Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Harney

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

• the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
• the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
• the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
• there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or Council buildings.

Proposed by Councillor Holbrook

Seconded by Councillor Harney

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

• the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
• the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
• the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
• there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or Council buildings.

Amendment submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7(3)

Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser

Seconded by Councillor Blakeley

Add the following to the motion:

(5)  This Council recognises and applauds the invaluable work that Merseyside Police has done, and continues to do, to drive down crime in Wirral.

(6)  This Council recognises that much of the success of the reduction in crime has come about as a result of close neighbourhood and community policing and the relationships and trust built up with communities, elected members and partner agencies.

(7)  Council therefore, while welcoming Merseyside Police’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate strategy, requests that a commitment is given by them that, when reviewing their strategy, no further communities will lose their police station.

(8)  Council further asks that any changes to the current location of response vehicles do not result in any potential increases in response times or any lack of response.

Following a debate, the amendment was put and carried unanimously.

Resolved:  That

(1)  This Council notes the Merseyside Police Authority Estate Strategy proposals for the modernisation of its estate in Wirral.

(2)  This Council notes in particular that:

• the modernisation is intended to provide buildings that are fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st century for the benefit of the people of Wirral;
• the proposals include investment in a new Area Command Centre in Birkenhead, replacing Mortimer Street and Laird Street Police Stations;
• the network of neighbourhood stations will be maintained;
• there is a commitment to maintaining current response times.

(3)  This Council also notes that its own Strategic Asset Review is under way.

(4)  This Council therefore welcomes the Merseyside Police Authority’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate and the considerable investment in Wirral, and looks forward to working with the Merseyside Police Authority to determine the most mutually beneficial use of the assets of both authorities in the Borough including the use of community rooms in Police Authority or Council buildings.

(5)  This Council recognises and applauds the invaluable work that Merseyside Police has done, and continues to do, to drive down crime in Wirral.

(6)  This Council recognises that much of the success of the reduction in crime has come about as a result of close neighbourhood and community policing and the relationships and trust built up with communities, elected members and partner agencies.

(7)  Council therefore, while welcoming Merseyside Police’s commitment to the modernisation of its estate strategy, requests that a commitment is given by them that, when reviewing their strategy, no further communities will lose their police station.

(8)  Council further asks that any changes to the current location of response vehicles do not result in any potential increases in response times or any lack of response.