Greasby, Frankby, Irby, Upton & Woodchurch Area Forum Area Co

Woodchurch Area Forum

Area Co-ordinator’s Report

4th October 2005

Michelle Gray 691 8213 [email protected] Contents

Section One Minutes from the last meeting and matters arising

Section Two Local Updates Cohesive & Sustainable Communities · ASBO Campaign turns heads Quality Environment · Shaping Health – Wirral patients & public involvement · Age Concern – Shape future of local services · Electoral register · Bogus doorstep collections · Wirral top in Merseyside for Council Tax collection · All change for cash payers · Get off the line · Customer Services up for National Award · Children’s parliament on the environment · Wirral is speaking your language · Wirral’s anti-litter campaigning short-listed

Section Three Community Initiatives Funding

Section Four Local Area Plan

Section Five Youth Update

Section Six Streetscene

2 Section One

Minutes from the last meeting and matters arising

3 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Minutes - Area Forum (Greasby/Frankby/Irby, Upton, Woodchurch) Meeting - 21 June 2005

Present Chair SA Brown Ward G Gardiner , John George , Jean Quinn , PA Smith Councillors Community Representative Ron Green , John Smith (Greasby Community Association) s Lead Officer Marie Stacey (Head of Branch, School Effectiveness) Area Service Michelle Gray Co-ordinator Bebington & West Wirral Pat Higgins (Bebington and West Wirral PCT) PCT Birkenhead & Pam Bethell Wallasey PCT Merseyside Inspector Ian Shaw Police In attendance: Julie Barnes (Technical Services) , Kenny Bradshaw (Technical Services) , Ritchie Humphreys (DAAT) , Carol Sharratt (Community Planning Assissant) , Eileen Sheppard (Community Liaison Officer) , Tracey Smith (Community Planning Officer) , Joe Smith (Technical Services) , Mark Traynor (Streetscene Manager) Apologies Bert Grunnill (Upton Churches Together) , Cllr PTC Reisdorf

Index to Minutes Minute 1 - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Minute 2 - AREA CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT Minute 3 - AREA PLAN UPDATE Minute 4 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Minute 5 - COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUNDING Minute 6 - LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2 PRESENTATION Minute 7 - COMMUNITY SAFETY Minute 8 - PRIMARY CARE TRUST Minute 9 - FUTURE MEETINGS/PRESENTATIONS Minute 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Minute 1 - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The Chair welcomed 13 members of the public to the meeting and introduced the Forum members and asked if there were any matters arising from the previous minutes and report, and none were raised.

The Chair welcomed Kenny Bradshaw and Joe Smith (Technical Services) to the meeting to discuss an item that had been added to the agenda - plans for proposed road improvements at Arrowe Park.

Kenny informed the forum that it is proposed, as part of the local Transport Plan 2, to carry out improvements from the Thingwall Roundabout to Arrowe Park

4 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Hospital to improve the traffic flow. This will include converting the Arrowe Park Roundabout to signal control junction; junction improvements at entrance to Cherry Orchard Public House, Landican Cemetery and Hospital entrance. These will include traffic lights, pedestrian facilities, replacement street lighting and cycle ways. It is also proposed to remove the existing bus interchange and place two new bus stops on Woodchurch Road (to take the buses off the main carriageway), and to remove the public conveniences and carry out landscaping in this area and around the gates to Arrowe Park.

Anyone interested in viewing and commenting on the plans can call on board the Council mobile bus unit. It will be located at the entrance to Arrowe Park Hospital on Thursday, June 30 from 9.30am to 8pm and it will also be at Arrowe Park Roundabout itself on Friday, July 1 at the same time.

Kenny informed the forum that he would be happy to answer any questions / issues.

Members of the Public - There is a problem with cars being parked on both side of the road, causing a bottleneck, on the approach to the roundabout from Heswall.

Kenny - This is an Urban Clearway – so will ask the Enforcement Officers to look into this. There will also be lots of Traffic Regulation Orders included in the Scheme to help alleviate such problems in the future.

It is dangerous to cross Church Lane as cars speed along, even though it is a 30mph zone. There is also an Infant and Junior School in the road and they park along here causing parking problems for the residents. The problems are also made worse as it is also a bus route. It is only a matter of time before someone is killed. The Police have been approached about this and have suggested that I start up a petition, but do not feel that I should have to do this to resolve the problem.

Kenny – Will request the Road Safety Department to arrange for the speed trailer to be placed here.

Barbara Moores - Will any of the pavement or roadway be taken away for the landscaping at Woodchurch Road (to the roundabout) and where is the land for the landscaping coming from?

Kenny – There is enough existing land for the proposed landscaping and the roadway / pavement will not be reduced to provide this. There has been a major consultation regarding the landscaping at Landican Cemetery.

Mr Garrett - Buses stopping at the Cherry Tree Public House bus stop causes traffic to stop, will there be lay-bys added in this area?

Kenny – It is proposed to move the bus stop 100 metres further along the road, but not to add a lay-by as don’t want to spoil the rural look of the area by taking away the grass verges.

Will moving the bus stop cause problems to visitors to the Cemetery or do people only travel by car now?

Kenny – The stop will only be diverted by a short distance (100metres).

5 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Will the approach from Arrowe Park to Asda be used as a diversion route?

Kenny – No this route will not be used for traffic diversion.

Councillor Gardiner – Will all these issues taken into consideration when agreeing this scheme, and what is the timescale for this?

Kenny – Yes they will all be taken into consideration when looking at the proposed scheme, which is due to be taken to Select Committee on 1st August 2005. It is proposed that the 20-week scheme will start in September / October and be completed by March 2006.

Councillor George – Can anything be done to prevent rat running?

Kenny – We will try to prevent this by having the speed trailer in place.

Ron Green – At least one dozen cars park by Arrowe Park Hotel causing single lane traffic – a quick solution to this would be to place Police cones in this area.

Kenny – Will look into this.

Councillor Quinn – What provisions will be made for emergency access?

Kenny – They will be given high priority and be linked into the urban traffic controls.

The Chair thanked Kenny and Joe for this update and requested that any further issues on this be passed to herself or to the Area Co-ordinator.

Minute Decision : Resolved that

i - the minutes of the last meeting be agreed.

ii - Kenny and Joe be thanked for the update.

iii. - the Road Safety Department be requested to arrange for the speed trailer to be placed at Church Lane and where required to prevent rat running.

iv. – the problem of cars being park by Arrowe Park Hotel be investigated.

v. – the issues raised at this meeting be taken into consideration when agreeing road improvements for Arrowe Park.

Minute 2 - AREA CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT Members of the Area Forum had received copies of the Area Co-ordinator's Report in advance. Copies were available at the meeting for members of the public.

The Area Co-ordinator, Michelle Gray, highlighted the topics covered in the report (which can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.wirral.gov.uk/minute/public/area%20co%20report%20gfiuw_16505.pdf) and asked if there were any questions / issues arising from this. Michelle also informed the forum that she can be contacted about any issues prior to the next meeting.

6 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Minute Decision : Resolved that:

i - the Area Co-ordinator’s Report (including the minutes of the last meeting held 3 February 2005) be received.

ii - the Area Co-ordinator be thanked for the report.

Minute 3 - AREA PLAN UPDATE The Area Co-ordinator advised that the area plan (copies were available at the meeting for members of the public) had been developed by the forum taking into account consultations carried out at by the forums and with the Citizens Panel. She advised that the next step would be to set up a group to look at the issues and refresh the plan, which will hopefully be done by December 2005. She also informed the forum that further consultations on the new themes are to be carried out at events such as the Tranmere and Wirral Shows.

Minute Decision : Resolved - that a sub group be set up to look at issues / refresh the area plan.

Minute 4 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Members of the public raised the following issues

John Durrant

i. The amenities and facilities in Irby Village need to be guarded and there is a problem with rubbish at the centre of Irby (car park).

Chair - The hit squad will be sent to the area to address the litter problem on Wednesday / Thursday this week, and this will be monitored by the Streetscene Manager.

ii. The bench by the bungalow is used by lots of people walking from Irby Village to Pensby, and is maintained by local residents. Two petitions have been submitted to the Council (one for and one against keeping the bench). I feel that the bench should be retained and another one placed by the boys’ school.

Chair / Streetscene Manager (Mark Traynor) - Brian Smith from Technical Services is preparing a Committee Report for the Members to decide the fate of the bench, to ensure that the two alternative views are taken into consideration before a final decision is made on this.

Councillor Gardiner commented that the hit squad is brought in to clean an area, but if this is not maintained then it soon becomes as bad as before the visit. Mark agreed to arrange for this area to be cleaned regularly

iii. Motorcycles and cars speed along Irby Road, a speed trailer should be placed here to show motorists that this is a 30mph zone. There are no signs on this road to let motorists unfamiliar with the area know that they are approaching bends and junctions – I have written to the Council on this but no action has been taken.

Councillor Quinn – Geoff Bell is dealing with the speed checks and signage in Irby Road.

7 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Barbara Moores

i. There were litter pickers in the area and I asked if they would be clearing Thingwall Road, and they told me that this was not their job – feel that this is not the right attitude.

Mark – will look into this.

ii. There is a problem with overhanging trees obscuring road signs (such as the large direction signs coming up to Arrowe Park). It is also common around Wirral to only have road name plaques on one side of the road.

Mark – The problem with the trees will be addressed, as this is part of an ongoing practice. With regards to the name plaques, as an Authority we are not obliged to have two at every junction, as long as there is one that is clearly visible. Due to financial constraints we are unable to have two plaques on each road, we aim to place two on the main roads into the Borough but have a list of all signs, compiled by Consultants, and have programmes in place to tackle this if funds become available. If you let me know where the names of the roads I will look at these.

Sue Hewitt

The Chair raised this issue on Sue’s behalf, as she was not able to attend the meeting.

Area there any plans for Church Lane in the Local Transport Plan 2 for ramps/traffic calming as speeding is a problem?

Chair - There are no plans this time round for Church Lane itself, however Geoff Bell from Technical Services will contact Sue direct to let her know what is happening in the area and how Church Lane may be affected by this.

Catherine Smith

There is a problem with speeding traffic on the Woodchurch Estate and from parking by staff & visitors for Arrowe Park Hospital.

Chair – The issue of parking in the Woodchurch Estate is currently being addressed by the Hospital. They have appointed consultants Mott MacDonald to work with the Traffic Division to promote residents’ parking scheme and residents have been sent questionnaires about the scheme. The contact officer for this is Geoff Bell (606 2154) who will be happy to answer any further questions on this.

Councillor George – The residents parking scheme should be implemented this year. Residents will get parking and visitors passes as part of the scheme. Anyone parking in this area without a pass will receive a parking ticket.

John Smith (Greasby Community Association)

Is the forum aware of any future plans to curtail library openings any further than the recent Saturday closure (raised on behalf of the Friends of Greasby Library)?

8 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Chair – This was agreed at Cabinet 21st February and 1st March 2005.

Marie Stacey – Jim Lester (Head of Cultural Services) informed me that this was agreed at Cabinet as a least worse alternative saving of £70,000 (other options including closing libraries completely or reduction of books revenue) to maintain a lower Council tax. It is with regret that the decision was taken and many librarians are upset over this. It is hoped that this may be re-instated in the future.

Councillor Quinn commented that this service is important for young families as are the One Stop Shops based in libraries for working people who may not be able to visit theses to raise issues during the work, and that will be putting pressure on to try and rescind this decision.

Brian Gray

It is hoped that the Local Transport Plan will support the proposals by the Mersey Docks & Harbour Company / Peel Holdings to move freight via rail rather than by road.

Julie Barnes – There is a policy in the plan supporting the transfer of freight to rail, and a comprehensive study on this is being undertaken at the moment.

Mike Ireland (Irby Village Hall)

Mike thanked the forum for the funding awarded to the hall in the last round of bids, but raised concern over the changes to the alcohol licensing laws. At present if a local organisation wishes to hold an event where alcohol is sold they have to apply to the Magistrates Court – and it costs £10 and covers several events. The new style licence, which applies to a building costs several hundred pounds and is much more complicated to arrange. This will mean that local organisations will have difficulty raising money for the licence and it will affect fundraising events.

Chair – Margaret O’Donnell from the Borough Solicitor’s Department will be asked to contact you, as she is the best person to give advice on this.

David Smith (Centre Co-ordinator, Pemberton Neighbourhood Project)

i. The new mini roundabouts at either end of Pemberton Road are causing confusion for motorists who are diving over them or are not sure who has right of way.

Mark – Ian Ramsden form the Traffic Division is looking at this and I will report back on this at the next meeting.

Councillor George commented that he considers the roundabouts to be dangerous.

ii. Is anything likely to happen about the grot spots at Home Farm shops and St Benedicts?

Chair – The shops have been taken over by Wirral Partnership Homes and should be improved in the near future. The Diocese has sold St Benedicts to Bermuda Properties and we have been told that it is to be used as offices, but

9 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

have no further information on this as do not have a contact from the company.

Councillor George commented that the Council has no power apart form making sure that the site is secure, which it is, and it is hoped that it will be developed soon.

Mr Garrett

When was the last traffic survey done in the Greasby Road / Frankby Road / Arrowe Park Road area?

Councillor Quinn – This has been brought up with Geoff Bell from Technical Services Department. The survey is in the pipeline, as it was deemed best to do this after the by-pass was built.

Mark – I will look into this and report back on it at the next meeting.

Minute Decision : Resolved that:

i. the hit squad be sent to clean Irby Village Centre and that this be monitored / cleaned regularly.

ii. a report on the bench at Irby be presented to Committee and the outcome reported back to the forum.

iii. Sue Hewitt be contacted re: Church Lane / Local Transport Plan 2 proposals.

iv. Margaret O’Donnell (Borough Solicitor’s Department) be requested to contact Mike Ireland re: applying for a licence under the new alcohol licensing laws.

v. the Streetscene Manager will report back at the next meeting on investigation into the new mini roundabouts at either end of Pemberton Road and the proposed traffic survey for the Greasby Road / Frankby Road / Arrowe Park Road area.

Minute 5 - COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUNDING The area co-ordinator informed the forum that there is £11,000 in the Community Initiatives Fund, £3,000 available from the Community Safety Fund – ring fenced for Community Safety projects, and £1,500.00 available from the Local Agenda 21 Fund ring fenced for Environmental projects.

She informed the forum that the funding will be advertised in July and the closing date will be set at 15 August 2005, and asked if the forum wished to keep the advert wording the same as in the previous year and this was agreed.

Minute 6 - LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2 PRESENTATION The Chair welcomed Julie Barnes, Principal Officer - Technical Services to the forum to talk about the proposed Local Transport Plan 2.

Julie informed the forum that this is a Merseyside wide strategy document, containing a clear programme of plans for the next 5 years, that Merseytravel have to submit in partnership with Wirral and other Merseyside districts, which is set within a longer term strategy covering 10-15 years ahead.

It aims to continually improve transport conditions on all modes of travel

10 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

(buses, cars, trains, bikes, freight, etc.), improve air quality, and reduce congestion - which is forecast to continue to get worse over the next 10-15 years.

Five Local Transport Plan consultation exercises have been held resulting in the following:

Areas of Agreement - Congestion is already an issue and will become an increasing problem - Public transport should be favoured over car use - Much stronger linkages are needed with land use planning - Demand management has an important role to play – especially parking charges - More bus priority needed “making best use” - Wider travel to work area should be covered by LTP2 - “Window of opportunity” with regard to tackling congestion and modal choice

Areas of Disagreement - Tram/LRT proposals – to be proud of, or value for money? - Greater local authority control of public transport network – many agreed, but operators saw partnership as the way forward - Value for money of DRT – schemes questioned - Buses role in congestion and air quality viewed differently

The provisional Local Transport Plan due to be submitted in July 2005, will include the following vision: ‘a fully integrated safe transport network for Merseyside which supports regeneration and ensures good access to opportunities for all, and which is operated to the highest standards to protect health and the environment and ensure quality of life’.

The vision will be further supported by the following objectives: - To provide the right infrastructure to support economic growth and regeneration - To provide access to support a healthier community by ensuring transport does not impair quality of life - To manage demand to support a healthier community by ensuring transport does not impair quality of life - To protect and enhance the environment including the safety and security of the road users

A full consultation on the final Local Transport Plan will be held from October to December 2005 and will present an opportunity for people to have input into the process. The date for the final submission of the Plan is March 2006.

There will also be a consultation on the Accessibility Strategy in Autumn 2005 (which will look at why people want to get from one place to another and at any barriers affecting this that need to be addressed). This will be followed by a feedback session (setting the results of the consultation) before the submission of the final Local Transport Plan to the Department of Transport in March 2006.

The outcome of the process would be a 5-year plan, with annual updates and monies linked to progress that has been made.

Julie offered to answer questions on any of the wider issues, and to provide a full copy of her presentation if required, and informed the forum that she can be

11 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

contacted on 0151 606 2365.

The Chair thanked Julie for her presentation and asked the forum if they had any questions on this.

Mr Garrett - I am pleased to see that the Bidston to Wrexham electrification was mentioned in the plan

Julie – The Council are fully committed to this scheme which will provide a through service from Chester Business Park to Liverpool without having to change at Bidston.

Member of the Public (representing Travel Women’s Forum) - What is the real chance of the local authority getting control over local transport on Merseyside, as without this there will always be problems with the buses?

Julie – Neil Scales has achieved this with the trains and there is a good chance of getting this trialled as a project. The difficulty in getting this is that the bus operators would prefer an agreement based on a partnership rather than a contract. I do think this is a positive step forward and would include issues, such as omissions and provision of low floored buses etc.

Member of the Public - Public transport does not work on Wirral, as buses don’t turn up on time to take people to other routes (e.g. Liverpool), do not stop when required, or are taken off at 3pm to cover the school runs. Who regulates the bus companies?

Julie – The companies are regulated by the Travel Commission in Manchester, but if the service is subsidised then Merseytravel has some control. Companies only have to give 42 days notice to change a service, and we have no control over this.

Councillor Smith - Are there any consultations carried out at schools, as traffic on the roads is more than halved in half term? Can’t we be more creative and get together with schools to come up with solutions (such as subsidised buses / safer routes – like the yellow buses used in the United States)? I have been a School Governor for ten years and have never heard this matter discussed.

Julie - Travelwise do lots of work with schools, including Travel Plans, Walking Buses and Park and Stride Schemes. I can provide a list of schools with Travel Plans if this is required. Councillor Gardiner - There is a plan in place at the Greasby Infant School at present and it is hoped that this will be extended to the Junior School. In order to make this work you need to find schools that are willing to do this, and the governors should be raising this. It depends on core groups of parents to run and keep these going.

Chair commented that need to convince the parents to get involved in these plans.

Barbara Moores

i. Is the Council having talks with Peel Holdings regarding the refurbishment of the Docks, as this will increase the amount of traffic in the area? ii. Birkenhead North would be an ideal area for a Park and Ride Scheme is it is

12 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

managed / supervised.

iii. Travelling to Chester is free for people with bus passes, but they have to pay a supplement if they travel by bus.

iv. All initiatives should be taken on board by individuals, large organisations and local authorities (such as taking road traffic onto rail, looking at where distribution depots are sited to avoid lorries driving through villages like Barnston).

Julie – I agree that all these issues need to be considered, and the Council does work with neighbouring authorities.

John Durrant - If the restriction on parking was broadened out at Heswall Hills it may get more people to travel form Heswall to Liverpool using public transport.

Mr Garrett commented that the electrification of the train lines may go through Heswall to make this a more regular service. Car parking at Heswall Station would then need to be looked at again as more people will leave their cars to get on a train rather than a bus.

A member of the public commented that Gayton Station would be better placed than Heswall, with parking at site under the A540.

Ron Green - Has any thought been given to pricing through the tunnel, based on number of people within the car?

Julie – Trials of similar schemes have taken place in other parts of the Country, and this is an area that could be discussed in more detail.

Minute Decision : Resolved

i. That Julie be thanked for her presentation

ii. That the points raised be taken into consideration when agreeing the Local Transport Plan

Minute 7 - COMMUNITY SAFETY The Chair introduced Ritchie Humphreys from the Drug & Alcohol Action Team and asked if the forum had any questions / issues to raise on this topic, none were forthcoming.

Minute 8 - PRIMARY CARE TRUST The Chair introduced Pat Higgins from the Bebington and West Wirral Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Pam Bethell from the Birkenhead and Wallasey PCT.

Pat gave the forum an update on the Local Delivery Plan, which every PCT must produce. Both of Wirral’s the PCTs will produce a plan, and they will mirror each other. The Plans will set out what the PCT will do over the coming three years to improve the health and health care services for its residents. They will have targets covering the following four areas:

- Health and well being of our residents (supporting smoking cessation, healthy eating etc.) - Supporting people with long term conditions to live healthy lives (such as

13 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

asthma) - Improving access - Improving the experience of people using services.

Some of the proposals within the Plans area listed below:

- Creation of 30 additional nursing posts – specialised nurses to help people manage their own conditions and to co-ordinate care between hospital and home. - Creation of Clinical Decision Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital to speed up assessment by a senior doctor. - To ensure that by 2008 no one waits more than 18 weeks from being referred by their GP to receiving treatment. - To offer choices on when and where a patient can receive treatment following GP referral. - To open a new state of the art surgery in Hoylake and Meols to deliver 21st century primary care services.

Pat offered to answer questions on this issue.

Barbara Moores – Area there any plans on new surgery for Irby?

Pat – We are struggling to find an appropriate sized piece of land in West Wirral. The siting of the new surgery has been sorted for Hoylake and I will bring an update on this to the next forum.

Member of the Public - There is a piece of land between the last shop and the car park in Irby that may be suitable.

Chair / Pat – This requires a really large piece of land - the PCT and the Council are working closely together on this to find somewhere suitable.

Mr Garrett – What are your views on the ward closures in Wallasey and Clatterbridge?

Pat – The PCTs still believe (with Wirral Hospital Trust) that the right decision has been made. The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee have referred this to the Secretary of State for Health.

Councillor Smith informed the forum that the Council’s decision not to agree with the ward closures and that this be referred to the Secretary of State for Health was unanimous.

Member of the Public – My Husband’s Consultant made a worrying comment “There are going to be no doctors to man it anyway”

Pat – Under the European Working Directive the hours that a junior doctor can work are regulated, and to be in line with this we would need to considerably more doctors to maintain this. The Victoria Central Hospital rehabilitation services will be accommodated in Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge, with a reduction in the length of time as moved to better facilities.

The Emmanuel is now for sale, but it is being sold as a going concern in order to continue the same level of care.

14 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Barbara Moores – there are rumours that land at Victoria Central Hospital is being sold on. What is the situation with the extra premises at Mill Lane?

Pat - The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee have asked the Secretary of State to allow the land to only be used for health or social care use if it is sold. The office block was built at Mill Lane and the finance staff moved there to allow the demolition of the old building to provide a clinic.

Councillor Smith commented that a lot of money was spent on the fabric of the building.

Councillor Gardiner mentioned that Pat will do an update on the Irby Surgery issue at the next meeting.

Minute Decision : Resolved that:

i. Pat and Pam be thanked for their presentation.

ii. an update on the new surgeries at Hoylake and Irby be given at the next forum meeting.

Minute 9 - FUTURE MEETINGS/PRESENTATIONS The next meeting will be held on 4 October 2005 in Irby (possibly Irby Primary School). It was agreed that to arrange presentations on Lottery Funding and the Development of Cycle Networks for the next meeting.

Minute Decision : Resolved that -

i. the next meeting will be held on 4 October 2005 in Irby.

ii. presentations on Lottery Funding and the Development of Cycle Networks be arranged for the next forum meeting.

Minute 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS Ron Green presented a letter with information on scheme being run in Rotherham to maintain hedges called Street Pride Champions to Mark Traynor (who will forward a copy to the Area Co-ordinator).

Minute Decision : The Chair thanked Members of the Area Forum and the public for their attendance and closed the meeting at 9.05 pm.

15 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

Matters arising

· Update on Local Transport Plan 2 (LTP2)

(presentation on this was delivered to previous Forum in June 2005)

In line with the Government Guidance and based on all the consultation to date, the provisional Local Transport Plan for Merseyside was submitted to the Department for Transport at the end of July 2005. The full copy of the document is available at www.transportmerseyside.org

The vision of the Plan is - "a fully integrated safe transport network for Merseyside which supports economic and social regeneration and ensure good access for all and which is operated to the highest standard to protect the environment and ensure quality of life".

The plan was prepared jointly by the five local authorities on Merseyside, together with Merseytravel and we believe it represents the agreed priorities for Merseyside.

Between October and December there will be further consultation on the provisional plan and then the plan will be further developed in to the final document is due to be submitted in March 2006.

Should you require more information on the plan please contact : Principal Officer Julie Barnes ([email protected]) Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council Forward Planning and Strategy/Technical Services Department Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 1ND

· General Issues

Helplist - Assistance to elderly/disabled people who are unable to carry their full recycle bags? – Streetscene do offer a service to register you need to contact Streetscene and ask to be put on the “help list” 0151 606 2004 or email [email protected]

Collection Days - The following link provides an online database of collection days, simply enter the road name and it will give the option of paper, garden waste or refuse collection days. It will show a collection calendar for the particular service which can then be printed out by clicking the print button to the top right of the calendar. www.wirral.gov.uk/be/recycling or alternatively you can contact Ben direct.

Ben Parker - Assistant Recycling Officer Wirral Borough Council - Technical Services Department Cheshire Lines Building Canning Street, Birkenhead CH41 1ND, Tel : 0151 606 2427 Email : [email protected]

16 Section Two Local Updates

17 Section 2 Local Updates

Wirral’s Local Strategic Partnership (a partnership of key members from the council, police, health, private and voluntary and community sectors) has a lead role to play in supporting the delivery of the themes listed below and in planning existing services better to deliver their vision for the people of Wirral.

They have undertaken a lot of work over the last 12 months to ensure that they are focusing on those area that matter most to local people. They have updated their first community strategy to keep it in line with the views and priorities of local people, focusing on those issues that you have said will make Wirral a better place both now and in the future.

Wirral’s second community strategy “Getting Better Together 2005 - 2008”, sets out all that they will be doing over the next three years to make Wirral a better place where people will want to live, work, visit and invest.

Based on your views they have agreed to focus on the following four main themes, and these will be adopted by the area forums to enable them to link into the community strategy: ¨ Worklessness – We want all residents of Wirral to have access to well paid jobs. We want to ensure a range of opportunities and training are open to all of our communities, supporting work as an option and the development of an enterprise culture where local businesses are supported and entrepreneurship is encouraged.

¨ Cohesive and Sustainable Communities – We want to make Wirral a place that people are proud of, where all of our communities are safe and supported and where our young people are given the best possible start in life to achieve their potential and secure their futures.

¨ A Quality Environment – We want to make Wirral a clean, green, attractive borough, and through working with, and supporting our local communities, we will protect and improve the built environment, ensuring Wirral is a place where people want to live, work and visit.

¨ Access and Equity – We want to make Wirral a place where all people can easily access services and local facilities such as shops and healthcare. We want our communities to be empowered and involved in local decisions affecting local services and where all people in all areas have similar life chances.

18 Section 2 Local Updates

· Cohesive and Sustainable Communities

ASBO Campaign Turns Heads

WIRRAL Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team has launched its second awareness campaign focusing on the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.

The first phase of the campaign uses local buses and pay & display parking tickets to get the message across to the public. The campaign features 'mug shots' of a male and female, entitled "Get a life, not an ASBO".

Caroline Laing, Manager of Wirral's Anti-Social Behaviour Team, explains that: ASBO's are used to place restrictions on the behaviour of people who have engaged in conduct that has caused harassment, alarm or distress to other residents. “The purpose of the campaign is to make clear the impact that an Anti-Social Behaviour Order can have on a person's life, in the hope that in some cases this will act as a deterrent to behaving anti-socially.”

The campaign poses key questions. Did you know that: An ASBO could ban you from swearing or shouting in public, from being aggressive or intimidating? An ASBO could ban you from visiting certain areas, such as a particular road, shopping centre or town? An ASBO could ban you from leaving your home after a certain time at night? An ASBO could ban you from associating with your friends? If you breach an ASBO you could be arrested? Breach of an ASBO can result in up to 2 years' detention for a person under 18 and up to 5 years' imprisonment for an adult?

The campaign runs on from an earlier campaign in November 2004, which won the Team a national award, presented by Viacom Outdoor, part of the largest media and entertainment group in the world. Local resident, Mr Edwards from Greasby, said, "The posters are very eye catching, I did a double take when one went past me and I saw the two large faces looking at me. Hopefully they will have the desired effect."

Mrs Brown of Moreton, said, " Anti-social behaviour is a terrible worry and I hope people think twice about what will happen to them if they do not change their behaviour. The posters are very striking and I am sure they will get the message across.” The second phase of the campaign will be extended into local secondary schools during the new school term, spearheaded by Youth Enforcement Officer, Lucy Pritchard, who has responsibility for dealing specifically with anti-social behaviour perpetrated by gangs of youths. Caroline Laing, added: "The second phase of this campaign recognises that most young people are decent members of our community. The campaign is aimed at the minority who do not behave in a way that our communities expect.”

19 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

WIRRAL PATIENT & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT FORUMS

Have you got an interest in local health services? Would you like to join the Extraordinary Voice on the Wirral? Wirral Patient and Public Involvement Forums are helping to re-shape health services on Wirral for the better and have the power to influence change.

Forum Members are ordinary people with an Extraordinary Voice and are all volunteers who care deeply for the National Health Service but are completely independent of it.

Join one of the 4 Wirral Patient and Public Involvement Forums who work with:

Birkenhead & Wallasey Primary Care Trust Bebington & West Wirral Primary Care Trust Clatterbridge Centre of Oncology NHS Trust Wirral Hospital Trust

By joining a Forum:-

· You can gain the satisfaction of knowing you are shaping and influencing the way local health services are delivered.

· Create a great impact by giving just a few hours per week of your time.

· Receive free training relevant to the role of Forum Member.

· Receive out of pocket expenses including carer/childcare costs which will be reimbursed for all Forum business and meetings.

FOR AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION AND FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT:

LYNDA DENMAN OR KAREN PRIOR AT THE FORUM SUPPORT ORGANISATION: WIRED ON 0151 670 1500/Email: [email protected]

20 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

Older people invited to shape future of local services

Older people in Wirral are being invited to share their views of today’s society at Wirral’s 5th Annual Older Persons Conference.

The one day event, “New for Old”, is being held at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, and will bring together local older people and local professionals from across all sectors, including Social Services, local Health organisations, and Wirral Borough Council, to consider new developments and new ways of working that will affect the independence and well-being of older people living in Wirral.

BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, Roger Phillips will host a “Question Time” style debate with a guest panel, including senior representatives from Wirral Borough Council, Wirral NHS Hospital Trust, the local Primary Care Trusts and a local MP.

Myrtle Lacey, Chief Executive of Age Concern Wirral says: “It will be a great opportunity for local older people to make a contribution to service development and to make their voices heard on the issues affecting older people here on Wirral.”

The Conference is being held on Thursday 13th October from 9.30 to 4.30pm. Anyone wishing to attend this conference, should ring 0151 666 2220 to request a conference booking form. Entry will be by ticket only.

Delegates will take part in workshops to shape proposed services, such as the Bereavement and Loss service and also comment on the formation of the anticipated Wirral Pensioners Parliament. An electronic voting system will be used to enable local policy makers and service providers to consult conference delegates on current issues and future plans for the area.

Throughout the day, presentations will be delivered to inform delegates about local new service provision, as well as there being lots of displays and exhibitions to visit.

For more information about this conference, or about Age Concern Wirral, please contact:

Jamie Anderson, Senior Manager, Support Services, Age Concern Wirral. t: 0151 666 2220 email: [email protected]

21 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

ELECTORAL REGISTER

At a glance… · A newly revised electoral register will be in force from 1st Dec 2005 · Return your registration form for your chance to have a say in local, national and European elections.

WIRRAL Council is urging residents to return their voting registration forms to ensure that no one misses out on their right to vote in forthcoming elections.

New electoral registration forms will soon be arriving on doorsteps throughout Wirral in order to update the list and ensure it is accurate. Everyone should fill in or amend the registration form whether they are regular voters or not, as in order to have the opportunity to vote, your name must be on the new list.

Lesley Hales, Senior Electoral Registration Officer states: “People who have recently moved house, young people who will soon be 18, and new voters should all sign up to the new list to enable them to have their say in future national, local and EU elections.

“Having your name on the new register is also useful as banks and finance companies check this when deciding on approving or disproving financial applications.”

If you have not received a new registration form by the 14 September or if you have any queries telephone the Helpline on (0151) 691 8046.

For more information on the revised electoral list, please go to www.wirral.gov.uk

22 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

Bogus Doorstep Collections

Trading Standards are warning Wirral residents not to give clothing to a bogus Third World Clothing Appeal.

A leaflet is left with the homeowner, supposedly from a company called ASD Ltd (a legitimate steel business and not involved in the scam).

The purpose of the leaflet is to persuade residents to leave unwanted clothes for the scamsters to sell. The leaflet also refers to two company registration numbers for Olonex Ltd and Help Line UK Ltd. Both of these companies were dissolved in 2004 and are not able to trade legally.

John Malone Trading Standards Manager said: “I strongly advise the public not to leave any clothing in response to this request. There are plenty of genuine, local charities who would be more than happy to receive your unwanted goods.”

Wirral Top in Merseyside for Council Tax Collection

Wirral Council is the best performing Metropolitan authority in Merseyside for collecting Council Tax in 2004/05 according to figures released by the ODPM.

The report shows that the Council collected 97.4% of Council Tax in 2004/05, placing it fifth out 36 other Metropolitan districts in the country.

Improved collection rates can be linked to the fact that 70% of taxpayers pay by Direct Debit, making it easier for the customer and cheaper for the council. Customers have four payment dates, 5,12,20,28 per month in which to pay by Direct Debit.

Ian Coleman, Director of Finance, said: “This result is testament to the hard work of all involved. Many people wonder why collection is so important but the more we collect on time the more it helps future years Council Tax levels.

We aim to ensure that we continue to be one of the highest performing metropolitan authorities in the country.” “Its not all about collection, Wirral operates a Fair Debt policy which has helped over 500 people deal with over £1 million of debt, maximising benefit entitlements, making affordable arrangements. This shows you can perform well at collection and help people in poverty at the same time.”

23 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

All Change for Cash Payers - Wirral Council is set to make major changes to cash payment facilities involving the closure of six of the seven cash offices and replacing them with the Paypoint and Post office network.

The changes will greatly enhance the service on offer to customers, as they will be able to pay cash for their council services at 171 locations in Wirral as opposed to the current seven.

The Paypoint sites are located at convenience stores, newsagents and petrol stations. Many of these facilities offer extended opening times and some offer 24 hr, 7 days a week access. Payments by cash and cheque will also be possible at your local Post Office.

Ian Coleman, Director of Finance, said: “Residents will be able to pay their bills when they want to rather than when we are at work. Getting the Post Offices on board with this is of major significance as many of our customers, particularly the elderly, feel very comfortable with using their local Post Office and will be able to collect their pension and pay their bills all in one trip from now on.”

If you wish to pay by either of these methods in the future you will need to order a new bill with a converted bar-code on it. All bills issued after 15th August 2005 will have the correct bar-code.

Six cash offices based in the One-Stop Shops at Bebington, Moreton, Rock Ferry, Seacombe, Heswall and West Kirby will close from 14th October 2005.

However, the main cash office based in Birkenhead at the Conway Centre will remain open. All of the One-stop shops will remain open for other business. The cash offices based in the Housing Offices in Liscard, North Birkenhead and Woodchurch (now managed by Wirral Partnership Homes) will also remain open for customers who need to pay rent only. As well as enhancing the cash payment facilities, Wirral Council have also introduced credit and debit card payment facilities via One-stop shops, the Call Centre, the Internet and an automated telephone payment facility for some services. Customers will be notified on their bill of the types of payments that are available.

Payments via Paypoint and Post Offices will be available from 5th September, initially for the following services: - • Council Tax/Housing Benefit overpayments/Miscellaneous income invoices/Social Services – Domiciliary care (only via swipe card) More services will follow and customers will be notified on their bills when this happens.

Why are we making these changes? Over recent years, Wirral Council has noticed a steady reduction in the use of cash offices as customers move to more convenient ways to pay such as Direct Debit. Also, by moving to the Paypoint and Post Office network the Council can significantly reduce the charges incurred for collecting cash. This means that more of the money paid to the Council will go towards improving services and less on cash processing charges.

So what do you need to do next? If you don’t pay by cash these changes will not affect you. If you currently pay by cash but wish to switch to another method of payment such as Direct Debit you can visit your local One-stop shop who will help you to change over.

If you wish to continue paying cash you can do so by either:- Continuing to pay at the Conway Centre. If the Conway Centre is inconvenient for you and you would rather pay your Council Tax at your nearest Paypoint facility or Post Office, you will need to order a new bill with a bar-code on it.

You can do this by phoning 0151 606 2002 or by visiting your nearest One-stop shop.

24 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

Get off the line

Visitors to the Trading Standards display at the Wirral Show voiced their concerns to staff about the frequency of unwanted telephone calls.

The calls try to interest them in home improvement services or offer them the chance to win a luxury holiday.

Worryingly, half of those questioned had ex-directory phone numbers and were concerned how the telemarketers had obtained their personal details.

John Malone, Wirral’s Trading Standards Manager, said: “Unsolicited telephone calls are intrusive and inconvenient. I would urge anyone wanting to stop these calls to register with the Telephone Preference Service. Call 0845 070 0707 or register on line at www.tpsonline.org.uk”

Customer Services Up for National Awards....Again !

Wirral Council’s excellence in customer service has been recognised once again at the National Customer Service Awards to be held in September.

Following a successful year that saw our One Stop Shops and the Call Centre win the ‘Excellence in Customer Services ‘ award from the IRRV we are now finalists in the prestigious ‘National Customer Service Awards’ for the category Public Services and Education.

There were over 900 applicants from industry, commerce and public sector organisations, so we are extremely proud to be finalists.

Why are we leading the way nationally? We work very closely with partner organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions and the Primary Care Trusts.

What’s important and does make us stand out above others is that within the Call Centre and One Stop Shops we are far more than message takers as we strive to offer in depth responses to our customers’ queries.

25 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

Children's Parliament on the Environment

SCHOOLCHILDREN across Wirral have had their say at the Children’s Parliament on the Environment.

The debate-style event considered the proposal: ‘The Open Golf Tournament in Hoylake in July 2006 will bring a unique opportunity for Wirral people to improve their environment’.

Pairs of Yr6 and Yr7 schoolchildren from 18 schools brought up a range of issues both for and against the borough hosting the internationally important tournament. Short-term impacts were balanced against improvements to the infrastructure in support of the golf.

Everyone also recognised the potential for tourism to help the sustainable development of Wirral. Ultimately they voted in favour of the event being of positive value to the borough.

Steve Maddox, Chief Executive of Wirral Council said: “The Children’s Parliament is a fantastically successful annual event and I learn a great deal from the comments the youngsters make.

Environmental issues are one of Wirral’s main priorities and the impacts of the golf tournament on environment, transport, wildlife and residents are vitally important to the organisers.”

In two hard-fought contests, winners of the individual debates in the Primary School category, were New Brighton Primary and, in the Secondary School category Wirral Grammar School for Girls.

One of the judges, John Turner, Captain of Royal Liverpool Golf Club, said: “It was an immensely high standard of debating.

The Open is very exciting for us, and important for long term economic benefits for the region, bringing more money and jobs in the longer term. It is a matter of balance”

26 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

WIRRAL IS SPEAKING YOUR LANGUAGE

At a glance… q Interpreting service offers up to 150 languages for easier access to Council services q Interpreters accurately and securely relay information between the operator and caller

Wirral Council’s One Stop Shops and main Call Centre can now offer its customers an interpreting service covering 150 languages by using the telephone interpreting and document translation facilities of National Interpreting Service.

With this new on-demand capability, Wirral Council can now communicate with its customers swiftly and easily in their own language through the use of highly skilled professional interpreters.

Through a three way telephone conversation, interpreters accurately and securely relay information between the limited English speaker and the One Stop Shop / Call Centre member of staff.

Contact Wirral Council on:

All departments and general enquiries: 0151-606 2000

Housing Benefits or Council Tax: 0151-606 2002

Streetscene (roads & pavements, refuse collection, street lighting): 0151- 606 2004

Social Services, (information and advice): 0151-606 2006

General information and advice: 0151-606 2020

27 Section 2 Local Updates

· Quality Environment

Wirral’s anti litter campaigning short-listed

At a glance… q Council short-listed for national Association of Public Service Excellence award. q Work with anti-litter campaigning to teenagers receives recognition. q Ceremony to take place in Glasgow on Thursday, September 9.

WIRRAL COUNCIL has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award – in recognition of its achievements with anti-litter campaigning to teenagers.

The X:CELL4WIRRAL campaign has seen innovative partnership working between the Council, secondary schools, Radio City and Tranmere Rovers FC. Last year all were involved in the co-ordinated targeting of anti-litter messages at school children using the web, radio advertising, live stage shows, text messaging and community litter picks.

The campaign has been deemed so impressive that it has been shortlisted for the annual Association of Public Service Excellence awards taking place in Glasgow on Thursday, September 9.

Director of Technical Services David Green: "Wirral Council recognises that there is a problem with litter in the borough. This is a national issue, which our officers are keen to tackle locally. We have been working hard with local schools and the regional station Radio City (96.7fm) to come up with this innovative and effective way of educating young people not to drop rubbish and to take more pride in their local environment.

"Run-of-the-mill educational posters, leaflets and presentations aren't always effective when dealing with teenagers. By using radio, the web and live events we are more able to successfully communicate anti-litter messages to secondary school children. “We were overjoyed that this campaign has received so much recognition – at both a regional and national level and look forward to attending the APSE awards ceremony.”

The association organises the awards to highlight best practice among local authorities. Officers within Technical Services environmental team will be keeping their fingers crossed to see if they win the category for Best Sustainability initiative.

Wirral’s anti litter campaigning has already received regional and national - recognition – winning the category for Innovation and Technology at the Merseyside 21 Awards and being short-listed for the national ENCAMS environmental awards.

28 Section Three Community Initiative Funding

29 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

Community Initiative Funding Progress Report

Projects that have previously received funding from the Greasby, Frankby, Irby, Upton and Woodchurch Area Forum through the Community Initiatives Fund – September 2005

Stanley To raise funds for the Report received from Stanley Special Special replacement of the school School PTA - July 2005: The minibus, School PTA minibus. The bus is used to which will be used to take the children to take the children to therapeutic therapeutic activities such as horse riding activities such as horse riding and swimming, has been ordered from the and swimming. Variety Club of Great Britain.

Hoylake and To organise a three-day soccer Report received from Hoylake and District District coaching course for young Council for Voluntary Service - August Council for people aged 6-11. 2005: The three-day coaching course was Voluntary held last week at West Kirby Residential Service Course. All 32 places were quickly booked (CVS) up, and we have received very positive feedback on this.

Hoylake and To provide volunteer expenses Report received from Hoylake and District District and administration costs for Council for Voluntary Service - August Council for shopping service for people 2005: With the funding provided we have Voluntary with physical restrictions. been able to expand our shopping service, Service which allows people with mobility (CVS) restrictions to get to the shops and to be assisted whilst shopping.

West Kirby To pay for an advisor to attend Report received from West Kirby and and District the Upton outreach for three District Citizens Advice Bureau - Citizens hours per week for one year. September 2005: The Upton Outreach Advice session commenced at the library on 18 Bureau July 2005 and posters have been displayed to advertise this facility. Library staff are enthusiastic about our presence and those clients who have used this service are delighted that assistance is now available locally.

30 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

Wirral To help cover costs associated Report received from Wirral Tuesday Club Tuesday Club with running the club, including - September 2005: Your generous award transport costs, hall hire, and has enabled the club to reduce charges for trips etc. our members, send volunteers on an emergency first aid course, purchase a bingo machine and confidently plan future activities.

Irby Village To buy a new music player for Report received from Irby Village Hall - Hall various groups using the hall September 2005: The system was i.e. Over 60's keep fit club, purchased and pressed into service for the pensioners lunch club, Bingo, first time with a fund raising disco and children’s workshop managed to raise £200.00. The music system is a major asset to the hall.

31 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

· Update

The area forum had £11, 000 in the Community Initiative Fund, £3,000 from the Community Safety fund and £1,500 from the Local Agenda 21 Fund.

The CIF panel met on 22nd August 20005, the panel consisted of;

Councillors Sue Brown, and Jean Quinn Community Representatives, Bert Grunnill and Ron Green Advisory Representatives, Area Co-ordinator Michelle Gray, Sue Weldon from the Environmental Team.

The total amount spent on

· Community Initiative Fund £11, 000 leaving a balance of nil

· Community Safety £1, 790 leaving a balance of £1, 210

· LA21 nil leaving a balance of £1,500

Details of the recommendations of the panel are attached. A report went to Cabinet on 22nd September 2005 for final approval. Cheques will be issued to successful applicants at the beginning of October after the 10-day call in period.

32 ID Bid Amount Amount Received From Bid Details Comments of Panel Community Community Local No Requested Awarded Initiatives Safety Agenda 21 Fund Fund Fund

Budget £11,000.00 £3,000.00 £1,500.00

725 1 £11,368.00 £0.00 Fire Support To set up a community garden at Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Network the rear of Upton Fire Station, for good project, but did not fund local residents and community this as it did not meet the groups in the Upton area. criteria as closely as other applications.

736 2 £4,220.00 £800.00 Wirral Carousels To contribute towards equipment, Panel considered this to be a £800.00 £0.00 £0.00 Majorettes costumes and travel costs to good project and agreed to enable the group to participate in award £800.00 towards this national competitions. from the Community Initiatives Fund.

743 3 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Wirral Tuesday To help cover costs associated Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Club with running the club, including good project and agreed to transport costs, hall hire, presents, award £1000.00 from the trips and providing / updating Community Initiatives Fund. music.

33 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

748 4 £5,000.00 £0.00 Woodchurch Out of To employ a member of staff / Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 School Club specialists who are able to good project, but did not fund organise extra curricular activities this as it did not meet the which encourage our pupils to criteria as closely as other exercise. applications.

Panel suggested that the applicant could consider linking into the healthy schools programme. The Co-ordinator at Healthlinks is Carey Marsden (tel. 0151 647 1702). The programme is supported by the Local Education Authority and advice can be sought from Deidre Smith (tel. 0151 346 6544).

756 5 £500.00 £500.00 HAWK Skatepark To provide a small area of ramps, Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £500.00 £0.00 Appeal grinding rails and boxes etc. good project and agreed to award £500.00 from the Community Safety Fund.

766 6 £8,000.00 £800.00 As Agi Goju-Ryu To contribute towards the club, Panel considered this to be a £800.00 £0.00 £0.00 Karate Club which provides self defence, good project and agreed to fitness and social interaction for award £800.00 towards this both young and old. from the Community Initiatives Fund.

767 7 £240.00 £240.00 Bromborough To run two basketball coaching Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £240.00 £0.00 Basketball Club and fun days for teenagers at good project and agreed to Woodchurch High School during award £240.00 from the the 2006 Easter holiday. Community Safety Fund.

34 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

779 8 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Stanley Special To set up a Parent / Carer Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 School PTA Resource Unit. good project and agreed to award £1,000.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.

783 9 £2,421.50 £2,400.00 Greasby Outdoor To refurbish the facilities in the Panel considered this to be a £2,400.00 £0.00 £0.00 Activity and Leisure pavilion in Coronation Park. good project and agreed to Group (GOAL award £2,400.00 from the Group) Community Initiatives Fund.

798 10 £750.00 £750.00 Upton Junior To train 10 new coaching staff Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £750.00 £0.00 Football Club members to the Football good project and agreed to Association Level 1 Standards. award £750.00 from the Community Safety Fund.

820 11 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Wirral Tikes - To continue to support a 'Carer & Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Greasby Tots' group and purchase relevant good project and agreed to equipment for under 5 year olds. award £1,000.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.

35 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

828 12 £1,028.63 £0.00 Overchurch Infant To cover cost of support staff for Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 School clubs run to provide extra- good project, but did not fund curricular activities. this as it did not meet the criteria as closely as other applications.

821 13 £500.00 £500.00 Heswall & District To contribute toward playschemes Panel considered this to be a £500.00 £0.00 £0.00 Council for run for four weeks over the good project and agreed to Voluntary Service summer holidays. award £500.00 from the (CVS) - Community Initiatives Fund. Playschemes - Heswall & Pensby 822 14 £888.30 £0.00 1175 (Prenton) To purchase a refrigerator. Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Squadron Air good project, but did not fund Training Corps this as it did not meet the criteria as closely as other applications.

823 15 £2,340.00 £1,500.00 The Friends of To provide a writer / poet in Panel considered this to be a £1,500.00 £0.00 £0.00 Greasby Library residence workshop one evening good project and agreed to per week over 3 terms, targeted at award £1,500.00 from the young people from the year 7 and Community Initiatives Fund. 8 age group.

36 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

824 16 £200.00 £200.00 Hoylake and District To provide 20 sessions of lip Panel considered this to be a £200.00 £0.00 £0.00 Council for reading tuition for the hearing good project and agreed to Voluntary Service impaired group. award £200.00 from the (CVS) Community Initiatives Fund.

825 17 £300.00 £300.00 Wirral African and To fund the printing of leaflets and Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £300.00 £0.00 Caribbean payment of volunteers expenses good project and agreed to Community Voice so that the people of West and award £300.00 from the (WACCV) Central Wirral will know about Community Safety Fund. WACCV and be able to access the Panel suggested that the support that the group provide. applicant contact Cathy Newman (tel. 0151 606 5491) on the distribution of leaflets / posters.

826 18 £2,000.00 £800.00 Wallasey Amateur To fund the recladding of the Panel considered this to be a £800.00 £0.00 £0.00 Boxing Club external façade. good project and agreed to contribute £800.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund toward this.

827 19 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Heswall Citizens To maintain a minimal outreach Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Advice Bureau service whilst carrying out an good project and agreed to (CAB) / Arrowe expansion and reorganisation of award £1,000.00 from the Park Hospital the service. Community Initiatives Fund. Outreach Project 914 20 £250.00 £0.00 Wirral & Deeside To hold a one day event including Panel agreed to consider this £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Standing speakers from both old and young application despite it being Conference of sections of the community, to received after the closing date, Women's allow an opportunity for discussion but did not fund this as it did Organisations and debate. not meet the criteria as closely as other applications.

37 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding

923 21 £325.00 £0.00 Victim Support & To train all victim support staff and Panel agreed to consider this £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Witness Service volunteers, and to cover travel application despite it being Merseyside expenses for volunteers, to received after the closing date, conduct home visits to support but did not fund this as it did victims of domestic violence. not meet the criteria as closely as other applications.

Total Spend £11,000.00 £1,790.00 £0.00 Total Carried Forward £0.00 £1,210.00 £1,500.00

38 Section Four Local Area Plan

39 Section 4 Local Area Plan

Update

The purpose of this report is to provide forum members with an update of progress made in relation to the development of area plans and to suggest possible next steps for the forum to implement which will support the achievement of priorities identified locally for action.

One of the key tasks envisaged for all area forums since their introduction in 2001 was the development of specific local area plans which reflected the needs and priorities of the area forum. The area plans form a key element of the overarching community strategy – developed through Wirral’s Local Strategic Partnership – which sets out how the council and its partners will work towards improving the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of all communities in Wirral.

Area plans are designed to:

· Identify the needs and aspirations of the local community;

· Identify significant social, economic and environmental trends through establishing an overall demographic picture of the area;

· Promote initiatives that will address the identified local needs and priorities;

· Provide a work plan for the area forum;

· Provide a more local perspective to the overarching community strategy through identifying ‘common’ issues and needs across the area forums;

· Feed into the service planning cycles of the council and its partners to ensure that the identified local needs are influencing business plans and strategies.

Subgroup;

The subgroup is due to meet Friday 16th September 2005, and is made up of; Councillors, PCT, Community Reps and other Council Officers. The group will review the plan and decide which one or two themes they would like to start working on, other themes will be addressed in due course. After the subgroup meeting they will work on plan and feedback to Michelle Gray by end of October. Group to meet again sometime in November time.

40 Section Five Youth Update

41 Section 5 Youth Update

Youth Update - over the past 6 months the participation work on Wirral has involved the following:

UKYP: the support of the current Members of Youth Parliament (MYP's) for Wirral. This work has included enabling MYP’s to attend a regional conference in Hawkshead and a national conference in Leicester. As part of these conferences MYP’s have to sign up to one of 7 constitutional issues. The Wirral MYP’s have signed up to the teen pregnancy strategy and are in the process of applying for places on a teen pregnancy conference in Brussels. As well as this they are meeting with Brook Advisory to look at the educational material available for young people in Wirral. This information will then be shared at a regional meeting in Oct with a view to producing some material for the region. The MYP’s are currently organising a Democracy Dinner a s part of a national initiative to consult on issues around voting. The Dinner will be hosted on Sept 28th for a group of ten young people. The MYP’s are currently involved in planning this years UKYP election.

Area Youth Forums: the area youth forums have recently been involved in consultation on the Charter of Participation, their results have been fed back to the planning group. The forums are beginning to look at more local issues. Birkenhead forum is concerned with safety for young people and lighting in sports cages. West Wirral are concerned with lack of facilities in a local park. South Wirral would like to look at facilities for young people particularly the Youth Engagement Scheme and Wallasey are concerned with skateboard parks.

Young people from the youth forums have recently completed training to be Youth Evaluators, which will enable them to assist in monitoring the youth service. We have now joined British Youth Council and this will enable us to access national training and opportunities.

Next meeting of youth forums

¨ Wallasey Forum on Tuesday 27th September 2005 at Wallasey YMCA, Manor Road Wallasey. ¨ Birkenhead Forum on Thursday 29th September 2005 at Shaftesbury Youth Club, Mendip Road, Prenton. ¨ West Wirral Forum on Tuesday 4th October 2005 at Kylemore Community Centre, Kylemore Drive, Pensby. ¨ South Wirral Forum on Thursday 6th October 2005 at Bromborough Youth Club, Acre Lane, Bromborough.

Other initiatives: As well as the above participation work has also included:

· The development of a pack to skill up young people to be involved in club forums, management committees etc. · Raise awareness of the rights and responsibilities of young people · Provide resources to increase participation · Plan the youth conference · Plan the UKYP elections · Involvement in a range of initiatives including hear by rights strategy, Beacon Status bid, Children's Plan consultation and regional and a national participation networks.

42 Section Six Streetscene update

43 Section 6 Streetscene Update

Streetscene;

The last co-ordinators report for this forum detailed the Councils preparation for the Open golf championship in 2006.

Whilst Hoylake will become the centre of interest, it is important not to forget the remainder of the borough, as no doubt many visitors will take the opportunity to explore the area.

A key factor when forming a view on an area can be the condition of the footpaths and roads.

The Government has set local authorities the target of ensuring there are no roads left, requiring structural maintenance by the year 2010.

A challenging target. However not one we are going to shirk, hilst most of you will be aware that reporting simple highway faults can be carried out through the Streetscene call centre (606 2004), it may of some interest to describe the detail behind the structural maintenance programme.

This is the method through which we plan and carry out our pro-active maintenance programmes for footway and carriageway renewal.

Each year external consultant’s tender to carry out a highway condition survey. The successful contractor utilises the United Kingdom Pavement System (UKPMS). This allows the existing highway condition to be ascertained using either machine or visual inspection methods. These results are then analysed with the appropriate computer software which produces a list of roads and their condition, the worst being first.

At this point suggestions from the Area Forums, Members and officers are integrated where possible into the programme. The finished list is then presented to Members for approval.

To give an indication of the size of the programme, this year will see 49 footways reconstructed and a further 35 tarmac footways given a sealing coat to extend the working life. This will cost in the region of £1.6m.

For carriageways, 65 schemes will be completed; with 51 other sites receiving a sealing coat. The cost of the work is expected to be £2.1m.