3.1) Srg Mike Moroney: Merseyside Police

On the 8^th Feb 2010, a trial operation called Operation Leopard was carried out in Wallasey. The operation consisted of officers with cameras on their bodywear targeting anti social behaviour hotspots. Feedback was initially given from the community about which areas to target and any individuals who were continually causing problems. Once individuals were filmed, they were warned they were captured on film and this would be used if their behaviour persisted.  The operation proved successful and will be repeated in March.

The Police have been carrying out a number of road spotlight days targeting vehicles that do not have any road tax, insurance and for speeding. 6 vehicles were removed for no tax. Legislation has also changed giving the Police the power to remove cars from private land if they no tax. If anyone knows of any such vehicles please contact the Police.

3.2) Srg Mark Smith; Merseyside Police

Crime is dropping in the area with 2778 less crimes reported than the same time last year and also 138 less for youth disorders.

We have carried out Operation Martin to target any potential premises selling alcohol to underage people. The operation was successful and no premises caused an offence.

 After complaints from residents the Police carried out a number of speeding operations which resulted in 6 endorsement penalties being given.

3.3) Dave Hanlon -What was the response to projecting information on the side of the building?

InspSeb Hornby -Information was projected onto the side of Natwest Bank. This was used to publicise information about the knife campaign and other messages to the community. This method of publicising messages will be used again in the future.

3.4) Cllr Tont Pritchard -Do the Police work with the DVLA to check if any drivers do not have insurance?

InspSeb Hornby -All insurance companies need to register with the Police Database. This information is then relayed to the Police cars who can then check if a driver has insurance.

3.5) Cllr Sue Taylor  -Victoria Road and Grosvenor Road has suffered from issues of anti social behaviour lately.

Police -Police Community Support Officers have spent time in the area recently as they are aware of the issues and the youths that are congregating in the roads.

3.6) Mark Johnson -I have taken photographs of youths congregating outside my house and the library. Am I breaking the law doing this?

Police -If he is in a public place and takes a photo, he isn’t breaking the law. This is the purpose of Operation Leopard.

3.7) Steve Preston -The Council’s Community Patrol Team now wearing body worn cameras after receiving specialised training. Any footage captured on these cameras can be used by the Police.

3.8) Dave Hanlon -A number of people have rang on the Radio Merseyside phone line to complain that they have been stopped by the Police for having no insurance when they do have valid insurance. Does this usually happen?

Police -It is very unusual for the system to get drivers details wrong.

3.9) Mr Roth   -What happens when a driver appears to have valid insurance, however they have clearly modified the car, such as a larger exhaust. Does this mean their insurance is technically invalid?

Police -The Police can check all these details with the Motor Insurance Bureau.  Officers can also use their own judgement to stop a vehicle if it has been clearly modified.

3.10)  Tony Mooney: Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

There is a comprehensive update in the coordinators report.

The Fire Service has been working with the Council’s Social Services Department and local landlords to identify blocks of flats which could be in danger if a fire started in the premises. A lot of work has been undertaken to improve safety in the identified properties.

We have also been working with the Rangers Service and Community Patrol to offer training and support on putting out small fires in grasslands. It is hoped that this will lead to a reduction in grassland fires and damage to adjacent properties.

3.11)  Rod Jones: Wirral University Hospital Trust

The hospital is continuing to improve infection control performance. The hospital already had a good record and they are continually working hard to reduce infection.

3.12) Joseph Fish -Have there been changes to the disabled parking as a number of people have complained that staff have been parking in them?

Rod Jones -As far as I know there have been no changes and any staff member parking in these spaces would be disciplined. If you know of any examples please pass on them but I will also take this issue back.

3.13) Dave Hanlon -I tried to visit a friend at the hospital but they could not find details of him. If someone has been released can this information be given out as it would have saved me a journey?

Rod Jones -Unfortunately I am not sure on what the procedures are at the front desk so I can’t answer your question now, but I will also take this issue back and look into it.

3.14) Diane Moon: NHS Wirral

Dr Mukerjee could not make the meeting unfortunately. We wanted to highlight ‘Do something nice for a stranger’ campaign. Seacombe Children’s Centre will have a drop in for babies and dental advice and from 2^nd March will have a immunisation specialist on Tuesdays.

A lot of work has been going on around early diagnosis of cancer, however this is at an early stage. The Swine Flu National Helpline has ceased. If anybody does develop symptoms of Swine Flu they should contact their GP.

3.15) Dave Hanlon -Is there an update on bus service to Mill Lane?

Diane Moon -When Mill Lane was being developed negotiations were on going with bus providers to see if the service could be improved. These negotiations did not progress past the initial round of talks. These talks have started again so when progress has been made it can brought back to the forum.