Bebington & Clatterbridge
Area Forum
Area Co-ordinator’s Report
13th October 2005
Jan Evans 691 8064 [email protected] Contents
Section One Minutes of the last meeting
Section Two Local Updates
Section Three Community Initiatives Funding
Section Four Local Area Plan
Section Five Youth Update
Section Six Streetscene Update
2 Section One
Minutes of the last meeting
3 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
Minutes - Area Forum (Bebington and Clatterbridge) Meeting - 9 June 2005
Present Chair CM Teggin Ward Councillors S L Clarke , AT Jennings , LN Thomas , K J Williams Community Dave Watson (Bebington) Representatives Lead Officer Stephen Rowley (Assistant Director of Finance) Area Service Co- Jan Evans ordinator Bebington & Dr Jim O'Connor West Wirral PCT Merseyside PC Caroline Howard , Sgt. Mark Whale Police Council Officers Derwent Derbyshire - Deputy Director of Technical Services , Phil Miner (Street Scene Area Manager) , Jim Thompson (Crime and Disorder Project Officer) In attendance: Julie Podmore (Bebington & District CVS) , Carl Rainbird (Merseyside Fire Service) Apologies J Fitzgerald (Clatterbridge) , Ms M Johnson (Clatterbridge) , Cllr I Moon , H Ridge(Bebington)
Index to Minutes Minute 1 - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Minute 2 - MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING/MATTERS ARISING Minute 3 - AREA CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT Minute 4 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Minute 5 - STREETSCENE UPDATE Minute 6 - PRESENTATION FROM MERSEYSIDE FIRE SERVICE Minute 7 - PRIMARY CARE TRUST UPDATE - LOCAL DELIVERY PLAN (INCLUDING LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS) Minute 8 - DATE OF NEXT MEETING Minute 9 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS Minute 10 - CLOSE OF MEETING
Minute 1 - WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The Chair, Councillor Chris Teggin, welcomed 17 members of the public to the meeting of the Bebington & Clatterbridge Area Forum in Bebington, and invited members of the Area Forum to introduce themselves. He announced that an induction loop had been fitted in the room and was available to anyone who wished to use the facility.
Minute 2 - MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING/MATTERS ARISING There were no issues raised.
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Minute Decision : Resolved - that the minutes of the meeting of the Area Forum of 9 February 2005 be confirmed.
Minute 3 - AREA CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT In presenting her report, the Area Co-ordinator highlighted the following issues:
- Community Initiatives Funding - Grants totalling £14,353.02 had been awarded to 25 local projects in 2004/2005. A total of £15,500.00 would be available to support local projects and initiatives in 2005/2006. The Area Forum was responsible for determining the process and setting priorities for the allocation of the funds. The Area Forum was asked to agree their priorities for the funding available for this round.
- Area Plan - The Bebington & Clatterbridge Area Plan contained local information and an action plan to address the priorities identified by the local community through area forum meetings and community events. The Plan, which reflected the eight themes in the current Community Strategy, would be reviewed in December 2005.
The Area Co-ordinator responded to a query from a member of the public on the use of 2001 Census figures for Ward statistics on population, housing, and health. It was expected that mid-term population figures would be issued in the near future.
Crime Statistics for Bebington and Clatterbridge had been included for 2003/04, with comparative figures for the previous two years. On behalf of the Community Safety Team, Jim Thompson offered to bring the latest crime figures for Bebington and Clatterbridge, and for Wirral as a whole, to the next meeting of the Area Forum.
The Area Co-ordinator suggested the formation of a sub-group to monitor, influence and progress relevant issues identified in the Area Plan.
- Youth Forum Update - There are four Area Youth forums, one for each Parliamentary Constituency, led by Wirral Youth and Community Service. At a recent meeting, young people had participated in consultations on Transport and Police issues in Wirral. The Council has allocated funding to the Youth Forums, which is separate from Community Initiatives Funding. The young people have devised a system for the allocation of the funding to Youth projects in Wirral.
Minute Decision : Resolved - that:
i - Community Initiatives funding is directed at voluntary and community sector groups for a wide range of local projects to specifically benefit people within the Bebington and Clatterbridge areas;
5 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
ii - the Bebington and Clatterbridge Area Plan be received;
iii - a sub-group be formed, comprising Elected Members, Community Representatives and members of the public, to monitor and progress the relevant issues in the Area Plan;
iv - the first meeting of the sub-group be arranged before the end of October 2005;
v - the offer by Jim Thompson to bring the latest crime figures to the Area Forum be accepted with appreciation;
vi - the Area Co-ordinator be thanked for a comprehensive report.
Minute 4 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Members of the public raised the following questions/issues:
- The problems caused by a minority of youngsters who cause many problems in Bebington, using guns, air pellet pistols around the houses, shattering windows, and their threatening attitudes.
Cllr Sheila Clarke advised that she was Chair of Governors at Bebington High School. The new Headteacher, Brian Jordan, was very approachable and supportive towards residents who may experience problems relating to the students' behaviour. She would arrange for any residents with concerns about students to meet the Headteacher to discuss the issues.
- A member of the public queried how he could get in touch with the local Community Police Officer. He felt they are not visible on the streets. Recently he had encountered a youth delivering papers on a motorised scooter in Bebington and wanted to speak to the officer face-to-face. He suggested that if a community officer could be in a certain place at an appointed time it would be easier to contact them.
Councillor Williams commented that the Police were doing an excellent job in the Brackenwood and Teehey Lane areas but that there are serious problems with the Police communication system.
- A member of the public said that they had reported an incident but it took the Police over 3 hours to attend.
Jim Thompson explained the graded incident response system used by the Police. The public should telephone 999 to report an extremely dangerous incident or situation, when a response would be made within five minutes. Other calls would be assessed, prioritised and responded to accordingly.
- A member of the public asked why there is a shortage of police officers.
Jim Thompson replied that the actual strength of Police Officers on Merseyside
6 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
had not changed. Legislation had changed the shift system, which meant the old shift system was now illegal.
- A member of the public asked if the number of Police Officers had increased in the past two years.
Sgt. Whale replied that the number of Police Officers has remained static. Community Support Officers (CSOs) have been introduced and Traffic CSOs (who are not Traffic Wardens) operate in the area.
- Kevin Sharkey commented that members of the Stanton Road Residents' Association appreciated the Police presence in Stanton Road and the attendance of a Police Sergeant at the Association's AGM. He thanked Sgt Whale for the support received from the Police Officers and the Community Support Officers who patrolled the Stanton Road area.
Minute 5 - STREETSCENE UPDATE Derwent Derbyshire responded to issues raised under item 4 of the minutes of the Area Forum meeting on 9 February, that were within the remit of the Department of Technical Services -
- An unacceptable delay in the replacement of broken/missing street nameplates in Pulford Road/Higher Bebington Road: - The delay could have been caused by a system error. The replacement of nameplates was in hand and progress would be checked.
- Litter in Heath Road: - The problem would be investigated, but budgetary constraints impeded action to deal with litter.
- Parking on Grass Verges: - In most cases, parking on grass verges was self- enforcing in that it was the responsibility of motorists not to park on pavements and grass verges. Any intervention by the Council was likely to be met with strong opposition from residents. Legislation is about to be introduced that will give the Council more powers and consultation with local people has begun on how the situation might be managed in an acceptable way in the future. Photographs and other evidence of drivers who persistently park company vehicles on grass verges should be sent to Streetscene.
- A request for more lay-bys: - The Council allocates £30,000 per annum for spending on parking in residential areas. The demands for parking areas exceeded the financial provision, and there is already a lengthy waiting list.
- Disregard by motorists of "access only" signs in the Cross Lane area: - It was generally accepted that it was virtually impossible to enforce "access only" orders. There have been no new orders or changes in legislation to strengthen local authorities’ powers during the past thirty years.
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- Speeding in Quarry Avenue: It was felt that the number of parked cars in Quarry Avenue would make it difficult for motorists passing through to drive at high speeds.
- Number of lives saved: A check has revealed that there have been no fatal accidents during the period following the installation of speed humps in areas of Wirral. It was likely that the Department's annual programme for speed reduction schemes is saving between 15 and 20 casualties/incidents a year.
- Lack of pavements on certain stretches of road: It would be difficult, because of lack of space, to provide an additional footpath on the roads identified at the meeting. If members of the public were aware of any other roads without footpaths, these will be looked at.
- Heavy congestion on some roads: The Technical Services Department agreed that children being driven to schools caused many of the problems. The Department is liasing with Headteachers, parents and Road Safety Officers to address the problem.
- Diseased trees: The trees in Stanton Road have been inspected. There is no evidence that the trees have been infected by honey root disease. The situation will be kept under review.
Derwent Derbyshire responded to additional issues raised by members of the public:
- Despite protests by residents, tarmac has been laid over grass verges in Stanton Road as an alternative to installing lay-bys. The areas are now used to park vehicles. Irresponsible drivers use the drop down provided for a disabled person to mount and drive along the footpath in Stanton Road, which is used by children and residents. It was felt that an effective solution may be to install bollards at either side of the drop down and that action should be taken quickly to prevent an accident. The occupiers of a number of properties on Stanton Road who have made parking provision in their front gardens have been using this route of access. A longer pavement crossing had been installed some years ago to aid a person with disabilities. Drivers are using that access to drive along pavements. The Technical Services Department felt that the issue needs to be dealt with carefully and in consultation with local residents before any action is taken.
- Traffic calming in Town Lane: A member of the public felt that money has been wasted by installing speed humps in Town Lane that causes problems for motorists and delays for emergency services. A more effective solution would have been to install a lay-by near the schools where the children could be dropped off.
- Structural maintenance programme: A member of the public felt that the road maintenance plan published in 2003 was being ignored. The road surface in Quarry Avenue is deteriorating rapidly, but work on Patterdale Road has been completed first. - The report to the Environment and Transportation Select
8 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
Committee on the Highway Structural Maintenance Programme for 2005/06 is reproduced in full in the Area Co-ordinator's Report. The report summarises the process by which the Council determines its structural maintenance programme. The Select Committee prioritises the order in which the work should be carried out, and the Technical Services implements the programme within the financial resources available. Extracts from the programme that related to schemes for Bebington and Clatterbridge had been included for the information of the Area Forum. Quarry Avenue had been included in the programme for a previous year but work had been delayed to allow the Statutory Undertakers to complete extensive works and reinstatements on the road. Although the appearance of the surface was poor, the structural condition of the road did not justify inclusion in the current year's programme. No assurance could be given that Quarry Avenue would be included in next year's programme, but it will be considered and prioritised against work required on other roads.
- A member of the public asked that Contractors should fully reinstate roads they repair, not merely patch the repaired area. Sometimes a trench is filled in and it sinks later on: - The maintenance programme does not include routine maintenance. Inspectors monitor the condition of the highways and maintenance repairs are carried out to ensure the highways remain in a safe condition. Contractors have an obligation to reinstate the highway to a satisfactory condition, but only the area they have dug up. A contractor can be instructed to make good a defective trench, or the work will be carried out by the Council and recharged to the contractor. The Statutory Undertakings are constantly reminded of their obligations by Council Officers who spend time persuading them that it is far more satisfactory to do a first class reinstatement in the first place.
Minute 6 - PRESENTATION FROM MERSEYSIDE FIRE SERVICE Carl Rainbird, Merseyside Fire Service, informed the forum that the Fire Services Act 2004 requires fire services to be more pro-active in their approach to fire prevention. He stated that he would like to talk about ways in which the Merseyside Fire Service have progressed over recent years and to discuss the initiatives introduced in advance of and in response to the legislation.
- Home Fire Safety checks: The introduction of home fire safety checks has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of deaths in the home as a result of fire. An average of 20 fire deaths across Merseyside has steadily reduced since 1999, with nine fatalities in 2004. The home fire safety checks include a risk assessment, advice on fire prevention and emergency evacuation and, where appropriate, the fitting of smoke alarms.
- The involvement of advocates - links have been established with advocates representing the wide spectrum of communities and professions on Merseyside. The initiative facilitated good communication and co-operation between the Council, Police, Housing Associations and enabled problems arising in an area to be addressed without delay.
9 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
- Referrals - initial risk assessments determine whether the risk can be reduced or referred to the Community Fire Safety Team, when advice and counselling is given to people at risk.
- Beacon status - Merseyside Fire Authority receives a Government grant under its Beacon status. Part of the grant is used for fire officers to visit other authorities to pass on good practice on Merseyside.
- Education - Involvement with Education is fundamental to reducing risks from fire and addressing anti-social behaviour, arson, criminal damage, and drug nuisance. The Fire Service is running a number of projects to engage children in alternative activities. A 12-week course for children who have been excluded from schools, for example, is proving to be beneficial.
- Youth problems in neighbourhoods - A pilot scheme is operating in Merseyside to deter children away from crime and anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods. All the emergency services are working together to ensure the success of the scheme, which has the backing of the local housing associations and businesses. The intention is to evaluate the pilot scheme and extend the initiative to other areas of Merseyside in the Autumn.
- Demands on the Fire Service - the success of the initiatives described has reduced the demands on the fire service as a whole; the initiatives have been funded from the consequent efficiency savings.
Members of the public suggested that many of the problems relating to children's poor behaviour could be traced back to bad parenting; parents require education as well as the children.
Kevin Sharkey expressed his personal appreciation, and that of members of the Stanton Road Residents' Association, for the excellent work by the Fire Service in providing smoke alarms in homes.
The Chair thanked Carl Rainbird for the enthusiasm and optimism of the presentation.
Minute Decision : Resolved - that Carl be thanked for his presentation.
Minute 7 - PRIMARY CARE TRUST UPDATE - LOCAL DELIVERY PLAN (INCLUDING LONG TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS) Dr Jim O'Connor thanked the Area Forum for the opportunity to discuss developments in the Primary Care Trust, and to talk about the Local Delivery Plan.
He explained that each Primary Care Trust has an obligation to produce a Local Delivery Plan in a format that everyone can understand and influence. To that aim, the Bebington and West Wirral PCT have produced a plan to advise the
10 Section 1 Minutes of the last meeting
community on the developments it proposes to deliver over the three-year period 2005 to 2008. The plan contains a mixture of national priorities, standards and targets and, for the first time, it addresses local priorities and targets identified by local communities.
The Plan covers four main areas -
- improving the health and well being of local residents - by helping people who wish to, to stop smoking. Two events to promote people's overall health and well- being will be held at local venues in June.
- supporting people with long-term conditions to live healthy lives: Community Matrons will be appointed to provide better co-ordination between hospital and community care that will help people with long-term conditions to manage their conditions in their own homes.
- improving access to health services: - proposals to develop more flexible and innovative options to help those people who still experience difficulty in accessing services, eg reducing waiting times for treatment and improvements to the appointments system in GPs' practices;
- improving the experience of people using primary community services - The establishment of a Clinical Decision Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital whereby people referred to the hospital for possible admission will be seen and assessed by a senior doctor as soon as possible after arrival. Following assessment people will be admitted to hospital if necessary or sent home with a care package.
The PCT board, Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority, the Healthcare Commission and the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee audited the PCTs plans and achievements. Members of the local community can influence the way services are improved by becoming involved in patient groups at GP practices or joining the Patients' Forum.
Dr O'Connor responded to questions/comments from members of the public on -
- Plans to change the current arrangements for booking appointments to see GPs: - A national directive suggested that every patient should see a health professional within 24 hours, or a GP within 48 hours. The Accident and Emergency Department is responsible for ensuring that patients are treated within four hours. The PCT is working with practices to help them achieve these very challenging targets.
- The closure of wards at Arrowe Park and Victoria Central Hospitals - Dr O'Connor explained that the closures are part of a pre-planned financial strategy to avert a crisis in Wirral NHS Trust's budget. To illustrate the point, he explained the change of emphasis on the level of care for elderly people so that patients who remained in hospital after treatment – but did not need to – could be provided with a package of care that would enable them to return to their own homes.
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Minute Decision : Resolved - that Dr O'Connor be thanked for his update.
Minute 8 - DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the forum will be held on 13 October 2005 at 7.00 pm. at Victoria Hall, Bebington.
Minute 9 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS Clatterbridge Tip: In response to a query, Councillor Thomas explained that he understood there are plans to upgrade the facilities and to improve the general layout of the waste disposal facility at Clatterbridge.
A discussion continued on the unauthorised use of the tip by builders and tradesmen who were not prepared to pay the appropriate tariffs; the increase in fly tipping in areas surrounding tips, and the likelihood of an increase in the dumping of unwanted goods and furniture as a result of the decision to charge the public for using the ERIC service.
Minute 10 - CLOSE OF MEETING The Chair thanked everyone for attending and contributing to an interesting meeting. He closed the meeting at 9.10 p.m.
12 Section Two Local Updates
13 Section 2 Local Updates
· Wirral’s Local Strategic Partnership
Wirral’s LSP (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.
Local Updates
The following local updates are listed under the headings of the updated community strategy in order to provide a link between the documents. They are a selection of different types of local activity that may be of interest to people in the Bebington and Clatterbridge wards.
14 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.”
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· Wirral Showcases its Regeneration Successes
Wirral Council played host to 20 Bulgarians visiting the North West as part of a “twinning agreement” between the UK and Bulgarian Governments.
Their visit on 30th June focused on how Wirral has benefited from regeneration and particularly European Objective 1 funding since 1994 with visits to a number of key projects in the borough; Woodside Ferry terminal, Historic Warships and Birkenhead Park, culminating in a sneak preview and tour of Spaceport.
Adjacent to Seacombe Ferry, the International Astronomy and Space Centre is due to open at the end of the month and is expected to become one of Wirral’s premier tourist attractions.
The study tour had been organised by the Twinning Team based in Sofia operating under an Office for Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) contract. ODPM are working with a number of Eastern European countries to prepare them for formal entry into the European Union from May 2007 as an Objective 1 area.
The Bulgarian delegation included officials from both their EU and National Funding Directorates led by Norman Pearson, Pre-Accession Adviser to their Programme.
In addition their tour also incorporated visits to the Government Office North West’s Liverpool and Manchester offices, and the opportunity to witness the effect physical regeneration has had on East Manchester.
Objective One is one of the European Union’s funds and is designed to help regions throughout the EU improve their economic performance.
To qualify for this funding, a region has to be ‘under-performing’ against the European Union (EU) average, i.e. below 75% of the average performance as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head of population. GDP is a standard measure of economic activity in a country or region.
Merseyside has had Objective One status from 1994 with the current Programme due to run until December 2006.
16 Section 2 Local Updates
· RACE / HATE MONITORING FORM LAUNCHED TO SPEED UP RECORDING OF CRIME IN WIRRAL
Wirral’s Community Safety Team has launched its re-designed Race / Hate Monitoring Form this week making it easier to record incidents of hate crime, including domestic violence.
The Inter-Agency Monitoring Form (IAMF) will be supported with an improved, more robust database and the new procedure will be on the web allowing for the recording of incidents via the internet. This will revolutionise the system by speeding up the processing of reports and actions.
Cathy Newman, Violent / Hate Crime Reduction Coordinator, said: “Procedures for recording Race / Hate Crime have been in place for several years and work has been ongoing for more than a year to improve the form and the database. The launch is a celebration of the good work and achievement of best practice in the field of recording race / hate crime in Wirral. With the launch of the re-designed race / hate monitoring form and database we are building on this, particularly around information sharing and data collection.”
The new form has been designed using the Merseyside Police Reporting form with the intention of ensuring that the new system complements the Police. The form also provides an opportunity for monitoring and taking action on other forms of hate crime such as domestic violence or violent incidents against gay men or lesbian women.
Chief Inspector Leonard Gill, said: “The launch of this re-designed form will hopefully reassure the public that the reporting of race / hate crime is something all of the community safety partners in Wirral including the Council and Merseyside Police take very seriously. If people report an incident of hate crime, be it the use of racist language or an incident of domestic violence, it will be recorded and acted upon. The database can also be used as intelligence gathering so if there is a persistent perpetrator of racial abuse, homophobic crime or domestic violence, they will be identified and dealt with accordingly.”
If someone is a victim of a hate crime they can report it at any One Stop Shop, housing office, library or leisure centre where there are trained staff who will record the information on the IAMF and pass the information onto the Race Hate Task Group.
Local Authority staff and other partner agencies will be able to access the form online and send it across to Wirral’s Violent Hate Crime Reduction Team on a secure website which is password protected. Alternatively, paper copies are available at the designated offices.
17 Section 2 Local Updates
· 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.”
· 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”
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· Access and Equity
· 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]
19 Section 2 Local Updates
· 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.”
· 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.
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. · Just turned 18? Moved house? New voter? Sign up now!
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 any queries telephone the Helpline on (0151) 691 8046. For more information on the revised electoral list, please go to www.wirral.gov.uk
20 Section 2 Local Updates
· 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)
21 Section 2 Local Updates
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.
· 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.
22 Section 2 Local Updates
· 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
23 Section 2 Local Updates
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]
24 Section 2 Local Updates
· A Quality Environment
Wirral Receives 14 million pounds for Neighbourhood Renewal
Wirral has been awarded a further £14million from the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) programme began in 2001 and the award of £14,386,115 for the next two years will enable the Council to work with a wide range of partners through Wirral’s Local Strategic Partnership to support regeneration in priority neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhood Renewal is a programme designed to help narrow the gap between the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of Wirral by working with communities in those areas to modernise the delivery of public services.
The programme aims to improve standards in health, education, housing, and the environment, and reduce crime and worklessness.
Alan Stennard, Director of Regeneration for Wirral Council, said: “The allocation of a further two years funding for NRF enables us to continue and expand the existing programme beyond March 2006. With our partners we will now review priorities and look at how we can best continue to narrow the gap between the most deprived areas and the rest of the Borough.”
To date a range of successful services have been funded. These include a Mediation service to help people resolve issues such as neighbour nuisance and anti social behaviour, and a wide range of community based projects such as a drop-in centre for elderly people in Tranmere and provision of homework clubs and nursery facilities.
The NRF programme has worked with Beechwood Community Trust to deliver a range of projects including the Powerhouse Youth Project and, through improved safety and security facilities, allowing school playing fields, unused out of school hours, to be available for use by the whole community.
Alan Stennard added: “The work carried out to improve the quality of life for people in Beechwood is a great example of the Neighbourhood Renewal programme funding local services, developed and delivered by local people.”
25 Section 2 Local Updates
· 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
· Wirral’s anti litter campaigning short-listed
At 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.
27 Section 2 Local Updates
· Park It! Looking for 12 community group partners to put on park events next summer
Would you like to hold an event in your park next summer? Would you like funding, help, advice and guidance to make this possible?
If you’re interested, then you can make a submission now to become part of GreenSpace's Park It! programme for 2006. GreenSpace are currently looking for 12 parks and community groups around the UK to work with next summer to help organise community-led events in parks.
If you’d like to work in partnership with us and your local authority to put on an event between June and September 2006, then you can make a submission now.
Submissions can be made at http://www.green-space.org.uk/parkit/sub_gen.htm now in the quick and easy form on the website. All applications must be submitted by 31st October, 2005.
What is Park It!?
Park It! is about getting people into parks and green spaces. It’s about raising awareness of the value of these spaces. It’s about developing the skills and confidence of community groups and Friends groups. But most of all, Park It! is about people having a good time outside, in fantastic parks and green spaces.
Park It! is a series of community-led events taking place regionally in parks throughout the UK. Held over three years, this project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and organised by GreenSpace in partnership with local community groups.
What events took place this summer?
This summer has seen 12 fantastic events take place in town centre parks, cemeteries, country parks and town squares as part of this exciting three–year HLF funded programme.
We’ve worked with a whole range of community groups and local authorities in the first year of the project. By working closely together, we’ve helped to put on 12 unique events, ranging from small community-focused fairs attracting several hundred to regional musical events bringing in over 10,000 people. But what each event has in common is that they are about the community who use the park.
Where can I get further information?
If you would like to find out more about the Park It! programme, please give one of the team, a call on 0118 946 9060 or visit www.park-it.org.uk. Here you will be able to find out details of all of the fantastic events which took place this summer.
28 Section Three Community Initiative Funding
29 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
Community Initiative Progress Report
Projects that have previously received funding from Bebington / Clatterbridge Area Forum through the Community Initiatives Fund – September 2005
Kings Lane To purchase a metal Report received from Kings Lane Dawson Dawson container to secure Allotment Society - July 2005: The purchase Allotment shared equipment used by of the container has secured our equipment Society the Society. and led to the donation of more items for use by the members of the Society.
Wirral To help with the cost of Report received from Wirral Pathfinders - Pathfinders providing the help and July 2005: The funding has helped us to support needed by people deliver the help and support needed by in the community who people in the community who suffer with suffer with mental health mental health problems. problems.
The Boys To replace drums and Report received from The Boys Brigade, 1st Brigade, 1st straps to enable us to Bebington Company - July 2005: The new Bebington have sufficient kit to equipment which is much appreciated. Company involve every boy in our company in functions.
Rape and To renovate the safe Report received from Rape and Sexual Sexual Abuse house back garden. Abuse Centre - August 2005: The safe house Centre back garden has now been totally renovated with new paving, garden furniture, back gate, painted walls and flower pots. It has created a bright and cheerful area where women can relax and we are very grateful. The survivors are now using this for counselling and just for contemplating and meditating.
KIDZ KLUB at To contribute towards the Report received from KIDZ KLUB at Life Life Church weekly running costs of Church - August 2005: We continue to attract the club and towards the a large number of children, with attendance hiring of a double decker figures of between 75-95 per week and are bus. grateful for the funding which we have used for minibus hire and equipment for the club.
30 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
Wirral To purchase one manual Report received from Wirral Information Information wheelchair due to Resource for Equality & Disability - August Resource for increased demand for 2005: The funding has improved the choice Equality & Birkenhead shopmobility for people using the Shopmobility service Disability service. and increased the independence of people (WIRED) using the service as they can reach shops and services that are otherwise inaccessible to them.
1123 (Hooton To provide equipment to Report received from 1123 (Hooton Park) Park) allow a wider Squadron Air Training Corps - August 2005: Squadron Air participation by all We were able to purchase new expedition Training cadets in the Duke of equipment and this has enabled more Corps Edinburgh Award cadets to participate in camping and Scheme. walking activities. Almost every eligible cadet is now participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Victim To recruit, train and meet Report received from Victim Support & Support & expenses of 25 new Witness Service Merseyside - August 2005: Witness volunteers, to visit We have recruited and trained 16 new Service victims and their families volunteers and are in the process of training Merseyside over the whole of Wirral. a further 9 to meet the needs of victims. Since April we have supported over 2,000 victims, made nearly 400 home visits to victims and their families and given 785 sessions of telephone support.
The Mount To replace some of the Report received from The Mount Residents Residents chairs within the Association - September 2005: The funding Association communal lounge. was used towards the purchase of six new chairs which have been placed in the tenants lounge now that it has been decorated. These are constantly used for afternoon tea and social events to which the local community are invited.
Friends of To organise a Report received from Friends of Town Lane Town Lane community cycling - September 2005: The funding was used to project that aims to teach purchase spare cycling parts and fund a trip safety proficiency to to a cycling centre to enable young people children and young to experience real track cycling and this people. was a big success.
31 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
Thornton To purchase specialised Report received from Thornton Hough Hough early years seating, new Playgroup - September 2005: Thank you for Playgroup stainfree carpeting and the grant provided to the playgroup which gym mats for the has enabled us to improve the facilities we playgroup. provide.
Wirral Women To provide training for Report received from Wirral Women & & Childrens staff and volunteers and Childrens Aid - September 2005: We have Aid educational and run staff training courses, set up a resource development courses for library and formed a group for residents / ex women, to help them residents on self esteem to raise break the cycle of awareness and build confidence. domestic violence.
32 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
· Funding Update
This year the area forum had £11,000 in the Community Initiatives Fund, £3,000 from the Community Safety fund and £1,500 from the Local Agenda 21 Fund.
The CIF panel met on 6th September, 2005. The panel consisted of Councillors Teggin, Thomas and Williams, Marla Johnson (Community Representative) and Sue Weldon (MBW-Environmental Team) and Jan Evans (MBW - Area Co-ordinator) in an advisory capacity.
The total amount spent on
· Community Initiative Fund £7,525 leaving a balance of £3,475
· Community Safety £1,000 leaving a balance of £2,000
· LA21 £1,000 leaving a balance of £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.
33 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
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 £1,500.00 729 1 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Thornton Hough To complete the building of Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Womens' Institute disabled toilets and facilities. good project and agreed to award £1,000.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.
735 2 £500.00 £500.00 Kings Lane Dawson To purchase a portable generator. Panel considered this to be a £500.00 £0.00 £0.00 Allotment Society good project and agreed to award £500.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.
737 3 £600.00 £0.00 Mid-Wirral Crime To extend an initiative to provide Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Prevention Panel additional crime reduction good project but require further equipment to assist allotment information from the applicant holders in prevention of vandalism with regard to how they will and theft form their allotments. ensure that the money funded by the forum will be spent on the Bebington and Clatterbridge wards and for clarification on the amount of money requested - the crime reduction equipment listed comes to a total of £400.00 but £600.00 has been requested.
Application deferred to the next round of applications for further consideration once all above information has been received.
34 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
739 4 £1,000.00 £450.00 Wirral Tuesday To help cover costs associated Panel considered this to be a £450.00 £0.00 £0.00 Club with running the club, including good project and agreed to transport costs, hall hire, presents, contribute £450.00 from the trips and providing / updating Community Initiatives Fund music. towards this.
753 5 £1,000.00 £0.00 Thornton Hough To repair wood block flooring in Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Baby and Toddler the parish hall. good project, but did not fund Group this as did not feel that they could support a request for structural improvements as the building does not belong to the applicant.
768 6 £600.00 £600.00 Bromborough To run two 2-day basketball Panel considered this to be a £600.00 £0.00 £0.00 Basketball Club camps for primary school children good project and agreed to (7-11 incl.). contribute £600.00, to be used specifically on court hire, from the Community Initiatives Fund.
772 7 £150.00 £150.00 Wirral Pathfinders To help with the cost of providing Panel considered this to be a £150.00 £0.00 £0.00 the help and support for people in good project and agreed to the community who suffer with award £150.00 from the mental health problems and their Community Initiatives Fund. families.
809 8 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 11th Bebington To replace tents. Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 (Christchurch) good project and agreed to Scout Group award £1,000.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.
810 9 £500.00 £500.00 Friends of To hire a contractor to cut and Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £500.00 Dibbinsdale bale the grass from a 4 acre hay good project and agreed to meadow at the reserve. award £500.00 from the Local Agenda 21 Fund.
35 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
905 10 £1,000.00 £500.00 Age Concern Wirral To purchase new furniture for day Panel considered this to be a £500.00 £0.00 £0.00 care centre based at Bramwell good project and agreed to Court.. award £500.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.
Panel requested that Bromborough and Eastham Area forum be asked if they would fund the remainder of this project which they have agreed to do.
906 11 £1,000.00 £500.00 Wirral YFC To purchase sports and safety Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £500.00 £0.00 equipment and fund training for good project and agreed to local volunteers to enable the contribute £500.00 from the setting up of a detached youth Community Safety Fund. work team. Panel requested that the applicant be advised to apply to the Birkenhead and Tranmere / Rock Ferry Area Forum for the additional £500.00 required as the project also covers that area.
36 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
907 12 £100.00 £100.00 Partnership for To produce leaflets and posters to Panel considered this to be a £100.00 £0.00 £0.00 Racial Equality encourage the Black and Racial good project and agreed to (PRE) Minority population in Wirral to award £100.00 from the report racial incidents to the Community Initiatives Fund. Police, Local Authority and other agencies. Panel requested evidence of the numbers of people from the Bebington and Clatterbridge wards supported and assurance that this will not duplicate the work of the Community Safety Team.
908 13 £1,824.00 £900.00 Teehey Allotments To replace wooden storage hut Panel considered this to be a £900.00 £0.00 £0.00 and Gardens with a pre-fabricated concrete good project and agreed to Association structure. contribute £900.00 towards the storage facility from the Community Initiatives Fund.
909 14 £2,500.00 £500.00 Rape and Sexual To publicise the organisation and Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £500.00 £0.00 Abuse Centre its services on Buzz FM Radio good project and agreed to over a 12 month period. contribute £500.00 from the Community Safety Fund.
910 15 £2,034.84 £1,000.00 Life Church To purchase stationery, craft Panel considered this to be a £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Bebington equipment, toys and snack good project and agreed to materials for parent/carer - toddler contribute £1,000.00 from the group. Community Initiatives Fund to be used for the purchase of toys.
911 16 £500.00 £0.00 Alpha RSL To purchase new garden furniture. Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Sheltered Housing good project, but did not fund this as do not feel that this provides benefit to the wider community.
37 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
912 17 £350.00 £0.00 Alpha (RSL) To purchase a mobile sprinkler Panel considered this to be a £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Limited system. good project, but did not fund this as felt that this did not meet the criteria.
916 18 £500.00 £500.00 Brackenwood To clean up two small woodland Panel agreed to consider this £0.00 £0.00 £500.00 Residents and areas and plant flowers and place application despite it being Tenants nest boxes to encourage wildlife. received after the closing date, Association and agreed to award £500.00 from the Local Agenda 21 Fund.
917 19 £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Friends of Town To purchase equipment to enable Panel agreed to consider this £1,000.00 £0.00 £0.00 Lane young people to have more application despite it being interaction when they attend drop received after the closing date, in sessions. and agreed to award £1,000.00 from the Community Initiatives Fund.
918 20 £500.00 £0.00 Plessington To purchase 10 bins for the school Panel agreed to consider this £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Catholic Technical yard for the sorting of waste for application despite it being College recycling. received after the closing date, but did not fund this as the Council will be making changes to the waste collection provision next year and this will include schools.
Panel requested that the applicant be advised to contact Sue Weldon from the Local Agenda 21 Team (tel: 0151 606 2364) for further information on this.
38 Section 3 Community Initiative Funding
927 21 £325.00 £325.00 Victim Support & To train all victim support staff and Panel agreed to consider this £325.00 £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 and agreed to award £325.00 victims of domestic violence. from the Community Initiatives Fund.
933 22 £1,000.00 £0.00 Bebington Sea To purchase a minibus to Panel agreed to consider this £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Cadets transport young people to training application despite it being and events all over the country. received after the closing date, but deferred for the following additional information from the applicant:
- What is the make and model of the minibus and where will it be purchased from?
- Why do you wish to purchase a minibus and not hire one when needed?
- What is the liklihood of raising the additional funding required?
Application deferred to the next round of applications for further consideration once all above information has been received.
Total Spend £7,525.00 £1,000.00 £1,000.00
Total Carried Forward £3,475.00 £2,000.00 £500.00
39 Section Four Local Area Plan
40 Section 4 Local Area Plan Area Plan Update
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.
Changes to the area plan
Over the coming months the area plan will be updated so that the issues and solutions section changes from the current eight themes to reflect the main 4 main themes of Wirral’s second Community Strategy – Getting Better Together 2005-8. i.e. worklessness, cohesive and sustainable communities, access and equity and a quality environment
Sub-group
The area plan sub-group met on 21st July to consider how best to take forward some of the issues raised in the area plan.
At the meeting it was agreed to focus on anti-social behaviour. The sub-group is in the process of arranging a meeting to include a range of local organisations involved in the issue locally. It is hoped the meeting will illustrate what is already happening to deal with the problem and identify ways in which partners can work together.
The sub-group will feed back on this issue at the next area forum.
41 Section Five Youth Update
42 Section 5 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.
43 Section Six Streetscene update
44 Section 6 Streetscene Update Streetscene update
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
Whilst 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.
Waste Collection dates
The link below 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.
http://www.wirral.gov.uk/be/recycling/
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