided that it would be useful if Street Scene did a presentation for the next meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting closed a 9.00pm.