Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station "inappropriate development" & "potential for significant harm"

Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “inappropriate development” & “potential for significant harm”

Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “inappropriate development” & “potential for significant harm”

                                                              

Dan Stephens (Chief Fire Officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service) answers questions at a public consultation meeting in Saughall Massie to discuss proposals for a new fire station (20th April 2015). Kieran Timmins (Deputy Chief Executive) is on the right.
Dan Stephens (Chief Fire Officer) answers questions at a public consultation meeting in Saughall Massie to discuss proposals for a new fire station (20th April 2015)

One of the long running sagas that this blog has reported on has been the future of Upton and West Kirby fire stations. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have had two twelve week consultations on this in the last year. The first consultation was on the controversial Greasby library/community centre site in the heart of Greasby village. However in a dramatic U-turn following opposition Wirral Council who owned the site in question withdrew it from consideration part way through the consultation.

The second consultation, which finished on the 18th May and provoked similar levels of opposition to that shown in Greasby but for different reasons also involved a piece of land in Wirral Council’s ownership in Saughall Massie. A decision by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority following the second consultation is expected towards the end of June.

Yesterday evening Wirral Council responded to a Freedom of Information request about the e-mails that were sent between Wirral Council and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service about this issue.

The emails make for interesting reading. As there are so many emails in three bundles of correspondence I may split this into different blog posts with half of the first bundle of emails below.

I haven’t included copies of the maps that were provided, however if you wish to view them, they’re on the Whatdotheyknow website. I haven’t corrected any typographical errors in the emails below.


Timmins, Kieran


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent:25 September 2013 18:31
To: NyreeCollinson@Merseyfire.gov.uk
CC: Henshaw, Janet (Legal); Woods, Stewart; ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk
Subject: Request for sites

Nyree, Please can you forward this to David Ball/David Armstrong at the Wirral. Thanks.

Thank you for a very useful meeting. As we discussed the authority has approved the attached report:-

A Strategic Overview of Estates – Identification of Key Priorities PDF 38Kb
To consider Report CFO/12/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning a review of the property portfolio of the Authority and recommendations for savings in light of the forecast significant reductions in funding.
Additional documents

As I highlighted, we are currently at the exploratory stage of considerations and any firm decision about the future distribution of fire stations would require full authority approval. In order to assist me in taking back options for the Fire authority to consider Please can you:-

a) a suggest potential sites for a fire station in the Greasby area of the Wirral
b) Please can you suggest potential sites in the clatterbridge/bebington area

The approx. area for a stand alone fire station with community facilities is about 1 acre. At Prescot (which is likely to be a join police/fire ambulance station) we had identified a 2.4 acre site. Sites require good arterial road access for emergency response.

Many thanks

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 04 November 2013 13:39
To:‘davidball@wirral.gov.uk’;’davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk’
CC: Schofield, Colin
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Hi Gents

Have you had a chance to consider what options might be available.

Regards

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


From: Collinson, Nyree
Sent: 04 November 2013 12:52
To: Timmins, Kieran
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Kieran, is this the email you’re looking for?

Nyree Collinson
PA to Deputy Chief Exec
Tel. 0151 296 4108



From: Collinson, Nyree
Sent: 26 September 2013 09:36
To: David Ball – Regeneration Dept., Wirral Borough Council (davidball@wirral.gov.uk);’davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk’
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Please see below from Kieran Timmins

Nyree Collinson
PA to Deputy Chief Exec
Tel. 0151 296 4108


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 25 September 2013 18:31
To: Collinson, Nyree
CC: Henshaw, Janet (Legal); Woods, Stewart; Schofield, Colin
Subject: Request for sites

Dear David/David

Thank you for a very useful meeting. As we discussed the authority has approved the attached report:-

A Strategic Overview of Estates – Identification of Key Priorities PDF 38Kb
To consider Report CFO/12/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning a review of the property portfolio of the Authority and recommendations for savings in light of the forecast significant reductions in funding.
Additional documents

As I highlighted, we are currently at the exploratory stage of considerations and any firm decision about the future distribution of fire stations would require full authority approval. In order to assist me in taking back options for the Fire authority to consider Please can you:-

a) a suggest potential sites for a fire station in the Greasby area of the Wirral
b) Please can you suggest potential sites in the clatterbridge/bebington area

The approx. area for a stand alone fire station with community facilities is about 1 acre. At Prescot (which is likely to be a join police/fire ambulance station) we had identified a 2.4 acre site. Sites require good arterial road access for emergency response.

Many thanks

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 15 November 2013 13:48
To:‘davidball@wirral.gov.uk’;’davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk’
CC: Schofield, Colin
Subject: RE: Request for sites

Hi Gents

Have you had a chance to consider this yet?

Many thanks

Kieran

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 04 November 2013 13:39
To:‘davidball@wirral.gov.uk’;’davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk’
CC: Schofield, Colin
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Hi Gents

Have you had a chance to consider what options might be available.

Regards

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


From: Collinson, Nyree
Sent: 04 November 2013 12:52
To: Timmins, Kieran
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Kieran, is this the email you’re looking for?

Nyree Collinson
PA to Deputy Chief Exec
Tel. 0151 296 4108



From: Collinson, Nyree
Sent: 26 September 2013 09:36
To: David Ball – Regeneration Dept., Wirral Borough Council (davidball@wirral.gov.uk);’davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk’
Subject: FW: Request for sites

Please see below from Kieran Timmins

Nyree Collinson
PA to Deputy Chief Exec
Tel. 0151 296 4108


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 25 September 2013 18:31
To: Collinson, Nyree
CC: Henshaw, Janet (Legal); Woods, Stewart; Schofield, Colin
Subject: Request for sites

Dear David/David

Thank you for a very useful meeting. As we discussed the authority has approved the attached report:-

A Strategic Overview of Estates – Identification of Key Priorities PDF 38Kb
To consider Report CFO/12/13 of the Deputy Chief Executive, concerning a review of the property portfolio of the Authority and recommendations for savings in light of the forecast significant reductions in funding.
Additional documents

As I highlighted, we are currently at the exploratory stage of considerations and any firm decision about the future distribution of fire stations would require full authority approval. In order to assist me in taking back options for the Fire authority to consider Please can you:-

a) a suggest potential sites for a fire station in the Greasby area of the Wirral
b) Please can you suggest potential sites in the clatterbridge/bebington area

The approx. area for a stand alone fire station with community facilities is about 1 acre. At Prescot (which is likely to be a join police/fire ambulance station) we had identified a 2.4 acre site. Sites require good arterial road access for emergency response.

Many thanks

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk


Timmins, Kieran


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 15 November 2013 13:50
To: Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Out of Office Autoreply: Request for sites

Thank you for your e-mail.

I am out of the office on Friday afternoon in a series of meetings. I will be accessing e-mails from time to time but if you need anything urgently then please contact Annie Hasprey or Melanie Sloan on 0151 691 8395 and they will be able to help you.

Regards,

David

David Ball
Head of Regeneration and Planning,
Wirral Council


This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com



Timmins, Kieran
From: Halpin, Colleen S. on behalf of Armstrong, David
Sent: 11 December 2013 14:55
To: Murphy(M), Paul; Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin
CC: Royle, Jeanette E.
Subject: Request for Sites

Dear Colin, Paul and Kieran

Thank you for your emails and messages regarding a potential site in Greasby for a new fire station. I apologise for not replying sooner. I am afraid a new phone and a series of hospital appointments are slowing me down!

In order to discuss the Greasby site further, can you please contact Tony Simpson on tonysimpson@wirral.gov.uk, tell 666 3892, who will share with you the relevant plans and land ownership issues.

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com



Timmins, Kieran


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 12 December 2013 09:58
To: ‘Armstrong, David’
Cc: Royle, Jeanette E.; Schofield, Colin
Subject: RE: Request for Sites

Thanks David, much appreciated. Hope you are ok?

Not sure if Tony can pick this up but it strikes me as making sense if (presuming a Wirral owned site is identified in Greasby) that a land swap for the youth zone in Birkenhead might be a sensible approach for tidying up ownership etc…….. what do you think?

Take care

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk


From: Halpin, Colleen S. on behalf of Armstrong, David
Sent: 11 December 2013 14:55
To: Murphy(M), Paul; Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin
CC: Royle, Jeanette E.
Subject: Request for Sites

Dear Colin, Paul and Kieran

Thank you for your emails and messages regarding a potential site in Greasby for a new fire station. I apologise for not replying sooner. I am afraid a new phone and a series of hospital appointments are slowing me down!

In order to discuss the Greasby site further, can you please contact Tony Simpson on tonysimpson@wirral.gov.uk, tell 666 3892, who will share with you the relevant plans and land ownership issues.

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com



Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 21 January 2014 11:06
To: ‘Armstrong, David’;Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi David

Thanks for the note….. to be very clear on the first point we expressly asked you to identify potential options. You certainly did not propose a site!

In relation to the other points I hope the comments below might help…..

  • The footprint we discussed was based upon the PFI stations we have built recently….. in general these are two bay with extensive community facilities. However in general most of the fire stations only house one appliance despite having two bays although we have been quite successful with the ambulance service in sharing sites.I can’t envisage us building an old style fire station without community facilities and would expect to have two bays as well to allow operational flexibility.
  • All three blue lights services have come under significant pressure to work more closely from government and I think there is a clear public expectation that in these challenging times for public services we would consider the possibility on any new build. In Merseyside we work very successfully with both NWAS and the Police and have several successful operations. In broad terms I would expect the presence of colleague services to be relatively small and not to add significantly to the building footprint (if it does suit their business plans). The PFI stations were designed prior to ambulance requests to move in but we have accommodated them without extension. There are lots of benefits for the local community around joint working by having the services co-located

Hope that is of use .Give me a buzz if you need to talk through anything

All the best

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk

If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.

Steps have been taken to ensure this email and attachments are free from virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/


This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com



From: Halpin, Colleen S. [mailto:ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Armstrong, David
Sent: 21 January 2014 09:34
To: Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for this.

A couple of initial responses.

– I think it is important to be clear that I responded to a request from MFRS for possible sites for a fire station on council owned land. We came up with two, of which this was one, the other was felt by MFRS to be too close to the current Upton fire station. This is very different to how the email could be read that “David Armstrong proposed” this site. Clearly MFRS has the option to look also at other suitable sites owned by others.

– Our discussions were around a single bay fire station and in that regard the site appeared to have potential, particularly having the front and rear access required by MFRS. The discussion extended to possible inclusion of the community facilities, in line with the very positive developments undertaken by MFRS in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

– I’d envisage that a marked up drawing would come back showing if and how a one bay fire station would fit on the site and possibly a second option of a one bay plus a community facility.

– To the best of my memory, I don’t recall any mention of possible use by police and ambulance “hence the reason for two acres”. I fully support the principle, both for operational and financial reasons but would ask the question – is that going to result in us trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot here.

– It would be useful to see the footprints of i) single bay fire station, ii) single bay fire station and community, iii) larger joint facility on the land in question.

Sorry if the above sounds negative – I just feel the need to be cautious!

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


From: Subramanayam, Anatha [mailto:]
Sent: 20 January 2014 13:16
To: Simpson, Tony
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC
Importance: High

Hello Tony,

As per our meeting on 8th January 2014 – I am emailing you MFRS understanding in confidence about the land in Greasby (attached )
Summarising the way forward as we discussed:

  • WBC & MFRS discussed the criteria for development of the Fire station in the land proposed by David Armstrong of WBC as potential option.
  • You have confirmed that WBC have granted a long-term (99 year lease ) to the local community trust occupying the community centre adjacent to the site. Can you please confirm the area of the site we discussed :

    1. With community centre
    2. With community centre & Library
    3. Without community centre and Library

  • You stated the approval was granted for the development of supermarket in the red cat premises Can please confirm whether the proposed scheme for Tesco/Sainsbury has been approved adjacent to the site Library which can expand the options available for WBC & MFRS to consider development on proposed sensitive site. (see attached drawing for reference)
  • As we have discussed with you MFRS anticipate greater interest from associated partners – NWAS & Mersey Police for their respective occupational requirements which is the reason we need minimum of 2 acres of Land to avoid any design issues for a feasible development.
  • As we discussed – ideally MFRS & WBC can look forward on few options :
    1. MFRS can ideally build a Fire station in the proposed land subject to area confirmation.
    2. MFRS can develop a Fire station in the proposed land along with community facility while transferring the lease agreements from WBC to MFRS for the existing community centre subject to consultation with community centre and area confirmation.
    3. MFRS can develop a Fire station along with a community facility & Library facility within the associated occupant Lands subject to an agreement with WBC for Land and lease arrangements.
    4. MFRS & WBC can work together to formulate development template in line with any Tesco/Sainsbury proposals in the adjacent Red Cat premises along with Option 3 mentioned above which can be beneficial to all involved stakeholders and community in general.

I look forward to your thoughts on above and please do not hesitate to contact us for any information needed.

Regards

Anu

Anatha Subramanayam | Development Manager – Estates | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4YD | Office: 0151 296 4314 Mob: 07801156545 Email: anathasubramanayam@merseyfire.gov.uk

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.


Kieran, Timmins


From: Halpin, Colleen S. [mailto:ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Armstrong, David
Sent: 21 January 2014 09:34
To: Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for this.

A couple of initial responses.

– I think it is important to be clear that I responded to a request from MFRS for possible sites for a fire station on council owned land. We came up with two, of which this was one, the other was felt by MFRS to be too close to the current Upton fire station. This is very different to how the email could be read that “David Armstrong proposed” this site. Clearly MFRS has the option to look also at other suitable sites owned by others.

– Our discussions were around a single bay fire station and in that regard the site appeared to have potential, particularly having the front and rear access required by MFRS. The discussion extended to possible inclusion of the community facilities, in line with the very positive developments undertaken by MFRS in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

– I’d envisage that a marked up drawing would come back showing if and how a one bay fire station would fit on the site and possibly a second option of a one bay plus a community facility.

– To the best of my memory, I don’t recall any mention of possible use by police and ambulance “hence the reason for two acres”. I fully support the principle, both for operational and financial reasons but would ask the question – is that going to result in us trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot here.

– It would be useful to see the footprints of i) single bay fire station, ii) single bay fire station and community, iii) larger joint facility on the land in question.

Sorry if the above sounds negative – I just feel the need to be cautious!

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


From: Subramanayam, Anatha [mailto:]
Sent: 20 January 2014 13:16
To: Simpson, Tony
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC
Importance: High

Hello Tony,

As per our meeting on 8th January 2014 – I am emailing you MFRS understanding in confidence about the land in Greasby (attached )
Summarising the way forward as we discussed:

  • WBC & MFRS discussed the criteria for development of the Fire station in the land proposed by David Armstrong of WBC as potential option.
  • You have confirmed that WBC have granted a long-term (99 year lease ) to the local community trust occupying the community centre adjacent to the site. Can you please confirm the area of the site we discussed :

    1. With community centre
    2. With community centre & Library
    3. Without community centre and Library

  • You stated the approval was granted for the development of supermarket in the red cat premises Can please confirm whether the proposed scheme for Tesco/Sainsbury has been approved adjacent to the site Library which can expand the options available for WBC & MFRS to consider development on proposed sensitive site. (see attached drawing for reference)
  • As we have discussed with you MFRS anticipate greater interest from associated partners – NWAS & Mersey Police for their respective occupational requirements which is the reason we need minimum of 2 acres of Land to avoid any design issues for a feasible development.
  • As we discussed – ideally MFRS & WBC can look forward on few options :
    1. MFRS can ideally build a Fire station in the proposed land subject to area confirmation.
    2. MFRS can develop a Fire station in the proposed land along with community facility while transferring the lease agreements from WBC to MFRS for the existing community centre subject to consultation with community centre and area confirmation.
    3. MFRS can develop a Fire station along with a community facility & Library facility within the associated occupant Lands subject to an agreement with WBC for Land and lease arrangements.
    4. MFRS & WBC can work together to formulate development template in line with any Tesco/Sainsbury proposals in the adjacent Red Cat premises along with Option 3 mentioned above which can be beneficial to all involved stakeholders and community in general.

I look forward to your thoughts on above and please do not hesitate to contact us for any information needed.

Regards

Anu

Anatha Subramanayam | Development Manager – Estates | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4YD | Office: 0151 296 4314 Mob: 07801156545 Email: anathasubramanayam@merseyfire.gov.uk

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.

Steps have been taken to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/


This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.clearswift.com



Timmins, Kieran


From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:08
To:Timmins, Kieran
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi Kieran

Proprietor of Upton Cricket Club, Old Greasby Road, Wirral, CH49 6LT :-

Rose Chaplet Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. No.05678129), and Reveille Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. 05678115), c/o Leverhulme Estates, Estate Office, Thornton Hough, Wirral CH63 1JD and c/o Brabners LLP (Ref. JPW/AFR/LEO), Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL

Regards

Tony


Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 21 January 2014 11:06
To: ‘Armstrong, David’;Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi David

Thanks for the note….. to be very clear on the first point we expressly asked you to identify potential options. You certainly did not propose a site!

In relation to the other points I hope the comments below might help…..

  • The footprint we discussed was based upon the PFI stations we have built recently….. in general these are two bay with extensive community facilities. However in general most of the fire stations only house one appliance despite having two bays although we have been quite successful with the ambulance service in sharing sites.I can’t envisage us building an old style fire station without community facilities and would expect to have two bays as well to allow operational flexibility.
  • All three blue lights services have come under significant pressure to work more closely from government and I think there is a clear public expectation that in these challenging times for public services we would consider the possibility on any new build. In Merseyside we work very successfully with both NWAS and the Police and have several successful operations. In broad terms I would expect the presence of colleague services to be relatively small and not to add significantly to the building footprint (if it does suit their business plans). The PFI stations were designed prior to ambulance requests to move in but we have accommodated them without extension. There are lots of benefits for the local community around joint working by having the services co-located

Hope that is of use .Give me a buzz if you need to talk through anything

All the best

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk



From: Halpin, Colleen S. [mailto:ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Armstrong, David
Sent: 21 January 2014 09:34
To: Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for this.

A couple of initial responses.

– I think it is important to be clear that I responded to a request from MFRS for possible sites for a fire station on council owned land. We came up with two, of which this was one, the other was felt by MFRS to be too close to the current Upton fire station. This is very different to how the email could be read that “David Armstrong proposed” this site. Clearly MFRS has the option to look also at other suitable sites owned by others.

– Our discussions were around a single bay fire station and in that regard the site appeared to have potential, particularly having the front and rear access required by MFRS. The discussion extended to possible inclusion of the community facilities, in line with the very positive developments undertaken by MFRS in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

– I’d envisage that a marked up drawing would come back showing if and how a one bay fire station would fit on the site and possibly a second option of a one bay plus a community facility.

– To the best of my memory, I don’t recall any mention of possible use by police and ambulance “hence the reason for two acres”. I fully support the principle, both for operational and financial reasons but would ask the question – is that going to result in us trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot here.

– It would be useful to see the footprints of i) single bay fire station, ii) single bay fire station and community, iii) larger joint facility on the land in question.

Sorry if the above sounds negative – I just feel the need to be cautious!

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


From: Subramanayam, Anatha [mailto:]
Sent: 20 January 2014 13:16
To: Simpson, Tony
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC
Importance: High

Hello Tony,

As per our meeting on 8th January 2014 – I am emailing you MFRS understanding in confidence about the land in Greasby (attached )
Summarising the way forward as we discussed:

  • WBC & MFRS discussed the criteria for development of the Fire station in the land proposed by David Armstrong of WBC as potential option.
  • You have confirmed that WBC have granted a long-term (99 year lease ) to the local community trust occupying the community centre adjacent to the site. Can you please confirm the area of the site we discussed :

    1. With community centre
    2. With community centre & Library
    3. Without community centre and Library

  • You stated the approval was granted for the development of supermarket in the red cat premises Can please confirm whether the proposed scheme for Tesco/Sainsbury has been approved adjacent to the site Library which can expand the options available for WBC & MFRS to consider development on proposed sensitive site. (see attached drawing for reference)
  • As we have discussed with you MFRS anticipate greater interest from associated partners – NWAS & Mersey Police for their respective occupational requirements which is the reason we need minimum of 2 acres of Land to avoid any design issues for a feasible development.
  • As we discussed – ideally MFRS & WBC can look forward on few options :
    1. MFRS can ideally build a Fire station in the proposed land subject to area confirmation.
    2. MFRS can develop a Fire station in the proposed land along with community facility while transferring the lease agreements from WBC to MFRS for the existing community centre subject to consultation with community centre and area confirmation.
    3. MFRS can develop a Fire station along with a community facility & Library facility within the associated occupant Lands subject to an agreement with WBC for Land and lease arrangements.
    4. MFRS & WBC can work together to formulate development template in line with any Tesco/Sainsbury proposals in the adjacent Red Cat premises along with Option 3 mentioned above which can be beneficial to all involved stakeholders and community in general.

I look forward to your thoughts on above and please do not hesitate to contact us for any information needed.

Regards

Anu

Anatha Subramanayam | Development Manager – Estates | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4YD | Office: 0151 296 4314 Mob: 07801156545 Email: anathasubramanayam@merseyfire.gov.uk

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.

Steps have been taken to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

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This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.

Steps have been taken to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/


Timmins, Kieran


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:10
To: ‘Simpson, Tony’
Cc: Subramanayam, Anatha; Schofield, Colin; Woods, Stewart
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for prompt research Tony….. although just looking at the listing makes me think this could be complicated!!

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk



From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:08
To:Timmins, Kieran
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi Kieran

Proprietor of Upton Cricket Club, Old Greasby Road, Wirral, CH49 6LT :-

Rose Chaplet Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. No.05678129), and Reveille Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. 05678115), c/o Leverhulme Estates, Estate Office, Thornton Hough, Wirral CH63 1JD and c/o Brabners LLP (Ref. JPW/AFR/LEO), Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL

Regards

Tony


Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 21 January 2014 11:06
To: ‘Armstrong, David’;Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi David

Thanks for the note….. to be very clear on the first point we expressly asked you to identify potential options. You certainly did not propose a site!

In relation to the other points I hope the comments below might help…..

  • The footprint we discussed was based upon the PFI stations we have built recently….. in general these are two bay with extensive community facilities. However in general most of the fire stations only house one appliance despite having two bays although we have been quite successful with the ambulance service in sharing sites.I can’t envisage us building an old style fire station without community facilities and would expect to have two bays as well to allow operational flexibility.
  • All three blue lights services have come under significant pressure to work more closely from government and I think there is a clear public expectation that in these challenging times for public services we would consider the possibility on any new build. In Merseyside we work very successfully with both NWAS and the Police and have several successful operations. In broad terms I would expect the presence of colleague services to be relatively small and not to add significantly to the building footprint (if it does suit their business plans). The PFI stations were designed prior to ambulance requests to move in but we have accommodated them without extension. There are lots of benefits for the local community around joint working by having the services co-located

Hope that is of use .Give me a buzz if you need to talk through anything

All the best

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk



From: Halpin, Colleen S. [mailto:ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Armstrong, David
Sent: 21 January 2014 09:34
To: Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for this.

A couple of initial responses.

– I think it is important to be clear that I responded to a request from MFRS for possible sites for a fire station on council owned land. We came up with two, of which this was one, the other was felt by MFRS to be too close to the current Upton fire station. This is very different to how the email could be read that “David Armstrong proposed” this site. Clearly MFRS has the option to look also at other suitable sites owned by others.

– Our discussions were around a single bay fire station and in that regard the site appeared to have potential, particularly having the front and rear access required by MFRS. The discussion extended to possible inclusion of the community facilities, in line with the very positive developments undertaken by MFRS in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

– I’d envisage that a marked up drawing would come back showing if and how a one bay fire station would fit on the site and possibly a second option of a one bay plus a community facility.

– To the best of my memory, I don’t recall any mention of possible use by police and ambulance “hence the reason for two acres”. I fully support the principle, both for operational and financial reasons but would ask the question – is that going to result in us trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot here.

– It would be useful to see the footprints of i) single bay fire station, ii) single bay fire station and community, iii) larger joint facility on the land in question.

Sorry if the above sounds negative – I just feel the need to be cautious!

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


From: Subramanayam, Anatha [mailto:]
Sent: 20 January 2014 13:16
To: Simpson, Tony
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC
Importance: High

Hello Tony,

As per our meeting on 8th January 2014 – I am emailing you MFRS understanding in confidence about the land in Greasby (attached )
Summarising the way forward as we discussed:

  • WBC & MFRS discussed the criteria for development of the Fire station in the land proposed by David Armstrong of WBC as potential option.
  • You have confirmed that WBC have granted a long-term (99 year lease ) to the local community trust occupying the community centre adjacent to the site. Can you please confirm the area of the site we discussed :

    1. With community centre
    2. With community centre & Library
    3. Without community centre and Library

  • You stated the approval was granted for the development of supermarket in the red cat premises Can please confirm whether the proposed scheme for Tesco/Sainsbury has been approved adjacent to the site Library which can expand the options available for WBC & MFRS to consider development on proposed sensitive site. (see attached drawing for reference)
  • As we have discussed with you MFRS anticipate greater interest from associated partners – NWAS & Mersey Police for their respective occupational requirements which is the reason we need minimum of 2 acres of Land to avoid any design issues for a feasible development.
  • As we discussed – ideally MFRS & WBC can look forward on few options :
    1. MFRS can ideally build a Fire station in the proposed land subject to area confirmation.
    2. MFRS can develop a Fire station in the proposed land along with community facility while transferring the lease agreements from WBC to MFRS for the existing community centre subject to consultation with community centre and area confirmation.
    3. MFRS can develop a Fire station along with a community facility & Library facility within the associated occupant Lands subject to an agreement with WBC for Land and lease arrangements.
    4. MFRS & WBC can work together to formulate development template in line with any Tesco/Sainsbury proposals in the adjacent Red Cat premises along with Option 3 mentioned above which can be beneficial to all involved stakeholders and community in general.

I look forward to your thoughts on above and please do not hesitate to contact us for any information needed.

Regards

Anu

Anatha Subramanayam | Development Manager – Estates | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4YD | Office: 0151 296 4314 Mob: 07801156545 Email: anathasubramanayam@merseyfire.gov.uk

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.

Steps have been taken to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/


Timmins, Kieran


From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:14
To: Timmins, Kieran
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Nothing’s ever easy these days!


Timmins, Kieran


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:10
To: ‘Simpson, Tony’
Cc: Subramanayam, Anatha; Schofield, Colin; Woods, Stewart
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for prompt research Tony….. although just looking at the listing makes me think this could be complicated!!

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk

www.merseyfire.gov.uk



From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 25 March 2014 17:08
To:Timmins, Kieran
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi Kieran

Proprietor of Upton Cricket Club, Old Greasby Road, Wirral, CH49 6LT :-

Rose Chaplet Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. No.05678129), and Reveille Nominees Ltd., (Co. Regn. 05678115), c/o Leverhulme Estates, Estate Office, Thornton Hough, Wirral CH63 1JD and c/o Brabners LLP (Ref. JPW/AFR/LEO), Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL

Regards

Tony


Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 21 January 2014 11:06
To: ‘Armstrong, David’;Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Hi David

Thanks for the note….. to be very clear on the first point we expressly asked you to identify potential options. You certainly did not propose a site!

In relation to the other points I hope the comments below might help…..

  • The footprint we discussed was based upon the PFI stations we have built recently….. in general these are two bay with extensive community facilities. However in general most of the fire stations only house one appliance despite having two bays although we have been quite successful with the ambulance service in sharing sites.I can’t envisage us building an old style fire station without community facilities and would expect to have two bays as well to allow operational flexibility.
  • All three blue lights services have come under significant pressure to work more closely from government and I think there is a clear public expectation that in these challenging times for public services we would consider the possibility on any new build. In Merseyside we work very successfully with both NWAS and the Police and have several successful operations. In broad terms I would expect the presence of colleague services to be relatively small and not to add significantly to the building footprint (if it does suit their business plans). The PFI stations were designed prior to ambulance requests to move in but we have accommodated them without extension. There are lots of benefits for the local community around joint working by having the services co-located

Hope that is of use .Give me a buzz if you need to talk through anything

All the best

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk



From: Halpin, Colleen S. [mailto:ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Armstrong, David
Sent: 21 January 2014 09:34
To: Subramanayam, Anatha
Cc: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin; Simpson, Tony
Subject: RE: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC

Thanks for this.

A couple of initial responses.

– I think it is important to be clear that I responded to a request from MFRS for possible sites for a fire station on council owned land. We came up with two, of which this was one, the other was felt by MFRS to be too close to the current Upton fire station. This is very different to how the email could be read that “David Armstrong proposed” this site. Clearly MFRS has the option to look also at other suitable sites owned by others.

– Our discussions were around a single bay fire station and in that regard the site appeared to have potential, particularly having the front and rear access required by MFRS. The discussion extended to possible inclusion of the community facilities, in line with the very positive developments undertaken by MFRS in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

– I’d envisage that a marked up drawing would come back showing if and how a one bay fire station would fit on the site and possibly a second option of a one bay plus a community facility.

– To the best of my memory, I don’t recall any mention of possible use by police and ambulance “hence the reason for two acres”. I fully support the principle, both for operational and financial reasons but would ask the question – is that going to result in us trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot here.

– It would be useful to see the footprints of i) single bay fire station, ii) single bay fire station and community, iii) larger joint facility on the land in question.

Sorry if the above sounds negative – I just feel the need to be cautious!

Regards

David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive

Colleen Halpin
PA to Director of Children’s Services
Children and Young People’s Department
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4288
Fax: 0151 666 4338
E-mail: colleenhalpin@wirral.gov.uk
www.wirral.gov.uk


From: Subramanayam, Anatha [mailto:]
Sent: 20 January 2014 13:16
To: Simpson, Tony
Cc: Schofield, Colin; Timmins, Kieran
Subject: Greasby Land – MFRS/WBC
Importance: High

Hello Tony,

As per our meeting on 8th January 2014 – I am emailing you MFRS understanding in confidence about the land in Greasby (attached )
Summarising the way forward as we discussed:

  • WBC & MFRS discussed the criteria for development of the Fire station in the land proposed by David Armstrong of WBC as potential option.
  • You have confirmed that WBC have granted a long-term (99 year lease ) to the local community trust occupying the community centre adjacent to the site. Can you please confirm the area of the site we discussed :

    1. With community centre
    2. With community centre & Library
    3. Without community centre and Library

  • You stated the approval was granted for the development of supermarket in the red cat premises Can please confirm whether the proposed scheme for Tesco/Sainsbury has been approved adjacent to the site Library which can expand the options available for WBC & MFRS to consider development on proposed sensitive site. (see attached drawing for reference)
  • As we have discussed with you MFRS anticipate greater interest from associated partners – NWAS & Mersey Police for their respective occupational requirements which is the reason we need minimum of 2 acres of Land to avoid any design issues for a feasible development.
  • As we discussed – ideally MFRS & WBC can look forward on few options :
    1. MFRS can ideally build a Fire station in the proposed land subject to area confirmation.
    2. MFRS can develop a Fire station in the proposed land along with community facility while transferring the lease agreements from WBC to MFRS for the existing community centre subject to consultation with community centre and area confirmation.
    3. MFRS can develop a Fire station along with a community facility & Library facility within the associated occupant Lands subject to an agreement with WBC for Land and lease arrangements.
    4. MFRS & WBC can work together to formulate development template in line with any Tesco/Sainsbury proposals in the adjacent Red Cat premises along with Option 3 mentioned above which can be beneficial to all involved stakeholders and community in general.

I look forward to your thoughts on above and please do not hesitate to contact us for any information needed.

Regards

Anu

Anatha Subramanayam | Development Manager – Estates | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service | Bridle Road, Bootle L30 4YD | Office: 0151 296 4314 Mob: 07801156545 Email: anathasubramanayam@merseyfire.gov.uk

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the originator of the message.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, (MFRS) .

Incoming and outgoing emails may be monitored in line with current legislation.

Steps have been taken to ensure that this email and attachments are free from any virus. In keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free.

http://www.merseyfire.gov.uk/


Timmins, Kieran


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 29 April 2014 09:06
To: Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Simpson, Tony; Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

Kieran,

I don’t but I have copied this to Tony and David who may know more about it.

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk]
Sent: 29 April 2014 08:54
To: Ball, David S.
Subject: Greasby sites

Hi David

Do you know anything about land sited on Frankby road opposite St John the divine church? Is that a possible fire station site?

Cheers

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224


Timmins, Kieran


From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 29 April 2014 10:23
To: Ball, David S; Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

The land is not Council owned.

Tony


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 29 April 2014 09:06
To: Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Simpson, Tony; Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

Kieran,

I don’t but I have copied this to Tony and David who may know more about it.

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk]
Sent: 29 April 2014 08:54
To: Ball, David S.
Subject: Greasby sites

Hi David

Do you know anything about land sited on Frankby road opposite St John the divine church? Is that a possible fire station site?

Cheers

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224


Timmins, Kieran


From: Timmins, Kieran
Sent: 29 April 2014 10:34
To: ‘Simpson, Tony’; Ball, David S.
Cc: Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

Thanks Tony

Do you think it might be a suitable site? Do you know offhand anything about the ownership or history?

Thanks

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk


From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 29 April 2014 10:23
To: Ball, David S; Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

The land is not Council owned.

Tony


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 29 April 2014 09:06
To: Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Simpson, Tony; Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

Kieran,

I don’t but I have copied this to Tony and David who may know more about it.

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk]
Sent: 29 April 2014 08:54
To: Ball, David S.
Subject: Greasby sites

Hi David

Do you know anything about land sited on Frankby road opposite St John the divine church? Is that a possible fire station site?

Cheers

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224


Timmins, Kieran


From: Ball, David S
Sent: 29 April 2014 12:58
To: Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony
Subject FW: Greasby sites

Kieran,

Here is the view on this site from my Forward Planning team. It seems that there would be some planning policy issues here but I can explore it further if you want me to.

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Entwhistle, John C.
Sent: 29 April 2014 12:56
To: Ball, David S.
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

David – the land on the opposite site of Frankby road to St John the Divine is in the Green Belt so a fire station would be inappropriate development and very special circumstances would have to be demonstrated. However there is potential for significant harm to the Green Belt in this location because of its role in maintaining separation between Greasby and Frankby.

John Entwistle
Principal Forward Planning Officer,
Forward Planning,
Regeneration and Environment,
Wirral Council,
Town Hall, Brighton Street
Wallasey, Merseyside
CH44 8ED
Telephone: 0151 691 8221
email: johnentwistle@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8273
Visit our website www.wirral.gov.uk
Please save paper and print out only what is necessary.

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 29 April 2014 12:19
To: Entwhistle, John C.
Subject: FW: Greasby sites
Importance: High

John,

Do we know anything about this site?

Would a fire station be an acceptable use?

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Simpson, Tony
Sent: 29 April 2014 10:23
To: Ball, David S; Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

The land is not Council owned.

Tony


From: Ball, David S.
Sent: 29 April 2014 09:06
To: Timmins, Kieran
Cc: Simpson, Tony; Armstrong, David
Subject: RE: Greasby sites

Kieran,

I don’t but I have copied this to Tony and David who may know more about it.

David

DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council

Tel: 0151 691 8395
Fax: 0151 691 8191
Email: davidball@wirral.gov.uk

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk]
Sent: 29 April 2014 08:54
To: Ball, David S.
Subject: Greasby sites

Hi David

Do you know anything about land sited on Frankby road opposite St John the divine church? Is that a possible fire station site?

Cheers

Kieran

Kieran Timmins
Deputy Chief Executive
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority
Fire Service HQ
Bridle Road
Bootle
L30 4YD

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224


Continues at Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “there would be some planning policy issues”.

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Why did Merseytravel spend £33,781.20 last year with Veale Wasbrough Vizards about its move to Mann Island?

Why did Merseytravel spend £33,781.20 last year with Veale Wasbrough Vizards about its move to Mann Island?

Why did Merseytravel spend £33,781.20 last year with Veale Wasbrough Vizards about its move to Mann Island?

                                                

I went to a meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Audit Committee yesterday and if you wish you can view the video of that meeting below. The agenda and reports for that meeting is on Merseytravel’s website.

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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Audit Committee meeting 12th May 2015

What did occur to me after the meeting finished was that since the Local Government Transparency Code applies to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, that Merseytravel (which is now part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority) would be required to publish a list of payments made over £500 each month on its website.

Unlike Wirral Council and the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, who also publish comma separated values files of the same information (which can then be sorted in a spreadsheet) Merseytravel just publish this information as PDF files.

Links to each of these files which cover the last financial year are below.

Merseytravel payments over £500 Period 1 – 01 April 2014 to 27 April 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Period 02 – 28 April 2014 to 25 May 2014

Ed – added on 22/5/2015 – see edit note below for why Merseytravel payments over £500 Period 03 26 May 2014 to 22 June 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Transactions Period 04 26-06-2014 To 20-07-2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Transactions Period 05 21-07-2014 To 17-08-2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure August September 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 expenditure September October 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure October November 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure November to December 2014

Merseytravel payments over £500 expenditure December 2014 to January 2015

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure 5th January to 1st February

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure 2nd February to 1st March 2015

Merseytravel payments over £500 Expenditure 2nd March to 31st March 2015

If you’re observant, you’ll have noticed a gap for the month from the 26th May 2014 to the 25th June 2014. I’ve emailed Merseytravel to ask for the missing month of payments. Ed – 22/5/2015 – Merseytravel got back in touch with me on the 21st May informing me the missing month had now been put on their website, so it is now linked to above. The missing month includes another payment of £680 made to Veale Wasbrough Vizards for legal costs to do with the HQ relocation that was not available to me when originally writing this article.

However the other 11 months make for interesting reading.

There are a number of payments to a Veale Wasbrough Vizards (which is a Bristol based firm of solicitors) relating to Merseytravel’s controversial headquarters move from Hatton Gardens to Mann Island.

1 Mann Island (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority)
1 Mann Island (Merseytravel’s new headquarters)

Here’s a list of the payments made to Veale Wasbrough Vizards:

VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 21/3/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £720
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 30/4/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £862.50
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 30/4/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £1,200
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 23/4/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £4,342.25
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 18/8/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £1,169.89
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 23/9/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £2,084.00
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 23/10/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £648
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 18/11/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £10,315.20
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 18/12/2014 Other Contractor 15 S-7116- HQ – Direct Costs £7,600
VEALE WASBROUGH VIZARDS 22/12/2014 Legal Fees S-7108- HQ Relocation £4,839.36
        Total £33,781.20
           

Payments are also still being made to Bircham Dyson Bell as you can see below. The Liverpool Echo reported back in 2012 how £1.7 million was paid by Merseytravel to Bircham Dyson Bell without the work being put out to tender.

BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 28/3/2014 Court Fees S-2031 Legal and Committee Team £1,050.90
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 28/3/2014 Specialist Fees K-2501 L.A. Subscriptions etc. £754.70
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 29/4/2014 Court Fees S-2031 Legal and Committee Team £1,362.10
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 30/6/2014 Consultants Fees R-0200 Rolling Stock Programme £1,915.79
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 19/2/2015 Consultants Fees K-2501 L.A. Subscriptions etc. £1,665.50
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 27/11/2012 Consultants Fees K-2501 L.A. Subscriptions etc. £7,427.50
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 20/5/2013 Consultants Fees K-2501 L.A. Subscriptions etc. £7,800.00
BIRCHAM DYSON BELL 25/2/2015 Consultants Fees R-0200 Rolling Stock Programme £5,210.89
        Total £27,187.38
           

Merseytravel also paid £977.50 to Sara Bradbury in October 2014 for “Counsels Fees”.

A number of insurance payments were made by Merseytravel with compensation given as the reason.

ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE 16/5/2014 Compensation – Public Liability S-2101 Ins – General £7,008
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE 18/7/2014 Compensation – Public Liability S-2101 Ins – General £2,717.00
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE 14/8/2014 Compensation Public Liability S-2101 Ins – General £8,500.00
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE 25/7/2014 Compensation Misc S-2101 Ins – General £11,575.00
THOMAS COOPER 8/8/2014 Compensation Misc S-2101 Ins – General £7,300.00
MERCURY LEGAL LLP 18/12/2014 Compensation Employers Liability S-2101 Ins – General £7,182.17
ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE 18/12/2014 Compensation Public Liability S-2101 Ins – General £16,790.00
        Total £61,072.17
           

There was a payment for £507 to Weightmans LLP for an invoice dated 31st March 2014 for “specialist services”. Merseytravel also paid five amounts (£3,800, £2,600, £4,400, £750 and £2,145) to a firm of solicitors called Davies Wallis Foyster LLP for invoices in 2014 for the services of a solicitor.

Two payments of £15,115 and £15,590 were made to Royal & Sun Alliance for invoices dated 27th August 2014 and the 3rd December 2014 for the costs of external 3rd party solicitors.

Robert Jackson Solicitors charged £2,000 in an invoice dated 13th February 2015 for legal costs associated with an insurance claim, in the same month Merseytravel paid £4,812 to CS Cooper C/O Collins Long Solicitors which was again for legal costs to do with an insurance claim.

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Public consultation meeting in Saughall Massie on proposed new fire station

Public consultation meeting in Saughall Massie on proposed new fire station

Public consultation meeting in Saughall Massie on proposed new fire station

                                                   

Dan Stephens Chief Fire Officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at Greasby Methodist Church Hall, Greasby Road, Greasby on 10th November 2014 for consultation meeting on closure of Upton and West Kirby fire stations and merger at Greasby
Dan Stephens Chief Fire Officer, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at Greasby Methodist Church Hall, Greasby Road, Greasby last year for a consultation meeting on the proposed closure of Upton and West Kirby fire stations

Tonight, the first of three public meetings will be held (starting at 6.30pm at the St Mary’s Centre, 127 Saughall Massie Road, CH49 4LA) to consult with the public on options which include building a new fire station in Saughall Massie (if Upton Fire Station & West Kirby Fire Station close). Another option being consulted on is the closure of West Kirby Fire Station and keeping Upton Fire Station open.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have produced an eighteen page consultation document which details their reasons for the consultation. There is also an online questionnaire as part of the consultation and you can email consultation2@merseyfire.gov.uk with your views or write to Wirral Consultation, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Bridle Road, Bootle, L30 4YD.

The twelve week consultation ends on the 18th May 2015 and there will be two further public meetings in addition to the one tonight in Saughall Massie.

Tuesday, 28th April, at Holy Cross Church community rooms, by Holy Cross Church, Woodchurch, CH49 7LS, starting at 6.30pm.

Tuesday, 5th May, at Hoylake Community Centre, The Parade, Hoyle Road, Hoylake, CH47 3AG, starting at 6.30pm.

A transcript of the reasons given by the Chief Fire Officer for the consultation at the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority meeting on the 29th January can be read here.

You may also be interested in Saughall Massie residents express their opposition to fire station plans at first consultation meeting which includes video of the meeting.

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Merseytravel announces wifi at all underground train stations within 5 years

Merseytravel announces wifi at all underground train stations within 5 years

Merseytravel announces wifi at all underground train stations within 5 years

                                                           

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Councillor Steve Foulkes at a meeting of Merseytravel's Performance and Review Subcommittee 23rd March 2015
Councillor Steve Foulkes at a meeting of Merseytravel’s Performance and Review Subcommittee 23rd March 2015

The first main agenda item at the meeting was a report on a review of transport and emissions in the Liverpool City Region, along with the terms of reference for the Reducing Transport Emissions Review 2014 and slides which summarised the author of the report said.

In response Cllr Steve Foulkes suggested, “Maybe leave your car home for one day or something, those types of changes you know that make a massive impact.”

Cllr Liam Robinson (Chair of Merseytravel) said, “For me that’s about making sure public transport is the number one choice of getting around from A to B.”

The next item was the Customer and Passenger Satisfaction Review.

There were no questions or comments on this. Councillors agreed the recommendation.

The next to last report was on Rail Patronage and Ticketing along with an enclosure.

A representative from Merseyrail and Northern Rail were along to answer any questions. The report showed an increase in passenger numbers on the Merseyrail lines (for the first half of 2014/15 compared to the first half of 2013/14) but a decrease in passenger numbers travelling with Northern Rail.

The Merseyrail representative attributed some of the increase to the Open Golf tournament and the Giants event, but that even when the extra passengers travelling to these events were taken into account that there was still an underlying growth of 2%.

The Northern Rail representative disputed that there had been a decline in passenger numbers and stated that their own figures showed a 2.3% increase compared to the previous year. He asked for passenger numbers to be compared at the end of the year as factors such as engineering works and electrification closures would have affected their figures.

A councillor pointed out that wifi was nearly always available on long distance trains and asked when they would introduce wifi to trains?

The answer given was, “Chair I can comment on that. Firstly, the thing to mention on that is the five-year growth plan that was mentioned by Paul a little bit earlier. One of the initiatives is wifi at all the underground stations as a pilot scheme. So that’s already committed to, we’ll see how that rolls out.”

The Northern Rail representative answered, “We are currently trialling free wifi on our electric trains in the Yorkshire area with a view to rolling out.

The new franchise specification for Northern and Transpennine Express will indicate, well sorry has stated that all services will have free wifi during the first part of that franchise. We’re also trialling free wifi at stations.”

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Incredible: Wirral Council shared 55,640 addresses of residents who live on their own with Merseyside Fire Service!

Incredible: Wirral Council shared 55,640 addresses of residents who live on their own with Merseyside Fire Service!

Incredible: Wirral Council shared 55,640 addresses of residents who live on their own with Merseyside Fire Service!

                                                   

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Paul Murphy of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service explains how Wirral Council told Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service where all the people claiming a single person council tax discount live 19th March 2015
Paul Murphy of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service explains how Wirral Council told Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service where all the people claiming a single person council tax discount live 19th March 2015

At yesterday’s meeting of Merseyside’s Fire and Rescue Authority’s Performance and Scrutiny Committee Paul Murphy (the fire service manager for the Wirral district) said something surprising (his interesting talk starts at 3 minutes 22 seconds into the video of the meeting above).

31 minutes and 6 seconds into the meeting, in answer to a question from a councillor he says, “What we did with the last Chief Exec is, that was the dilemma I was sadly in Councillor Stapleton, so the give away to me was to deliver that up. So we went to Wirral Borough Council and said “Would you do us a favour? Would you share your single person council tax, who are those people on that list?” and Wirral shared that with us.

So straight away it went from 320,000, it shrunk it down, I think it was around I can’t remember the exact numbers but it went from a global figure to a manageable figure and that goes on, on the fire stations they’ll have a Goldmine system of status reports. So if it’s for instance Paul Murphy, if I’m 65, I live alone, I’m a known smoker, I’ve been in hospital, I will build up a criteria, the vulnerable person index and then what the fire crews will do is they will prioritise those people especially if they haven’t had a visit.”

Just to summarise, a person lives on their own so quite rightly gets 25% off their Council Tax. Unbeknownst to them, Wirral Council shares this information with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, so a fire engine and crew comes round offering them a free smoke alarm?

Does anyone other than me find this sharing of council tax data for other purposes worrying? There is a poll below so you can give your opinion on this.

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