Upton Matters

Each month across the constituency we have a Super Sunday were residents, councillors and members of ourAction Teams go out and about.  Today we in and around Upton and Woodchurch.

The Library Inquiry into the decision by Labour/Lib Dems to close 11 of Wirral’s Libraries was held at the Floral Pavilion over the last two days. There were many people giving evidence along with myself and Conservative colleagues, Cllr Jeff Green, Esther McVey, Cllr Paul Hayes and Cllr Leah Fraser.

Many speakers pointed out major holes in the Councils argument and I was very impressed with the amount of time, effort and research residents put in. Sue Charteris, Chair of the Inquiry, was very professional and fair to all parties and said it had been a pleasure to come to Wirral. I am hopeful that her report to the Secretary of State will be favourable to the 11 Wirral Libraries earmarked for closure by the Council.

It was interesting to note that NO Cabinet members spoke to defend the Council, not even a single Labour member bothered to turn up. However the Council hired a QC barrister defend itself, which it is estimated to cost £15,000 for just two days work. What a waste of money. Residents and opposition Councillors managed to present a competent and comprehensive argument without any legal support, its a shame the Council, with its own legal department, had to resort to wasting more council tax payers money.

I have been contacted byresidents of Norwich Drive concerning youths drinking in the wooded area, throwing food and mud at houses and kicking footballs deliberately at cars and fences. I have raised this issue with the Police, Wirral’s Anti Social Behaviour Team and Community Patrol who will be keeping an eye on the situation.

In addition I have requested that a ’No Ball Games’ sign and litterbins be placed around the wooded area.

If you are experiencing Anti Social Behaviour please get in touch and let me know.

Today was spent helping  out my colleagues  across Wirral. Firstly I went to lend a hand to Wendy Clements, our Action Team Leader in Greasby, Frankby, Irby delivering Newline to residents there. Wendy is a very hard working for residents and will make an excellent councillor come the next elections (watch out Jean!).

Then I went across to Wallasey to help my new colleague Cllr Denis Knowles, deliver a letter to tell the good people of Seacombe why he joined the Conservatives. Denis is very well known is Seacombe and had an excellent response from people. Many saying that he has ‘joined the right side’ and ‘good for you.’

Pictured: Cllr Tom Anderson & Esther McVey

Yesterday, Sue Charteris, who has been tasked to head the Inquiry of  the Council’s decision to close 11 Libraries, came to Woodchurch to speak to staff and users.  Sue Charteris spent over an hour chatting to users.  Woodchurch Library was relocated over 10 years ago onto the site of Ganneys Meadow Early Learning Centre. This was to provide a more intergrated service, and give young children access to reading. At Woodchurch library I witnessed an entire spectrum of users, toddlers, elderly and teenagers using the IT facilities.

The Library Inquiry will be held at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on 9th June, at 9:30am. I personally have submitted a statement to Sue Charteris detailing why the Council’s decision breaches it’s obligations to Woodchurch Residents. If you would like a copy please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Due to some technical difficulty with the lighting system Woodchurch Leisure Centre will close from 9pm. The swimming pool will continue to operate as normal.

Your local Conservative Action Team is keeping an eye on the problem. Should you wish to contact the Leisure Centre to confirm opening/closing times call: 0151 677 9433.