Howard Mortimer explained that the technology for an on-screen presentation was not working.  In a verbal update he explained the purpose of regeneration; summarised the progress to date; gave an update on the master plan for Hoylake and West Kirby; and commented on scarcity of public funding due to the downturn in the economy. 

The regeneration had been fired by the return of the Open Championship in 2006.  Its purpose was to bring investment into the area, to bring about high quality improvements similar to those in Hoylake that would have sustainable benefits to West Wirral and its community.  The focus is to make significant progress on the eight projects in the master plan by the time the Open Championship returns to Hoylake, whenever that might be.  He reported progress on the eight project areas: Wirral Country Park, The Sail Project, The Greater Concourse Project, Public Realm improvements in West Kirby, The Crescent, Hoylake and Meols Promenade, Hoylake Golf Resort.

Public comments after Howard Mortimer's presentation included -

The Sail Project.  The scheme that is going forward bears no resemblance whatsoever to the originally agreed scheme. 

Throughout the discussions, assurances had been given that the developer would provide a new sailing school – but the developer would own it and it would be leased back to the Council at a peppercorn rent.  If the Council wanted to do something else with the land, in the future would have to buy it back.

There is already a shortage of parking spaces in West Kirby, and whilst efforts are being made to retain as much parking space as possible, the overall plans bear no resemblance to what was expected and agreed to at the start.

No Chandlery is being provided.  It is time to start again. Cries of HEAR, HEAR

Compulsory purchase was mentioned for the first time at a Cabinet meeting.  Who will compulsory purchase what?  Reply:  The ice cream shop.

The Crescent:  The statement that pedestrianisation may improve the trade is utter nonsense.

The Sail:  Every time there is a report, it is an Exempt Report, which is leaked to the Daily Post.  Who is responsible for those leaks?

The Promenade.  Residents cannot park outside their own homes. 

Greater Concourse:Is there a possibility it might go ahead, but the Council are unable to do anything about the Railway station area, which has been a headache?

Martin Harrison gave a short on the role of the West Kirby Working Group.  In his presentation, he explained that the main aim of the working group is to suggest ways to the Council of improving public engagement. 

In the summer, the group asked to see the Leader and Deputy Leader and Senior Officers of the Council to talk about suggestions to improve public engagement.  Those present had said they were personally committed to making this work and things have moved on from there.  The Cabinet had agreed in April on the need for public consultation on the Sail Project and for the consultation to be on a proper footing.  It is a step in the right direction but it is important that the Council liaises with the public because they have an input, and the development will not ‘crash on’ without involving anyone other than Carpenters.

A Lake User Group has been formed and will now represent sailing school users.  They will be able to talk to officers and tell them what is wrong with the current project and will help create a world class sailing club. 

John Hutchinson expressed the view that to leak is to subvert the democratic process.  The confidentiality clause has been broken.  Every leak should be investigated and the person brought to account. He continued that the car park is a ‘con’.  Salisbury Avenue has been recently re-surfaced, and five minutes after the signs had been taken away, vehicles were double-parked.  This is an indication of the need for parking in that area.

Jackie Hall commented that misleading information had been given about Hoylake Promenade and that there is a major refurbishment going on.  A large amount of money is being spent on preventative work that this Council should have been doing over the last twenty years.  The work being done is maintenance and not refurbishment.  People should not be getting credit for a refurbishment programme, which it is not.  The residents of Hoylake know what they want on the promenade.  The residents of Hoylake want the promenade to be restored to its former glory.  Local residents are effecting the improvements, and they should have the credit.  It is not refurbishment.

The Chair advised that that there will be a detailed scrutiny of the Sail Project at a meeting on 27 October at 6 pm at Wallasey Town Hall.  If anyone wishes to speak they should contact the Committee Officer.