Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies

Seconded by Councillor Jean Stapleton

“This Council welcomes the recent ground breaking ceremony to mark the start of the construction of the Wirral Youth Zone next to Birkenhead Fire Station. This £6m facility, designed by young people from Wirral, will provide world class sport and recreation facilities for young people throughout Wirral and is an excellent example of a successful public-private partnership.

Council recognises that the evidence shows that where Youth Zones have been built, anti-social behaviour has reduced massively, levels of ill-health have fallen and young people engaging in Youth Zones have developed good social skills, and improved their self-esteem and confidence.

Council looks forward to the opening of Wirral Youth Zone at the end of 2016 and agrees to write to John Syvret, CEO of Cammell Laird and Chair of the Wirral Youth Zone Board, and offer our congratulations to everyone involved in this excellent facility.”

Two amendments which had been circulated in advance of the meeting were submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

First amendment

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Chris Carubia

“Insert after para (ends "……self-esteem and confidence")

Council also recognises that the complex and emerging funding package for the Youth Zone requires a substantial contribution from the Council and remains anxious that the new Zone should not detract from the pattern of hubs established some years ago. 

Council suggests that officers should examine, and report upon, how the development of the main facility in Oldham, The Mahdlo, led to the operation of youth services being taken on by that organisation yet was still expected to retain a co-ordinated offer to young people in the various communities.”

Second amendment

Proposed by Councillor Andrew Hodson

Seconded by Councillor Cherry Povall

“Insert new paragraph:

Council acknowledges the good existing youth service provision across the Borough and notes the value residents place on this service; 64.7% of respondents to the last public consultation rejected the changes proposed to Youth and Play. Therefore Council, while welcoming the new Youth Zone in Birkenhead, is absolutely clear that this development will enhance the Borough’s existing youth service and will not replace it.”

The proposer of the original motion, Councillor Phil Davies, agreed acceptance of both amendments and moved the vote, which was duly seconded by Councillor J Stapleton.

Having applied the guillotine in accordance with Standing Order 9 the Council did not debate the matter.

Prior to the vote, Councillor Phil Davies and five Labour Members rose to request a ‘card vote’.

A ‘card vote was then taken on Councillor Phil Davies’ motion and the Council divided as follows:

For the motion (59) Councillors R Abbey, T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, A Brighouse, P Brightmore, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, W Clements, M Daniel, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, D Elderton, G Ellis, S Foulkes, L Fraser, P Gilchrist, J Green, R Gregson, P Hackett, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, T Johnson, A Jones, C Jones, B Kenny, A Leech, A McLachlan, M McLaughlin, C Meaden, B Mooney, S Niblock, T Norbury, M Patrick, C Povall, D Realey, L Reecejones, L Rennie, D Roberts, J Salter, PA Smith, W Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, M Sullivan, J Walsh, G Watt, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, PM Williams, S Williams and J Williamson.

One abstention – Councillor Les Rowlands.

Resolved (59:0) (One abstention) – That

This Council welcomes the recent ground breaking ceremony to mark the start of the construction of the Wirral Youth Zone next to Birkenhead Fire Station. This £6m facility, designed by young people from Wirral, will provide world class sport and recreation facilities for young people throughout Wirral and is an excellent example of a successful public-private partnership.

Council recognises that the evidence shows that where Youth Zones have been built, anti-social behaviour has reduced massively, levels of ill-health have fallen and young people engaging in Youth Zones have developed good social skills, and improved their self-esteem and confidence.

Council also recognises that the complex and emerging funding package for the Youth Zone requires a substantial contribution from the Council and remains anxious that the new Zone should not detract from the pattern of hubs established some years ago. 

Council suggests that officers should examine, and report upon, how the development of the main facility in Oldham, The Mahdlo, led to the operation of youth services being taken on by that organisation yet was still expected to retain a co-ordinated offer to young people in the various communities.

Council acknowledges the good existing youth service provision across the Borough and notes the value residents place on this service; 64.7% of respondents to the last public consultation rejected the changes proposed to Youth and Play. Therefore Council, while welcoming the new Youth Zone in Birkenhead, is absolutely clear that this development will enhance the Borough’s existing youth service and will not replace it.

Council looks forward to the opening of Wirral Youth Zone at the end of 2016 and agrees to write to John Syvret, CEO of Cammell Laird and Chair of the Wirral Youth Zone Board, and offer our congratulations to everyone involved in this excellent facility.