The Committee will be invited to appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair for the remainder of the municipal year.

The Clerk to the Wallasey Constituency Committee invited nominations for the Chair.

It was moved by Councillor Salter and seconded by Councillor Daniel - “That Councillor Robert Gregson be appointed Chair for the current municipal year.”

The motion of Councillor Salter was put and carried (3 members abstaining).

Resolved – That Councillor Robert Gregson be appointed Chair of this Constituency Committee for the current municipal year.

The Chair then invited nominations for the appointment of Vice-Chair.

A motion by Councillor A Jones seconded by Councillor Leech was put and carried (3 members abstaining).

Resolved – That Councillor Bernie Mooney be appointed Vice-Chair of this Constituency Committee for the current municipal year.

Members are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on the agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

Members were asked to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or any other relevant interest in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

Councillor T. Johnson informed the Chair that due to a pre-arranged diary commitment she would not be present for the full duration of the meeting.

With the Chair’s consent, Councillor R. Abbey informed the Committee that Mersey Travel had, that day, agreed to extend the ‘My Ticket’ bus travel ticket for young people from the current 5-15 year age group to include young people up to and including those aged 18. He informed that the £2.00p travel deal differed from other Mersey Travel tickets in so far as it is available from the bus driver and allows all day travel across the bus network without any restriction (participating buses only). Members welcomed the scheme’s extension.

To approve the accuracy of the minutes of the Constituency Committee meeting held on 16 April, 2015.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Wallasey Constituency Committee held on 16 April, 2015 be approved.

The Chair invited Inspector Pete Kolokotroni to update the Committee on the police matters for the previous quarter. Inspector Kolokotroni summarised the priorities for the Committee as follows:-

• In the Seacombe and Poulton area the primary issues affecting the locality included anti-social behaviour, burglary and theft of motorcycles. An ‘urban street gang’ had been identified and was being targeted, a number of arrests for burglaries had been made, with warrants having been executed, and several youths had been arrested for a variety of reasons including breach of bail conditions, drug dealing and possession of an imitation firearm. A further 7 arrests had resulted from enquiries arising from investigation into those crimes mentioned above. Police had also identified key locations being used for the storage of stolen motorcycles / cycles with 6 having been seized in the past 3 months. A number of warning notices for anti-social behaviour had also been issued.

• In the New Brighton area efforts had concentrated on anti-social behaviour in the key localities of Marine Point, Tower Grounds and ‘the Dips’. Police had also investigated reported crime including underage drinking, criminal damage and theft of motorcycles. Actions included use of CCTV footage from the Morrisons / Subway store locations.

• In Liscard, a number of crime reports related to drinking and drug use in the Central Park area.

Inspector Kolokotroni informed the Committee that new priorities had now been set and preparations had begun for the run up to summer and the school break.

Members questioned Inspector Kolokotroni on a number of specific points, including updates on matters previously reported to the Committee.

The Chair thanked Inspector Kolokotroni for his report.

The Constituency Manager reported that the market place event held in the Leasowe Millennium Centre prior to the Constituency Committee meeting comprised representatives from multiple agencies, community groups,  charities and traders and had provided information on a variety of subjects. The Constituency Manager informed that at the event information and advice was given on a range of topics including:

• support for carers
• legal highs
• alcohol support
• crime prevention
• barking dogs
• food safety advice
• social isolation
• fuel debt
• managing diabetes

It was reported that the event provided useful opportunities for discussion and networking between groups and members of the public.

A number of positive comments were received regarding the success of the event, including comment on the ‘diversity and passion’ of the agencies, groups and charities in attendance.

The Constituency Manager thanked Michelle Gray (Constituency Engagement Officer) for organising the ‘Have Your Say’ marketplace event.

The Chair informed the meeting that a number of questions had been received in advance of the meeting, listed below with the name of the questioner and the respective response given.

Question 1:

Mr McWatt, Moreton

(Form Ref: AF95854)

Question:

Why is WBC thinking of demolishing a perfectly good Europa Pool and building another one so they can put more not-needed restaurants etc in its place? Wallasey is crying out for a swimming pool to replace the two the WBC demolished. This is the economics of the madhouse.

Response from David Ball (Head of Regeneration and Planning)

The proposal to relocate Europa Pools to an adjacent site and to re-develop the current pool site with a restaurant quarter to support the cinema and wider Birkenhead Town Centre regeneration, has been proposed by Neptune Developments.

This proposal was reported to Cabinet on 12 March 2015 (agenda item 12, pages 169-184 and Minute 161 refers).  In that report at paragraphs 3.11 through 3.19, the developer sets out his case for this proposal. He has done market research and there is an evidenced demand for restaurant uses adjacent to the cinema in this location.

The Council has accepted the developer's principles for the purposes of further consultation and a legal test of lawfulness. The Council has made no decision about them but a future report will be taking back to Cabinet in due course.

Question 2:

Mr Knott, Moreton

(Form Ref: AF95842)

Question:

Could someone explain how the Council decided to give public land to a riding establishment in order that the council could fulfill its undertaking to replace land, which they had taken from said establishment so as to permit building high value houses on the original land? Can the Council assure the population of the area that they will limit any development on the common land to that which is already there and that they will not permit any extension to the common land already given away?

Response from Steve McMorran (Manager - Assets and Surveying)

The Pony Club previously occupied a Council owned site adjacent to the Moreton exit of the motorway.  That site was zoned for residential use but could only be developed if the Pony Club could be relocated. Following a Cabinet decision, officers from the Council’s Asset Management Section assisted the Pony Club in identifying alternative Council owned sites and the site in Pasture Avenue, Moreton, known as Kerr’s Field, was considered to be the most appropriate.  The buildings which have recently been erected on the site together with the fencing are temporary, pending determination of a planning application.  Planning consent was granted on 3 June 2015 which approves the incorporation of the current fencing and stables in to a good quality more permanent facility, details of which can be viewed through the Council’s website.

The Council has placed notices in the local press of intentions to lease the land to the Pony Club. As part of the planning process the Council commissioned surveys in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Constituency Manager introduced a report that provided an update on the Wallasey Little Sparks (small grant) Fund that was launched on 28 January 2015. The report informed of the small grant fund programme invited applications from groups of children and young people aged 18 or under for projects and initiatives that would help the Committee address one or more of its priorities and areas of focus for 2014/15 (Minute No. 20, Wallasey Constituency Committee 23 October 2014, refers).

The Constituency Manager informed that 8 applications had been received seeking a total of £3,784.94. All applicants had stated that their projects would meet two or more of the Committee’s areas of focus (priorities).

Members were told that as this was a fund for children and young people, young people had been involved in the reviewing and evaluation of the bids. This process had also enabled those participating young people to gain additional skills. Wallasey Youth Hub (Council’s Youth Support Service) brought together a group of five young people (three female and two male) aged 17-18 to form an evaluation panel.

Members discussed the merits of the projects listed and funding available. Having initially considered limiting the awards to those projects by ranking, the Committee agreed that given all projects were considered worthy and sufficient funds were available within the Constituency budget, that the shortfall of £1,784.94 be funded from the current Constituency budget surplus and that all bids be approved.

Members expressed their thanks to the young people involved in the selection process, noting their efforts in reviewing and evaluation of the bids.

Resolved - That

1)  the report be noted;

2)  a virement of £1,784.94 from the Constituency Budget to the Little Sparks Fund be approved; and

3)  the following bids be approved:

a)  Charlotte’s Brightside CLC,  £500;

b)  Leasowe Positive Futures Group, £500;

c)  Leasowe Glee Club, £500;

d)  17th Wallasey West Brownies and Rainbows, £500;

e)  Wallasey Sea Cadets, £294.94;

f)  New Horizons, £500;

g)  Junior NCS, £490; and

h)  Eco Warriors at Sandbrook Primary School, £500.

The Constituency Manager introduced a report that provided an update on the Constituency Committee’s committed spend. The report also detailed the Committee’s budget for 2015/16 and outlined recommendations for a way forward regarding its spend for decision by the Committee.

The report informed that Wirral Council had devolved a further £50,000 to Wallasey Constituency Committee for this financial year, and that funding amounting £34,495.81 has been returned to Wallasey Constituency Committee for its reallocation - in total, £84,495.81 (less the additional £1,784.94 awarded to the Little Sparks Fund noted in minute 7 above).

The Constituency Manager advised Members of suggested allocations of spend as detailed in the report, namely that:

• Christmas Lighting - £20,000 be set aside by the Committee as a contribution towards festive lighting this year and that the Constituency Manager works alongside elected members and any local groups to facilitate this.

• Problem Solving Fund – additional funding of £7,843.27 be set aside by the Committee for low spend items that will provide a quick response to issues and/or allow a new approach to be tested that may ultimately lead to improvements within the Constituency. As noted in the report (paragraph 4.5.1), a figure of £7,156.73 had been carried over from the 2014/15 allocation to the Problem Solving Fund.

• Large Scale Project Based Activity - the Committee focus a portion of its budget on one or two larger scale projects that will assist the Committee in addressing its priorities, whilst taking the lead and driving forward activity to deliver sustainable improvements within its footprint (note: subject of a separate item on the meeting agenda – ‘Timebanking’).

The report informed that each of the above allocations met with the 3-year priorities as agreed at Wallasey Constituency Committee on 26 June 2014, Minute No. 9 refers:

• improving personal wellbeing;
• improving economic wellbeing; and
• improving neighbourhood wellbeing.

In addition, a number of specific budget head/funds had been allocated to the Constituency Committee, as follows:

• Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (£15,000)
• Community Clean Ups (£10,000)
• ‘Your Wirral’ 2015/16 (£50,000) - for applications from voluntary and community sector (not for profit) groups for bids of up to £2,500.

Mr Steve Ruddy (One Stop Shop Manager) informed Members that the ‘One Stop Shop maximisation of disposable income pilot’ launched in July 2014 (funded by the Committee) had been a success, although accessing individuals via some outreach methods (door knocking) had proved difficult, and people were happier to discuss financial matters in one-stop-shop venues. A Member suggested the use of community / church groups to spread the word. Mr Ruddy informed that as a result of the programme being maintained within existing budgets without the need for staffing backfill, a sum of £14,150 had been released back to the Constituency Budget.

Members were advised that the objection received with regard to 20mph speed restrictions in the Sandbrook Lane / Chapelhill Road area had been withdrawn (appendix 7 to the report).

Ms Jenny Welsh, Wirral District Prevention Manager – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, provided an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Presentation from Mark Camborne (Head of Corporate & Community Safety).

Mark Camborne, Head of Corporate & Community Safety delivered a presentation to the Committee (available via the Council’s website – appended to this meeting’s Agenda Reports) that detailed a series of proposals that would enable each of the Constituency Committees to prioritise anti-social behaviour prevention measures in targeted areas within their locality. A summary sheet was circulated (also appended to the meeting’s website Agenda Reports) detailing a series of options and associated costs.

The proposals considered included:

Liscard/Egremont/Seacombe

• Off-road bike campaign
• 12-week informal education developmental ‘GIRLS Project’
• 8- week informal education developmental ‘LADS Project’

New Brighton

• Youth engagement activity with voluntary / community groups
• Public engagement (including crime prevention, public reassurance and improving perceptions of anti-social behaviour)
• Quad bike patrol
• Alcohol misuse by young people – alcohol testing sticks

Discussion followed, with Members debating the merits of each option, the costs involved and expected outcomes. A number of proposals were considered, and how best to encourage partner organisations to provide additional funding to enable all programmes to be taken forward.

As a result, Members opted to fund the ‘GIRLS Project’, the ‘LADS Project’ and alcohol testing sticks expressing a desire that partner organisations be approached to fund the remaining projects. Members requested that if possible the geographical limitations be broadened to include other hot spot areas if possible and that further information be reported back to the Constituency Committee on the outcomes of the projects.

Resolved – That

1)  the report be noted;

2)  the funds be allocate to the following projects:

a)  12-week informal education developmental ‘GIRLS Project’, £8,985

b)  8-week informal education developmental ‘LADS Project’, £7,064

c)  Alcohol misuse by young people – alcohol testing sticks, £350; and

3)  the Head of Corporate & Community Safety in cooperation with the Constituency Manager approach partner organisations to investigate financial support to the remaining projects.

The Constituency Manager introduced a report that set out a way forward for the determination of spend for the Committee’s uncommitted budget to include exploration of a potential Timebanking project. The report informed of the benefit in focusing the Committee’s budget on one or two larger scale projects that will assist it to address its priorities - including the delivery of public health outcome(s) - whilst enabling it to taking the lead and driving forward activity to deliver sustainable improvements within the Constituency Committee locality boundary.

Members discussed the concept of Timebanking, and the merits of supporting such a programme.  Members had concerns about the sustainability of the project in the medium to long term.

The Constituency Manager invited  suggestions from the Committee as to larger scale projects that could be investigated further and considered at a future meeting by the Committee. Suggestions were made which included support for the training of ‘Dementia Friends’, Handyman Services, Defibrillators, and ‘Safe Havens’ where anyone feeling vulnerable or at risk can go to if they feel under threat of harm e.g. community fire stations, council offices, etc.

It was moved as an amendment by Councillor Chris Blakeley and seconded by Councillor Steve Williams that 1/6 of the Constituency Budget be made available to the Morton West and Saughall Massie Ward for allocation to projects within the Ward.

A vote was taken, and the amendment was lost.

Resolved - That

1)  Members of the Constituency Committee assist in the identification of a larger scale project(s) in support of tackling its identified priorities, providing the Constituency Manager with any further suggestions within the next two weeks; and

2)  Proposals around these projects, including a Timebanking project, be brought back to a future meeting of the Committee / Working Group for consideration and decision.

The Constituency Manager introduced a report that informed of the new budget devolved by the Council to the Constituency Committee for community clean ups and proposals for determining that spend. 

The report informed that, as outlined in Item 8 of this Committee’s agenda (Constituency and Spend), Budget Council on 24 February 2015 (minute 112 refers) had devolved £10,000 to each Constituency Committee to support communities to help clean up their neighbourhoods. 

Indicative prices for various options were outlined in the report appendix for consideration by the Committee. Members were informed that the list was not exclusive and that there may be other options that the Committee may wish to explore, such as bespoke projects led by the local community.

Resolved – That the Constituency Manager support Members to identify and cost options for activity permitted within this spend for review and decision at a future meeting of the Constituency Committee/Working Group.

At the last meeting of the Committee, Members had requested that a series of options for meeting places that could accommodate both the ‘market place’ event and subsequent committee meetings. Minute No. 34(2) refers.

The Constituency Manager informed that 24 venue options had been considered for the 22 October, 28 January and 14 April Committee meetings of the Committee, but only 4 were of sufficient size and layout to accommodate both the Committee meeting (taking into account acoustics) and the meeting place events.

Members debated a variety of options, including holding meeting place events away from, or on different days to the Constituency Committee meeting.

Given that public attendance had not increased dramatically as a result of the market place event being held on the same day, the Chair requested that Members give thought to ways in which the Constituency Committee meeting could be marketed, and that suggestions for this, and alternate venues be fed through to the Constituency Manager.

Resolved - That the meeting of the Committee to be held on 22 October 2015 shall take place at Wallasey Town Hall.

The Chair thanked the public, Members and Officers for their attendance.