Letter to the press

The naked opportunism of Steve Niblock in defecting from the Liberal Democrats to Labour will come as no surprise to a cynical electorate. Up for re-election in 12 months, Cllr Niblock clearly saw the writing on the wall and the end of his political career if he stayed with the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Niblock's bluster about "rabid Tory policies" holds little water. Neither does his self proclaimed position on "the radical Left". If this were true he would not be joining a Labour party that, like the coalition government, is committed to cutting the deficit by slashing public services. A true progressive would look at the Green Party's radical programme of tax reform and investment in a low carbon economy. Only this can deliver the fair and secure society we desperately need but which none of the mainstream parties is prepared to deliver.

Election Result

Thursday's election saw the Green vote in Birkenhead and Tranmere surge to 35%, up from 24% last year. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to unseat Labour. Nevertheless, it's a massive endorsement of all the hard work that we have put in over recent years. The full election results can be found here.

A massive thank you to all the team who contributed so much to what is by fr the biggest Green vote ever seen in Wirral. I'd also like to thank each of the 1,133 voters who gave me their support, especially those who have sent their good wishes via text, email and on Facebook.

No Joke: Green Party local election broadcast

Trinity Lane update

Yesterday, along with half a dozen local residents, I attended the
hearing at Birkenhead Magistrates Court regarding Wirral Council's plan
to stop up Trinity Lane (Price Street).

As a result of our efforts, the hearing has once again been postponed,
this time until mid-June.

I will continue to do everything I can to ensure this important amenity
is preserved for local residents.

Further updates in due course.

Activity Report for March

Welcome to the latest report Some important updates this month relating to the proposed development on Church Road, the closure of Trinity Lane (Price Street) and the major wall collapse on Pearson Road.

But first, a quick reminder of the forthcoming local elections on May 5^th. The Green Party is canvassing hard in the run-up and, if we haven’t knocked on your door yet, we will be doing so in the month ahead. If you are not registered to vote at your current address or need to apply for a postal or proxy vote then time is running out. You can contact me for the relevant forms or visit the Council website.

Remember, you can help our campaign by displaying a poster.

Streets update:

This month, Wirral Council recommended an extension to the planning permission relating to the proposed residential and retail developments on Church Road. Once again, the failure to make good this project when times were good returns to haunt us. You can read the full details of the latest application here.

It is now over a year since scores of trees were felled on Church Road. I know this greatly upset many residents but the delays since then make that act of vandalism even more inexcusable.

Earlier this month I met with Council officials on site at Trinity Lane to discuss their plans to stop pedestrian access. It was very pleasing to see so many local residents turn out and make their objections known in no uncertain terms. Unfortunately, the Council is determined to proceed and a court hearing has been set for April 7^th. I will be making representations at the court on behalf of residents. Hopefully, we will get a positive outcome. The result will be posted on my web site later this week.

No doubt many of you will be aware of the major wall collapse on Holt Hill Terrace/Pearson Road which was reported on last month. Following my latest discussions with the Highways department I understand that tests are being carried out to see if the wall in question is a retaining wall (i.e. a wall built to hold back ground that would otherwise move downwards). If it is, then major works are involved and it is unclear as yet how the Council would proceed. If it is not a retaining wall then repairs will be carried out to restore the wall as it was.

Other street issues reported recently include the derelict site on Woodchurch Road/Briardale Road which the Council assures me is being pursued via the relevant land owner. Also, another dose of fly-tipping has been reported on Carlton Road while I was very pleased to learn that the alleyway behind Kingsdown Street/Frodsham Street has finally been cleared following many appeals.

Briardale Road

I've asked the Council to address this eyesore on Briardale Road. I am
assured the landowner is being pursued to clean up the site.

Carlton Road

This weeks reports to Streetscene include offensive graffiti on the Carlton Pub plus another dose of fly-tipping behind the pub as pictured.