Welcome to the latest update of Green Party activities across Birkenhead and Tranmere. First off this month a big thanks to all who voted Green in the recent local elections. Our vote surged to 1,133 or 35% of the total. We were the only party to see a vote increase and the gap between Labour and Green has shrunk dramatically. Our hard work will continue and I’d like to thanks all those residents who sent their best wishes both before and after May 5th.
The election was a disaster for the Liberal Democrats and their demise has allowed Labour to resume control of the Council following a 12 month break. The last Labour administration saw the fiasco of the proposed mass closure of libraries and leisure centres. Unfortunately, the same people are now back in control of the Town Hall and we will be scrutinising their behaviour carefully over the coming year.
At the same time the Green Party will do everything we can to improve the quality of life for people across Birkenhead and Tranmere. Our annual residents’ survey has already covered the Paterson Street area and the issues raised will be tackled over the coming weeks. We will ensure that every part of the ward is covered over the course of the year but, as ever, if there are any issues of pressing concern in your neighbourhood then don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Green campaign saves right-of-way in Birkenhead
Regular contact with residents is a basic rule of good local politics and something that has been sadly lacking across Birkenhead and Tranmere for many years. I’m proud that this has changed under the Green Party and that we have managed to secure real improvements for many residents. This month saw a dramatic example when Wirral Council backed down over its attempts to close Trinity Lane which is an important walkway linking Price Street and Cleveland Street. You can read more details on my website or follow the Wirral Globe’s reporting on the issue here.
While I’m delighted that Trinity Lane has been preserved for the many hundreds of people who use it on a regular basis, I am dismayed that it has taken several petitions, two court hearings and almost two years of stress and worry for local residents before victory was achieved. The fact that none of the other political parties including the local Labour councillors were prepared to get behind this campaign speaks volumes in my view.
Labour shows complacency on fly-tipping
The Green Party takes a strong line on the fly-tipping which blights the lives of so many residents. In our view Wirral Council is far too lax when it comes to prosecuting those who willfully spoil our neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, this seems unlikely to change under the new Labour Council if this week’s press reports are anything to go by.
The Birkenhead News has picked up on our anti fly-tipping campaign and it makes interesting reading. Frankly, I find the comments attributed to local councillor Brian Kenny who is now in charge of environment to be totally inadequate. If he seriously thinks that current measures to tackle fly-tipping are sufficient then I’m sure there are many readers of this message who could advise him otherwise.
Streets update:
Work to repair the collapsed wall on Pearson Road is due to start later this month and should take about 10 weeks. Watch out for road closures and diversions. * Following complaints from residents on Holt Hill Terrace and Argyle Street South, Harbour Housing has promised to improve security at their property on Whetstone Lane. * Graffiti cleared on Seymour Street and Borough Road. * Fly-tipping removed on Claughton Road and Allerton Road. * Faded yellow lines on Lowwood Road now scheduled for repainting. * Thanks to the empty property team who quickly addressed our request to secure the Vale Pub on Oxton Road. The same unit is also following up concerns raised by residents about an empty property on Whitfield Street. * A tree blocking the entry on Water Street has now been cleared. * Day burning street light in St. Catherines Gardens repaired, broken light on Sidney Road reported. * The Technical Services Dept. has promised to prioritise the Market Street/Argyle Street area in its anti-littering campaign and to extend its reach to include Duncan Street. * The Council has promised to replace missing brickwork on Holt Road. * Fly-tipping cleared from alley way on Liversidge Road.
This information is so up to date, I like the continuity of effort to improve the blighted quarters of Tranmere/Birkenhead Ward community, especially the measures to provide feedback from & to residents. Good work Pat.
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