• Library Update
• Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
• Police
• Community Safety

Library Service

Julie Barkway reported on the following:

• With all the budget cuts, the library service has relied on volunteers coming forward to offer support and assistance with IT services for the public.
• There are changes in the Welfare and Benefits system – Help is available at the libraries for people who need assistance filling out on-line forms and help in general.
• The Library Service is working together with partners to help with Anti-social behaviour, particularly at Birkenhead library.
• The library offers various reading groups
• It is the intention to maintain libraries in communities

Plans for the libraries are to:

·  Have more Book Fairs

·  Easter and Summer Activities

·  E-Book loans – this has proved busier than a small branch library

·  Have a good selection of books

·   The opening hours will be staying the same.

Compliments were given to Julie Barkway for her report and also to all the library staff for their hard work.

Q.  Is there an electronic copy of this report?

A.  Yes, a copy will be sent to anyone who requests one.

Fire Service

Sarah Patterson reported on the following:

·  There has been an increase in Accidental Dwelling Fires; to date there has been 11.  It is important not to leave pans and ovens unattended.

·  There has been a good reduction in ASB fires since last year – this has been helped by the fire service working with local groups and engaging with the community.

·  There will be significant budget cuts over the next few years, but the Fire Service will still deliver their high standards.

·  There was an incident in West Kirby last week by the Dee Hotel.  It was not a major incident, as it turned out it was an ammonia substance found in an old garage behind the Dee Hotel.

Thanks were given to the Fire Service for their Hearing Aid facility for people with hearing difficulties.  The device is placed under the pillow and vibrates/bounces in the event of fire/smoke.

It was suggested that this piece of equipment be written about in the local newspaper to make more people aware of the benefits of this.

Police

Inspector Mick Blease reported on the following:

• This is a safe area to live in and the crime rates relate to this.
• There has been a 20% reduction in car crime and burglary.
• Please be aware of UPVC door handles – It is important to ensure you lift the handle up and turn the key to lock these doors.
• Last year there was a team of burglars – these have now been charged for over 30 burglaries in the West Kirby and Hoylake area.
• There is a new car crime device which criminals are using.  It can stop you locking your car doors remotely.  So please check your car is locked when you leave it, or alternatively lock the door with the key.
• Don’t leave anything on view in your car.
• Shop theft has increased – Mainly food theft.
• Criminal Damage to shops has also increased.
• The recent incident in Caldy involving false imprisonment.  One person has been charged.
• Police Recruitment -  Special Police can apply within.  The process has started

Community Safety

Jim Thompson reported on the following:

• The Joint Community Safety Team is working very well – It is a multi agency, working together with the Police, Fire Service and the Local Council.
• Wirral is a safe place to live – only approx 900 burglaries per year.
• Plans for next open Golf tournament have commenced.  The Park and Ride CCTV cameras are already in place.
• Community Safety has the best response times for local domestic violence incidents.
• Crime has reduced by 66% since 2006
• Plans are already in place for Bonfire night.

Councillor Jeff Green congratulated the Community Safety Team for all their work in reducing crime and anti social behaviour.