8 Labour councillors vote against motion asking for delay in closure of Girtrell Court until alternatives are in place

8 Labour councillors vote against motion asking for delay in closure of Girtrell Court until alternatives are in place                                                       The two most read stories on this blog this month have been Why did Wirral Council’s Cabinet recommend closure of Girtrell Court despite a protest against closure and opposition from the trade unions? and . … Continue reading “8 Labour councillors vote against motion asking for delay in closure of Girtrell Court until alternatives are in place”

8 Labour councillors vote against motion asking for delay in closure of Girtrell Court until alternatives are in place

                                                     

Labour councillors (except Cllr Christina Muspratt who abstained) voting against an opposition motion on Girtrell Court at the Coordinating Committee meeting on the 16th February 2016
Labour councillors (except Cllr Christina Muspratt who abstained) voting against an opposition motion on Girtrell Court at the Coordinating Committee meeting on the 16th February 2016

The two most read stories on this blog this month have been Why did Wirral Council’s Cabinet recommend closure of Girtrell Court despite a protest against closure and opposition from the trade unions? and .

However there’s been a public meeting involving Girtrell Court that I haven’t reported on yet.

In the past when there were budget options out to public consultation, Wirral Council’s overview and scrutiny committees each met in public. This gave an opportunity for backbench councillors to give their views on each budget option with an opportunity for the public to hear this. If there was a difference of opinion between councillors alternatives could be put forward and voted on. That was how scrutiny used to operate at Wirral Council all done at public meetings on camera.

However this year (in a repeat of how it was done last year), it was all done in private in “workshops”, not in public. A report was then written up for each overview and scrutiny committee, you can read the Families and Wellbeing overview and scrutiny committee workshop report here, the Regeneration and Environment overview and scrutiny committee workshop report here and the Transformation and Resources overview and scrutiny committee workshop report here.

Around a week before the Cabinet met to decide its recommendation on the budget for 2016/17 the Coordinating Committee (who coordinate the work of the overview and scrutiny committees) met on the evening of the 16th February 2016.

I thought as Wirral Council hasn’t yet met to decide the budget for 2016/17 and people associated with Girtrell Court weren’t at this meeting that a transcript of what was said in the debate on the report from the Families and Wellbeing workshop would be useful. However you can watch this item (item 5 2016/17 Budget Scrutiny Report) for yourself in the video below. The video should start at the right point but if it doesn’t this agenda item starts at the 31 minute 7 second point and the overarching report for this agenda item can be read here.

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Coordinating Committee 16th February 2016

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Chair, Labour): Right, the next item on the agenda is item 5 and it is the report of the workshops that looked at budget scrutiny.

Errm, Joe [Blott] do you want to say something on that?

OK, errm, OK, just briefly as a bit of an overview, we used the same approach the workshop approach this year as was used last year with each Committee holding its own workshop, to give an opportunity for its members to examine in more detail the proposals put forward by the officers.

Errm, the obvious intention was to better understand the service implications and the achievability of the proposals as they were presented.

Errm, I do think that members who took part found them errm helpful and the purpose tonight is really to note the process that we’ve used and perhaps comment on that and whether that could be improved upon in the future and also the character of the workshops and then forward these documents to the Cabinet. I know they’ve already been reproduced and they will form part of the Cabinet minutes for next week.

Errm, I think all members don’t know really of the Council understand the scale of the task that’s underway at the moment over the budget. Errm, and I do hope errm that errm, I mean we won’t be as I said earlier in the earlier report we won’t be debating these proposals tonight, that wouldn’t be appropriate but I do hope that, errm, the non-elected, non-Executive members of the Council, this can form a good part of the consultation, their views on the consultation and that’s what it’s intended to be.

I’m going to errm, I’ll give a brief overview of what happened at Families and Wellbeing and then I’ll ask the other chairs of the other two committees to do the same.

Errm, the session that was on, held by Families and Wellbeing Policy and Performance Committee was very well attended, I know unfortunately Wendy [Clements] was unwell, but other than that we had a full turn out.

Errm, and there was err, I think everybody contributed in some form during the discussion that we had. Obviously some of the proposals that were put forward generated more discussion and comment than others.

Errm, what the Committee didn’t attempt to do was to recommend or reject any of the proposals. We didn’t see that as our role.

Errm what we did use, err do, was to use the workshops to dig deeper than the narrative that was presented by errm around the proposal by officers and to examine in more detail the impact, whether that be a positive impact or a negative impact and errm if we thought there were negative impacts to highlight those and possibly make suggestions as to how the negative impact could be errm mitigated and also we looked at the achievability of the savings because in the past errm savings haven’t always been achieved and that’s presented problems in the year, in the following year.

Errm, following the workshop, further information was requested on errm, modelling the saving around the concessions on leisure could be done differently to perhaps protect some of the most errm disadvantaged children in the Borough and since then I’ve had back a report from Clare Fish which we actually asked if we could look at what the errm the effect on the saving would be for errm children who were in receipt of free school meals if they were still entitled to a swim. Errm and the report I’ve had back from Clare Fish indicates that out of a saving of two hundred and fifty, which and there was comment if you look at the night, there was comment about, about the errm, how that figure was errm obtained, but that we would reduce err, would reduce the saving by fifteen thousand, but we would initiate a cost of two swims annually. Errm, so that’s err, as I said will go forward as well.

Errm and one of the members asked at a later stage, raised an issue around the impact of the changes around the CAMHS contract and errm the information that was received from that has been included in the narrative of the report.

Errm, the report’s already been circulated to members, participants of the Committee which the service support and I’m sure Wendy [Clements] you’ve had a copy as well.

Errm, but if you believe that it has been accepted by them as an accurate reflection of the discussion on the night and I thank all those who’ve attended and took part.

Errm, now I think it’s probably reasonable to say that at this point, Phil [Gilchrist] has submitted an email today which I didn’t really have a chance to look at this morning because I was on grandma duties, but I have looked at it as the day’s gone on and errm, I don’t know whether members of the Committee have had, I have to say Phil [Gilchrist] errm, I do believe that the areas that you’ve highlighted were thoroughly explored at the workshop and the comments errm, of Members are included in the narrative of the report.

I don’t really errm, I wouldn’t like to see this Committee, try to change the work that came out of that workshop. So I mean I’m inclined to say thank you very much for your comment and I’m sure you’d be happy to have that email forwarded to the Cabinet directly from you, but I wouldn’t want to change the errm, narrative of the Families and Wellbeing errm workshop report.

Errm, now obviously if the other people feel differently I’ll have to put that to the vote, but as the Chair of the Families and Wellbeing and the person who signed off the report, errm that’s my view. That points were raised, they were explored, they have been commented on and other consultations that maybe have taken place since, can report in their own way and I’m sure they will, but this is the work of the members of the Families and Wellbeing Committee at that workshop, that night and therefore I don’t wish to change it.

OK, errm, but I’m happy, it was, I’ll take questions on this point.

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): Just a comment, if it’s legitimate to receive information later on, which you mentioned earlier about the swimming cost issue, and members are able to get a bit more information on certain issues and they reflected on what’s submitted then it seems equally legitimate, no offence meant at all, to hear what’s been said, concerns that have been raised in other places since and then to reflect on what the Working Party heard and to try and satisfy ourselves as to whether..

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): I understand the point you’re making but I don’t agree with it. Errm, I actually, the points that were raised, one of them was raised on the night by a member of the Committee and the other was raised by a member of the Committee at a later stage. So I think we’re in a different situation to try and use this Committee to change or highlight an area where that was one of the conclusions. Those were a range of concerns that were raised on the night, errm on this issue, but other positive things were put forward as well, so just to highlight those would almost change the emphasis and I understand that you feel strongly and I’m sure that you will make representations and other consultations that are under way will also put their feedback in but that’s for them to do and for those people who are the subject of the consultation to do, not for members of the Families and Wellbeing and that’s, I haven’t got any more to say on it. If you want to put it as a proposal, I’m quite happy to put it to a vote.

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): I think Chair, I’m conscious there are a couple of deputies, I’m conscious that there are members who have been working during the day and might not have seen what I circulated and what I did circulate was a fair summary I thought, plus some suggestions and therefore I’m conscious that not everyone might have seen it, but we often suggest things during a meeting that people haven’t seen.

Errm and I’m not sure perhaps if there are members who have seen what I wrote even though it was about ten to midnight last night. If there are members who agree that it’s reasonable to put it forward they might say so and then they might be able to judge the feeling of members because of course I’m sitting here happily on my own, in my own little group as it were, but…

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): As I say, Phil if you want to read out your email and then if you want to move it and get a seconder, errm then we’ll put it to a vote. So if that’s what you want to do, fine! And I’m quite happy to do that!

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): I’m getting some indications from members, some members are nodding who have read it that agree with the points that I’ve raised and I’m conscious it’s very lengthy.

For the courtesy of other members would you agree that I should read it out and then members can consider it?

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Yes, err Ron [Abbey] briefly, because I want to move on!

Cllr Ron Abbey (Labour): I can’t be brief on that because I think we should take the advice of the Chair and I don’t think we should have any email or debate on this.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): We want to be fair though don’t we? So I want to give Phil [Gilchrist], I mean I’m sure it’s very difficult for Phil [Gilchrist] managing on his own. Errm, and I want to give him the benefit of all our help if I can on this, so you read it out Phil and then if you want to move it as a proposal, put it.

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): Thank you for your courtesy Chair.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): I’m always courteous with you.

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): Yes, thank you. I’m always courteous. I’m going to read

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): OK, quickly!

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson):carefully and modestly.

This meeting of the Policy and Performance Coordinating Committee wishes to highlight the concerns expressed by members of the budget scrutiny working party relating to services offered at Girtrell Court.

During those deliberations it was recognised that “the key challenge is to meet the needs of individuals with what can be provided” and that “assurances were sought about availability and quality of the independent sector provision and also how each person would have their needs assessed”.

It was also reported that, “all respite will be honoured until March 2016, but provision will be continued until all reviews are complete and all users have alternative provision in place”. That’s the quote.

Then I went on to write, “In view of the concerns raised since the working party met, it’s even more important that attention is given to meeting the detailed needs of the families involved.

Services need to be offered at Girtrell Court, until it is clear that a range of providers are in place and lined up to offer services truly tailored to the physical, recreational and emotional needs of the users and are demonstrably appropriate to their ages and circumstances.

In view of the tight timescales that have caused concern the officers and Cabinet need to ensure that the transition to future provision is appropriately managed with clients able to use services at Girtrell Court until such time as alternatives are duly commissioned”.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Thank you very much Phil.

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson): That’s a fair read.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): and that was well read, errm, yes, Phil, I do want to move to a vote on this and then move on.

Cllr Phillip Brightmore (Labour): I just want to voice some concern that this is being attached to a report that came from the Families and Wellbeing Committee. It just strikes me that this is something that should stand on its own as a proposal if it’s going to be brought forward at all. I was on that Committee and it, I’d like the report to remain as it was.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): I’m going to put it to a vote Phil so I don’t want everybody around the room giving their opinion because I don’t think it’s needed. Wendy [Clements]? I’ll just going to take one more comment and then I’ll have a vote if Phil wants me to put it to the vote. I’ll draw people’s attention to page fifteen of the report.

Cllr Wendy Clements (Conservative): Thank you Chair. This is a report which is coming to this Committee and so its got our name on it, this particular bunch of people that’s sat here tonight and I would like to say that I will second this.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): We’ll put it to a vote and then we’ll move on. All those in favour of Phil’s suggestion that we attach that errm email,

Cllr Ron Abbey (Labour): Has he got as seconder for that Chair?

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Well Wendy [Clements]’s just seconded it! Errm, all those in favour of that, we attach it to the report from Families and Wellbeing. Please show.

6 councillors voted in favour who were:

Cllr Phil Gilchrist (Liberal Democrat spokesperson)
Cllr Adam Sykes (Conservative)
Cllr Steve Williams (Conservative)
Cllr David Burgess-Joyce (Conservative)
Cllr Wendy Clements (Conservative)
Cllr Tom Anderson (Conservative spokesperson)

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Right and those against?

8 councillors voted against who were:

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair)
Cllr Ron Abbey (Labour)
Cllr Phillip Brightmore (Labour)
Cllr Walter Smith (Labour)
Cllr Michael Sullivan (Labour)
Cllr Jerry Williams (Labour)
Cllr Janette Williamson (Labour)
Cllr Irene Williams (Labour)

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): So that is not carried and the report…

Cllr Christina Muspratt (Labour): Sorry, we haven’t asked for abstentions!

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Sorry ok.

Cllr Christina Muspratt (Labour): Well I’m abstaining because I haven’t had it, I don’t want to have the .. meeting.

Councillor Christina Muspratt abstained.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): OK, ok, ok, Christine!

Cllr Christina Muspratt (Labour): So I’m abstaining on all this because I’ve not been following the chain.

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): OK, one abstention, but I would ask members to look at page fifteen. So now we move on to.

Cllr Christina Muspratt (Labour): Sorry could I ask a question. I’m sorry Chair but I want to ask a question on page eighteen, the CAMHS service, do we know if the money coming from the government may help with this?

Cllr Moira McLaughlin (Labour) (Chair): Well this is one reason Christina, why I’m saying we won’t be debating these tonight, because we haven’t got the officers here to answer those questions. So if you want to submit a question in your own right on that I suggest you do, but that’s why we’re not debating these proposals tonight and I will now ask Jeanette [Williamson] to give her report.

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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”

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

                                                           

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

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

John,

Do we know anything about this site?

Would a fire station be an acceptable use?

David

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

The land is not Council owned.

Tony


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

Kieran,

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

David

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

Hi David

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

Cheers

Kieran

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

Tel: 0151 296 4202
Fax: 0151 296 4224

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014



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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.

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

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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014



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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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


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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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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


From: Timmins, Kieran [mailto:KieranTimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk]
Sent: 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


UK Parliament Disclaimer:
This e-mail is confidential to the intended recipient. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and delete it from your system. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted. This e-mail has been checked for viruses, but no liability is accepted for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

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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UK Parliament Disclaimer:
This e-mail is confidential to the intended recipient. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and delete it from your system. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted. This e-mail has been checked for viruses, but no liability is accepted for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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.
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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

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

Wirral Host of the Open Championship 2014


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 councillor bans filming at public meeting to decide whether to licence a taxi that’s over 10 years old

Labour councillor bans filming at public meeting to decide whether to licence a taxi that’s over 10 years old

Labour councillor bans filming at public meeting to decide whether to licence a taxi that’s over 10 years old

                                           

Last Thursday there was a public meeting of Wirral Council’s Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee. Part of this meeting considered an item deferred from a Licensing Panel the week before.

The report on that item titled HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE LICENCE APPLICATION – LTI TXII REGISTRATION NUMBER WX03 FPE can be read by following this link.

The application was for a hackney carriage vehicle that is 12 years old.

In August 2014, new regulations came into force that prevent councils stopping filming at public meetings.

Below is a transcript of what happened at the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee meeting on the 25th March 2015. It shows that Wirral Council still thinks it has the power to stop filming at public meetings.

Derek Cummins is a union representative in the UNITE union. Margaret O’Donnell works for Wirral Council.

Councillor Bill Davies gets irate and starts wagging his finger when he's told he can't ban filming any more Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee 25th March 2015
Councillor Bill Davies gets irate and starts wagging his finger when he’s told he can’t ban filming any more Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee 25th March 2015

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Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee (Wirral Council) 25th March 2015

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): The next item, the last item is… Margaret? Do you want to come forward sir?

CLLR TOM ANDERSON: Is this exempt?

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Are we exempted?

CLLR STEVE NIBLOCK: Can we ask for legal clarification about whether or not this item should be exempt because it might be to do with personal or financial circumstances with regard to this application and I’d prefer that we should consider whether it was exempt?

LEGAL ADVISOR TO COMMITTEE: I think we need to clarify whether or not there’s an objection first from the individual before we determine whether or not a decision needs to be made in that respect.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Are you objecting sir?

TAXI DRIVER: Well, yeah sorry, are you talking about my finance?

DEREK CUMMINS: He didn’t quite understand. Yeah, if it’s possible.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): If you’ll just come forward.

TAXI DRIVER: Sorry.

MARGARET O’DONNELL: Just stay there.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Yeah, just, just keep, yeah sorry, so you don’t, you’re not identified at the present time.

DEREK CUMMINS: Yeah, just to be confident it’s that disagreement on the internet, I don’t want for, for the, could we just sort of err stop filming this side? Well I would suggest it.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: Yes, he said stop filming.

UNKNOWN COUNCILLOR: Stop filming.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: So do it under 12A!

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): You don’t want to be filmed or recorded?

TAXI DRIVER: I’m ok, it’s just err on the finance.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Yeah.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): There’s finance involved?

CLLRS STEVE NIBLOCK AND CLLRS JOHN SALTER: Yeah.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Right you cannot be filmed because finances are going to be involved.

JOHN BRACE: Sorry did he say he was ok with being filmed but we’re going to be excluded anyway?

DEREK CUMMINS: Yeah, he did.

JOHN BRACE: In a bit yeah? That’s fine, but they’ve got to agree the exclusion first.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): I can’t, I can’t hear from up here, would someone, would someone?

MARGARET O’DONNELL: Can I assist? Firstly, err Derek are you representing the applicant?

DEREK CUMMINS: He didn’t come to me at all, it’s just he doesn’t quite understand what the agenda is.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: We’re concerned about you being filmed and disclosing personal information.

DEREK CUMMINS: That goes on the internet.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: That could very well end up on the internet

OTHER COUNCILLOR: Yeah.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: and on Youtube.

DEREK CUMMINS: So you’d rather have that handled?

TAXI DRIVER: No, yeah. Yeah.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: We’re trying to protect your interests so you’re alright.

TAXI DRIVER: Thank you.

DEREK CUMMINS: So there’s a thing called 7A so we’re excluded, everyone’s excluded, except you.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: So would you be happier if we just said no filming?

TAXI DRIVER: Please.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Yes.

TAXI DRIVER: Please.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Yes Chair.

JOHN BRACE: If they’re excluding the public then it doesn’t matter.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Sorry, it’s not an exempt item. The person can stay but they don’t film.

JOHN BRACE: I’m getting confused now. Sorry are you excluding members of the public or not?

CLLR BILL DAVIES (and other councillors): No, no, no, no.

CLLR MICHAEL SULLIVAN: But you can’t film.

JOHN BRACE: But the reason….

CLLR BILL DAVIES: He’s an individual, if he’s got human rights like everybody else. He doesn’t want to be filmed, he doesn’t want to be filmed.

JOHN BRACE: I was just going to point out that although we had this discussion a lot longer at Standards

CLLR DAVID ELDERTON: Please take it down and take it out.

JOHN BRACE: Sorry can I finish what I’m saying? Err, I thought you were about to say you were going to exclude the members of the press and public and he was going to stay and you were just going to decide that, but now you’re saying you’re going to decide, if you’re going to decide this when the press and public are going to be here then the regulations say that any bit of the meeting that’s public can be filmed but obviously if we were excluded then we can’t film it.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Well the gentleman there does not want to be filmed.

JOHN BRACE: Yeah but I can film the other side of the room?

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): That’s what he’s saying. I think that’s quite clear! Some of us don’t want to be filmed. At the end of the day, if it ends up on the internet or Youtube this committee and the officers and something goes wrong will be responsible. It won’t be you, it will be us and this man has said, do you want that recorded. Do you want to be filmed or recorded?

TAXI DRIVER: No.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): That’s fine. You can stay but you don’t film or record. I have made it quite clear because the gentleman, if the gentleman wants to be filmed, no problem. He doesn’t.

JOHN BRACE: OK.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): OK.

CLLR DAVID ELDERTON: It is the Chair’s discretion.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Yep. OK.

CLLR JOHN SALTER: Will you switch it off?

JOHN BRACE: At the Standards Committee it was said if you’re going make a decision that filming is not allowed, then you record that in the minutes with the reasons.

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): Yeah, I will do that.

JOHN BRACE: OK, could you give..

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): but we’re not at the Standards Committee, we’re at the Licensing Committee.

JOHN BRACE: Yeah, I know, but just

CLLR BILL DAVIES (Chair): but you must realise that there’s certain times when individuals have private, personal or financial and they do not want their business spread elsewhere.

JOHN BRACE: I’ll just say I’d like that recorded in the minutes and if that’s the case then I’ll stop filming because I want to challenge that anyway under the regulations so that’s my position.

=======================================================================================================

Once the camera was switched off and the lens cover was shut, councillors went back on what they’d said and excluded the press and public from the rest of the meeting anyway!

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Marvin the Martian returns to discuss 2 local political issues: the Greasby Fire Station saga and the King Street buildings collapse

Marvin the Martian returns to discuss 2 local political issues: the Greasby Fire Station saga and the King Street buildings collapse

Marvin the Martian returns to discuss 2 local political issues: the Greasby Fire Station saga and the King Street buildings collapse

                                                  

Marvin the Martian from Disney's Looney Tunes
Marvin the Martian from Disney’s Looney Tunes

The below is a fictional interview with Marvin the Martian about two issues Greasby Fire Station and the King Street building collapse. Marvin the Martian is trademarked to Warner Brothers Entertainment. Our legal team point out their trademark doesn’t actually cover its use on blogs but in case they try to argue this blog is an “entertainment service”, it isn’t, so no laughing! Yes I mean it, not even a smile! We also point out it’s not an infringing use of class 9 of this trademark as that refers to its use on goods rather than virtually.

We rely on s.30 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and class this as “fair dealing” due to the acknowledgement above. As the The Copyright and Rights in Performances (Quotation and Parody) Regulations 2014 have come into force earlier this year, we’ll rely on this too and the new section 30A on parody.

JOHN BRACE: Thanks once again for agreeing to be interviewed about Greasby & the proposed fire station as well as the King Street building collapse. We couldn’t get straight answers on these issues out of anyone else.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: You’re welcome. I live on Mars, but having read your press reports on this I’m confused. Perhaps you could help just briefly explain to your readers what’s happened so far in Greasby?

JOHN BRACE: Well Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority decided to consult on closing two fire stations at West Kirby and Upton and building a new one, their preferred site was Greasby.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: OK, I’ve got that bit. So who owned the Greasby site?

JOHN BRACE: Wirral Council own it.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So it’s just a cleared site, with nothing on it and has been declared surplus to requirements?

JOHN BRACE: No, it’s got a library and community centre on it already as well as some green space.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: And there are four Wirral Council councillors on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority?

JOHN BRACE: Yes.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: And the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service stated Wirral Council offered them a lease of the site (subject to planning permission/outcome of their consultation)?

JOHN BRACE: Yes.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: But Wirral Council stated that they didn’t offer the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (or Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority) the site to build a fire station on (subject to planning permission and the outcome of the consultation)?

JOHN BRACE: Yes.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: Ahh so Greasby fire station is like Schrödinger’s cat, it was both offered and not offered to the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service/Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority at the same time?

JOHN BRACE: According to MFRS/MFRA & Wirral Council yes.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So did someone actually open the box and see if the “cat” was dead or alive?

JOHN BRACE: Some councillors tried to at last night’s Council meeting. The box was opened and it was (from last night’s meeting) a policy decision was formally made not to offer the Greasby site to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service/Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So before that was the Greasby fire station dead or alive?

JOHN BRACE: Like the mysteries of quantum physics the answer to that depends on who you ask and when.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: Ahhh, it makes no sense at all!

JOHN BRACE: This is Wirral Council. It’s not meant to make sense.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So let’s move on to something the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were involved in, the aftermath of the buildings collapsing in King Street one evening. Who were then owned by?

JOHN BRACE: Wirral Council.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: OK, so why did they fall down?

JOHN BRACE: The “official” version is after they checked the rubble, is that there had been a bodged repair before Wirral Council bought them.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So did Wirral Council have a survey done before they bought these properties?

JOHN BRACE: Who knows?

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: So did Wirral Council have a survey done after they bought them?

JOHN BRACE: Well once they collapsed and the rubble was surveyed yes.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: No, I mean after they bought them but before they collapsed!?

JOHN BRACE: Oh again, who knows? Although the collapse is being spun as a positive.

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: Why?

JOHN BRACE: Well as the buildings were in such a bad state of repair, they’d probably have had to be pulled down or expensively repaired. As they collapsed on their own it saves Wirral Council on some of the costs of demolition or repairs!

MARVIN THE MARTIAN: Your Wirral Council politicians are just as keen to put a positive gloss on disasters as our Martian ones are!!!

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Labour and Conservative councillors both say no to Greasby Fire Station plans

Labour and Conservative councillors both say no to Greasby Fire Station plans

Labour and Conservative councillors both say no to Greasby Fire Station plans

                                                

In an update to a previous story about the changes to filming public meetings of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, I have received a formal response from Mersey Fire and Rescue Authority about my petition on the subject.

The letter is included below. The gist of it is I can present my petition at the public meeting on the 16th December 2014. I’ve decided to present it myself and not through one of the councillors, considering that at least one of the Wirral Council councillors on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority is well-known for his anti-public meeting filming views.

letter from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority about filming petition received 6th December 2014
letter from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority about filming petition received 6th December 2014

I also get up to five minutes to state how many people signed the paper and e-petition, what the petition is about and “further supporting remarks”. I’ve decided to not opt for the “deputation” option which would have allowed councillors (including Cllr Steve Niblock if he is present) to ask questions of me.

Whereas I could probably talk on the subject of filming public meetings for more than five minutes, this is certainly a positive step on the road to getting things changed and having a say at a public meeting on the issue thanks to the many who have signed the paper and e-petition so far and the many more who watch the videos I’ve recorded since September of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority meetings.

Moving to more local matters, tonight’s Council meeting has unusually two notices of motion on fire related matters.

The Labour motion “Government’s Fire and Rescue Service Cuts” is down to be debated tonight, I’m not sure what’s happening to the Conservative motion “No Fire Station in the Centre of Greasby” as nothing is now next to it on the agenda published on Wirral Council’s website. This is what each notice of motion states:

2. NO FIRE STATION IN THE CENTRE OF GREASBY
Proposed by Councillor Tom Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Wendy Clements

Council acknowledges the overwhelming public opposition to a fire station on the site of Greasby Library.

Council notes that this concern relates to the specific site, not to the policy of merging of fire stations.

Council impresses upon Cabinet:
(1) not to gift, sell, lease the land concerned at the centre of Greasby, because of the value it has for the community; and
(2) to ask officers to work co-operatively with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in identifying and facilitating a more suitable site for operational purposes and to maintain the amenity of the local people.

=======================================================================================================
3. GOVERNMENT’S FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE CUTS

Proposed by Councillor Phil Davies
Seconded by Councillor Adrian Jones

Council welcomes the announcement by the Leader of the Council to withdraw the Council-owned land in the centre of Greasby from consideration for a new fire station.

Given the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority’s obligation to maximise the protection of lives, and of property, it is inevitable that the location of Fire Stations may, from time to time, conflict with local preferences particularly where such structures may detract from the established scenic value of the MFRA’s preferred locations.

The Government’s devastating and unfair cuts to MFRA’s budget have resulted in the unavoidable need to cut the number of Fire Stations in Wirral. The Fire and Rescue Authority’s preferred location of a single Fire Station on a site in the centre of Greasby was based on its assessment of life saving response times. However, this would result in the loss of a much loved local green space.

The Council is asked to continue to work with the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority to identify an alternative site in the greater Greasby area.

=======================================================================================================

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