Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, 14 June 2023 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer via this link: Public Question Form and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

For more information on how your personal information will be used, please see this link: Document Data Protection Protocol for Public Speakers at Committees | Wirral Council

Please telephone the Committee Services Officer if you have not received an acknowledgement of your question by the deadline for submission.

The Chair indicated that 22 Public Questions had been received, those in attendance were invited to ask their question, but due to timings a written response was promised to those unable to attend.

Ian Farrell asked a question regarding a field around Woodchurch leisure centre which had previously been a wildflower meadow, but had recently been dug up. He queried if this could have been retained to counteract beach management. The Chair stated she was not aware that the Woodchurch field was as heavily protected as Hoylake Beach but noted that the Council had been successful in receiving a grant to build a 3g pitch there. 

Don Naylor asked a question regarding the proposals for the HyNet North West regional energy network based around 'blue' (or fossil) hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) under Liverpool Bay. The Chair noted these concerns and asked that the information provided by Mr Naylor be shared with officers and Metro Mayor.

William Tomlinson asked a question regardingpublic consultation on 5g towers and 15-minute neighbourhoods, claiming a vast majority of the public know nothing about them. The Chair advised that Councillors are informed of 5g Mast Installation and are able to share this information with constituents. The Chair also noted that the public should be informed as to the principals of 15 Minute neighbourhoods and asked that an information statement is published to address this.

Niamh McGarry-Gribbincited various studies which de-bunked climate change, and queried what credible scientific data is relied on to justify the plans for low traffic neighbourhoods and the goal for net zero carbon.The Chair responded to agree that anthropogenic climate change is not universally agreed upon. However, we must follow national and international law and the Gov has signed legally binding agreements to act on evidence provided by the overwhelming majority of scientists who tell us that climate change is real. The Chair agreed that we should provide credible evidence regarding LTN and our net zero ambitions.

Rebecca Lowe asked a question relating to concerns about the Fender Lane Cycle Path and stated that there was congestion from Bidston Tesco to Moreton roundabout and she had concerns as a local business owner that this increased traffic will affect business. Ms Lowe queried issues with safety, people crossing red lights and access for emergency vehicles. The Chair responded to say that emergency services had been consulted and had reported any problems with emergency services accessing, but urged Ms Lowe to contact the police if she was aware of vehicles crossing red lights.

Wendy Bennett asked a question regarding the Pasture Road Cycle Lane Between Bidston and Moreton noting that she had rarely seen more than one or two cyclists on it or using it correctly and asked what had the impact on traffic congestion and safety been. The Chair responded to say that following a survey of traffic at this location, there would be an analysis of results. If the survey suggests officers needed to change anything that this would be considered. 

Paul Kelly asked a question regarding a proposal to store carbon dioxide ‘off shore’ in Liverpool Bay and he would appreciate the Council informing residents which method is being proposing to use to store the carbon dioxide whilst it is on the Wirral. The Chair responded to say that the Business Group HyNet North West, had plans for carbon capture and storage in Liverpool Bay, after piping it across north Wales. They plan to pipe Hydrogen across Wirral. The Chair confirmed that that Council is not proposing to store CO2 anywhere except in trees and other vegetation.

Sandra Richards asked a question relating to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and queried the restriction on freedom to travel outside the ‘zones’. The Chair responded to say that there were no plans to restrict freedom to travel outside of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and stated that further information on this will be published in due course.

Derek Holmes asked a question regarding the number of complaints the Council have received regarding the cessation of maintenance at Hoylake Beach, noting that it had been an amenity beach since before the Second World War. The Chair confirmed that she will get confirmation of that but noted that the Council had also previously been criticised for spraying and raking the beach. If Council resumed the practice now without permission, then it would be breaking the law and could face unlimited fines.

Nicola Verkade asked a question regardingHabitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) and when these are required for certain activities. It was suggested that the Council could add signage on Hoylake Prom reminding groups to check if their activity requires a HRA and how to apply. The Chair responded to confirm that signage is planned for the area and can include information on HRA.

Julien Priest asked a question regardingwhether the recent application for Village Green status or a recently submitted legal challenge letter from a local Hoylake resident had had any detrimental effect or may delay the ongoing consultation process for future Hoylake foreshore management. The Chair confirmed that following Committee’s resolution of November 2022, the officers have been undertaking the study of the 2 beach management options with MEAS and NE as directed by committee and will be reporting back to Committee later this year. This work and timescale have not so far been affected by recent applications and challenges.

Charlotte Smith asked a question regardingthe inclusion of beaches in the Chair’s portfolio when she was a Cabinet Member in 2019, the decision to cease the existing beach maintenance plan and queried impartiality and whether this would have prejudiced and consultation process. The Chair responded to say that the Cabinet Member decision of 2019 was not ‘arbitrary’ but followed a long discussion with NE in which she was told that NE were investigating Wirral Council for potentially breaching their agreement with NE and for spraying and raking beyond that which was agreed, allegedly destroying protected habitats in the process. It was noted that the final consultation is yet to happen but that 2 options had been put forward by the Committee for consultation.

A supplementary question was asked regarding of pre-existing legislation and agreements regarding the beach, including the need to address blue health and human activities, which would negate the decision of the environmental chair and public consultation process, and if so why was this ignored. The chair responded to say a written answer would follow.

Kathleen Littler asked a question relating to the elderly population in Hoylake who may not have internet access and may be unaware of what is happening at Hoylake Beach in terms of beach management. Committee was asked to ensure that all members of the community are able to have a voice and suggested letters or leaflets are sent to inform and gauge local views. The Chair stated that the public engagement and consultation exercise included not just digital opportunities, but also in-person and face to face sessions with officers responsible for the beach, answering public questions and supplied paper copies of the consultation documents.

All question not asked at the meeting will be published as an addendum to the minutes.