Although it is possible to forward pre-notified questions to the Constituency Manager, questions will also be answered on the night via the Chair.

Committee Members and members of the public in attendance at the meeting raised the following questions, issues, concerns and requests.

Number 1

A member of the public perceived that little was done in Newferry.  She made reference to children from Bromborough setting fires in Newferry and the urgent need to clear up the land where the fires had been set.  Also, she informed that local residents did not feel safe in the Newferry Shopping Centre.

It was also noted there were problems with overgrown trees and dog dirt in Longfellow Drive area.  It was an ‘eyesore’ and the owner needed to be contacted.

It was agreed that the three Bromborough Ward Members (Councillors Steve Niblock, Joe Walsh and Irene Williams) would stay behind after the meeting to discuss issues of concern in Newferry and provide advice on how to access funding to clear up the local area etc.

Number 2

Concerns were raised about the increased number of cyclists riding on paths and pavements.  There had been a number of occasions where people had been nearly knocked down by cyclists and it was considered that it was only a matter of time before this actually happened.  There had also been incidents with speeding car and it had been noticed that the Police were no longer visible.

It was noted that there was a particular cycle path on the Wirral that abruptly ended and this was confusing to cyclists.  Some cyclists used the pavements because they considered that the road was unsafe for them.  However, this meant that the pavements were unsafe for pedestrians.  There were also problems on the Wirral Way where people and dogs had been hit by cyclists.  A lot of cyclists chose not to have a bell on their bikes and pedestrians were unable to hear them approaching whilst others did not use lights or wear bright clothing.

The point was made that some motorists today had never cycled themselves and did not understand that bikes should be given a wide berth.

Reference was made to the bridge at Bebington Station where pedestrians walking underneath had nearly been knocked down by cyclists and the four bridges to Seacombe Ferry cycling route which was ignored by cyclists who used the road instead.  The question was asked whether the Council was investing money wisely in cycling infrastructure.  This seemed to be a national problem.

It was proposed that the support and assistance of the Cycling Forum be sought in attempt to address the issues raised.

Inspector Meredith informed that the Police now had less staff than ever before.  They had to ‘save life and limb’ and were struggling to attend 999 calls on time.  As they were struggling with their core role, quality of life issues had to wait.

Number 3

The Co-ordinator of the Home Watch Scheme in Heswall informed of the recent anti-social behaviour that had been occurring in Telegraph Road.  In the evenings children between 14-16 years old were engaging in nuisance youth activities.  The PCSO had stopped children who did not live in Heswall and asked them why they were visiting the Town.  They had said that it was because there were no Police in Heswall.

It was noted that a Subway Store had recently opened which the children were going to for an in expensive meal and then they congregated with some core Heswall children.  The Home Watch Co-ordinator urged the Police to nip this-social behaviour in the bud.

Number 4

Concerns were raised over the current state of Bebington Town Hall, its Annexe, Pennant House and the Police Station.  They looked abandoned and grass had not been cut for six to eight weeks as there had been a dispute over who owned it.  However, it was noted that the grassed land was in the ownership of the Council. 

The Committee received an unsubstantiated report that the Town Hall was to be occupied again soon.

Number 5

Some new shops had opened in Bromborough but no new car parking had been provided which was a concern.

Number 6

The question was asked whether Wirral South Policing area had 3 Police Constables per shift or in total.

Inspector Meredith reported that there were three Neighbourhood Police Constables aligned to Wirral South but Policing Teams based elsewhere would also provide emergency cover.

Number 7

Concerns were raised over vehicles parking on grass verges, on pavements and very close to schools.  It was noted that parking enforcement was a matter for the Council.

Number 8

The Committee’s attention was drawn to a new form of anti-social behaviour in Bebington where a number of drones had been flown recently.  They had taken photographs e.g. Newferry Butterfly Park and Bebington Station which were posted on social media sites.

A request was made for feedback on Council’s policy on drones at the next meeting of the Committee scheduled on 15 October 2015.

Inspector Meredith informed that he was sure that there was legislation regarding drones and that the Police were always slow to pick up on new technology.  He had not been issued with any guidance or instruction and probably would not be until the Police received a specific complaint about drones.