Tracey Smith, presented her report containing the minutes from the previous meeting held in February 2011 included was local updates from our partners.

Tracey Smith highlighted any issues that been raised at a previous forum and had been actioned and are detailed on page 12 of the area forum papers.

Feedback:

Minutes – forum attendees liked the new layout of the minutes, they have improved, and they are clear and concise.

Briefing Note from Steve Foulkes:

Cllr Steve Foulkes was due to attend the area forum tonight but he is in Birmingham on Council business.

He fully supports the Neighbourhood plans as they are a vision for the neighbourhood, for them to be a success and to be a true reflection of what local people want, it is absolutely vital that communities get involved in the process.  He hopes to be able to attend the next area forum meeting.

Hoylake Community Centre:

Funding has been obtained for replacement roof and other essential works, and for employing a new manager and new caretaker.  Future plans to encourage more users at centre, but currently do have a lot of varied activities going on already.

Neighbourhood Plans:

Q: Is this under the localism Bill?

A: No it is a Neighbourhood Plan and it’s aim is to be a local document for this area forum area.

Q: Hoylake Village Life are working on their plan it is early days, has to be a referendum before we adopt it as a Council.

A: The responsibility lies with Hoylake Village Life on the consultation for that plan.

Comment: only two areas applied for the planning vanguard to central government.

Councillor Gerry Ellis congratulated all the groups that work in the local area. He was keen for groups and residents to take part in consultation (examples Libraries, Hotel in West Kirby).

Highway Maintenance Programme:

The Highway Maintenance Programme of works is detailed on pages 17 – 20, it lists all the road improvements taking taken place for this area.  Any new suggestions residents may have for  2012/2013 complete suggestion sheet available at the forum or alternatively contact Trace Smith direct 0151 691 8026 traceysmith@wirral.gov.uk

• Hoylake Promenade to be re-visited as the resurfacing of roads needs attention, missing lines (yellow/white) etc there is still some of work to be completed in this area.  Mark Traynor to look into this and report back to next area forum.

Bridge Court:

WPH are working with key stakeholders in West Kirby, including the Primary Care Trust and Wirral Borough Council, to determine what might be possible on the Bridge Court site, and whether or not the West Kirby Health Centre could be restored there. It is anticipated that the feasibility work will be concluded later this year and any proposals will be the subject of consultation with all interested parties.

Hoose Court:

Demolition works for this site due to take place, talks will take place with neighbours to discuss how they would like the site landscaped.  Council and Paul Brown due to meet to discuss this site & future of it.

Hoylake Life Boat Museum:

John Parr explained the old life boat station had been bought by Tony Crane, a local business man and committed to the development of the station.  It will be a museum and will have a heritage theme. It will have charitable status and be run as a non for profit organisation, with a long term lease.  This is a success story for the area.

Without the community’s support this would have never happened. Thanks to Peel Holdings for their commitment and agreeing to us having the building. £30,000 worth of funding has been granted to the life boat museum.

For more information visit www.hoylakelifeboatmuseum.com welcome all to sign up and join as members, participate in support groups, be part of the friend groups and help raise money for appeals.