Baskets and pots pinched

I have had a couple of comments about stolen hanging baskets and pots. Mine (that is the one pot that the council left for me) was stolen within about 5 days and so it seems were others. Anyone else had the same experience?

I caught someone last year trying to pinch a hanging basket from my front door. I chased him down the street and traded punches outside the post office before he ran off. I got the basket but I don't think he intended to use the basket for his own home.

He was just drunk and being stupid.

Wirral Waters - Peel Holdings

Peel Holdings have now established an amazing web site with tons of data on their proposed £4.5bn development in Birkenhead docks. The website shows they are serious about this development which they claim will create 27,000 jobs. Bring it on!

http://www.wirralwaters.com/

Here is a sample of the graphics on this site.

Housing sales in Wirral - graphs' source

I have had a couple of requests from blog readers to post the contact information for the source of the two housing sales graphs below. They came from the following paper.

A Market in Two Halves – Enhancing Housing Intelligence in Wirral - A paper presented to The Housing Studies Association Conference April 19th – 20th 2006

By Joe Bickerton, Chris Young and Michael Lloyd

http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/chp/hsa/spring06/pdf&ppt/bickerton.pdf

House prices and sales

Here are some interesting charts that I came across. Click on each to expand them and then use the back button on your browser to read the rest of this text.

One shows prices paid (red is high and blue is low) and the other is the numbers of house sales with red being very popular housing areas and blue being much slower sales. Both are for early 2005.

In summary the prices are lowest in East Wirral, particularly around Tranmere and Rock Ferry whilst the sales activity is also highest in the same areas.

By the same token you can see from these maps that the highest prices - West Wirral and in particular areas around Gayton and Caldy are also the places where the house sales are slowest.

Now call me a ninny if you like but isn't this what housing markets are supposed to do - encourage sales where prices are lowest and discourage sales where they are highest?

Nothing wrong with that you might think. But then you have the problem that we are in the midst of our HMRI which is supposed to be justified on the basis that the housing market has failed in Tranmere and Rock Ferry. Makes you think a bit.

Have a look at the graphs for yourselves. They are from a York University paper to a housing conference earlier this year.

Madness of King George 111rd

You can see a bigger version of this poster if you double click anywhere on the image.

This is the next play at the Gladstone Theatre with TRACE members in it. It is being rehearsed now at the Theatre in Port Sunlight and will be running at the end of February. For more information contact jameslkay@ntlworld.com

Mobile Phone Hoax

I got an email - sent in good faith - yesterday about an alleged risk to mobile phones. It is a hoax - there is no way that your SIM card be attacked in the way suggested in the email. Whoever started this off - 15 months ago according to Lancashire Police - obviously gets off on winding people up. - and the more get wound up - the better. So, score one for the sad guys!

However there are a lot of mobile phone scams at the moment - the most popular being calling your phone and ringing off after two rings. You get to your phone - and hit the call back button to find out who has missed you - only to discover that you have called a premium rate number and paid someone £1.50 a minute or more to listen to an automated message.

There are others but the general advice is don't respond to anything coming to you unless you know who it has come from.

The hoax email follows ...

Subject: Mobile phone fraud

Message from: Phil Corris, Police Constable/Crime Prevention Officer If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or telling you that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press #90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your "SIM"

A phone number for "Phil Corris" was then given ... I called it and spoke to a police officer who confirmed that it was a hoax.

HMRI Nov Residents Meeting

Church Road Residents Consultation Planning Meeting
Royal Standards House Wednesday 8TH November 2006 2.00pm

Present:

Hazel Roberts Tranmere Resident
John Steele Tranmere Resident
James Kay Tranmere Resident
Steph Reid Tranmere Allaince
Chris Bowen WMBC
Emma Foley WMBC

Apologies:

Bruce Lister, Lovell
James Hurley, WMBC


Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed

HMRI Programme Update
CB reported that Cabinet had agreed to bring forward £3 million from next years budget to help keep up the momentum of acquisitions that have already been agreed. A priority list has been drawn up, with preference being given to properties which are needed for the first development phase in Tranmere and Rock Ferry. Some owners with whom we have agreed a price will still have to wait until further funding comes through in April 2007.

Development Update
The outline planning application will be submitted towards the end of the month with four outline applications being submitted for the following schemes which make up the Church Road Development Area.

* Church Road (main development area)
* Whitford Road
* Hillside Road (former Hillside Court site)
* Pearson Road site

If the Scheme is submitted at the end of November, it is unlikely that it will get before a planning committee until February. A detailed planning application will then have to be submitted for the first development phase which includes the already cleared sites on Hillside Road and Whitford Road and the Abakhan site on the corner of Seymour Street and Church Road.


We also plan to have a further community consultation event before the detailed plans are submitted. It was therefore suggested that the summer would be a more realistic timetable for starting on site to allow for adequate consultation.

Project Update

CB said that Atmore had organised a first meeting with some of the traders on 15th November 2005

Venture and Family Housing Associations were in the process of agreeing a price with the Council to acquire the site on Leighton Road / Thompson Street which is now cleared. The agreed price will have to go to Cabinet in December for approval.

Work on the Homeswap properties is progressing well with completion due on most of them by the end of the month. There has been interest in a couple of them from residents in clearance areas, however if they are not all sold to residents in clearance areas, they will be offered for sale on the open market.

It was reported that 30/32 Seymour Street were open to access. This will be passed on the Environmental Wardens / Empty Property Team to action.

JS highlighted the problems with pigeons and rats around one of the large properties in Seymour Street which has scaffolding up but is in a serious state of disrepair. It was reported that Environmental Health weren’t prepared to serve a notice pending a decision of an outstanding grant application. EF to Check with Jim Ashley, Home Improvements Team manager to check the status of this application.

Youth Issues

Rob Walsh has been unable to broker a meeting between some of the providers of youth services in the area. He is about to go off on leave for several months so it will have to be picked up again in the New Year.

Art Regeneration Project Update

EF gave an update on the Art regeneration project which was launched successfully on 18th October. Since then it has been open on Tuesdays and Thursdays an has been working with residents from Prospect House, the Methodist Church Luncheon Club, Tranmere Alliance, a young mums group, excluded kids programme and Prenton High School. The artists will remain in residence at 35-37 Church Road until Christmas and will be displaying the work in an exhibition in January 2007.

AOB

Steph reported on a Biodiversity Forum she had attended on 3rd November, in particular a talk by Matthew Frith on Greening the Cities. She will try to get a copy of his presentation for the group.

EF said that the HMRI Team were making a film about how the HMR Programme is being delivered in Wirral. She asked for volunteers to talk about their experiences of HMRI. HR and JS kindly offered to participate.

Date of next meeting

Wednesday 10th January 2007 @ 2.00pm, Royal Standards House

UCG minutes Nov 06

Thanks to Steph Reid for these notes from the recent meeting. I have changed the layout a bit to fit the blog and taken out people's email addresses and phone numbers.

United Communities Group
Minutes Thurs 16th Nov 10.30am Prospect House

Present:
Hazel Roberts Chair, Tranmere Action Group
Steph Reid Tranmere Alliance Community Development Officer
Ann Adams TRAC 644-7002
John Steele Together NMP/ Wirral Federation of Tenants + Residents
Les Neish Clifton Park RA
James Kay TRACE
Graham Williamson Friends of the Parks/Tranmere Methodist Church
Terry Neill Whitfield St. RA
Andrew Wilson Whitfield St. RA
John Chesworth St. Paul’s + St. Luke’s Church
Colin Clayton WBC Environmental Health Officer

Apologies:
Malcolm Birchall (Lees Avenue RA), Hugh Langford (TRAP), Marilyn McDougall (The Meadows RA)

Last meeting minutes: 21st Sept. 06
Read and agreed

Matters arising:

SR. Health Walks in Parks will be every 2 weeks now, they will vary days to include more people, next one Friday 17th 11 am from Tranmere Alliance Community Hall Albany Rd.

Guest Speaker:
Colin Clayton – Environmental Health Officer WBC

Colin works as Section Manager on the Team dealing with Public Health Enforcement Services 691-8370/8344/8278– Pest Control 606-2020, Public Toilet maintenance + cleanliness, Disrepair in privately rented properties, Landlord harassment, Filthy and verminous premises.

Colin is happy to deal with referred complaints/issues made through Hazel as chair of UCG

20 Seymour St. Tranmere
Large opening in roof around 80 Pigeons have been accessing and breeding in side for years. Excrement inches deep in front of house. They are congregating on other properties causing problems and possible transference of viruses to children and elderly. HMRI Team aware that a grant application is being processed which includes the repair of the roof, but this has been the case for the last 9 months and the situation is detrimental to the area and neighbouring properties, the team have been asked to expedite matters.

Asked for a Case Study to be done to set a president for similar situations that blight neighbourhoods –This property is not scheduled for demolition. It is occupied. In Grant process. Vermin reports made, no action taken against cause of problem. Other properties have had numerous infestations.

Entry behind shops on Church Rd./Seymour St. Chip Shop 49,51,53
Rubbish up to top of wall level and needs removing.

53 Church Rd. Tranmere
Two premises owned by WBC (purchased by HMRI) have pigeon problem and should not be left to worsen and degrade the area until they are demolished, surely the council should put their own house in order.

57 Church Rd. Tranmere
Vandalised some time ago, window has not been made safe or repaired.

Railway Bridge St. Paul’s Rd Rock Ferry + Green Lane Bridge
Pigeon droppings are a concern, make pavement surface slippy/unsafe, obviously preventative measures are not effective enough to stop the pigeons landing Who is accountable? Wall of property at top of Bedford Drive not safe, bank of soil against it. Members of UCG are eloquent enough to complain but most residents don’t feel able and are unaware of the route to do so.

Hamilton Square has become a “no go” area since seemingly homeless people have been moved on from precinct shopping area. Muggings and verbal abuse from aggressive beggars, drug and alcohol users is occurring and the benched landscaped central part is littered with cans, bottles and rubbish.

Can anything be done to act against anti-sociable families who live a life of grime in our area in privately rented accommodation to help the landlord secure eviction quicker which is backed and supported by judges? Also that the families are tracked effectively to stop the cycle re-occurring with next landlord and neighbours going through same lengthy process and costs.We have had previous experiences with such families and presently one in Elmswood where it is not suitable for children living in the property.

Details handed over from Lees Avenue R A

[ends]

Santa Express - 16th December

Tranmere Alliance are now advertising their Santa Express. This is a day out for under 12s to Llangollen to meet up with Santa (although quite why Santa should be in Llangollen is not explained - but I suppose if I can believe in a guy with a red romper suit and a white beard on a sleigh pulled by magical flying reindeer - the idea that he might choose to hang out in North Wales is only a small additional bit of disbelief to suspend.) Either way Tranmere Alliance are running this day out on Saturday the 16th of December from 9.30 to 5.30.

They are also appealing for help from 'Grandparents for the day' who are asked to call Wendy on 0151 644 1100. I think Wendy will probably be able to explain to parents how they can get their little darlings booked onto the trip.

Another fine idea from Tranmere Alliance.

UCG minutes Sept 06

Thanks to Hazel Roberts for these

UNITED COMMUNITIES GROUP

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN PROSPECT HOUSE
21ST SEPTEMBER 2006

PRESENT:
Hazel Roberts T A G ( chair )
John Steele Hillside R G
Steph Reid Tranmere Alliance
Terry Neill W. A. M. A.
Ann Adams T. R. A. C.
Les Neish C. P.R. A.
James Kay T. R. A. C. E.
Malcolm Birchall L. R. A.
Marilyn McDougal M. R. A.

APOLOGIES:
Apologies were received from Victoria Campbell and Lorraine Norris.

MINUTES:
The minutes of the previous meeting held June 8th 2006 were approved as a correct record of the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING:
There were no matters arising from the minutes.

RESIDENT GROUPS REPORTS:
W.A.M.A. Terry reported that they are a new group and have only has two meetings. The local residents are having problems with the children and young people that are using the T. C. P. He is at present trying to arrange a meeting with Jill Quayle the project Manager. He is getting assistance from Rob Walsh ( Together )

T. A. G. Hazel reported that the Trampoline Club is still getting 35or so 8 to 12 year olds and have now extended the hours for the 12 to 16 years. New times are 8to 12 years 5:15pm to 7:15pm. 12 to 16 years 7:30pm to 9:30pm. All children and young people from the Tranmere and Rock Ferry area are welcome.

T. R. A. C.
a) Ann said that the Holistic Therapies continue to be successful and will be looking for funding to continue through next year.
b) The booking list for the trip to Botany Bay is now open.
c) Those that had attended the Healthy Walk around Victoria Park would like them to be more often. Every two weeks rather than once a month.” Hazel is to bring this up at the next Health meeting.” Next Walk is Friday 27th October 2006 from Albany Hall.

C. P. R. A.
Les said that he has been doing his best to form a new resident group committee, a meeting is planned for a couple of weeks time. Les has also been trying hard to get his Muslim neighbours involved in the resident group but with no success so far.

a) M. R. A. Marilyn reported that the Yellow House Drama and Art youth Club is running very well they hope to extend to 13 to 19 year olds on Friday Nights for Film Making.
b) The Council have funding to restore the Football Cage in St, Paul’s Road. They have a pot of money to clean up grot spots. They have also identified an area next to the Vikings Youth Club for funding.

L. R. A.
a) Malcolm said that Len has resigned as Vice chair so they are in the process of looking for his replacement
b) The housing development at the back of Bedford Road is causing concern Malcolm is hoping to be shown the plans.
c) The question was asked by several members as to what can be done about residents that own their properties and like to live a life of grime. Steph said that she would take this problem to the Living Environment Thematic group meeting and ask if we could have an Environmental health Officer can attend our next meeting as residents owners need to have accountability of keeping their house to a certain standard.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
1) Hazel asked for volunteers for the Bag a Bargain Terry said he thinks two from his resident group will help.
2) Ann Adams said that a complaint needs to go to the Together Office about sending out information and minutes of meetings. Residents are not getting the information in time for them to attend meetings.
3 ) W.V.C.S.N. Double Devolution Conference Friday 22nd September 2006.
Registration from 9:30 am. Conference closes at 3:30pm.


NEXT MEETING:
Thursday 16th November 2006 at 10:30am in Prospect House.

Living Environment Group Notes

These are the notes from this group which meets about once a month. These minutes are made maily for the use of those attending the meetings but they do contain important information of relevance to local resients.

TOGETHER Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder
Living Environment Thematic Group Meeting 18.9.06
Royal Standard House

Present
Alex Butler Kate Thomas Steve Eaves
Keith Farrell Hugh Owen John Ford Len McCormick Sheila Kirwan Steve Jackson

Apologies:
Emma Foley Tara Dumas, Fergus Adams


Actions/minutes


Previous minutes

Action - JF to request a formal update from JC re Tenancy reference scheme

Access to services

HO updated group on progress

Looking at housing services as first service to apply methodology which would be used to evaluate effectiveness of organisations approach to customer /resident access .
Three parts to model:

1 Self assessment
2 Reality checks
3 Focus groups

An action plan (toolkit) will be produced.

Action – JF to feedback to Jenny Naylor on access to services methodology

SK Stated that maritime are training trainers for mystery shopping.

Action - SK to pass on related information to HO and the access to services group


UGLI scheme

SE updated group on progress. Three sites identified for action in pathfinder area. Groundwork are the chosen contractor for improvement works.


Wardens report

Health walks – 17 people attended the first walk which the PCT said was a very good start.

Next walk is Fri 27th October 11am from Albany Hall

Resident group has been set up at Bedford/Haddon Rd as a response to ASB issues. Wardens resident survey and report has been passed to Mick Blease.


Mobile CCTV

Group discussed use of mobile CCTV as part of planned approach to environmental enforcement (and its potential re information relating to ASB)

Action - JF to inform group about status of mobile CCTV.


NET team

The group agreed that a steering group would be desirable, to meet as required to discuss the development of the NET team

NET steering group to consist of:

Include (NET) manager
Len McCormick
Streetscene representative
John Ford
Lowell Williams


Action - JF to present a progress report on the NET to the next meeting.

HO stressed the need to consider the long term approach which would need to involve Biffa.


Secondary fires/ Arson prevention

LW requested NET involvement in removal of combustibles on the lead in to to bonfire night. Steve Eaves also wished to include any void properties which present a fire hazard.

Action - JF to arrange meeting with LW and SE to develop an approach.


Performance management

HO stated that we need to fill gaps re the targets in the groups 06-08 action plan.

Action - JF to implement with Together information officer.


AOB

LM stated that the box recycling service continues to be ineffective. Streetscene rep would be asked to next residents together meeting.

Next meeting
13th November 10am Together NMP office.