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

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