Employment Tribunal (Alison Mountney v Wirral Council) Day 10 of 10: Judgement
Employment Tribunal (Alison Mountney v Wirral Council) Day 10 of 10: Judgement
This is a report of a very small part of an Employment Tribunal hearing I attended (the judgement). By this point the matter had already been heard over 9 days and this was day 10 of 10. Brief details are below.
Venue: Tribunal Room 2, Third Floor, Liverpool Civil and Family Court Hearing Centre, 35 Vernon Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 2BX
Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “there would be some planning policy issues”
Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “there would be some planning policy issues”
Continuing from Wednesday’s blog post headlined Wirral Council planning on green belt fire station “inappropriate development” & “potential for significant harm”, I thought people might be interested in more of the emails that went between Wirral Council and the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service about the plans for a fire station in Wirral West as it seems that detailed discussions were going on behind the scenes both at officer level at Wirral Council & Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, as well as discussions with councillors too.
Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 29 April 2014 13:02 To: ‘Ball, David, S.’ Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony Subject: RE: Greasby sites
Very helpful. Thank you all
No need to explore further at present
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: 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
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.
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
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
kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk
www.merseyfire.gov.uk
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: 07 May 2014 16:49 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Dear Kieran
Did Tony provide you with the contact for the Woodland Trust?
Any outstanding issues re us moving into Birkenhead Fire Station?
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: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 29 April 2014 06:36 To: Armstrong, David Subject: Greasby Sites
HI David
Can you send me your contact details for the woodland trust (did you have any joy with them?).
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: 07 May 2014 17:53 To: Armstrong, David Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Hi David
Tony hasn’t had a chance to send details yet. Be grateful if you could follow up.
Colin, Can you update us on current position on Birkenhead.
Thanks
Kieran
Timmins, Kieran
From: Halpin, Colleen S. on behalf of Armstrong, David Sent: 07 May 2014 16:49 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Dear Kieran
Did Tony provide you with the contact for the Woodland Trust?
Any outstanding issues re us moving into Birkenhead Fire Station?
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: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 29 April 2014 06:36 To: Armstrong, David Subject: Greasby Sites
HI David
Can you send me your contact details for the woodland trust (did you have any joy with them?).
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: Simpson, Tony Sent: 16 May 2014 11:37 To: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin, Timmins, Kieran Cc: Royle, Jeannette E. Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
DavidSmith@woodlandtrust.org.uk]
Regards
Tony
From:/B> Lloyd, Tina A. On Behalf Of Armstrong, David Sent: 15 May 2014 15:37 To: ‘Schofield, Colin’; Timmins, Kieran; Armstrong, David Cc: Simpson, Tony; Royle, Jeannette E. Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Re Birkenhead – I have now signed off a draft report for Cabinet Member approval ASAP. That should allow the other documents to be completed.
Thanks
Tina Lloyd on behalf of
David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4313
Fax: 0151 666 4338
email: tinalloyd@wirral.gov.uk
Visit our website: www.wirral.gov.uk
From: Schofield, Colin [mailto:ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 07 May 2014 18:02 To: Timmins, Kieran; Armstrong, David Subject: Re: Greasby Sites
Kieran
Re Birkenhead, draft lease & associated documents are with Dawn to pass to Wirral’s legal team for consideration.
Need to sort out ICT connections but move in date shouldn’t be too far away.
Regards
Col
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 05:53 PM To: Armstrong, David Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Hi David
Tony hasn’t had a chance to send details yet. Be grateful if you could follow up.
Colin, Can you update us on current position on Birkenhead.
Thanks
Kieran
From: Halpin, Colleen S. [ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] on behalf of Armstrong, David [davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk] Sent: 07 May 2014 16:48 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Dear Kieran
Did Tony provide you with the contact for the Woodland Trust?
Any outstanding issues re us moving into Birkenhead Fire Station?
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: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 29 April 2014 06:36 To: Armstrong, David Subject: Greasby Sites
HI David
Can you send me your contact details for the woodland trust (did you have any joy with them?).
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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
This e-mail 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 the 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: 16 May 2014 11:37 To: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin, Timmins, Kieran Cc: Royle, Jeannette E. Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
DavidSmith@woodlandtrust.org.uk]
Regards
Tony
From:/B> Lloyd, Tina A. On Behalf Of Armstrong, David Sent: 15 May 2014 15:37 To: ‘Schofield, Colin’; Timmins, Kieran; Armstrong, David Cc: Simpson, Tony; Royle, Jeannette E. Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Re Birkenhead – I have now signed off a draft report for Cabinet Member approval ASAP. That should allow the other documents to be completed.
Thanks
Tina Lloyd on behalf of
David Armstrong
Head of Universal Services CYPD
and Assistant Chief Executive
Wirral Council
Tel: 0151 666 4313
Fax: 0151 666 4338
email: tinalloyd@wirral.gov.uk
Visit our website: www.wirral.gov.uk
From: Schofield, Colin [mailto:ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 07 May 2014 18:02 To: Timmins, Kieran; Armstrong, David Subject: Re: Greasby Sites
Kieran
Re Birkenhead, draft lease & associated documents are with Dawn to pass to Wirral’s legal team for consideration.
Need to sort out ICT connections but move in date shouldn’t be too far away.
Regards
Col
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 05:53 PM To: Armstrong, David Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Hi David
Tony hasn’t had a chance to send details yet. Be grateful if you could follow up.
Colin, Can you update us on current position on Birkenhead.
Thanks
Kieran
From: Halpin, Colleen S. [ColleenHalpin@wirral.gov.uk] on behalf of Armstrong, David [davidarmstrong@wirral.gov.uk] Sent: 07 May 2014 16:48 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Greasby Sites
Dear Kieran
Did Tony provide you with the contact for the Woodland Trust?
Any outstanding issues re us moving into Birkenhead Fire Station?
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: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 29 April 2014 06:36 To: Armstrong, David Subject: Greasby Sites
HI David
Can you send me your contact details for the woodland trust (did you have any joy with them?).
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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
This e-mail 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 the 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: 16 May 2014 13:27 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: GREASBY
Colin,
This work is in progress and we should have something by next Tuesday.
David
DAVID BALL Head of Regeneration and Planning Regeneration and Environment Department Wirral Council
From: Schofield, Colin [mailto:ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 16 May 2014 08:48 To: Ball, David S. Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: GREASBY
Hi David
Following on from when we spoke last week, I recall you were going to get someone to look at the land at Upton By-pass/Saughall Massie Road to see if there was any potential for us to consider it as a site for the new merged Upton/West Kirby fire station. I think you also suggested that you’d get someone to produce a plan showing any ‘spare land’ in the Greasby area (back to the By-pass) so we can continue to seek out a potential site for the new station.
I was just wondering if you had any news on either of these please?
Regards
Colin
Colin Schofield Regional Project Director North West Fire & Rescue Services PFI Project c/o Merseyside F&RS HQ Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside L30 4YD tel 0151 296 4203 mob 07780 997933 fax 0151 296 4224 email colinschofield@merseyfire.gov.uk
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 19 May 2014 10:41 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites Attachments: Land Corner Saughall Massie Road 1_2500.pdf; Land North Upton Cricket Club 1_2500.pdf
Colin,
Confidential
Further to our recent conversation and the e-mail exchange last week, please find attached and below some thoughts from my Planning Policy Team about potential sites. Unfortunately, as you will read, there are a number of constraints to these sites but we are having difficulty identifying suitable sites in the Greasby area.
Happy to discuss!
David DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Austin, Hannah Sent: 19 May 2014 10:17 To: Ball, David S. CC: Fraser, Andrew S. Subject: Potential Fire Station Sites
David,
Further to your discussion with Andrew on Friday, please find attached site plans of two potential sites for the relocation of Upton Fire Station. We examined the whole area and these are the only sites that we consider have potential, in addition to the site already being considered. It should be noted, however, that these are still subject to significant constraints. The land at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a Council-owned densely wooded site with access constraints. It is likely that there would be significant highways issues at the junction with Upton By-Pass. The land to the north of Upton Cricket Club is also subject to access constraints and is currently used for horse grazing. It has been submitted through the Call for Sites exercise for consideration for housing. Both sites are also less than 1 mile away from the existing station in Upton.
In terms of Green Belt sites, this type of development would be considered inappropriate and very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated to justify development. The capacity to accommodate fire engines on Frankby Road and the western part of Saughall Massie Road may also act as a constraint to development in Greasby/Saughall Massie.
I hope this helps. If you need anything else please let me know.
Kind regards
Hannah Austin Senior Planning Officer
Wirral Council
Regeneration and Planning Service, North Annexe, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8192
Email: hannahaustin@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8188
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: Ball, David, S. Sent: 19 May 2014 13:02 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info) Attachments: Land Corner Saughall Massie Road 1_2500.pdf; Land North Upton Cricket Club 1_2500.pdf
Colin,
CONFIDENTIAL
Update on sites!
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Fraser, Andrew S. Sent: 19 May 2014 11:36 To: Ball, David S. Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
David.
Just to say that the site at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a designated Urban Greenspace but although highly visible it does not really function as an accessible public open space and Overchurch Park is within 400m to the north, albeit on the other side of the bypass. The visual landscaping impact alongside the bypass could however be retained without retaining the whole of the rest of the site (although this is still likely to be controversial!). The highways issues are however likely to be overriding.
Thanks
Andrew Fraser, Forward Planning Manager
Regeneration and Planning Service
Tel: 0151 691 8218 Fax: 0151 691 8188
From: Austin, Hannah Sent: 19 May 2014 10:17 To: Ball, David S. CC: Fraser, Andrew S. Subject: Potential Fire Station Sites
David,
Further to your discussion with Andrew on Friday, please find attached site plans of two potential sites for the relocation of Upton Fire Station. We examined the whole area and these are the only sites that we consider have potential, in addition to the site already being considered. It should be noted, however, that these are still subject to significant constraints. The land at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a Council-owned densely wooded site with access constraints. It is likely that there would be significant highways issues at the junction with Upton By-Pass. The land to the north of Upton Cricket Club is also subject to access constraints and is currently used for horse grazing. It has been submitted through the Call for Sites exercise for consideration for housing. Both sites are also less than 1 mile away from the existing station in Upton.
In terms of Green Belt sites, this type of development would be considered inappropriate and very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated to justify development. The capacity to accommodate fire engines on Frankby Road and the western part of Saughall Massie Road may also act as a constraint to development in Greasby/Saughall Massie.
I hope this helps. If you need anything else please let me know.
Kind regards
Hannah Austin Senior Planning Officer
Wirral Council
Regeneration and Planning Service, North Annexe, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8192
Email: hannahaustin@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8188
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: 19 May 2014 15:46 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info)
Thanks again David
Would be grateful if colleagues able to give any more details on concerns on the highway’s issues. We tend to find that
a) Fire stations are a lot quieter than people imagine and rarely respond under blue lights
b) Quite often appliances respond when they are off site doing home fire safety checks etc
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
From: Ball, David, S. Sent: 19 May 2014 13:02 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info) Attachments: Land Corner Saughall Massie Road 1_2500.pdf; Land North Upton Cricket Club 1_2500.pdf
Colin,
CONFIDENTIAL
Update on sites!
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Fraser, Andrew S. Sent: 19 May 2014 11:36 To: Ball, David S. Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
David.
Just to say that the site at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a designated Urban Greenspace but although highly visible it does not really function as an accessible public open space and Overchurch Park is within 400m to the north, albeit on the other side of the bypass. The visual landscaping impact alongside the bypass could however be retained without retaining the whole of the rest of the site (although this is still likely to be controversial!). The highways issues are however likely to be overriding.
Thanks
Andrew Fraser, Forward Planning Manager
Regeneration and Planning Service
Tel: 0151 691 8218 Fax: 0151 691 8188
From: Austin, Hannah Sent: 19 May 2014 10:17 To: Ball, David S. CC: Fraser, Andrew S. Subject: Potential Fire Station Sites
David,
Further to your discussion with Andrew on Friday, please find attached site plans of two potential sites for the relocation of Upton Fire Station. We examined the whole area and these are the only sites that we consider have potential, in addition to the site already being considered. It should be noted, however, that these are still subject to significant constraints. The land at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a Council-owned densely wooded site with access constraints. It is likely that there would be significant highways issues at the junction with Upton By-Pass. The land to the north of Upton Cricket Club is also subject to access constraints and is currently used for horse grazing. It has been submitted through the Call for Sites exercise for consideration for housing. Both sites are also less than 1 mile away from the existing station in Upton.
In terms of Green Belt sites, this type of development would be considered inappropriate and very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated to justify development. The capacity to accommodate fire engines on Frankby Road and the western part of Saughall Massie Road may also act as a constraint to development in Greasby/Saughall Massie.
I hope this helps. If you need anything else please let me know.
Kind regards
Hannah Austin Senior Planning Officer
Wirral Council
Regeneration and Planning Service, North Annexe, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8192
Email: hannahaustin@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8188
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 20 May 2014 08:01 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
Kieran,
I will look into the highway issues in more detail.
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 19 May 2014 15:46 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info)
Thanks again David
Would be grateful if colleagues able to give any more details on concerns on the highway’s issues. We tend to find that
a) Fire stations are a lot quieter than people imagine and rarely respond under blue lights
b) Quite often appliances respond when they are off site doing home fire safety checks etc
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
From: Ball, David, S. Sent: 19 May 2014 13:02 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info) Attachments: Land Corner Saughall Massie Road 1_2500.pdf; Land North Upton Cricket Club 1_2500.pdf
Colin,
CONFIDENTIAL
Update on sites!
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Fraser, Andrew S. Sent: 19 May 2014 11:36 To: Ball, David S. Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
David.
Just to say that the site at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a designated Urban Greenspace but although highly visible it does not really function as an accessible public open space and Overchurch Park is within 400m to the north, albeit on the other side of the bypass. The visual landscaping impact alongside the bypass could however be retained without retaining the whole of the rest of the site (although this is still likely to be controversial!). The highways issues are however likely to be overriding.
Thanks
Andrew Fraser, Forward Planning Manager
Regeneration and Planning Service
Tel: 0151 691 8218 Fax: 0151 691 8188
From: Austin, Hannah Sent: 19 May 2014 10:17 To: Ball, David S. CC: Fraser, Andrew S. Subject: Potential Fire Station Sites
David,
Further to your discussion with Andrew on Friday, please find attached site plans of two potential sites for the relocation of Upton Fire Station. We examined the whole area and these are the only sites that we consider have potential, in addition to the site already being considered. It should be noted, however, that these are still subject to significant constraints. The land at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a Council-owned densely wooded site with access constraints. It is likely that there would be significant highways issues at the junction with Upton By-Pass. The land to the north of Upton Cricket Club is also subject to access constraints and is currently used for horse grazing. It has been submitted through the Call for Sites exercise for consideration for housing. Both sites are also less than 1 mile away from the existing station in Upton.
In terms of Green Belt sites, this type of development would be considered inappropriate and very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated to justify development. The capacity to accommodate fire engines on Frankby Road and the western part of Saughall Massie Road may also act as a constraint to development in Greasby/Saughall Massie.
I hope this helps. If you need anything else please let me know.
Kind regards
Hannah Austin Senior Planning Officer
Wirral Council
Regeneration and Planning Service, North Annexe, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8192
Email: hannahaustin@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8188
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
This e-mail 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 the 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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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 25 June 2014 08:11 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
Colin,
Apologies for the delay in replying as things have been very busy of late.
On an initial look and taking into account your comments in your e-mail of 19 may, I think we could look at this positively subject to detailed design.
I hope this helps.
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Schofield, Colin [mailto:ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 25 June 2014 07:55 To: Ball, David S. Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info] Importance: High
Hi David
Do you have any further update on this please?
I understand that Dan Stephens is meeting Councillor Phil Davies on Tuesday & I need to update him before that meeting.
Regards
Colin
From: Schofield, Colin Sent: 04 June 2014 07:58 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
David
Is there any further news on the highways issues please?
Regards
Colin
Colin Schofield Regional Project Director North West Fire & Rescue Services PFI Project c/o Merseyside F&RS HQ Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside L30 4YD tel 0151 296 4203 mob 07780 997933 fax 0151 296 4224 email colinschofield@merseyfire.gov.uk
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 20 May 2014 08:01 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
Kieran,
I will look into the highway issues in more detail.
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 19 May 2014 15:46 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info)
Thanks again David
Would be grateful if colleagues able to give any more details on concerns on the highway’s issues. We tend to find that
a) Fire stations are a lot quieter than people imagine and rarely respond under blue lights
b) Quite often appliances respond when they are off site doing home fire safety checks etc
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
From: Ball, David, S. Sent: 19 May 2014 13:02 To: Schofield, Colin Cc: Timmins, Kieran Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites (further info) Attachments: Land Corner Saughall Massie Road 1_2500.pdf; Land North Upton Cricket Club 1_2500.pdf
Colin,
CONFIDENTIAL
Update on sites!
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Fraser, Andrew S. Sent: 19 May 2014 11:36 To: Ball, David S. Subject: FW: Potential Fire Station Sites [further info]
David.
Just to say that the site at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a designated Urban Greenspace but although highly visible it does not really function as an accessible public open space and Overchurch Park is within 400m to the north, albeit on the other side of the bypass. The visual landscaping impact alongside the bypass could however be retained without retaining the whole of the rest of the site (although this is still likely to be controversial!). The highways issues are however likely to be overriding.
Thanks
Andrew Fraser, Forward Planning Manager
Regeneration and Planning Service
Tel: 0151 691 8218 Fax: 0151 691 8188
From: Austin, Hannah Sent: 19 May 2014 10:17 To: Ball, David S. CC: Fraser, Andrew S. Subject: Potential Fire Station Sites
David,
Further to your discussion with Andrew on Friday, please find attached site plans of two potential sites for the relocation of Upton Fire Station. We examined the whole area and these are the only sites that we consider have potential, in addition to the site already being considered. It should be noted, however, that these are still subject to significant constraints. The land at the corner of Saughall Massie Road is a Council-owned densely wooded site with access constraints. It is likely that there would be significant highways issues at the junction with Upton By-Pass. The land to the north of Upton Cricket Club is also subject to access constraints and is currently used for horse grazing. It has been submitted through the Call for Sites exercise for consideration for housing. Both sites are also less than 1 mile away from the existing station in Upton.
In terms of Green Belt sites, this type of development would be considered inappropriate and very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated to justify development. The capacity to accommodate fire engines on Frankby Road and the western part of Saughall Massie Road may also act as a constraint to development in Greasby/Saughall Massie.
I hope this helps. If you need anything else please let me know.
Kind regards
Hannah Austin Senior Planning Officer
Wirral Council
Regeneration and Planning Service, North Annexe, Wallasey Town Hall, Brighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 8ED
Tel: 0151 691 8192
Email: hannahaustin@wirral.gov.uk
Fax: 0151 691 8188
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
This e-mail 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 the 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 e-mail 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 the 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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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 July 2014 08:06 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony; Blott, Joe R. Subject: Potential fire station sites in Wirral
Kieran,
Joe Blott, one of our Strategic Directors has asked me to contact you following the recent meeting that Dan Stevens had with the leader of the Council. I understand that one of the discussion points was the various sites that we have been discussing over the past few months for a potential new fire station.
I understand that there may be a need to consolidate all the correspondence and to come to a view if any of these sites are possible locations and if there is a preferred site fro the Council to let you know whether it is available (if we own it) and what the planning considerations may be. I know that we (Asset Management and me from a planning perspective) have discussed a number of sites but would it be useful to meet to come to a considered position on this matter?
Please can you let me know what would be best?
Thanks,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 09 July 2014 17:02 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony; Blott, Joe R; ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk;NyreeCollinson@merseyfire.gov.uk Subject: RE: Potential fire station sites in Wirral
Hi David
That’s very timely as I was just discussing with Colin holding a meeting to review the site options and it would make a lot of sense to do that jointly with your input. I’ll get a meeting set up with Colin Schofield, myself and (is it just) you from the Wirral side?
Under separate cover I’ll send a copy of a short note I did for Dan trying to summarise where we are up to which might be useful for all
Best wishes
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 July 2014 08:06 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony; Blott, Joe R. Subject: Potential fire station sites in Wirral
Kieran,
Joe Blott, one of our Strategic Directors has asked me to contact you following the recent meeting that Dan Stevens had with the leader of the Council. I understand that one of the discussion points was the various sites that we have been discussing over the past few months for a potential new fire station.
I understand that there may be a need to consolidate all the correspondence and to come to a view if any of these sites are possible locations and if there is a preferred site fro the Council to let you know whether it is available (if we own it) and what the planning considerations may be. I know that we (Asset Management and me from a planning perspective) have discussed a number of sites but would it be useful to meet to come to a considered position on this matter?
Please can you let me know what would be best?
Thanks,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
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.
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 09 July 2014 17:07 To: ‘Ball, David S.’ Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony; Blott, Joe R; ColinSchofield@merseyfire.gov.uk;NyreeCollinson@merseyfire.gov.uk Subject: RE: Potential fire station sites in Wirral Attachments: summary of greasby sites update june 25.xlsx
Hi David,
Further to previous email see notes below and attachment which were provided for Chief Exec’s meeting
a) Sites discounted early
Two sites were considered at an early stage and discounted. One was a junior school on Mill Lane – there were concerns about access and no indications that school was willing to give up land. The second was a farm site on Arrowe road – No indications if land was for sale
b) Sites considered in more detail
Since then 6 sites have been considered in more detail. They have been identified by a mix of estates team detective work, suggestions by colleagues and suggestions by Wirral officers. The sites are analysed in more detail in the attached appendix. As it stands there are two “runners” left:-
Saughall Massie Road/Upton By Pass. This is owned by Wirral and looks quite positive based on recent correspondence despite being urban greenspace. It may be a little father from Greasby than planned but access good
The Library/Community hall site in middle of Greasby. However this site not suitable for ambulance services and we would have to deal with multiple partners. Locality is a political hot potato with large public outcry about supermarket development.
c) Latest Developments
Estates team have been liaising with various professional advisers to see if they had any information. We have heard rumours of one potential larger development being put together near Greasby. We are awaiting more details and location
Have also formally instructed Hardie Brack to look for sites and their report is awaited. We believe they may have identified three or four potential plots which we understand all to be farmland that might be for sale.
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 July 2014 08:06 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony; Blott, Joe R. Subject: Potential fire station sites in Wirral
Kieran,
Joe Blott, one of our Strategic Directors has asked me to contact you following the recent meeting that Dan Stevens had with the leader of the Council. I understand that one of the discussion points was the various sites that we have been discussing over the past few months for a potential new fire station.
I understand that there may be a need to consolidate all the correspondence and to come to a view if any of these sites are possible locations and if there is a preferred site fro the Council to let you know whether it is available (if we own it) and what the planning considerations may be. I know that we (Asset Management and me from a planning perspective) have discussed a number of sites but would it be useful to meet to come to a considered position on this matter?
Please can you let me know what would be best?
Thanks,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 July 2014 17:31 To: Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David; Simpson, Tony, Blott, Joe R; Schofield, Colin; Collinson, Nyree Subject: RE: Potential fire station sites in Wirral
Kieran
I suggest me on the planning side and David and/or Tony on the assets side.
David
Sent from my HTC
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 25 July 2014 14:10 To: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin Subject: Fire Station -CONFIDENTIAL
Kieran and Colin,
It was good to see you this morning.
I have had the opportunity to speak with colleagues at officer level regarding the thoughts for the centre of Greasby and they are all supportive of the principle. I am now pulling together relevant space details and there are a number of options here which will be helpful. I will forward these as soon as I have them.
I will speak to David Armstrong on Monday about the land issues and will begin to sound out Cabinet Members around the middle of next week,
I will keep you advised.
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 25 July 2014 22:01 To: Ball, David S.; Schofield, Colin Cc: Garrigan, Phil; Stephens, Dan Subject: RE: Fire Station – CONFIDENTIAL
Hi David
Thank you very much for your efforts and pragmatic advice. This seems a really exciting development and one the whole management team are really keen on.
We look forward to working with you to deliver …… Operation Reading by Firelight begins!
Thanks
Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 25 July 2014 14:09 To: Timmins, Kieran; Schofield, Colin Subject: Fire Station -CONFIDENTIAL
Kieran and Colin,
It was good to see you this morning.
I have had the opportunity to speak with colleagues at officer level regarding the thoughts for the centre of Greasby and they are all supportive of the principle. I am now pulling together relevant space details and there are a number of options here which will be helpful. I will forward these as soon as I have them.
I will speak to David Armstrong on Monday about the land issues and will begin to sound out Cabinet Members around the middle of next week,
I will keep you advised.
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 25 July 2014 22:06 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: Re: Fire Station -CONFIDENTIAL
Kieran
You are welcome.
Let’s hope we succeed.
David
Sent from my HTC
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Timmins, Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 04 August 2014 14:28 To: Timmins, Kieran Subject: RE: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby
Kieran,
Thanks!
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 04 August 2014 14:23 To: Ball, David S. Subject: FW: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby.
Hi David…… see Dan’s correspondence with Ester Mcvey below…..
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: Stephens, Dan Sent: 04 August 2014 14:17 To: Strategic Management Group Subject: FW: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby.
Colleagues,
For your information.
Regards,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: Stephens, Dan Sent: 04 August 2014 14:16 To: ‘RIMMER, Andrew’ Cc: Wainwright, Sandra Subject: RE: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby.
Andrew,
We are, in conjunction with Wirral, exploring the possibility of a joint development on the site of the existing Library and Community Centre situated in between the Red Cat and Medical Centre on Frankby Road.
This would be an ideal location from an operational response perspective. The joint development may consist of a fire station, library and community facilities in an integrated building. It is possible North West Ambulance Service may also be interested in the development but that is by no means certain and would be subject to confirmation.
This proposal is at a relatively early stage and not all potential partners have yet been approached. Whilst I have a degree of confidence that such a development is deliverable I would ask that any response to constituents over this issue is heavily caveated to that effect.
My suggestion would be to respond along the lines of ‘Considerations are now focused on a site in the centre of Greasby in Wirral ownership. Whilst discussions are at a very early stage, the debate has been around delivering a shared public services facility that would add significant value to the community’.
Thanks,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: RIMMER, Andrew [mailto:andrew.rimmer@parliament.uk] Sent: 04 August 2014 10:52 To: Stephens, Dan Cc: Wainwright, Sandrea Subject: RE: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby. Importance: High
Sent on behalf of Esther McVey MP
Dear Dan
Further to your telephone call with Esther and email correspondence below regarding Fire Station proposals in Wirral West, would it be possible to update us on consideration of a site in Greasby so we have the latest information. It was one of the issues raised on Friday at the Over 60s Fair MFRS attended at Hoylake Community Centre.
Many thanks for your help.
Kind regards
Andrew
Andrew Rimmer
Office of Esther McVey MP
From:“Stephens,Dan” Date:8 May 2014 19:35:53 BST To:“MCVEY, Esther (2nd Mailbox)” Subject: RE: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby.
Dear Esther,
For ease of reply I have inserted responses to your questions in the body of the e-mail below.
If it assists I can meet with you or give you a call when it is convenient for you to update you on progress?
Thanks,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: MCVEY, Esther (2nd Mailbox) [mailto:officeofesthermcveymp@parliament.uk] Sent: 08 May 2014 14:14 To: Stephens, Dan Subject: FW: Update on station proposals for Upton and West Kirby
Dear Dan
Please could I ask for a quick update on decisions over stations in Wirral West following contact from constituents. Specifically
Have MFS identified land as yet in Greasby? – Not as yet. We are exploring the possibility of acquiring a site on the Greasby Frankby border and also a site at the junction of the Upton Bypass and Saughall Massie Road. As you are probably aware there are very few available plots of land in the area which would be appropriate for a fire (and possibly ambulance) station
If so when will any consultation process commence? – If we are able to acquire a site we will report this to the next scheduled Authority meeting and request approval to undertake a 12 week public consultation process immediately thereafter. I can send you the process we are utilising for the proposed merger in Knowsley (Huyton with Whiston) which was approved at the Authority meeting on 6th May if that would assist?
If not, what would the likely timescale be to implement alternative proposals and when would any consultation start? – If it becomes obvious that we will not be able to acquire a suitable site for a merger then we will report back to the Authority and advise them of the alternative options to a merger which on the Wirral would be the outright closure of West Kirby. Subject to Authority approval we would then undertake a 12 week consultation process immediately thereafter. Clearly this is the very last outcome we would want so we will explore every land option possible even if that requires consideration of alternative sites (hence the Upton Bypass and Saughall Massie Road reference above)
Many thanks in advance for an update on this matter.
With my best wishes
Esther McVey MP officeofesthermcveymp@parliament.uk
The Parade, Hoylake Community Centre
Hoyle Road, Hoylake
Wirral
CH47 3AG
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Timmins, Kieran From: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 September 2014 09:25 To: Stephens, Dan; Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Dan and Kieran,
I saw Lesley Rennie last Friday and she did mention to me the meeting was taking place.
I was in meetings yesterday afternoon so only picked up the e-mail last night. Thanks for the update. I shall wait and see if Lesley can change their minds about this location or not. In the meantime I will not look at this any further until I have some view from the Councillors. I hope there is a positive outcome.
I have copied David Armstrong into this e-mail so he is aware of the latest situation.
Regards,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Stephens, Dan [mailto:DanStephens@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 08 September 2014 18:57 To: Timmins, Kieran; Ball, David S. Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Thanks Kieran,
David – to confirm Tom and Wendy were very clear that they would oppose the proposal. I will however speak to Lesley Rennie to establish how likely they would be to change their position given the alternative.
Regards,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 08 September 2014 18:07 To: davidball@wiral.gov.uk Cc: Stephens, Dan Subject: Greasby Councillors
HI David
Not sure if you got the message earlier – Tried to catch you on the phone before you went to council meeting.
Dan met Greasby councillors today – Wendy Clements and Tom Anderson (I think). This as at request of Lesley rennie. They do not appear to like the idea of a fire station in Greasby and their initial thought is to oppose the plan based on the conversation today. Dan explained that the alternative option was the closure of West Kirby outright which was also not platable and may cause them to reconsider. However it appeared that their initial view is to oppose.
Can you give me a buzz on 07855 207571 if you want to discuss
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: 09 September 2014 09:28 To: ‘Ball, David S.’; Stephens, Dan Cc: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
HI David
I think we would like to initiate discussions with the community hall in any case. The issue we have is that as firefighters retire we can’t staff all the appliances and with two years to deliver a new station its important we don’t lose any time.
Unless that causes any major problems would you be agreeable to proceed. If nothing else at least we can work up properly what is proposed as a joint service hub that may help win hearts and minds!
What do you think?
Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 September 2014 09:25 To: Stephens, Dan; Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Dan and Kieran,
I saw Lesley Rennie last Friday and she did mention to me the meeting was taking place.
I was in meetings yesterday afternoon so only picked up the e-mail last night. Thanks for the update. I shall wait and see if Lesley can change their minds about this location or not. In the meantime I will not look at this any further until I have some view from the Councillors. I hope there is a positive outcome.
I have copied David Armstrong into this e-mail so he is aware of the latest situation.
Regards,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From:; Stephens, Dan [mailto:DanStephens@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 08 September 2014 18:57 To: Timmins, Kieran; Ball, David S. Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Thanks Kieran,
David – to confirm Tom and Wendy were very clear that they would oppose the proposal. I will however speak to Lesley Rennie to establish how likely they would be to change their position given the alternative.
Regards,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 08 September 2014 18:07 To: davidball@wiral.gov.uk Cc: Stephens, Dan Subject: Greasby Councillors
HI David
Not sure if you got the message earlier – Tried to catch you on the phone before you went to council meeting.
Dan met Greasby councillors today – Wendy Clements and Tom Anderson (I think). This as at request of Lesley rennie. They do not appear to like the idea of a fire station in Greasby and their initial thought is to oppose the plan based on the conversation today. Dan explained that the alternative option was the closure of West Kirby outright which was also not platable and may cause them to reconsider. However it appeared that their initial view is to oppose.
Can you give me a buzz on 07855 207571 if you want to discuss
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 September 2014 10:30 To: Stephens, Dan; Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Dan,
I have just e-mailed Graham Burgess and David Armstrong on this matter and await their comments.
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Stephens, Dan [mailto:DanStephens@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 09 September 2014 09:50 To: Timmins, Keran; Ball, David S. Cc: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
David,
Can I suggest we have a meeting to discuss our options and possibly include Graham, Phil Davies and even Jeff Green please?
The alternative to a merger of West Kirby and Upton fire stations in an outright closure of West Kirby which we would move to public consultation on imminently. That will undoubtedly result in a degree of political impact and I would want us all to be on the same page in terms of a collective position.
Thanks,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 09 September 2014 09:28 To: ‘Ball, David S.’; Stephens, Dan Cc: Armstrong, David; Schofield, Colin Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
HI David
I think we would like to initiate discussions with the community hall in any case. The issue we have is that as firefighters retire we can’t staff all the appliances and with two years to deliver a new station its important we don’t lose any time.
Unless that causes any major problems would you be agreeable to proceed. If nothing else at least we can work up properly what is proposed as a joint service hub that may help win hearts and minds!
What do you think?
Kieran
From: Ball, David S. Sent: 09 September 2014 09:25 To: Stephens, Dan; Timmins, Kieran Cc: Armstrong, David Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Dan and Kieran,
I saw Lesley Rennie last Friday and she did mention to me the meeting was taking place.
I was in meetings yesterday afternoon so only picked up the e-mail last night. Thanks for the update. I shall wait and see if Lesley can change their minds about this location or not. In the meantime I will not look at this any further until I have some view from the Councillors. I hope there is a positive outcome.
I have copied David Armstrong into this e-mail so he is aware of the latest situation.
Regards,
David
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
Wirral Council
From: Stephens, Dan [mailto:DanStephens@merseyfire.gov.uk] Sent: 08 September 2014 18:57 To: Timmins, Kieran; Ball, David S. Subject: RE: Greasby Councillors
Thanks Kieran,
David – to confirm Tom and Wendy were very clear that they would oppose the proposal. I will however speak to Lesley Rennie to establish how likely they would be to change their position given the alternative.
Regards,
Dan Stephens,
Chief Fire Officer,
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service,
Bridle Road,
Bootle,
Merseyside,
L30 4YD
0151 296 4102
07967371690
dan.stephens@mfrs.cjsm.net
From: Timmins, Kieran Sent: 08 September 2014 18:07 To: davidball@wiral.gov.uk Cc: Stephens, Dan Subject: Greasby Councillors
HI David
Not sure if you got the message earlier – Tried to catch you on the phone before you went to council meeting.
Dan met Greasby councillors today – Wendy Clements and Tom Anderson (I think). This as at request of Lesley rennie. They do not appear to like the idea of a fire station in Greasby and their initial thought is to oppose the plan based on the conversation today. Dan explained that the alternative option was the closure of West Kirby outright which was also not platable and may cause them to reconsider. However it appeared that their initial view is to oppose.
Can you give me a buzz on 07855 207571 if you want to discuss
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
This e-mail 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 the 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/
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: Ball, David S. Sent: 10 September 2014 13:54 To: Stephens, Dan; Timmins, Kieran Subject: Meeting on friday re greasby and west Kirby
Dan/Kieran,
Just to confirm that David Armstrong and I will be attending the meeting at 4pm on Friday afternoon.
DAVID BALL
Head of Regeneration and Planning
Regeneration and Environment Department
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
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Labour councillors argue for increase in range of Wirral Council’s Chief Executives’ salary to between £155,000 and £175,000
Labour councillors argue for increase in range of Wirral Council’s Chief Executives’ salary to between £155,000 and £175,000
Employment and Appointments Panel (Chief Executive) Committee Room 3, Wallasey Town Hall, 24th November 2014 L to R Martin Denny (LGA), David Slatter (Penna PLC), Cllr Jeff Green (Conservative councillor), Cllr Lesley Rennie (Conservative councillor) and Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Lib Dem councillor)
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Video above is from the Employment and Appointments Panel (Chief Executive) public meeting held on the 24th November 2014 in Committee Room 3, Wallasey Town Hall, Seacombe . This write-up of the public meeting starts at 12:05 in the video above.
Wirral Council’s Employment and Appointments Panel (Chief Executive) met in Committee Room 3, Wallasey Town Hall, Seacombe on Monday afternoon at around 2.30pm. The councillors on the Employment and Appointments Panel (Chief Executive) which had previously been decided by the Employment and Appointments Committee on the 27th October 2014 are:
Cllr Phil Davies (Labour) Chair Cllr Ann McLachlan (Labour) Cllr George Davies (Labour) Cllr Adrian Jones (Labour) Cllr Jeff Green (Conservative) Cllr Lesley Rennie (Conservative) Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Lib Dem)
The Chair, Cllr Phil Davies invited Cllr Ann McLachlan to speak. She said, “I think it’s important to recognise where we are in the local government family and what we want to attract here. We want to attract the best in England, so we’ve got to be somewhere in the parameters of being able to say ‘Oh we’re pitching our salary at such an appropriate level, to get the best field of candidates that we possibly can to attract the best in the business’.
I think also it would be fair to say and I’m sure we’ll be doing this, we will be setting, you will Phil within because consultation with the new Chief Executive, you’ll be setting some parameters for them to look at, you know senior management savings across err you know the period of their, their tenure here at Wirral. So and part of the role will also be about saving money, so sometimes you have to invest to save in the longer term and I think also that it’s worth saying that we need to look at comparisons with the rest of the public sector.
It was reported last week that a primary headteacher within an academy was on a salary equivalent to £200,000. The first 150 secondary academies have got heads on over £150,000. You’re talking about a primary head managing a school of two hundred and fifty pupils max, probably about forty staff. There’s no comparison between managing you know a multi-million pound organisation like Wirral!
So I think for those reasons for me, I’ll be saying we need to get this salary in the right range for you know the kind of calibre of the people that we want to work with us.”
Cllr Phil Gilchrist referred to the salary grades. He asked about the salaries of people on the next tier down from Chief Executive and that if they attracted someone who was currently a strategic director in another authority, how much of a salary increase it would be?
Cllr Phil Davies (Chair) replied that they’d have to wait and see what level of candidate they got, but he hoped that they would be attracting not just deputies and strategic directors but actually serving chief executives elsewhere with an “excellent track record” so they could “hit the ground running”. Cllr Phil Gilchrist said he understood.
Cllr Jeff Green said that his parents had told him that “two wrongs don’t make a right”. The other point he wanted to make was that unless they’re going to ask a primary head to run the authority, and there might be one paid £200,000 somewhere around the country, that it wasn’t really a reason for making decisions on the chief executive’s salary. Then again he said, “a primary head might be just what is required!”
Cllr Green continued that his understanding was that a set of proposals were being worked on that were going to save £1.5 million by the current Chief Executive. He said that [Cllr] Ann [McLachlan] had promised that would be delivered in December in terms of Council unless she’d changed her mind and then he revealed “Those savings were already in the works are due to be published in December”. So in terms of some of the points that councillors had been making Cllr Green felt were “extraneous”. He asked them to focus on what would be required, he referred to a saving of £730,000 and referred to a number of issues about the current Chief Executive. He didn’t understand why they’d have to increase it [the Chief Executive’s salary] to £175,000.
Referring to other salaries for Chief Executives in the North West, he said that “to increase to that much seems to be excessive”. He referred to the documents prepared for full Council, how £1.5 million of senior management savings had been identified and how all those things had been delivered off a salary of £130,000. He proposed they seek a Chief Executive on the current salary range of the current Chief Executive of £130,000.
Cllr Phil Davies asked councillors to look at the salaries in appendix 4. He referred to Liverpool City Council’s Chief Executive being paid £197,500, Cheshire West’s £180,000, Cheshire East’s £187,000, Knowsley a “much smaller authority than Wirral” £160,000, St Helens £140,000 and Sefton £152,000. He said “even councils on our doorstep are paying a substantially higher salary than Wirral does.
I think my kind of comments or my reflection on the discussion is, we need to be able to attract the best, but also retain them as well, what we don’t want to do is get somebody here and then because Cheshire West are paying you know a much larger salary, they’ll disappear to Cheshire West in a few years time. So I think we need to just have that in our forefront of our minds as well.”
Cllr Ann McLachlan said, “Completely disingenuous [Cllr] Jeff [Green], because what I was doing was giving a comparison with the public sector that wasn’t a local government chief executive, just to demonstrate that out there the salaries in the public sector in general at that level, you know to get the expertise you want at that level are much more higher than Wirral.
I’m going to ask Chris [Hyams] if she would give us a little bit of background on that £131 or £130 or whatever it is Graham [Burgess]’s in, because how long, what was the previous Chief Executive on? Coz Graham [Burgess] came to us and took his pension, I think he took his pension, .. or has pension arrangements in place or didn’t need to be paid the on costs that we would have to pay.
Well previous chief executives, what kind of salary was he on and how long ago was that? I mean in a sense I think we need to get a bit of a reality check here and get in the real world about what the real costs of salaries at this level are.
So, errm, yeah, I think it’s you know, our salary range here is at the bottom of the tree really. So what’s the history of that and also you know it’s not that two wrongs don’t make a right, it’s not anything like that but what we’re trying to do is demonstrate that here in this Authority we want to get somebody who is going to you know help us in the obviously very clear difficult financial circumstances we’re in, with the financial challenges we’ve got going forward as well and in remodelling and changing this Council. You know, so errm, I’m absolutely of the view that we will have to pay the appropriate level. Thanks Chris.”
Chris Hyams, Head of HR responded by saying, “OK, thank you. The current Chief Executive is paid top of the salary range. As the Deputy Leader’s just intonated, it is in the public domain that he left his last council with a pension which is why we didn’t incur the on costs. So in terms of remuneration, there was an additional salary arrangement through his last job through gaining his pension.
Before that, the salary range that was in place for a previous Chief Executive had his spot salary within that range of £130,000. The range has not been reviewed for a number of years and certainly not reviewed as such or changed previously to this in the time that I’ve been here in the last five years.”
Looking back to 2014 on this blog at the 3 most popular stories for each month
Looking back to 2014 on this blog at the 3 most popular stories for each month
The lists below are of the top three most viewed stories in each month in 2014. To be selected each story also had to be published in that particular month.
The year started with a look at why Martin Morton had called on Cllr Pat Williams, Cllr Moira McLaughlin and Cllr Denise Roberts to resign. I also published the accounts for Birkenhead Market Limited (who lease Birkenhead Market from Wirral Council) and a letter gagging Councillor Gilchrist.
After the Merseytram matter hit the buffers, Merseytravel was left with property that it didn’t want or need. The first story is about what happened when they tried to sell it off. The second story is the first about Lyndale School and how when the first Cabinet decision got called in, the call in committee had to ask Council to add extra people to it who’d been left off in a “constitutional oversight”. The third story was about the court battle between Wirral Council and Upton Park Pony Association. Upton Park Pony Association were given a year to leave Fernbank Farm (which is owned by Wirral Council).
Mark Latham from Wirral Street Pastors told councillors on Wirral Council’s Licensing Act 2003 Committee about his experiences of Birkenhead’s night life and alcohol (19th March 2014)
It may seem strange now, but in March the government were consulting on changes to the filming public meetings law. Some changes were made to the draft regulations and a right to live commentary during meetings was removed. Some new criminal offences were also added to the same legislation (but not to the section about filming). The “open and transparent” story was about the Chief Executive, in a 4 page letter, upholding an earlier decision at internal review to refuse a Freedom of Information Act request for the minutes of the Standards Working Group of the 17th December 2013. The last story was about the Wirral Street Pastors organisation and what Mark Latham had to say at a public meeting about Birkenhead’s night life.
113 candidates stood in the Wirral Council elections and only 23 of these were later elected. However if you’re interested who they were then there’s a list of names. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority met for the first time on April 1st and chose Cllr Phil Davies as Chair. The third story is my rebuttal of a (mainly) false complaint made about me by a Lib Dem.
May had two elections in it. The first was where one councillor to Wirral Council was elected for each ward (except one that elected two due to a recent resignation in Greasby, Frankby and Irby). The second election was for 8 Members of the European Parliament for the North West region. The Lib Dems lost their only MEP in the region Chris Davies and ended up with no Members of the European Parliament in North-West England. Brian Kenny (Labour) lost his council seat in Birkenhead and Tranmere to Pat Cleary (Green Party). Ian Lewis (Conservative) lost his council seat to Treena Johnson (Labour) in Leasowe and Moreton East. Labour also gained in Pensby and Thingwall (the seat was held by an independent formerly a Lib Dem who wasn’t standing).
So the net result was that Labour increased its number of councillors from 37 to 38 (a majority of seats on Wirral Council is one party having 34 or more councillors). The Conservatives decreased their number of councillors from 22 to 21. The Lib Dems stayed on six and the Greens increased from no councillors to one.
In June I started publishing some of the court papers to do with the Fernbank Farm case including Wirral Council’s particulars of claim. During filming a public meeting of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee Cllr Steve Niblock insisted on me stopping so I moaned to Surjit Tour about it. The last story was warning about the effects on the health of the children at Lyndale School if the Lyndale School were to be closed.
July was all about golf because of the Open Golf Championship. First the email of Graham Burgess was claimed to be “fraudulent” by Surjit Tour (who referred to it as the “Open Gold Championship”). Then five minutes later Surjit Tour tried to recall the email. Then BBC Radio Merseyside had a caller asking about the story. Wirral Council’s press office then managed to tell BBC Radio Merseyside two contradictory versions of events over a short period of time. However don’t worry Cllr Walter Smith came on the radio and told everybody how in his day job as a tailor he had enjoyed “lavish hospitality” at the golf!
Treasury Building (Wirral Council), Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, 19th August 2014 (you can click on the photo for a more high-resolution version)
Phil Ward came in for criticism for the way he’d chaired the Lyndale School consultation meetings. As part of the 2013/14 audit I made public the £1,872 Wirral Council had spent on Robin Hopkins of 11KBW to make sure that they didn’t have to give out information to a Freedom of Information Act requester in response to ICO decision notice FS50474741.
The mileage claim forms for councillors threw up some interesting visits, including one by Cllr Tony Smith to Lyndale School back in February 2013. Once again the Cabinet decided to go ahead to the next stage of consultation on closure of Lyndale School, Surjit Tour got sent another of my letters pointing out the flaws in the decision-making process. The decision was called in.
Marvin the Martian returned to discuss Lyndale and cuts to the SEN budget. The special Audit and Risk Management Committee meeting (twice adjourned from July 2014) finally met on 8th October 2014 to discuss the BIG/ISUS issues and hear from Nigel Hobro. Graham Burgess also gave in his three-month notice and announced his retirement from 31st December 2014.
A Merseytravel public meeting to discuss whistleblowing led to an interesting turn of phrase. The trade unions marched on Wallasey Town Hall, to have to first sit through a Cabinet meeting discussing how wonderful the Open Golf Championship had been. A consultation on a possible new fire station in Greasby village led to a packed public meeting in Greasby, with Dan Stephens (Chief Fire Officer) doing his best to answer questions from the public about Wirral Council’s involvement.
December’s stories start with the sad news that just before Christmas the Cabinet decided to close Lyndale School (from 31st August 2016). A member of the Wirral Schools Forum expressed concern at the scale of cuts to special educational needs and Wirral Council councillors decided on a long list for a Head of Specialist Services (the outgoing Head of Specialist Services leaves on 31st December 2014).
So that’s it for the 2014 round-up! See you in 2015!
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I’ll start this piece by declaring an interest. My wife is in receipt of a Blue Badge.
The pages below are from the lease between Wirral Borough Council & Neptune Wirral Limited & Neptune Developments Limited & Neptune Projects Limited dated 20th June 2011.
NEW BRIGHTON PHASE II – DRAFT CAR PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN
CAR PARKING ZONES
Car parking within the New Brighton Phase 2 development will be divided into the following 4 zones.
The Hotel Zone – comprising approximately [60] spaces.
The Supermarket Controlled Zone – comprising approximately [423] spaces.
The Health and Fitness Club Controlled Zone – comprising approximately [100] spaces.
The Uncontrolled Zone – comprising approximately [151] spaces.
CAR PARKING ZONE DEMISES
The Supermarket Controlled Zone and the Uncontrolled Zone will be demised to the supermarket operator.
The Health and Fitness Controlled Zone will be demised to the Health and Fitness Club Operator.
The Hotel Zone will be demised to the Hotel operator.
CAR PARK OPENING HOURS
The intention is that the car park will be open 24 hours a day. However good estate management practice may mean that it could become necessary to physically close the Supermarket Controlled and Uncontrolled Zones. On Mondays to Saturdays the car park zones may only be closed 15 minutes after the last commercial use within the development closes for business and shall re-open 30 minutes before the Supermarket opens for trade. On Sundays and Bank Holidays the car park shall remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. as a minimum.
With regard to the Health and Fitness Controlled Zone, on Mondays to Saturdays the car park may only be closed 15 minutes after the facility closes for business and shall be re-opened 30 minutes before the facility opens for use by members of the public. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, the car park shall remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. as a minimum.
Opening hours of the Hotel Zone shall be at the absolute discretion of the Hotel Operator.
In the event of a flood warning the operators of all Zones will be entitled to close the Car Park.
LIMITATION ON FREE PARKING
Within the Supermarket and Health & Fitness Controlled Zones, free parking will be limited to 3 hours between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. It should be noted that disabled parking spaces will not be subject to this limitation.
Users of the Floral Pavilion Conference Facility will not be subject to the time restriction when using the Supermarket Controlled Zone. The mechanism by which such users are
g:cvm6711182new brighton phase II drafal car parking management plan.doc
identified will need to be agreed by the supermarket operator acting reasonably but it likely to involve the issuing of passes for display within the vehicles. The mechanism will be administered by the operator of the Floral Pavilion Conference Facility. It should be noted that the exemption on time limit will not apply to users of the Theatre.
Enforcement of the time limit will be by means of foot patrol or number plate recognition systems. The uses of clamping will not be permissible. Details of the enforcement method to be adopted shall be submitted to the Council for approval such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CAR PARKING STRATEGY
The Supermarket and Health & Fitness Club operators may submit proposals for amending or refining the Car Parking Management Plan from time to time. WBC will give such proposals appropriate consideration and will, at its absolute discretion, determined their acceptability and notify the operator(s) accordingly.
However, if the Council introduced on street car parking charges and/or charges for the Fort Perch Rock car park, then the Supermarket and Health & Fitness Club operators will be permitted to amend the Car Parking Management Plan relating to the introduction of charges and/or revisions to reduction in the 3 hour free parking time provided to introduce similar changes to those introduced by the Council. The proposed revisions shall be submitted to the Council for approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
g:cvm6711182new brighton phase II drafal car parking management plan.doc
So in other words, when Wirral Council start charging for parking in the Fort Perch Rock car park (which has already been agreed), it could mean an end to the 3 hours free car parking in the 423 space Supermarket Controlled Zone Car Park & 100 space Health and Fitness Club Controlled Zone car park. It could also lead to charges for these car parks as high as what Wirral Council is charging for Fort Perch Rock.
Of course when the Future Council Budget consultation was happening earlier this year, I don’t think this was spelt out to the public in the option, but let’s face it would Wirral Council go to the bother of checking what’s in one of its own leases before issuing it as a budget option? After all the budget options were issued in the name of the Chief Executive and it’s not him, but the Assistant Chief Executive that has responsibility for land/leasing matters.
This option would introduce pay and display parking charges into the Fort Perch Rock car park at New Brighton, where there are presently no charges. The option will generate income from a well utilised car park and requires some investment in providing cash payment ticket machines. There are currently traffic problems developing around the successful New Brighton redevelopment, which it is thought would be eased through this approach. Prior to implementing this option the Council would work closely with local businesses and traders.
Charging would allow the council to continue to offer public car parks into the future in a fair and sustainable manner, particularly given the financial strains on other areas.
IMPACT ON RESIDENTS
May lead to displaced parking into adjacent areas, and may have an adverse impact on visitor numbers and the local economy.
Disabled badge holders do not need to pay for parking as long as they display a valid disabled badge.
IMPACT ON PARTNERS
Prior to implementing this option the Council would work closely with local businesses and traders. Policy already exists for permits to be provided to traders for their employees, and these remove the inconvenience of using pay and display machines each day, and are provided at a small discount. Lead officers for regeneration programmes can brief business partners to this effect prior to the public consultation on budget options.
Interestingly the proposed changes to charge for the Fort Perch Rock car park were opposed during the consultation at one of the overview and scrutiny committees by one of Labour’s councillors for New Brighton Cllr Rob Gregson.
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