Graham Hodkinson explained he had been asked to raise awareness of the new approach to Neighbourhood Working and referred to a report which had been agreed at last week’s Cabinet meeting looking at the current relationship between the Council and residents. This report refers to how the work is organised across Wirral, and contained ideas on basis of having a different relationship working between the Council and residents, and alongside that to promote an improved public sector partnership.

The proposal will see the current eleven area forums abolished and replaced with a neighbourhood structure based on Wirral’s four Parliamentary constituencies; to have a Public Service Board in each of the four areas, with a strategic director from the Council taking responsibility for delivery.  There would be a resident-developed constituency plan and a constituency committee with elected members and members of the community, and the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency.

A member of the public made reference to approaching boundary changes,  however it was felt this would not affect the four constituencies overall.

Cllr Blakeley explained that although neighbourhood forums had not been well attended, they had kept local people informed about local decisions.

• Library Service

Julie Mann explained that the Council has asked the libraries to have a representative attend each of the neighbourhood forums to raise awareness of the contributions that volunteers are making in libraries in Wirral and in other parts of the country. A handout was available to take away after the meeting, listing activities in each of the local libraries. When asked about opening hours, she confirmed Moreton Library is open 9-5 Mon to Sat and 10-5 on Wednesday

·  Merseyside Fire and Rescue

Natalie Hayes highlighted the fire service’s initiative to visit vulnerable residents in their homes to offer free fire home safety checks.

She also stated that the figures for Road Traffic Accidents had been reduced and anti-social behaviour bonfires were down on Bonfire Night

A member of the public said she was allergic to smoke alarms and was looking for alternative appliances; Natalie assured her she would investigate this for her.

A member of the public asked if home safety checks are free, which Natalie confirmed the first check is free and advised any additional checks are available for a nominal fee. She then responded to a member of the public who had asked about carbon monoxide assessments saying she would talk to him at the end of the meeting.

·  Merseyside Police

Inspector Peter Kolokotroni then passed around the latest newsletter which contained an update on local police activity and initiatives. Since 2002 there has been a gradual reduction in most categories of crime however lately there has been a slight increase in burglary dwellings ie sheds and insecure properties. There has also been an increase in common assault, defined as someone having no visible injuries.

Two initiatives are ongoing: Operation Stay Safe: extra officers on duty due to lighter nights approaching and Operation Martin: underage sale of alcohol.

Inspector Kolokotroni then asked the public to be vigilant and pass information to the police if they suspect local premises are being used as cannabis farms.

·  Community Safety

Steve Preston gave a brief update:

·  Could residents ensure they lock their front doors to deter burglars.

·  Service providers and partners are meeting more to tackle issues around anti-social behaviour.

·  Letters have been issued to persistent offenders who park on pavements.

·  36% reduction in anti-social behaviour fires and 65 tonnes of fire materials were removed around 5^th November last year