Westernlink on behalf of National Grid: Spencer Pepper from Western Link Electricity gave a brief presentation on the renewable electricity cable which is to be routed through Wirral from Scotland to Wales.  There has been a consultation process with residents over the last year discussing the route.  A newsletter is available for people to see the routes of the cable and plans for the local area.  These newsletters will be posted out to residents affected by the cable route.

NHS Wirral: Dr Abhi Mantgani, Designate Accountable Officer, Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group explained the changes occurring within the NHS.  Currently Services are commissioned by the Primary Care Trust, from April 2013, these will no longer exist due to the health bill, which requires GP’s to form into groups to becoming clinical commissioning groups. The reason for this is because GP’s are aware of the needs of their patients and the population that they serve. All 61 GP practices within Wirral have become a member of the Wirral Clinical Commissioning group. Due to the demographics within Wirral they have come together into 3 further groups in order to serve their patient population more effectively.  

Issues: Concern is that 99% of the public don’t know what is going on and not all households are aware of these changes. Tee Hey Lane Surgery was highlighted and there has been no newsletters regarding this issue.

Dr Mantgani:  Each of the CCG's have consulted their practice population through their patient groups, have formed patient councils and some have patient representatives on their board.  One group has produced newsletters and sent to all of our patients, this has happened within my division. At this early stage we have refrained from advertising in the paper as we have limited resources. We also have website which will be running soon to outline the CCG and the divisional activities. We will also be informing all Wirral residents as we progress towards authorisation as a statutory body.

Fire Service: Ian Hardman explained Birkenhead Fire Station is to be demolished next month via PFI private finance initiative.  We are committed to maintaining high standards, despite the current financial restraints being faced. Focusing on a more targeted approach towards the more vulnerable and at risk members of our communities, we will visit a minimum of 13,000 properties in Wirral which have never been visited.

We have seen 7.7% reduction in anti-social behavior secondary fires on Wirral.  Our Planning for this year’s bonfire period is underway with our first meeting with partners being held on the 19 June 2012.

The prevention team are currently working in conjunction with operation crews from Birkenhead to embedded a multi-agency process to increase awareness for operational crews and community safety staff of the localities of rough sleepers in Wirral. Our aim is to work in partnership with relevant agencies, to share information regarding locations of rough sleeping with operational crews. We are also looking to provide a resettlement pathway, when a homeless person moves into medium or long term accommodation we can complete a HFSC and implement any risk reduction interventions.  Wirral Prevention team are currently developing a Home Fire Safety Check referral pathway with the probation service. 

Merseyside Police Inspector Kate Cunningham – Crime is down, anti social behaviour is down, criminal damage is down, increase in domestic burglary.  Not huge but forum members were urged to make sure their houses were secure.  Increase last month of people stealing scrap metal as value of scrap increased. 

Q: over the last two months you have lost 2 PCSO’s and they will be sorely missed in the Bebington area.  I have seen one male PCSO in the last month and he was by himself and did not talk to anyone. 

A: Insp Kate Cunningham  - they are risk assessed and trained to patrol singly unless there is a reason why there should be 2 together.

Community Safety Jim Thompson: Burglary is down in Wirral, overall very safe place to live.  Urged forum to cancel milk and re-direct post if they are going on holiday, leave lights on and if pop the shop to lock the doors and windows. 

Lever Causeway - we get a lot of dangerous problems there with few drivers exceeding the speed limit.  David Rees has sent me a letter.

A: This will be put forward at the road safety funding panel meeting in August

Q: According to the cabinet report Kirket Lane has been re-surfaced but 3 yards has not been done.

A: Mark Traynor – will take back with me. 

Q: Why has this area forum decided to do away with community reps?

A: Cllr Jerry Williams - I don’t know. Michelle Gray informed the forum that a development meeting had taken place in March and the majority voted that they did not want them.