On Thursday I attended another meeting between the 3 shopkeepers and Wirral Partnership Homes regarding the run down shops and maisonettes. We did not get good news. We were hoping for development of the plans but were told everything was on hold for six months. Apparently due to 2 senior staff leaving and the financial crisis, all WPH’s projects have been suspended with a view to revaluation.
I protested strongly about the 6 months delay as the traders have already waited years for some action to be taken. Our views are to be taken to the Chief Executive of WPH and I have requested an early meeting with him.
Cllr Lewis - Helen Wilkinson - Cllr Williams
Yesterday evening was spent at the Floral Pavilion for the Volunteer of the Year awards. The Guests of Honour were the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Councillor and Mrs Alan Jennings. Others present were my colleagues Councillors David Elderton, Ian Lewis, Sheila Clarke, Cherry Povall and Karen Hayes.
The Awards were hosted by Roger Lyon from Radio Merseyside and the whole event arranged by Angela Green of Wirral CVS and her team. It was very humbling to hear the citations about the nominees for the awards of the different categories. It is amazing just how much good work is done by Volunteers, many of them overcoming their own disabilities to help others.
It was of great pleasure for myself and Ian Lewis that the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award was Helen Wilkinson. Helen is a Special Sergeant with Merseyside Police and works from Moreton Police Station covering our wards.
Helen is a mother of three children, two having Spina Bifida. She has been a Special Police Officer for 13 years and has been responsible for re-instating the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, setting up an Anti Social Behaviour team and the areas High Visibilty team.
A very good night and again another insight into the good citizenship that exists in Wirral.
Yesterday at Wallasey Town Hall was the Children’s Parliament Enviromental Debate. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit through the afternoon session. The council was chaired by the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Alan Jennings. The debate was facilitated by the Chief Executive, Steve Maddox.
The afternoon opened with a presentation by the winners of the morning session which was Brookdale Primary School, Greasby. The quality of the presentation and the content was excellent.
The afternoon session commenced and was between five secondary schools, with four pupils from each. Interestingly all participants were girls. Apparently this was not contrived, but as two schools had to drop out last minute, it was only girls schools’ remaining. The schools taking part were Penby, Prenton, Weatherhead, West Kirby and Wirral.
The presentations and debate went very well with all rules, set out by Mr Maddox, being adhered to. The ideas and issues brought out by the girls were very enlightening and indeed I feel as usual, us ‘adult’ councillors could learn a thing or two by listening to youngsters!
The winner of the afternoon session was Wirral Grammar which was very well deserved. A few of the young ladies showed a natural instict for debate and could well end up being councillors or MP’s, one even started wagging a finger, whilst speaking!
A great afternoon proving that these youngsters have recognised the dangers that the enviroment is facing and are considering options available.
Tonight I attended the Planning Committee meeting at the Town Hall where the Tesco (Moreton Cross) application was listed for consideration. As thought it has been deferred for a site visit. This means that all twelve of the committee will see the site first hand before the hearing.
There were quite a number of objectors at the Town Hall headed by Stuart Beeston of Carousel Flowers. The debate got a good airing on this lunchtime’s Roger Philips phone-in on Radio Merseyside, including an interview with my colleague Councillor Chris Blakeley
I have this morning found out that the Halifax Agency within Jones & Chapman, 248 Hoylake Road is to close on the 27th October. This is a further blow to Moreton having recently lost Johnson the Cleaners at the Cross. The nearest Halifax Branches to Moreton will be Birkenhead and Wallasey.
I have spoken to Halifax and they say they are closing all agencies Nationwide, which means we will be losing Greasby as well. Customers in Moreton will be encouraged to use LloydsTSB which is part of the same group. Quite ironic seeing as there was always a queue as the Moreton branch!
It’s taken me 52 years of living within a mile or so of it, but today I finally went up Leasowe Lighthouse. It was a nice clear day and we could see as far as North Wales and Lancashire but not quite clear enough for Blackpool Tower. I was escorted up the 130 winding steps by one of the members, Helen, who gave me lots of history about the lighthouse and the family who had run it.
The lighthouse is presenlty open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Further details at http://www.leasowelighthouse.co.uk/cms/
Today I attended the morning service at Moreton Baptist Church. Unknown to me it was their anniversary, 80 Years, and 1 lady in the congregation had been present at the opening in 1930! It was pleasing to see how much good is being done for the community by the Church. Firstly I was very warmly welcomed particularly by Andy and Hannah. The Church is very family orientated with there being no fewer than six age groups, with differing activites, for 0 – 18 year olds. After the service tea, coffee and cake was served and a lot of interesting conversation took place.
The Church holds many diverse meetings throughout the week and the rainbow cafe is open in the mornings from 9.00 – 1.00. The cafe is also used by the pupils from Foxfield School. Further details at http://www.moretonbaptistchurch.org.uk/
After the May elections, we promised there would be a change, and we would be open and transparent regarding Council spending. It is only right that the Council tax payer can see where their money is being spent.
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We published details of the sponsorship agreement with Tranmere Rovers
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We believe the taxpayer has the right to know how we spend their money
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We welcome greater scrutiny and questioning by the public
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This will help to encourage greater responsibility and involvement
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Labour Councillors voted against this measure
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We shall also, in time, publish contracts and tenders online, in accordance with the policy of the Coalition Government
Vodafone bills of £14,369 in April; a payment of £49,848 to Hewlett Packard and £10,005 to Virgin Media in May. These are just some of the payments by Wirral Borough Council now available for public scrutiny.
Details of April & May 2010 spending are currently available on the WBC website: http://www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/council-and-democracy/budgets-and-spending/supplier-payments
After Biffa doing such a good clear up of the rubbish in Lingham Lane, within four days another pile of rubbish has been dumped
Not as much rubbish as last time but still an unnecessary cost to the council. I am pushing for a block to prevent vehicular traffic using this part of the lane, but am currently waiting for legal direction on this. I hope to report some news soon.
Last night Councillor Chris Blakeley and Simon Mountney and I attended the Birds & Trees Residents Association at St Marys Church Centre on Saughall Massie Road. The main item on the agenda was about Dairy Crest, the Dairy/ Distribution Centre on Saughall Massie Road. A local resident, Mr Williams, gave an in-depth report into the problems he and his neighbours have suffered for 23 years. The main concern is how the site has grown from a small working dairy into a distribution centre covering a large area of the North West, with vehicles arriving and leaving through the night.
The Area Manager for Dairy Crest, Clive Roberts, attended the meeting and was questioned by Mr Williams and Councillor Blakeley. As he is quite new to his post it was agreed that he will look into all the concerns and report back in about 3 months.
Other matters discussed were Police Activity in the area presented by Sergeant Mike Roberts, and local traffic problems, including the dangers at Elm Avenue with the junction of Overchurch Road.