Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 19th June 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

Energy-saving light bulbs are (allegedly) so dangerous that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls to the floor and breaks, a Government department warned earlier this week.

Good News? Bendy cucumbers and funny shaped fruit and vegetables could be back on the table if the European Commission has its way...

The following news item from Arizona shows a different (if somewaht extreme) way of tackling crime. Many say our UK prison regine is too soft and encourages repeat offending. What do you think?

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 29th May 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

There is a view that the Mersey tunnels should now be incorporated into the national strategic road network without further delay - and be maintained by central governmenmt from road related taxes. What do you think?

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 8th May 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 27th March 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

Following determined campaigns by local residents and regular users of this busy road, speed restrictions and traffic calming measures have been implemented with effect from 5th March 2008.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 6th March 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

Since the debate appeared in the Wirral Globe on 20th February 2008, yet more examples of violent drink fuelled yobbish behaviour continue to occur nationally on a daily basis.

The Council met at the Town Hall on 3rd March 2008 to confirm the budget and Council Tax levels for 2008/09.

Councillors are unanimous in their wish to preserve the Remploy CCU factory in Wirral. Typical letter (detailed in press release below) written to Mr James Purnell MP seeks to reverse the decision of his predecessor, Peter Hain MP, to close this Wallasey production facility.

The recent spate of nationwide violent, yobbish behaviour and mindless aggression shows no sign of abating. Now is the time to stop talking about it. Something must be done urgently. (This is an expansion of the article appearing in the Wirral Globe on 20th February 2008)

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 14th February 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in full press release.

Nuclear Power in France – See article containing edited extract from briefing note produced in December 2007. Without re-inventing the wheel, can the UK learn from the French experience and their current policy or does the UK have different aspirations and priorities?

The Tax Payers Alliance appears to have issued some ambiguous statistics in the media relating to Wirral MBC salary payments that lead to misleading conclusions.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 24th January 2008 debated the application for the construction of a waste recovery plant at North Road, Eastham - and made decisions accordingly. See details in press release.

During a crowded and noisy planning meeting held in public in the Civic Hall of Wallasey Town Hall on the evening of 9 10 2007, an application by the PCT (Primary Care Trust) to construct a One Stop Primary Care Centre at the Warrens site at Thingwall (in Wirral) was overwhelmingly refused. Update. STOP PRESS+++ Applicants have lodged an appeal against the refusal that is likely to be heard at a public enquiry at a date to be agreed (subject to confirmation)

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 24th January 2008 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in press release.

A meeting of the West Kirby Regeneration Liaison Group held on 15th January 2008 discussed (amongst other things) The Sail Project & the appointment of Carpenter Investments in a 'lock out' agreement to develop the concept.

Australia has a very similar religious ethnic make up and background to that in the UK and has always been open to immigrants. Their former Prime Minister, John Howard, may have lost his premiership in December 2007 partly due to his developing a tough stance against extremists. (See main article)

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 8th January 2008 debated a number of issues - and made decisions accordingly. See details in press release.

On 17th December 2007, Council debated their serious concerns over smoking and unanimously concluded that actions should be taken to reduce the incidence of smoking in the borough by whatever means are possible.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 13th December 2007 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details in press release.

Young people with diabetes have been discussing their experiences and the challenges they face with MEPs during the first World Diabetes Day, marked at the European Parliament in Strasbourg last week.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 15th November 2007 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details below.

Anouncements have been made this week with regard to proposed Post Office closures on Wirral. Brief details are contained in main press release.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 25th October 2007 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details below.

An extra ordinary Planning Committee Meeting was held at Wallasey Town Hall on 9th October 2007 in the Civic Hall and debated two controversial applications – The Warrens PCT site and the ‘Neptune’ proposal at New Brighton. See details below.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 4th October 2007 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details below.

Planning Committee Meeting held at Wallasey Town Hall on 13th September 2007 debated a number of issues - including some of the following - and made decisions accordingly. See details below.

Many Police and health professionals have concluded that the culture of cheap easily available alcohol is fuelling vandalism, violence, anti-social behaviour and causing low level crime to escalate across the country.

North West Euro MP David Sumberg is reacting furiously to a damning report revealing EU spending plans for 2008. The report detailing the £84bn budget shows that UK taxpayers cash will be ploughed into projects related to the EU Treaty - which further expand the powers of Brussels bureaucrats and whilst almost inevitably reducing control of our own sovereignty

A student was challenged by Merseyrail staff – and subsequently brought before Chester Magistrates Court - for putting her feet on the seats of a train despite written warnings clearly posted in the carriage stating that she should not do so.

Summary message concerning recent policing activity in Hoylake and West Kirby - dated 5th September 2007 - from retiring Inspector Jon Smith based at Hoylake Police Station.

Strasbourg, 5 September 2007 -- Conservative MEPs are calling for a review of legislation that restricts the liquids passengers can carry on aircrafts. If current measures are shown to be unnecessary, the regulation should be repealed.

Many people do not think about their pension provision – until it is far too late to do anything about it. The public meeting at Westbourne Hall in West Kirby on 5th September might just help you to understand the implications for us all…

The net is closing in on those irresponsible dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets when they foul in public. A major crackdown on this anti-social activity is now in progress.

Following recommendations made by officers, as a result of the recent widespread consultation process recently undertaken, the Cabinet concluded that the introduction of resident’s parking schemes was not appropriate. (See earlier news item below)

Following a massive consultation process promoted by local Councillors with residents and businesses in the area, an analysis of the responses received has concluded - in a recommendation made to Cabinet on Thursday 16th August 2007 - that NO FURTHER ACTION should be taken in respect of the introduction of resident’s parking schemes. The final decision rests with the members of the Cabinet.

Wirral Council is seeking Lottery funding to help it transform one of the borough’s best-loved visitor attractions. This to include a refurbished visitor centre at Station Road Thurstaston on the Wirral Way.

Wirral Borough Council now 'webcasts' the proceedings of all planning committee meetings on the internet. Access details are provided in the main news item.

As part of the wider Total Policing enforcement activity to crackdown on underage sales of alcohol - on Friday evening (27 July 2007), Merseyside Police and their partners in Wirral set up a facility where young people may be taken if they were deemed to be at risk.

There has been a spate of car thefts recently. This involves taking away of older vehicles - sometimes untaxed with SORN - from isolated locations. Please keep a watchful eye open. Details in news report.

Planning Committee met at 6 pm 12th July 2007 as per the usual three weekly cycle. Following mistakes made in delayed notification of earlier refusals, new locations were proposed by T- Mobile. Three out of the four were refused by committee.

There is genuine concern from all all political parties as to whether the latest EU proposals will emasculate the United Kingdom's abilities to protect its own borders and maintain its own internal legislative powers.

The Chinese Government have refused to promise to stop barbaric fur trade - despite EU ban and the outrage expressed by European countries. Latest News from Euro MP Sir Robert Atkins.

The three monthly public meeting of the Wirral West area Forum (covering Meols, Hoylake, West Kirby, Caldy and Thurstaston areas) was held on 3rd July 2007. Topics discussed are coverd in this news item.

The recent terrorist attacks have made us all aware of the need to go about our business without let or hindrance – but to remain vigilant. This news item contains the latest (edited) advice from the local Police.

Sir Robert Atkins (Euro MP) is concerned at the prospect of the United Kingdom being railroaded into greater inegration with Europe. You can have your 'say' by completing the brief petition contained in the detailed section of this news item.

Failure to notify T-Mobile of planning refusals for phone masts - public meeting held for apologies to be given to the public and future actions agreed.

Development Control (planning committee meetings) are held in the Town Hall at three weekly intervals throughout the year on a Thursday commencing at 6pm. The proceedings of all meetings are now televised (webcast) and can be accessed on the Council website.

Two well attended meetings held at Westbourne Hall, on 19th June 2007, gave local people an insight into exciting proposals for the regeneration of West Kirby.

Far eastern countries 'farm' dog and cat fur for use in clothing and accessories sold in Europe. Animals kept and killed in atrocious conditions. European import ban to be imposed in first step to cease this appalling barbaric trade.

At a festival dinner recently held in Liverpool, Euro MP Sir Robert Atkins expressed concern at the lack of funding provided for this well loved and used national leisure facility.

The three weeekly planning committee meeting was held in the Town Hall at 6 pm on Thursday 31st May 2007. The following is a list of applications debated and agreed.

This year's World Environment Day (7 6 07) comes during a milestone week in the European Parliament's diary as the temporary committee on climate change meets for the first time on Thursday.

In a key vote today the fight to save the continued manufacture of mercury barometers was lost following strong lobbying by Member States and the British Government.

The European Commission has today adopted a proposal to update consumer protection laws on timeshares and other long term investment plans such as holiday clubs. It will now be sent to the European Parliament for review.

The Planning Department failed to notify cell phone operator T-Mobile that four of their planning applications for mast site installations in the borough had been refused within notification period. Action to be taken...

Wirral Cabinet decided on 28th March 2007 to consult residents and businesses over the many requests regularly made to create resident's parking schemes in various parts of the Borough. Despite much media speculation, the consultation process has not yet actually commenced...

Just weeks before the government publishes its energy review White Paper, The National Grid publishes a report confirming wind power is 'not reliable' - endorsing all the writer has been saying for many months...

RISKS OF ROAD MAINTENANCE BUDGET SHORTFALL HIGHLIGHTED – AFFECTING WIRRAL AS IT DOES MOST OTHER LOCAL AUTHORITIES

More than two thirds of Councils (including Wirral MBC) have been adversely affected by financial deficits in their local primary care trusts (Report from Local Government association)

Wind Farms and Power conservation – a thoughtfully reflective lateral view by The Duke of Buccleuch contained in the letters page of the Daily Telegraph.

The Kings Fund have produced an independent report 'Choice and Equity' confirming that PCTs are failing their patients.

Wirral Council Tax increased by 4.18%. Bands are given below (subject to confirmation) following Council meeting held 1st March 2007..

The yellow marching monsters - bases for the wind turbines to be located off the north Wirral coast - have been the subject of much recent speculation. The site manager responsible for their installation - and for the turbines to be erected on top of them - has disclosed some detailed data about them.

The continuing saga of wind power generation. No spin, no bias, no cosy mis interpretations of the truth - just the facts from up to date scientific analysis. Government please note... (with no apologies for continuing to highlight these strategically important issues)

Our Nation's power generating requirements are far too important a matter to be left in the hands of academics with heads full of cosy theory - but no practical engineering experience

All Local authorities suffer from inadequate funding from central government. Scheduled below are the facts and implications for the council tax payers of Wirral.

There is anecdotal evidence that community service is not working as an effective deterrent or appropriate punishment for petty crime.

The Renewable Energy Foundation has provided the most honest and objective analysis of wind turbine generation currently available. Read below a background summary of their research - and the implications for us all.

There has been much media speculation and debate in recent days over the overall pay increases recently received by General Practitioners and as to whether service is being adversely affected.

A rethink is needed over controlling aggressive dogs and their owners - and the misery of dog fouling.

Here is a brief summary of Council budgeted income and expenditure for 2006/2007 and the implications for Council Tax payers for 2007/2008.

There have been an increasing number of complaints -coupled with a series of recent aciidents - that strongly indicate the urgent need for speeding restrictions on this busy road.

Views continue to be polarised betwen those in favour of their apparent benefits - and those who seriously question their long term contribution to our energy needs.

News has just been received that coastal and inland water way boat owners will have to pay substantially more for red diesel.

Many of you will have seen the recent independant reports over future power generation needs for the United Kingdom in the local and national press and media. Possible solutions are many and varied, have you any constructive ideas?

The Planning Committee met at Wallasey Town Hall on 9th January 2007 to decide upon 28 planning applications and other planning related issues. (The Planning Committee meets throughout the year on a three weekly cycle)

Police advise that - although West Wirral is statistically a very safe area to live - there has been an incidence of burglaries in the Meols area in recent weeks.

The recent tragedy in St Helens has highlighted the problem with dangerous dogs. What would you do about them?

See below unedited article (17 12 2006) from Telegraph journalist, Christopher Booker, concerning wind farms.
(With full acknowledgements to the Telegraph for reproduction below)

These dull wind free days during the festive season should give us all food (better than turkey) for thought...

The latest information on wind farms (see News item below dated 12th October 2006 for earlier background information) is provided by the independent Renewable Energy Foundation. Check their website at (www.ref.org.uk) for objective views and opinions...

Some news from the Police - hot off the press - and some sensible advice for your safety and security over the festive season.

The Planning Committee met at Wallasey Town Hall on 7th December 2006 to decide upon 16 planning applications, enforcement proposals and to review some policy decisions. (The committee meets throughout the year on a three week cycle)

Cautionary notice received from Hoylake Police station today. Please do not be frightened - but be aware of the risks of bogus callers attempting to manipulate and deceive you.

At this time of year in particular, many of you may receive e-mailed notifications that you have 'Won a Lottery' - without having bought a ticket for it. Ignore them, because they are scams aimed at misappropriating your money or identity theft.

The Planning Committee met at Wallasey Town Hall on 16th November 2006 to decide upon 22 planning applications, enforcement proposals and to review some appeal decisions. (The committee meets throughout the year on a three week cycle)

Friends and supporters of Hoylake Cottage Hospital Charitable Trust gathered at the hospital to celebrate the commencement of construction works to build a major extension to the facilities

Following a decision by the executive board of the Council, planning committee proceedings will shortly be 'webcast' for a trial period of twelve months.

A 495 name petition was presented to Council by me on behalf of local residents - including some vulnerable, elderly and infirm pedestrians - for a controlled crossing at this busy intersection.

I presented three large petitions - raised by concerned local residents - to Council on 30th October 2006 urgently requesting traffic orders to provide lower speed limits on the main road from Thurstaston Cottage Loaf to the summit of Grange Hill in West Kirby. Council traffic Officers are investigating with a view to urgently issuing appropriate speed restriction orders and signage erection.

Letter to the Daily Post in rsponse to a letter from Councillor Phil Davies in letter column 30th October 2006. Identifying the REAL problems...

Recent media reports confirm that - compared with European countries - British adults are least likely to challenge and confront the actions of badly behaved youngsters in public places. Adults need to regain control...

Report published within the last few days makes depressing reading. With a few exceptions, the English NHS Trusts are failing the public. (See the letters page of the Daily Post 20th October 2006)

North Wales offshore windfarm construction gives cause for concern. Gwynt-Y-Mor and Rhyl flats are up to 4 years behind schedule and construction costs are escalating beyond budgeted predictions.

Response to letter in the Daily Post (5 10 06) condeming my accusations against this government for throwing money (our taxes) at public service problems without the management skills to go with it.

This government has got it wrong and continues to throw cash (our taxes) at resolving problems without the necessary management system improvements.

"Wirral Matters" published by The Wirral Society confirms that planning decisions are one of the most controversial concerns affecting Wirral residents. From either an applicant or objector, the planning department faces accusations of "flawed decisions made behind closed doors" - if individuals involved do not get there "own way". What is the truth??

The dramatic escalation of the commercial and leisure related use of air travel may be a significant factor.

Just as our 'A' level results arrive, employers are questioning the validity and benefit of the qualifications worked for so hard by so many. Are they relevant to our needs?