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.

This morning Action Team Leader Geoff Gubb and I went along to Royden Road to help out the Residents Association and the children with the planters. These were funded by the Residents Association and Wirral Partnership Homes. What a difference these plants make, it improves the estate so much and helps the children be a part of the community and gives them a sense of ownership.

Pictured: Cllr Tom Anderson & Esther McVey

Woodchurch Community Centre is still under the treat of closure by Wirral Council if they cannot find an organisation to take it over.  This evening I went along to the Joint Management Committee to discuss the situation. Some members felt they did not have the time or expertise to take over the community centre and were worried by large income shortfall that they would be responsible for. Other organisations are being approached to see if they would be willing to take over this facility. The Community Centre is a vital part of Woodchurch and the Council’s shortsightedness means that many organisations may be left without a base. I am working with residents and groups to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

Today I met with a worker from the Reader Organisation, who are running a scheme on Woodchurch for the next six months. They aim to get people of all ages and abilities into reading. In Woodchurch their aim is to engage with over 100 children. Projects are being delivered through various schools and youth projects such as S.N.A.P. With child and adult literacy rates being below average on Woodchurch this is an excellent project and I hope gets the funding to continue. With Woodchurch Library under threat this project has never been more valuable.

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.