Has Labour been using Wirral Council email addresses for party political purposes?

Has Labour been using Wirral Council email addresses for party political purposes?

Has Labour been using Wirral Council email addresses for party political purposes?

                            

An email (copy of which is below) was sent to Cllr Brian Kenny (to his Wirral Council email address) from the political assistant (using her Wirral Council email address) based in the Labour Office at Wirral Council. By the use of the word “All” in the email it was sent to others too.
Continue reading “Has Labour been using Wirral Council email addresses for party political purposes?”

In scenes of dog-whistle politics which councillors recommended (8:7) that Cabinet withdraws its unpopular Dog Control Public Space Protection Order proposals?

In scenes of dog-whistle politics which councillors recommended (8:7) that Cabinet withdraws its unpopular Dog Control Public Space Protection Order proposals?

In scenes of dog-whistle politics which councillors recommended (8:7) that Cabinet withdraws its unpopular Dog Control Public Space Protection Order proposals?

                                    

Committee Rooms 1 and 2 were full of members of the public to hear and see what happened Wallasey Town Hall Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee 15th January 2019
Committee Rooms 1 and 2 were full of members of the public to hear and see what happened, Wallasey Town Hall (Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee) 15th January 2019

Councillors on Wirral Council’s Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in a sensational 8:7 vote, voted in favour of a Conservative amendment proposed by Cllr Chris Blakeley to recommend that Cabinet withdraw its proposals for a Dog Control Public Space Protection Order.

Earlier at the start of the meeting, in a discussion on moving the public meeting to the Civic Hall, the Chair Cllr Tony Jones had suggested ending the Council’s webcast for the rest of the meeting, yet had to smile when a dog interrupted him howling sadly at his suggestion.
Continue reading “In scenes of dog-whistle politics which councillors recommended (8:7) that Cabinet withdraws its unpopular Dog Control Public Space Protection Order proposals?”

Why will councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority only be shown a confidential report to be discussed on Thursday afternoon on the day of the meeting itself?

Why will councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority only be shown a confidential report to be discussed on Thursday afternoon on the day of the meeting itself?

Why will councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority only be shown a confidential report to be discussed on Thursday afternoon on the day of the meeting itself?

                                  

Cllr Dave Hanratty (Chair, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority) 22nd February 2018
Cllr Dave Hanratty (Chair, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority) 22nd February 2018

The author of this piece had the secrecy of two previously secret reports about fire station closures to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority overturned as a result of a consent order in First-tier Tribunal case EA/2016/0054.

A public meeting of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority’s Community Safety and Protection Committee that was originally planned for Thursday afternoon starting at 1.00 pm has been cancelled and replaced with a public meeting of the entire Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority (all eighteen councillors and the Police and Crime Commissioner will be invited).
Continue reading “Why will councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority only be shown a confidential report to be discussed on Thursday afternoon on the day of the meeting itself?”

Councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority face decision on 2.99% council tax increase proposal

Councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority face decision on 2.99% council tax increase proposal

Councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority face decision on 2.99% council tax increase proposal

                                    

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service 4th August 2012 photo 16 pink fire engine
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service 4th August 2012 photo 16 pink fire engine

The eighteen councillors on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority will be meeting in public on Thursday 22nd February (starting at 1.00 pm) in the Liverpool Suite, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Headquarters, Bridle Road, Bootle, L30 4YD to decide on a proposed 2.99% increase to council tax from 2018-19 (starting from the 1st April 2018).
Continue reading “Councillors on Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority face decision on 2.99% council tax increase proposal”

Flaybrick Cemetery – What will happen next? (Claughton byelection)

Flaybrick Cemetery – What will happen next? (Claughton byelection)

Flaybrick Cemetery – What will happen next? (Claughton byelection)

                                   

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Flaybrick Cemetery – What happens next?

John Brace at Flaybrick Cemetery 28th April 2017
John Brace at Flaybrick Cemetery 28th April 2017

Leonora recorded this brief video of myself speaking about the problems at Flaybrick Cemetery. I need to learn better to continue to face the camera as I’m speaking as when I turn to refer to what’s behind me, sound quality can be an issue.

Flaybrick Cemetery over the years has had problems with flytipping and damage to its walls. The area I filmed in called Crossways is mainly Magenta Living properties, but many are vacant. Cllr Steve Foulkes (one of the existing Claughton councillors is one of Wirral Council appointed directors of Magenta Living (formerly called Wirral Partnership Homes)). Since the vacancies have increased the problems with flytipping have increased.

After the video was filmed and I was heading back home a resident talked to us and wanted it to be improved.

Although there are longer quotes in the video, I include below quotes from a Labour councillor for this area Brian Kenny and the Lib Dem candidate for Claughton ward David Evans.

People go to vote in Claughton on Thursday 4th May 2017 for both their local councillor and Metro Mayor and the election result is expected on Friday 5th May 2017.


Response from Liberal Democrats (David Evans – candidate for Claughton ward) sent on 27th April

From: David Evans drcynlaisevans@btinternet.com

Hi John

I have family members interred in Flaybrick and I am saddened not only by the flytipping but also the vandalism of the grave stones and the fabric of a site that is part of the history of Birkenhead.

Birkenhead Park, Bidston Hill and Flaybrick are fantastic assets and a vital part of the heritage of Birkenhead – Flaybrick is similar in many ways to Highgate Cemetery and is much loved by the community as evidenced by the current work to preserve the chapels (although I understand that this is due to the efforts of a local heritage group rather than the council)

Flytipping is also a problem around Bidston Hill and Noctorum (Thermopylae Pass) as is the regular setting alight of the gorse on Bidston Hill.

The council seems to be unconcerned about the importance of local heritage (see demise of Woodside Hotel and ESWA problems)

I would like to see a role for the return of “Park Police” to patrol these areas to act as a visible deterrent and contact point for locals to report incidences of anti social behaviour.

I would also like to see local kids encouraged to value these assets by way of community education about the history of the area, this could involve local volunteers and agencies visiting schools etc.

Maybe the money spent on Wirral View could be diverted to projects such as this…

As you can see, I am an idealist but Birkenhead Park was on its uppers until Friends of Birkenhead Park was set up so involvement of local action groups is vital.

There is much to be appreciated in and around Birkenhead.

Best Regards


Labour’s position (sent on the 18th April) from Cllr Brian Kenny briankenny@wirral.gov.uk:

Dear Mr & Mrs Brace

I thought you would be interested in this email exchange.
There has been a great deal of activity around Flaybrick Cemetery, over the last week or so.

I will shortly be attending a meeting, to discuss further improvements.

Many Thanks.

On 18 Apr 2017, at 12:30, Burrell, Joanna joannaburrell@wirral.gov.uk wrote:

We have asked probation to clean up these areas.
….
Dear Jo

Please see this email and attachments, sent to me a few minutes ago, by Jayne Phennah.
The original was sent to Brian Sinton.
As you can see, Jayne is very upset by this appalling situation.
I would be obliged if you could please have a look at this situation, Jo, and see if there is anything you can do to eliminate the problems.
Please let me know if you require any more details, or clarification.
I am also copying this to the Claughton Ward Councillors, for their information.

Many Thanks, Jo.

Brian Kenny
Labour Councillor for Bidston & St. James Wirral Labour Group Chief Whip
….
Hi Brian,

Spoke to my mum today and she took me up to the cemetery, at the roman catholic end, where the houses are. I was shocked at what I saw. A tree has come down and took the fence off the wall. So anyone can now access the cemetery though here. The tree that has fallen, has been chopped into sections and left sitting on the railings on the floor, on the outside of the cemetery. So the gates on the entrance from lower flaybrick road are a waste of time, due to a big section of the railings being underneath the fallen tree. I took some photos for you. Fell free to forward this email to the appropriate people. I will also send this to Julie and Brian who are local councillors in the area. Let me know what you think, it breaks my heart to see this!

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