Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Wednesday 18 October 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 following questions were received from members of the public.

Jim Cadwallader asked a question regarding what steps the Council were taking to reuse older assets, such as train tracks, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint.

The Chair responded that the current railway structure is inaccessible and not fit for purpose. This is covered in the Birkenhead 2040 Framework in the creation of Dock Branch Park, which will see such assets transformed into an appealing natural and practical park space.

Barbara Gleave asked a question regarding reducing the speed limits on minor roads and country lanes to 40mph, in order to promote safety for cyclists.

The Chair responded that a Road Safety Strategy had been adopted y the Liverpool City Region. Recommendations identified by the strategy include a review of existing speed limits on all A, B and C roads. Vulnerable road users are part of the review.

Anne Adern asked a question regarding the publicity approach to making the public aware of quieter electric vehicles.

The Chair responded that this topic would be included on all road safety interventions that would be delivered and national campaigns would be supported where possible.

Jane Turner asked a question regarding the possibility of Council officers investigating options to improve pedestrian and disabled access, in co-operation with Natural England, to the tidal area of Hoylake Beach. Also requesting for this to be considered before a final beach management plan is implemented.

The Chair informed that the Council has a duty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to conserve and enhance diverse geological features, therefore anything that may cause damage to such features would be an offence. Natural England had advised that a Habitat Regulations Assessment must precede any work as well as an Equalities Impact Assessment. The Committee have also requested two further options be explored following the 2022 consultation. The Council will also continue to monitor changes at Hoylake following the implementation of the Beach Management Plan and will consider the provision of such boardwalks if necessary. 

Rosemary Chandler asked a question regarding what percentage of waste is recycled in Wirral and what can be done to improve this statistic.

The Chair responded that the rate of recycling in 2022/23 was 31.2%. The Environment Act 2021 includes a mandate for recycling kerbside waste. The Resources and Waste Strategy 2018 also includes targets for recycling collections. An upcoming DERFA consultation is likely to inform the basis of regulation and guidance for recycling collection. Wirral has also partnered with the Liverpool City Region districts n the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority Strategic Waste Partnership. This partnership has detailed an action plan which works toward the Zero Waste Strategy. This work will take some years to implement, but in the meantime work is going toward behaviour change and education campaigns.

Don Naylor asked a question regarding areas of sewage slicks and environmental hazards in water, specifically the River Dee in Chester, and if it would be possible for the Council to sign post residents to online alerts in order to spotlight hazards to health.

The Chair responded that the Environment Agency monitors water quality within four areas (Meols, Moreton, Wallasey and West Kirby). Wirral Council is signed up to receive daily notifications from the agency regarding the risk forecast, said information is also available to members of the public via the agency’s website. If a beach is at risk of closing for bathing then physical notification is displayed on notice boards.

Tim Brunsden asked a question regarding the opportunity to cycle and walk within New Brighton, and the wider area, making areas currently inaccessible for pedestrians more accessible to all.

The Chair responded that there are ambitions within the emerging Local Plan and the Birkenhead 2040 to prioritise walking and cycle routes. The council is currently working closely with National Highways to flag issues and seek further funding for improvements. Furthermore, plans for active travel improvements for local communities with be consulted on in Spring.

Marie Watson submitted a question regarding waterlogging in parts of Hoylake Beach, and, if subject to Natural England approval, would the Council consider trials such as cutting a small herringbone drain into the area to assist with drainage.

The Chair responded that due to the beaches proximity to the sea, it is prone to become wet following tidal action and being at sea level. The Council has a duty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to conserve and enhance diverse geological features, therefore anything that may cause damage to such features would be an offence. Natural England had advised that a Habitat Regulations Assessment must precede any work as well a marine licence from the Marine Management Organisation.

Julien Priest asked a question regarding road safety and pedestrian crossings, and if the Council was planning to put out more zebra crossings and if not, why this cannot be done.

The Chair responded with an overview of the current pedestrian crossing measures already situated within Hoylake, which include Pelican, Puffin and School Crossing Patrols. Due to financial constraints it is not possible to resolve all of the road calming concerns received from members of the public. A casualty analysis is undertaken annually to advise a targeted approach for reducing road casualties. Overall the work of members and officers will advise the next Combined Authority Transport Plan.

Charlotte Smith asked a question regarding an update on the Hoylake Beach Management Plan and possible consultation.

The Chair responded informing the questioner that the Committee passed a resolution in November 2022 which required the development of two further options for beach management. Any further development work must involve Natural England and Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service. Work may commence when agreement has been reached between all above parties.

Catherine Evans asked a question on behalf of Together Declaration. The question regarded an open invitation to the Members of the committee to attend a public forum hosted by Together Declaration regarding low traffic neighbourhoods, 20mph schemes amongst other subjects.

The Chair clarified that the questioner was a candidate for the Freedom Alliance at the election and was also the Leader of the party. The chair also clarified that there were no plans for a blanket 20mph and confirmed that she welcomed consultation with the wider business community noting that outcomes would be reviewed once the schemes had been implemented.

Niamh McGarry-Gribbon asked a question regarding the discrepancies between figures resulting in injuries from collisions that have been previously published.

The Chair responded that the Committee had previously approved the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Combined Authority Transport Plan for 23/24.  Each scheme within this report gave a number of personal recorded injuries, which totalled to 214 over a five-year period. The figure given at the previous Committee meeting related to different data from a six-year period, which totalled 617 (27 of which were fatalities). The figure of 214 is lower because it only includes those relevant to the scheme areas as opposed to the entire borough.

Correction from Minutes for 20 September Committee

Keith Randals asked the below question

On 26th of December 2018 the RNLI/HSC held their very last Tug-a-War charity event upon Hoylake beach.

I have attached a YouTube link for all committee members to view.

https://youtu.be/4HP1kyqyVJQ?si=SnQYbVTvWTaDYPaA

From the aerial footage within that clip, it clearly shows an unvegetated and well-maintained beach.

In the 1st 6 months of 2019,  grasses were suddenly starting to appear all over Hoylake beach, which was unusual as in preceding years the councils beach management operations had been working so well to prevent this happening.

My Question is

How many times was Hoylake beach raked and wind-blown sand removed from sea wall from 1st April to 1st September in 2019?

Answer

Thank you for your question. The Council schedule, at that time, was to rake Hoylake Beach up to 3 times per week between April and September. However, due to the dynamic nature of the beach and its use this schedule could vary on occasions. For instance, in the summer during periods of high visitor use, we would rake more frequently than this. At other times due to high tides when the beach is covered or partially covered it would not be possible to stick rigidly to this schedule or rake the entire area. As you may be aware Hoylake Beach was raked up until 23rd July 2019, when the beach rake broke and funds for a new rake had to be secured. It should be noted though, that at that time raking was not the primary method of controlling vegetation growth on Hoylake Beach, this was achieved with Glyphosate which ceased to be used later than year.