·  Opportunity for resident to raise issues and speak to forum members & partners from other organisations

Plaques: There was bomb damage in Lancaster Avenue, Liscard on 12.03.1941 and over 30 people were involved and I would like to get a plaque.

Cllr A Jones - the death of a Wallasey Police officer in 1943 due to him rescuing someone in the Mersey.  Perhaps could have this on agenda for next time.

Q: how are the two boys that got attacked in Central Park?

A: Sgt Justin Diggins – I don’t know; I would have to get back to you.

Suggestion: Cllr A Jones – can I also suggest that the Forum write a letter to the paper that is doing the story on the previous issue (plaque for Lancaster avenue) and applaud them for what they are doing.

Wirral Veterans Contact Centre: Mark Camborne – I have been heavily involved with Simon Johnston, ex soldier suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.  It would be useful for veterans to have a contact centre.  Wirral Veterans Contact Centre is going live this week and the launch is this Friday at Cheshire Lines Building then it will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 2pm.

Comment: Cllr Bernie Mooney – they have the same project with the British Legion through the CAB. Mark Camborne – they are part of it, for families as well.

Suggestion: To invite someone from the veterans to come along to one of our meetings with presentation on their work and services.

Thank you: Joseph Lee explained this was his last forum as a community representative and thanked Michelle Gray and Mark Camborne who have done a fantastic job.  Cllr A Jones applauded Joseph Lee for his service over the years and also thanked Diane Ledder and Carole Thomas for doing an excellent job.

Casino: Father Leon Ostaszewski – re: Casino to be opened in New Brighton.  Contacted Rev Rob Nelson and Rev Arnold Dixon and they are concerned.  Spoke to Margaret O’Dowd Licensing Officer and Security Officer David Eccles and licence was granted in Central Birkenhead and is now in New Brighton but was not in original plan.  We ask measures to be taken to avoid misery and checks to made to check that people are in a position to gamble.  Open 22 hours and they have an alcohol beverage licence for 24 hours.  They claim this is random gambling.  We are having a meeting with Margaret O’Dowd tomorrow and we will be observing this area.  Also Asda will not close in Seaview Road. 

Cllr A Jones – said although casino gambling was widely regarded as “personal choice” it also attracted gullible people who were led into changing large sums of money they and their families could not afford.  He emphasised that his view was entirely personal but that he was opposed to encouraging such businesses.  However, he was not particularly optimistic as all decisions have already been made.

The Chair Cllr Adrian Jones thanked all who attended and closed the meeting.  The next area forum would take place in October.