I sent the following email last week to Emma Foley - the Housing Regeneration Manager for Wirral and she replied as follows.
Hi Emma
I have been asked by a few residents locally what is happening about the idea of renaming the area. I know that a suggestion had been made for Holt Hill Village but also that many - including myself - think that Higher Tranmere is fine and should continue to be the name for the area. Do you know any more about this?
James Kay
Chair - TRACE
Emma replied today - 31st October
Hi James,
I was hoping that Nicky Rigby our Communications and Marketing Manager would have been able to update you at the last residents meeting but unfortunately she was unable to attend. Nicky will be running a high profile street naming competition for some of the new streets and the new retail centre in Church Road which will be promoted by Radio City in February next year. This will be widely publicised and will give more people the chance to participate than we previously consulted.
I think Nicky, who is employed by Newheartlands rather than Wirral Council, will be offering some attractive prizes to encourage people to participate.
Hopefully we will have more information at the next Church Road Residents meeting on 8th November
Kind Regards
Emma
Housing Regeneration Manager
Department of Regeneration and Cultural Services
Wallasey Town Hall North Annex
Brighton Street
Wallasey
CH44 8ED
Any thoughts on this ... ?
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Recycling - a comment
Malcom Birchall comments on Biffa and recycling
Just a comment on recycling.
In our area (Lees Avenue), the collection on the whole has been pretty consistent. What I have noticed since the change over to Biffa is, they appear to put all items for recycling in the one recepticle, papers, glass and tins all get thrown into the one bin. When Onyx did it, the 3 items where placed in seperate compartments on the same wagon. I just wonder how Biffa seperate the 3 items when they have been squashed together in the one bin. Has anyone else noticed this happening.
regards
Malcolm
- response - from James
yes I have noticed this and I was told that Biffa were going to separate these items back at their depot and this meant that they needed less staff to conduct the collection and could therefor do it more reliably. Time will tell whether that turns out to be true but they seem to have started off at least better than the past.
Just a comment on recycling.
In our area (Lees Avenue), the collection on the whole has been pretty consistent. What I have noticed since the change over to Biffa is, they appear to put all items for recycling in the one recepticle, papers, glass and tins all get thrown into the one bin. When Onyx did it, the 3 items where placed in seperate compartments on the same wagon. I just wonder how Biffa seperate the 3 items when they have been squashed together in the one bin. Has anyone else noticed this happening.
regards
Malcolm
- response - from James
yes I have noticed this and I was told that Biffa were going to separate these items back at their depot and this meant that they needed less staff to conduct the collection and could therefor do it more reliably. Time will tell whether that turns out to be true but they seem to have started off at least better than the past.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Recycling update
Things are beginning to look up (I think) on the recycling front. For the first time that I can remember the black boxes have been collected on two occasions, on the due dates - every second Friday in Seymour Street - and moreover running at the appointed time.
The replacement boxes and blue bags have been left out for us to fill again. It's clear that there are many residents interested in recycling within Tranmere. Lets hope that this service is now going to become more reliable and settles down to become an important part of the recycling effort within our community.
Let us know if you have experience of this scheme - good or bad and we'll cover them in the blog.
The replacement boxes and blue bags have been left out for us to fill again. It's clear that there are many residents interested in recycling within Tranmere. Lets hope that this service is now going to become more reliable and settles down to become an important part of the recycling effort within our community.
Let us know if you have experience of this scheme - good or bad and we'll cover them in the blog.
Better news for some on hanging baskets
After a previous row over hanging baskets - see below - a new batch have been delivered to houses in Seymour Street and possibly others. After some good lobbying by Hazel Roberts a second tranch of pots have been created and delivered to residents on Seymour Street and possibly some others.
I have now received a pot which is nestling amongst the scaffolding outside my house on Seymour Street and others on the street have also been delivered such pots. It's a good idea to brighten up an area which is looking more than usually battered at the moment but I think a few people have been left outside the scheme and may still be cross about it.
What do you think?
James
I have now received a pot which is nestling amongst the scaffolding outside my house on Seymour Street and others on the street have also been delivered such pots. It's a good idea to brighten up an area which is looking more than usually battered at the moment but I think a few people have been left outside the scheme and may still be cross about it.
What do you think?
James
Friday, October 27, 2006
TRACE member on local stage
Accrington Pals
at the Gladstone Theatre 7th to 11th November
In the next few weeks Caroline Sawley - who lives on Seymour Street - is to take the stage as May in Bebington Dramatic Society's production of Accrington Pals. For more go to
www.bebingtondramaticsociety.co.uk
at the Gladstone Theatre 7th to 11th November
In the next few weeks Caroline Sawley - who lives on Seymour Street - is to take the stage as May in Bebington Dramatic Society's production of Accrington Pals. For more go to
www.bebingtondramaticsociety.co.uk
HMRI Consultation Minutes
Church Road Residents Consultation Planning Meeting
Royal Standard House - Wednesday 4th October 2006
Present:
Hazel Roberts UCG / Together - Chair
James Kay TRACE
Ann Keggin Tranmere Community Project
Rob Walsh Together
Bruce Lister Lovell
Steph Reid Tranmere Alliance
James Hurley Wirral MBC
John Steele Together
Terry Neill Whitfield St Residents Association
Andrew Wilson Whitfield St Residents Association
Janet Monday Whitfield St Residents Association
Pat Hynes Whitfield St Residents Association
Cllr Phil Davies Wirral MBC
Chris Bowen Wirral MBC
Emma Foley Wirral MBC
Apologies:
Graham Williamson - Together
Matters Arising from previous minutes
JK asked if there was any further response to the CABE feedback. BL said it was the collective view of the project team that the proposals for Church Road were fairly robust and that there was no need to amend the plans significantly in light of the CABE feedback. He said that Lovell did not foresee any major problems with the planning application.
BL said that an outline planning application is likely to be submitted in October, with detailed planning applications likely to be determined by March. Lovell are still hoping to be on site in spring 2007.
SR asked whether the parking standards would be consistent with the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF). BL said that representatives from the planning department had been involved in the development of the design to ensure synergy with local and national planning guidance.
JK asked if there was any news on improvement grants for properties within the original NRA area which are now to be retained. EF said that the Grants team were finalising some of he detail of the grant scheme with the Council’s Legal Services, but if all went well, the Home Improvement Team would be looking to send out a letter and visit all potential applicants before Christmas 2006.
JH has drafted a letter advising all businesses in Church Road who had been affected by the traffic lights that they may have grounds to appeal. He will send the letter out shortly with the appropriate contact details.
Development Update
BL said that Lovell had now received an underwriting letter from the council, which gave them the necessary assurances to proceed while the legal agreement is being finalised.
BL said that a planning application is likely to be submitted at the end of October.
An important next step will be a scoping meeting between the retail developers Atmore and the Council which is BL will organise as soon as possible.
HMRI Programme
CB said that the acquisitions were progressing very quickly with many acquisitions already lined up for the new financial year in April 2007. In the meantime the Council have had to prioritise acquisitions to those, which are needed for the first phase of development in Fiveways and Church Road. This has meant that some owners may have to wait until 1st April to complete the sale of their property to the Council.
This slow down may be short term if the Council is able to find funding from other sources including the NWDA, NewHeartlands or the Council releasing some of next years funding early.
Wirral’s HMRI Team have a new Marketing and Communications Manager, Nicky Rigby who’s role is to publicise and promote NewHeartlands funded schemes in the Wirral and to make sure that Tranmere and Rock Ferry are marketed as places where people chose to come and live. Nicky will be invited to the next meeting to explain about her role further.
HR asked if there was any further news about what shops would be going into the new development. BL said that they would like to offer as many of the existing successful businesses a place the new development including the Co-op which would be an ideal anchor store. Detailed discussions with businesses are scheduled for the next few months.
TN asked if we have any idea of the cost of the new units. BL said that the design work needs to be progressed further before detailed figures can be worked out. There is the potential for some of the units to be customised for individual businesses so the individual cost of units may vary depending on requirements.
CB described the first phase of the new housing development, which would be on site in the Spring. This includes Lovell’s developments on the Whitford Road and Hillside Court sites which is all open market housing and a scheme by Venture and Family Housing on the now cleared Leighton Road / Thompson Street site which will include ten, three bedroom family houses and four two bedroom bungalows for rent.
Audit Inspection
CB reported on the recent Audit Commission Inspection of the HMRI Programme in Tranmere and thanked the residents who took part in the focus group with the inspector Tony Earnshaw.
The feedback was good with no recommendations, although there are comments in the report which will be taken on board with a view to continually improving the service offered to local residents.
30 – 32 Seymour Street
EF gave an update on the two properties, which are piloting the new Perspex boards after a resident request that the tin sheets were preventing him from selling his property.
Steve Eaves from the Empty Property Team will be looking after these properties in the short term.
Long term, it is proposed that a Housing Association renovates them to let as large family units. One housing association has expressed an interest in renovating them. EF to report back when there is further news.
Youth Provision
RW had expected discussions with local community groups and service providers to have been further progressed, but he offered to report back at the next meeting.
Together have recently appointed a Youth Co-ordinator, Margaret, to engage with young people.
RW reminded the group that the Youth Advocates were now in post for Tranmere. CB mentioned a successful schools project which he had been involved in at Wallasey High school for Girls which he would like to replicate in Tranmere / Rock Ferry. It would be an ideal project for the Youth Advocates to get involved with.
Tranmere Parks
PD reported on the recent meetings regarding the two Tranmere parks, which has focused on community safety and anti-social behaviour issues. Options currently include CCTV, an alcohol ban in the parks and a clamp down on local off-licences and a Section 30 Order. Residents have requested a further public meeting towards the end of the year. HR asked for invites to be extended to Seymour Street residents.
It is also hoped that long term improvements to the infrastructure of the parks will be brought forward subject to funding becoming available.
In the meantime the HMRI team have recently consulted residents on a lighting scheme for Mersey Park which will be installed by the Parks and Countryside Service in the new year.
It was agreed that parks improvements would complement the new housing in the Church Road Regeneration area.
AOB
JS asked if there was anything that could be done about the weeds in Seymour Street. EF to refer to the Environmental Wardens
JH gave an update on 42 Church Road. He explained that the hoardings had gone up because kids were climbing on the scaffolding. He was hopeful that building control powers could be used to repair the damage to the buildings so that the scaffolding could be taken down. JH to report the fault with the traffic lights and to circulate a direct number for reporting faults in future.
JK suggested that a notice board be provided for residents. EF said that NR was looking into it. He asked about advertising / displaying information via the hoardings around Tranmere. EF said that this had been explored by NR but it had proved to be too expensive.
PH said that a Council street cleanser was actually walking past dropped litter and failing to pick it up. PD to report to Streetscene.
RW requested articles for the next Together newsletter. The deadline will be 6-8 weeks.
RW reported that Together will be piloting the re-opening of the Together office on Church Road for limited times during the week (Wed, Thurs and Fri 1-4pm). A member of the HMRI Team will be available between 1-4pm every Wednesday until further notice.
The Bag a Bargain Scheme will start on Tuesday next week
BL said that site investigations will be starting on three sites in Tranmere next month.
The Art Regeneration Project will be launched at the former Hutton’s Off Licence at 35/37 Church Road on 19th October @ 6.15pm
Date of Next Meeting
2.00pm Wednesday 8th November 2006 - Royal Standard House
Royal Standard House - Wednesday 4th October 2006
Present:
Hazel Roberts UCG / Together - Chair
James Kay TRACE
Ann Keggin Tranmere Community Project
Rob Walsh Together
Bruce Lister Lovell
Steph Reid Tranmere Alliance
James Hurley Wirral MBC
John Steele Together
Terry Neill Whitfield St Residents Association
Andrew Wilson Whitfield St Residents Association
Janet Monday Whitfield St Residents Association
Pat Hynes Whitfield St Residents Association
Cllr Phil Davies Wirral MBC
Chris Bowen Wirral MBC
Emma Foley Wirral MBC
Apologies:
Graham Williamson - Together
Matters Arising from previous minutes
JK asked if there was any further response to the CABE feedback. BL said it was the collective view of the project team that the proposals for Church Road were fairly robust and that there was no need to amend the plans significantly in light of the CABE feedback. He said that Lovell did not foresee any major problems with the planning application.
BL said that an outline planning application is likely to be submitted in October, with detailed planning applications likely to be determined by March. Lovell are still hoping to be on site in spring 2007.
SR asked whether the parking standards would be consistent with the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF). BL said that representatives from the planning department had been involved in the development of the design to ensure synergy with local and national planning guidance.
JK asked if there was any news on improvement grants for properties within the original NRA area which are now to be retained. EF said that the Grants team were finalising some of he detail of the grant scheme with the Council’s Legal Services, but if all went well, the Home Improvement Team would be looking to send out a letter and visit all potential applicants before Christmas 2006.
JH has drafted a letter advising all businesses in Church Road who had been affected by the traffic lights that they may have grounds to appeal. He will send the letter out shortly with the appropriate contact details.
Development Update
BL said that Lovell had now received an underwriting letter from the council, which gave them the necessary assurances to proceed while the legal agreement is being finalised.
BL said that a planning application is likely to be submitted at the end of October.
An important next step will be a scoping meeting between the retail developers Atmore and the Council which is BL will organise as soon as possible.
HMRI Programme
CB said that the acquisitions were progressing very quickly with many acquisitions already lined up for the new financial year in April 2007. In the meantime the Council have had to prioritise acquisitions to those, which are needed for the first phase of development in Fiveways and Church Road. This has meant that some owners may have to wait until 1st April to complete the sale of their property to the Council.
This slow down may be short term if the Council is able to find funding from other sources including the NWDA, NewHeartlands or the Council releasing some of next years funding early.
Wirral’s HMRI Team have a new Marketing and Communications Manager, Nicky Rigby who’s role is to publicise and promote NewHeartlands funded schemes in the Wirral and to make sure that Tranmere and Rock Ferry are marketed as places where people chose to come and live. Nicky will be invited to the next meeting to explain about her role further.
HR asked if there was any further news about what shops would be going into the new development. BL said that they would like to offer as many of the existing successful businesses a place the new development including the Co-op which would be an ideal anchor store. Detailed discussions with businesses are scheduled for the next few months.
TN asked if we have any idea of the cost of the new units. BL said that the design work needs to be progressed further before detailed figures can be worked out. There is the potential for some of the units to be customised for individual businesses so the individual cost of units may vary depending on requirements.
CB described the first phase of the new housing development, which would be on site in the Spring. This includes Lovell’s developments on the Whitford Road and Hillside Court sites which is all open market housing and a scheme by Venture and Family Housing on the now cleared Leighton Road / Thompson Street site which will include ten, three bedroom family houses and four two bedroom bungalows for rent.
Audit Inspection
CB reported on the recent Audit Commission Inspection of the HMRI Programme in Tranmere and thanked the residents who took part in the focus group with the inspector Tony Earnshaw.
The feedback was good with no recommendations, although there are comments in the report which will be taken on board with a view to continually improving the service offered to local residents.
30 – 32 Seymour Street
EF gave an update on the two properties, which are piloting the new Perspex boards after a resident request that the tin sheets were preventing him from selling his property.
Steve Eaves from the Empty Property Team will be looking after these properties in the short term.
Long term, it is proposed that a Housing Association renovates them to let as large family units. One housing association has expressed an interest in renovating them. EF to report back when there is further news.
Youth Provision
RW had expected discussions with local community groups and service providers to have been further progressed, but he offered to report back at the next meeting.
Together have recently appointed a Youth Co-ordinator, Margaret, to engage with young people.
RW reminded the group that the Youth Advocates were now in post for Tranmere. CB mentioned a successful schools project which he had been involved in at Wallasey High school for Girls which he would like to replicate in Tranmere / Rock Ferry. It would be an ideal project for the Youth Advocates to get involved with.
Tranmere Parks
PD reported on the recent meetings regarding the two Tranmere parks, which has focused on community safety and anti-social behaviour issues. Options currently include CCTV, an alcohol ban in the parks and a clamp down on local off-licences and a Section 30 Order. Residents have requested a further public meeting towards the end of the year. HR asked for invites to be extended to Seymour Street residents.
It is also hoped that long term improvements to the infrastructure of the parks will be brought forward subject to funding becoming available.
In the meantime the HMRI team have recently consulted residents on a lighting scheme for Mersey Park which will be installed by the Parks and Countryside Service in the new year.
It was agreed that parks improvements would complement the new housing in the Church Road Regeneration area.
AOB
JS asked if there was anything that could be done about the weeds in Seymour Street. EF to refer to the Environmental Wardens
JH gave an update on 42 Church Road. He explained that the hoardings had gone up because kids were climbing on the scaffolding. He was hopeful that building control powers could be used to repair the damage to the buildings so that the scaffolding could be taken down. JH to report the fault with the traffic lights and to circulate a direct number for reporting faults in future.
JK suggested that a notice board be provided for residents. EF said that NR was looking into it. He asked about advertising / displaying information via the hoardings around Tranmere. EF said that this had been explored by NR but it had proved to be too expensive.
PH said that a Council street cleanser was actually walking past dropped litter and failing to pick it up. PD to report to Streetscene.
RW requested articles for the next Together newsletter. The deadline will be 6-8 weeks.
RW reported that Together will be piloting the re-opening of the Together office on Church Road for limited times during the week (Wed, Thurs and Fri 1-4pm). A member of the HMRI Team will be available between 1-4pm every Wednesday until further notice.
The Bag a Bargain Scheme will start on Tuesday next week
BL said that site investigations will be starting on three sites in Tranmere next month.
The Art Regeneration Project will be launched at the former Hutton’s Off Licence at 35/37 Church Road on 19th October @ 6.15pm
Date of Next Meeting
2.00pm Wednesday 8th November 2006 - Royal Standard House
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Workshops on land use in Wirral
Steph Reid from Tranmere Alliance has sent the following message around by email.
Hello All
Have just received notification of workshops being held for those people interested in WBC future approach to strategic priorities for allocating land use across the borough (green space/housing/business).
If you feel you would like to attend please contact myself or ring Hazel Edwards on 691 8225 to register by 8th Nov:-
[workshops on ...]
Friday 17th Nov 2pm
Wed 22nd Nov 6pm
Wallasey Town Hall, Committee room 2.
Thanks
Steph Reid
Community Development Officer
Tranmere Alliance
Tel:644 1100
Hello All
Have just received notification of workshops being held for those people interested in WBC future approach to strategic priorities for allocating land use across the borough (green space/housing/business).
If you feel you would like to attend please contact myself or ring Hazel Edwards on 691 8225 to register by 8th Nov:-
[workshops on ...]
Friday 17th Nov 2pm
Wed 22nd Nov 6pm
Wallasey Town Hall, Committee room 2.
Thanks
Steph Reid
Community Development Officer
Tranmere Alliance
Tel:644 1100
Tranmere Alliance Night Out
I have got more information about Tranmere Alliance's Big Bash on November 2nd
Night of Live Entertainment
Tranmere Alliance and Alan Armstrong presents
Mark Lacey,
Just Graham,
Olivia Parry,
Jonthan Campbell,
Zero 8,
Georgie and the cast from the Royal Court's sell out Cavern tour.
Thursday 2nd November
7.30pm till midnight at St Annes Social Club, Highfield Road, Rock Ferry
Prizes to be won include:
1st Prize Pamper Hamper
LFC Stadium tour
Meal for 2
Cash
Theatre Tickets
and much more
Tickets £4 available from the Tranmere Alliance Advice centre or call 0151 644 1100
Night of Live Entertainment
Tranmere Alliance and Alan Armstrong presents
Mark Lacey,
Just Graham,
Olivia Parry,
Jonthan Campbell,
Zero 8,
Georgie and the cast from the Royal Court's sell out Cavern tour.
Thursday 2nd November
7.30pm till midnight at St Annes Social Club, Highfield Road, Rock Ferry
Prizes to be won include:
1st Prize Pamper Hamper
LFC Stadium tour
Meal for 2
Cash
Theatre Tickets
and much more
Tickets £4 available from the Tranmere Alliance Advice centre or call 0151 644 1100
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Church Road Arts project launch
A leaflet was emailed today about the Church Road Arts Project to be launched on Thursday the 19th of October 2006 at 6.15pm - 8.00pm in 35 - 37 Church Road, Tranmere. If you want to find out more about the consultancy running this project go to their website at
http://www.tic-uk.org.uk/html/home.htm
The leaflet said.
" We are pleased to invite you to the launch of the Solid Futures - Church Road Community Art project delivered by TiC Consultants, in partnership with Wirral Borough Council, NewHeartlands and Maritime Housing Association.
SOLID FUTURES is an award-winning initiative, which engages with local people in areas undergoing housing market renewal in Merseyside. The project will strongly focus on the process of involving local residents in reminiscence of their lives and their neighbourhoods, and will then encourage them to focus on the future of their neighbourhood.
A team of two artists, Alex Jackson and Vinnie Cleghorne have been appointed to work with local residents in the Church Road area of Tranmere, to develop ideas, designs or artwork that will reflect the neighbourhood identity, cultural diversity and local history of Tranmere. The artists will be based in an old shop unit at 35 - 37 Church Road and the project will finish at the end of December 2006.
This event is an opportunity to find out more about the project and its aims and objectives. It will also provide an opportunity to meet the people involved in the regeneration of your community.
We hope you can join us on the evening. "
Agenda
6.15pm - Arrival and Refreshments
6.30pm - Official Opening
6.35pm - An Introduction to the project
6.45pm - An Interactive drop in session
8.00pm - Close
For more information, please contact Craig Charles on 0151 691 8376 or e-mail
craigcharles@wirral.gov.uk
http://www.tic-uk.org.uk/html/home.htm
The leaflet said.
" We are pleased to invite you to the launch of the Solid Futures - Church Road Community Art project delivered by TiC Consultants, in partnership with Wirral Borough Council, NewHeartlands and Maritime Housing Association.
SOLID FUTURES is an award-winning initiative, which engages with local people in areas undergoing housing market renewal in Merseyside. The project will strongly focus on the process of involving local residents in reminiscence of their lives and their neighbourhoods, and will then encourage them to focus on the future of their neighbourhood.
A team of two artists, Alex Jackson and Vinnie Cleghorne have been appointed to work with local residents in the Church Road area of Tranmere, to develop ideas, designs or artwork that will reflect the neighbourhood identity, cultural diversity and local history of Tranmere. The artists will be based in an old shop unit at 35 - 37 Church Road and the project will finish at the end of December 2006.
This event is an opportunity to find out more about the project and its aims and objectives. It will also provide an opportunity to meet the people involved in the regeneration of your community.
We hope you can join us on the evening. "
Agenda
6.15pm - Arrival and Refreshments
6.30pm - Official Opening
6.35pm - An Introduction to the project
6.45pm - An Interactive drop in session
8.00pm - Close
For more information, please contact Craig Charles on 0151 691 8376 or e-mail
craigcharles@wirral.gov.uk
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Comment on hanging baskets
See the item on hanging baskets below.
This comment came in from Terry Neill on 10/10/2006 at 02:41:24 PM
Whitfield Street and Mill Close residents were not told about these baskets officially, and we live in the street where they were given out!
This comment came in from Terry Neill on 10/10/2006 at 02:41:24 PM
Whitfield Street and Mill Close residents were not told about these baskets officially, and we live in the street where they were given out!
Bargains bagged brilliantly
Thanks go to Hazel Roberts who sent me this information to go onto the blog - within a few hours of the scheme's first big success.
Have a look at the Lees Resident's Newsletter below and its description of the Bag a bargain scheme and then look at these numbers below. This is the fantastic start up to this scheme in Tranmere. Here are the orders for fruit and veg bags from the three sites. When I called in at Tranmere Community project today at about 2.00pm I was told that people had been queing for over an hour to be the first to get onto the scheme. What a brilliant start - well done to all involved.
Next week's orders are:
Tranmere Community Project Fruit 40 bags Veg bags 36
Albany Hall Fruit 50 bags Veg bags 49
Woodward Estate Fruit bags 39 Veg bags 34
Total ordered Fruit Bags 129 Veg Bags 119.
Total Cash banked £625 : 00
Who says that people aren't interested in healthy food?
Have a look at the Lees Resident's Newsletter below and its description of the Bag a bargain scheme and then look at these numbers below. This is the fantastic start up to this scheme in Tranmere. Here are the orders for fruit and veg bags from the three sites. When I called in at Tranmere Community project today at about 2.00pm I was told that people had been queing for over an hour to be the first to get onto the scheme. What a brilliant start - well done to all involved.
Next week's orders are:
Tranmere Community Project Fruit 40 bags Veg bags 36
Albany Hall Fruit 50 bags Veg bags 49
Woodward Estate Fruit bags 39 Veg bags 34
Total ordered Fruit Bags 129 Veg Bags 119.
Total Cash banked £625 : 00
Who says that people aren't interested in healthy food?
Cash to fight crime in Tranmere?
This notice has done the rounds before but it is the last couple of weeks before the deadline and in case you haven't seen it.
Cash available to help community and voluntary groups fight crime
DO you have an idea that could help reduce crime or fear of crime? £34,000 is available through Wirral Joint Community Safety Team for community safety projects that:
• Reduce antisocial behaviour by young people
• Reduce criminal damage
• Reduces violence
• Reduces fear of crime
The funding is open to voluntary and community groups on an Area Forum basis, up to a value of £2,000 per application. The closing date for applications is Monday October 30.
Application packs and further information can be obtained by writing to
The Community Safety Team, Regeneration Department, Old Court Buildings, Manor Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH44 1BU,
Tel: 0151 606 5443,
fax 0151 606 5454,
e-mail: jamesthompson@wirral.gov.uk
Cash available to help community and voluntary groups fight crime
DO you have an idea that could help reduce crime or fear of crime? £34,000 is available through Wirral Joint Community Safety Team for community safety projects that:
• Reduce antisocial behaviour by young people
• Reduce criminal damage
• Reduces violence
• Reduces fear of crime
The funding is open to voluntary and community groups on an Area Forum basis, up to a value of £2,000 per application. The closing date for applications is Monday October 30.
Application packs and further information can be obtained by writing to
The Community Safety Team, Regeneration Department, Old Court Buildings, Manor Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH44 1BU,
Tel: 0151 606 5443,
fax 0151 606 5454,
e-mail: jamesthompson@wirral.gov.uk
Lees Residents Ass. Newsletter
Thank you Malcom for sending the latest Newsletter from the Lees Residents Association. Given the formatting limitations of this blog I can't print out the newsletter exactly as it came to me - but this is the content in a series of articles from Vol. 5 No. 3 10th October 2006.
Bag a Bargain
Through Together and Health Links a scheme has been organised so all residents of Tranmere and Rock Ferry can obtain CHEAP, FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLES. All you have to do is go along to one of 3 pick-up points on any Tuesday between 12pm and 3.00pm and pre-book your order. Each bag of fruit or veg will cost you £2.50, you simply go along the following week, pick up your order in the reusable bag and order again for the following week, simple. The pick up points are at Tranmere Alliance Community Hall, Albany Road. Tranmere Community Project, Whitfield Street and Woodward Estate Community House, Hassal Road.
This scheme has proved a great success in Liverpool because its cheap, you get great value for money and above all the fruit and veg are FRESH. So take advantage of it and get your 5 a day in, as fresh and cheap as is possible.
Children's Play Group
The childrens play group organised by Tranmere Alliance will start again on Monday 16th October at 6pm and will finish at 7.45pm PROMPT. Please bring your child to the sports barn, not let them come on their own and please be considerate of other people using the facility. If you do not pick your child up from the play group at the allotted time, unfortunately your child will be excluded from the group the following week. Please remember the key holder has to get home too.
Charity Night
Its Tranmere Alliance`s bi-annual charity night on Thursday 2nd November. This year its to be held at St Anne`s club Rock Ferry , so you haven’t got too far to get home. The evening starts at 7.30pm and carries on till midnight. As usual Alan Armstrong and his friends will provide great entertainment all night long. Tickets are £4 each and are available from Tranmere Alliance office on Church Road or see Malcolm at 36 Gothic Street. Be sure to get your tickets early it’s a great night and they will go very quickly.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Amy and John from Gothic Street on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Ashlin. She entered the world on the 17th of September weighing a very healthy 6lb 9oz. We all wish her a long a successful life and her parents long and peaceful nights…… eventually.
Next Meeting (of the Lees Residents Association)
The next meeting is at 7.30pm in the sports barn at the bottom of Ionic Street on THURSDAY 12th October. Please come along and tell us what is worrying you, what improvements you would like to see in the area and any problems you are having. You never know we may be able to help. Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available as usual.
Lees Newsletter ends ...
Bag a Bargain
Through Together and Health Links a scheme has been organised so all residents of Tranmere and Rock Ferry can obtain CHEAP, FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLES. All you have to do is go along to one of 3 pick-up points on any Tuesday between 12pm and 3.00pm and pre-book your order. Each bag of fruit or veg will cost you £2.50, you simply go along the following week, pick up your order in the reusable bag and order again for the following week, simple. The pick up points are at Tranmere Alliance Community Hall, Albany Road. Tranmere Community Project, Whitfield Street and Woodward Estate Community House, Hassal Road.
This scheme has proved a great success in Liverpool because its cheap, you get great value for money and above all the fruit and veg are FRESH. So take advantage of it and get your 5 a day in, as fresh and cheap as is possible.
Children's Play Group
The childrens play group organised by Tranmere Alliance will start again on Monday 16th October at 6pm and will finish at 7.45pm PROMPT. Please bring your child to the sports barn, not let them come on their own and please be considerate of other people using the facility. If you do not pick your child up from the play group at the allotted time, unfortunately your child will be excluded from the group the following week. Please remember the key holder has to get home too.
Charity Night
Its Tranmere Alliance`s bi-annual charity night on Thursday 2nd November. This year its to be held at St Anne`s club Rock Ferry , so you haven’t got too far to get home. The evening starts at 7.30pm and carries on till midnight. As usual Alan Armstrong and his friends will provide great entertainment all night long. Tickets are £4 each and are available from Tranmere Alliance office on Church Road or see Malcolm at 36 Gothic Street. Be sure to get your tickets early it’s a great night and they will go very quickly.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Amy and John from Gothic Street on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Ashlin. She entered the world on the 17th of September weighing a very healthy 6lb 9oz. We all wish her a long a successful life and her parents long and peaceful nights…… eventually.
Next Meeting (of the Lees Residents Association)
The next meeting is at 7.30pm in the sports barn at the bottom of Ionic Street on THURSDAY 12th October. Please come along and tell us what is worrying you, what improvements you would like to see in the area and any problems you are having. You never know we may be able to help. Free tea, coffee and biscuits are available as usual.
Lees Newsletter ends ...
Temporary Traffic Lights
I have just received this email from James Hurley with advice on how to report faults on the temporary traffic lights in Church Road.
Dear all,
Do you remember at our last meeting the issue of the temporary traffic lights was raised and I promised to get a contact in order to make the reporting of faults easier? Hopefully you won't need to but if there are any problems with the lights you should contact my colleague Geoff Boden, Assistant Building Surveyor, on 606 2319.
Geoff can raise this with the leasing company and seek to have the problem rectified. Obviously if there is an immediate danger to the public (especially after hours) the Police should be informed.
As usual if you have any other issues to raise you can always speak directly to Chris, Emma or myself and we will do our best to help.
Regards James
Dear all,
Do you remember at our last meeting the issue of the temporary traffic lights was raised and I promised to get a contact in order to make the reporting of faults easier? Hopefully you won't need to but if there are any problems with the lights you should contact my colleague Geoff Boden, Assistant Building Surveyor, on 606 2319.
Geoff can raise this with the leasing company and seek to have the problem rectified. Obviously if there is an immediate danger to the public (especially after hours) the Police should be informed.
As usual if you have any other issues to raise you can always speak directly to Chris, Emma or myself and we will do our best to help.
Regards James
Wirral Culture blog found
I spotted this one which seems very active and might be of interest to you.
James
James
Monday, October 09, 2006
Presentation on Biodiversity and Urban Regeneration
Invitation
Dear Colleague,
You are invited to a presentation by Mathew Frith of The Peabody Trust. His illustrated talk - 'Greening the Cities - The Challenges of Urban Regeneration' focuses on the challenges of incorporating and developing high quality natural environments into urban regeneration projects, with a particular focus on housing, illustrated by good practice examples from at home and abroad.
With nearly 150 years' experience of providing homes and delivering a broad remit of tackling poverty in London, and with a portfolio including nearly 6,000 Victorian homes and many estates in central London, the Peabody Trust is in a unique position within the social housing sector. They have long experience of providing affordable homes to some of London’s most deprived areas. Sustainability - environmental and social - is fundamental to their vision to fight poverty in the capital.
The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is the UK’s largest carbon-neutral eco-community - the first of its kind in this country. BedZED was developed by the Peabody Trust in partnership with Bill Dunster Architects and BioRegional Development Group, environmental consultants. This is a rare opportunity to hear their perspective on the challenges of securing a high quality and sustainable environment as part of urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal.
The presentation is happening on Friday 3 November at 3pm at the newly opened Birkenhead Pavilion. Please feel free to circulate this e-mail and the attached flyer to anyone who may be interested. Places are free but capacity at the venue is limited so please let me know by e-mail if you would like to attend.
Christine Smyth Parks Development Officer (Biodiversity) Metropolitan Borough of Wirral Department of Education and Cultural Services Parks and Countryside Section Westminster House Hamilton Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5FN
Telephone:0151 666 4730
email to
communitydevelopment@tranmerealliance.org.uk
Dear Colleague,
You are invited to a presentation by Mathew Frith of The Peabody Trust. His illustrated talk - 'Greening the Cities - The Challenges of Urban Regeneration' focuses on the challenges of incorporating and developing high quality natural environments into urban regeneration projects, with a particular focus on housing, illustrated by good practice examples from at home and abroad.
With nearly 150 years' experience of providing homes and delivering a broad remit of tackling poverty in London, and with a portfolio including nearly 6,000 Victorian homes and many estates in central London, the Peabody Trust is in a unique position within the social housing sector. They have long experience of providing affordable homes to some of London’s most deprived areas. Sustainability - environmental and social - is fundamental to their vision to fight poverty in the capital.
The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is the UK’s largest carbon-neutral eco-community - the first of its kind in this country. BedZED was developed by the Peabody Trust in partnership with Bill Dunster Architects and BioRegional Development Group, environmental consultants. This is a rare opportunity to hear their perspective on the challenges of securing a high quality and sustainable environment as part of urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal.
The presentation is happening on Friday 3 November at 3pm at the newly opened Birkenhead Pavilion. Please feel free to circulate this e-mail and the attached flyer to anyone who may be interested. Places are free but capacity at the venue is limited so please let me know by e-mail if you would like to attend.
Christine Smyth Parks Development Officer (Biodiversity) Metropolitan Borough of Wirral Department of Education and Cultural Services Parks and Countryside Section Westminster House Hamilton Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5FN
Telephone:0151 666 4730
email to
communitydevelopment@tranmerealliance.org.uk
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Update on recycling locally
I have had more information about the Box-it scheme from Wirral BC via our Councillor Phil Davies. Tara Dumas who is Environment and Waste Services Manager has written back to Phil as follows...
"I am now able to confirm that the collection of the box-it scheme on Seymore St is this Friday and every other Friday after this. Therefore Mr Kay can expect a collection today then: 20th October, 3rd November etc... His street is not included in the phase 1 Alternate weekly collection roll-out.
It is likely that he will receive his grey bin between May and October 2007. We will publish the area roll-out programmes in the newspapers once Biffa have firmed up the general areas for phases 2 -5. Mr Kay can expect a pre-leaflet 2-4 weeks before his grey bin is due to be delivered, so he will know when to look out for it. "
A new recycling scheme
You may have noticed from the recent Together news letter that the recycling plan for the future is to replace the black box scheme with a two bin (in some places three bin) scheme. The timing of that scheme is referred to in Tara's email above but what it seems to boil down to is that new grey wheelie bins will be issued to all residents for recycling - bottles, cans, paper. Other items which cannot be recycled will go in to the existing green wheelie bins.
The bins will be collected on alternate weeks and although it has not yet been spelled out - it seems likely that residents who put the wrong types of rubbish in the bins will be first of all warned and then penalised if they persist in doing so. There may also in the future be brown wheelie bins for garden refuse. These have already been issued in places such as Claughton although it is not clear to me yet if and when these might be issued in Tranmere and if they will go to all properties or just to those with visible gardens.
I know from discussions with relatives in Claughton that there are some difficulties in fitting these bins into the small front gardens of the terraced houses. Older residents also need smaller bins as they cannot manage the larger ones. I will ask Phil Davies if he can find out for our residents locally if there is to be the option of smaller bins for those who cannot physically manage the larger ones.
If you have any comments about this you might want to post a note here - click the comments box below this item.
"I am now able to confirm that the collection of the box-it scheme on Seymore St is this Friday and every other Friday after this. Therefore Mr Kay can expect a collection today then: 20th October, 3rd November etc... His street is not included in the phase 1 Alternate weekly collection roll-out.
It is likely that he will receive his grey bin between May and October 2007. We will publish the area roll-out programmes in the newspapers once Biffa have firmed up the general areas for phases 2 -5. Mr Kay can expect a pre-leaflet 2-4 weeks before his grey bin is due to be delivered, so he will know when to look out for it. "
A new recycling scheme
You may have noticed from the recent Together news letter that the recycling plan for the future is to replace the black box scheme with a two bin (in some places three bin) scheme. The timing of that scheme is referred to in Tara's email above but what it seems to boil down to is that new grey wheelie bins will be issued to all residents for recycling - bottles, cans, paper. Other items which cannot be recycled will go in to the existing green wheelie bins.
The bins will be collected on alternate weeks and although it has not yet been spelled out - it seems likely that residents who put the wrong types of rubbish in the bins will be first of all warned and then penalised if they persist in doing so. There may also in the future be brown wheelie bins for garden refuse. These have already been issued in places such as Claughton although it is not clear to me yet if and when these might be issued in Tranmere and if they will go to all properties or just to those with visible gardens.
I know from discussions with relatives in Claughton that there are some difficulties in fitting these bins into the small front gardens of the terraced houses. Older residents also need smaller bins as they cannot manage the larger ones. I will ask Phil Davies if he can find out for our residents locally if there is to be the option of smaller bins for those who cannot physically manage the larger ones.
If you have any comments about this you might want to post a note here - click the comments box below this item.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Recycling scheme complaints
Some time ago I complained on behalf of TRACE about the collapse of the 'Box it' recycling scheme which as you will know is a complete mess. I called the Council offices, emailed the Council Offices, emailed again and all without the courtesy of a reply. Eventually I complained to Phil Davies our local Councillor about the scheme and also about the lack of a reply to my complaints. Phil told me that he had raised it with the head of the section concerned and he has now received an email back which he has passed on to me and I have reprinted below. You should know that BIFFA have taken over the waste managemenmt and recycling contract from the previous provider of these services. There will be other changes to the services in future which we will return to in the blog shortly. Watch this space.
Dear Councillor Davies
Please accept our apologies for not responding sooner to your enquiry about the quality of recycling collections in Seamore St.
Biffa have devised a quality monitoring procedure, where addresses and locations that have been repeatedly missed under the old Onyx contract will be monitored by Biffa supervisors. The system has been introduced only this week. Crews have to report back and sign completion sheets for list of properties on their daily round sheet which have experienced poor service. They do this for a period of 4 consecutive collections. If any further problems occur they are brought in for interview by the supervisor, and they must continue to report back on that property for an additional 13 collections.
I have asked that Seamore St be added to the monitoring list for the Tranmere Box Scheme.
I have every confidence that services will improve, but Biffa do need time to work on these crews to ensure they learn to perform to higher standards.
With regards to the leafleting - although I think the suggestion by Mr Kay is a very good one, in practice it is not always possible to leaflet the missed streets as resources may not be available.
Please inform Mr Kay that, under the terms of the new contract, if his whole street is reported missed on the scheduled collection day, then it should be emptied the following day. Failure to do so would result in the contractor facing default penalties.
Regards
Tara
Tara Dumas
Environment and Waste Services Manager
Technical Services
Wirral BC
Dear Councillor Davies
Please accept our apologies for not responding sooner to your enquiry about the quality of recycling collections in Seamore St.
Biffa have devised a quality monitoring procedure, where addresses and locations that have been repeatedly missed under the old Onyx contract will be monitored by Biffa supervisors. The system has been introduced only this week. Crews have to report back and sign completion sheets for list of properties on their daily round sheet which have experienced poor service. They do this for a period of 4 consecutive collections. If any further problems occur they are brought in for interview by the supervisor, and they must continue to report back on that property for an additional 13 collections.
I have asked that Seamore St be added to the monitoring list for the Tranmere Box Scheme.
I have every confidence that services will improve, but Biffa do need time to work on these crews to ensure they learn to perform to higher standards.
With regards to the leafleting - although I think the suggestion by Mr Kay is a very good one, in practice it is not always possible to leaflet the missed streets as resources may not be available.
Please inform Mr Kay that, under the terms of the new contract, if his whole street is reported missed on the scheduled collection day, then it should be emptied the following day. Failure to do so would result in the contractor facing default penalties.
Regards
Tara
Tara Dumas
Environment and Waste Services Manager
Technical Services
Wirral BC
Tranmere Rovers Fan's Blog
I found this blog today. Although not myself a Tranmere fan I thought it migfht be interesting to TRACE blog readers living locally.
http://tranmererovers.blogspot.com/
http://tranmererovers.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tranmere Alliance Fundraiser!
Tranmere Alliance Fundraiser!
November 2nd 7.30 till Midnight - Tickets from 644 1100
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Audit Commission visit to Tranmere
The Audit Commission recently visited the area to look at the Housing Market Renewal Initiative and have now produced a draft report. It runs to 28 pages and is still in draft form but if you wanted to have a look - email James Kay on jameslkay@ntlworld.com and he will send you copy. A couple of items caught the eye.
One was in the introduction and describes the area's economics. There have been reports in the past health trusts and from the local authority which have looked at the local economics and demographics of Tranmere.Multiple but this is fairly stark.
1 Tranmere exhibits a number of the classic characteristics of multiple deprivation. In the 2004 Index of Multiple Deprivation the super output area within which Church Road is located was ranked 101 out of 32,482 most deprived. In other words it was in the top 1% most deprived in the country. Nearly 60% of households do not own a car.
2 The population is mainly white with 96% of local people classing themselves as such. Household sizes are around the national average at 2.3 people. Rented housing accounts for over half of all housing with 20% being privately rented. Average household incomes are 68% of the overall figure for Wirral although it should be noted that Wirral as a whole contains some significantly affluent communities which will distort this comparison. Long term housing vacancies at less than 4% are low.
Another item from the draft report was the note on how much has already been spent in the area (which includes also the Fiveways development). Here is what it said.
1 Cumulative achievements on the ground in Tranmere since the start of the HMR programme in 2003-4 have been good. Since that time there has been a substantial public and private sector investment of over £30m in Tranmere. During the period up to June 2006 there had been £10.6m of HMR spent in the area. This had been matched with an estimated £11m of other public sector investment with the two largest individual contributions having been from Wirral Borough Council's housing capital programme and the Housing Corporation at £5m and £3.5m respectively. It had also been matched by an estimated £9.6m of private sector investment of which nearly 90% or £8.6m was housing association private finance.
2 Put simply, for every £1 of HMR invested in the area a further £1.03 of other public and 90 pence of private investment had been secured.
3 This investment had resulted in significant levels of housing market renewal activity over the same period since 2003-4. Nearly 160 properties had been acquired. Approximately 400 properties had been improved to Decent Homes Standard with a further 140 having been demolished. Just over 120 new properties had been built although only 10% of those are private sector, the vast bulk, approximately 110, being housing association properties.
4 The balance of activity contradicts a commonly held view of HMR as primarily being about demolition since in the case of Tranmere for every ten properties which have been demolished eight have been replaced and nearly thirty other properties improved to Decent Homes Standard.
5 On the ground there are a number of new housing developments either completed or underway. These include 12 flats for older people on Well Lane, 57 shared ownership properties on Green Lane and local private sector developer Roberts Estates' development of 70 units on Old Chester Road.
If you have any comments on these issues please use the comments box here.
One was in the introduction and describes the area's economics. There have been reports in the past health trusts and from the local authority which have looked at the local economics and demographics of Tranmere.Multiple but this is fairly stark.
1 Tranmere exhibits a number of the classic characteristics of multiple deprivation. In the 2004 Index of Multiple Deprivation the super output area within which Church Road is located was ranked 101 out of 32,482 most deprived. In other words it was in the top 1% most deprived in the country. Nearly 60% of households do not own a car.
2 The population is mainly white with 96% of local people classing themselves as such. Household sizes are around the national average at 2.3 people. Rented housing accounts for over half of all housing with 20% being privately rented. Average household incomes are 68% of the overall figure for Wirral although it should be noted that Wirral as a whole contains some significantly affluent communities which will distort this comparison. Long term housing vacancies at less than 4% are low.
Another item from the draft report was the note on how much has already been spent in the area (which includes also the Fiveways development). Here is what it said.
1 Cumulative achievements on the ground in Tranmere since the start of the HMR programme in 2003-4 have been good. Since that time there has been a substantial public and private sector investment of over £30m in Tranmere. During the period up to June 2006 there had been £10.6m of HMR spent in the area. This had been matched with an estimated £11m of other public sector investment with the two largest individual contributions having been from Wirral Borough Council's housing capital programme and the Housing Corporation at £5m and £3.5m respectively. It had also been matched by an estimated £9.6m of private sector investment of which nearly 90% or £8.6m was housing association private finance.
2 Put simply, for every £1 of HMR invested in the area a further £1.03 of other public and 90 pence of private investment had been secured.
3 This investment had resulted in significant levels of housing market renewal activity over the same period since 2003-4. Nearly 160 properties had been acquired. Approximately 400 properties had been improved to Decent Homes Standard with a further 140 having been demolished. Just over 120 new properties had been built although only 10% of those are private sector, the vast bulk, approximately 110, being housing association properties.
4 The balance of activity contradicts a commonly held view of HMR as primarily being about demolition since in the case of Tranmere for every ten properties which have been demolished eight have been replaced and nearly thirty other properties improved to Decent Homes Standard.
5 On the ground there are a number of new housing developments either completed or underway. These include 12 flats for older people on Well Lane, 57 shared ownership properties on Green Lane and local private sector developer Roberts Estates' development of 70 units on Old Chester Road.
If you have any comments on these issues please use the comments box here.
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