A.  In accordance with Standing Order 21, the Mayor received a petition submitted by Councillor Brian Kenny of some 3,853 residents against the proposed closures of minor injury / illness services by Wirral NHS CCG.

The Civic Mayor was advised that a consultation on the proposal was due to finish soon and with his permission, Dr A Mantgani was allowed to address the Council and speak in favour of the petition and against the proposed closures.

B.  The following petition was referred to the Council in accordance with Standing Order 34 (1), having exceeded the threshold of 3000 signatures to trigger a Council debate, in accordance with the Petition Scheme.

A petition of some 15,033 signatures, submitted by Ms Sarah Ashworth and Ms Amanda Lancaster, opposing the proposal for a dog control public space protection order.

Ms Ashworth addressed the Council on behalf of the petitioners.

During the course of the debate it was moved by Councillor Phil Davies and seconded by Councillor George Davies, that –

“(1) The thanks of the Council be accorded to Ms Ashworth and the petition organisers.

(2) Council notes the petition and takes account of the proposals and recommendations of Ms Ashworth.

(3) The report to come before Cabinet next month will take account of the views expressed by the petitioners and the consultation responses.”

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Dave Mitchell, that –

“(1) Council recognises that the practical problems of introducing the scheme as proposed overcome the issues that need to be addressed.

 (2) Council believes that all offers from local groups willing to work on the reduction of dog fouling should be taken up as an alternative.”

Councillor Chris Blakeley moved an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Paul Hayes, that –

“(1) Council recognises the massive opposition to the introduction of a Public Space protection Order (PSPO) as a method to control dogs and their owners across the Borough.

(2)  Council recognises the work carried out by ‘Wirral Good Dogs’ and ‘Peaceful Protests – Wirral Dog Bans’ pointing out that the vast majority of dog owners act in a responsible and respectful manner.

(3) Council also recognises and applauds the previous Cabinet Member, former Councillor Matthew Patrick, for his actions in withdrawing the ban from our beaches.

(4)  And, while accepting that part of the proposals, particularly with regards to cemeteries and children’s play areas are sensible, it is clear a blanket PSPO is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

(5) Therefore, Council resolves to withdraw its proposals for a blanket PSPO in Wirral, and instead, focus its efforts in targeting irresponsible dog owners through an educational programme, while continuing to issue fixed penalty notices when appropriate.”

Prior to the vote on the amendment moved by Councillor Chris Blakeley, a number of Members rose to request a ‘card’ vote.

Following a number of interventions from Members and advice from the Director of Governance and Assurance on how a ‘card’ vote would be taken in conjunction with the use of the electronic voting system, a recorded vote was taken and the Council divided as follows:

For the amendment (26) – Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, A Brame, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, W Clements, T Cox, D Elderton, G Ellis, A Gardner, P Gilchrist, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, M Jordan, S Kelly, I Lewis, D Mitchell, C Povall, L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes and S Williams.

Against the amendment (36) – Councillors R Abbey, J Bird, P Brightmore, K Cannon, T Cottier, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, S Frost, E Grey, P Hackett, AER Jones, C Jones, S Jones, T Jones, B Kenny, J McManus, C Meaden, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury, PA Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, T Usher, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, J Williamson and G Wood.

One abstention – Councillor G Watt (Civic Mayor).

The Conservative amendment was therefore lost (26:36) (One abstention).

The amendment moved by Councillor Gilchrist was then put and lost (26:36) (One abstention).

Prior to the vote on the motion moved by Councillor Phil Davies, a number of Members rose to request a ‘card’ vote. A recorded vote was then taken and the Council divided as follows:

For the motion (36) – Councillors R Abbey, J Bird, P Brightmore, K Cannon, T Cottier, A Davies, G Davies, P Davies, W Davies, P Doughty, S Foulkes, S Frost, E Grey, P Hackett, AER Jones, C Jones, S Jones, T Jones, B Kenny, J McManus, C Meaden, B Mooney, C Muspratt, T Norbury, PA Smith, C Spriggs, J Stapleton, P Stuart, M Sullivan, T Usher, J Walsh, S Whittingham, I Williams, KJ Williams, J Williamson and G Wood.

Against the motion (26) – Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, A Brame, D Burgess-Joyce, C Carubia, P Cleary, W Clements, T Cox, D Elderton, G Ellis, A Gardner, P Gilchrist, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, M Jordan, S Kelly, I Lewis, D Mitchell, C Povall, L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes and S Williams.

One abstention – Councillor G Watt (Civic Mayor)

Resolved (36:26) (One abstention) –

(1)  That the thanks of the Council be accorded to Ms Ashworth and the petition organisers.

(2)  Council notes the petition and takes account of the proposals and recommendations of Ms Ashworth.

(3)  That the report to come before Cabinet next month will take account of the views expressed by the petitioners and the consultation responses.