Thank you to everyone who has been in touch following our recent newsletter.
In October, I attended the Inquiry hearing into draft Local Plan. During the cross examination of statements by the independent inspectors, they made reference to the protections offered to the Borough’s 26 Conservation Areas.
Subsequently, I obtained copies of correspondence from Historic England to the Council, requesting that Conservations Areas, such as Saughall Massie, are enhanced by the Local Plan. This could include issues such as more appropriate street furniture (lighting, benches or bus shelters, such as the new shelter in Frankby village).
I have also asked that the Council undertakes a new Conservation Area Appraisal in Saughall Massie, as the last was produced 14 years ago. This would identify any specific areas of concern.
Chris Han, the Council’s Senior Heritage Officer has now confirmed to me that the Council is considering the Inspectors’ comments and how the wording of conservation area polices can be amended. We have also shared this with Conservation Areas Wirral. Thank you to the Wirral Globe for covering this issue.
I am also in frequent contact with the Council’s Conservation Officer covering Saughall Massie, Jessica Malpas. Most recently, I made her aware of new money available from the Government to preserve and enhance conservation areas.
If any resident of the village has any question about how the conservation area policies may affect their property, I would urge them to contact Jess on [email protected]. Jess works Monday-Wednesday.
Each year the Council’s Highways Department also asks local councillors to submit roads and pavements for assessment ahead of the following year’s repair programme. Following more than 50 suggestions from residents, Councillors Colin Baldwin, Gary Bennett and I submitted this list, last week, to the Council. I have also asked for ALL roads and pavements in the village to be inspected.
Last month, I was contacted by the Chairman of the Saughall Massie Village Conservation Area Society with various questions on current issues affecting the village and immediate area.
In response to those questions, I can report as follows:
Q: ‘Current status of the Local Plan – any likelihood of our Green Belt boundaries changing?’
A: Unable to say at this stage. The inspectors are still considering the draft Local Plan and the counter proposals, including the views submitted by the developers’ consortium. While nobody from Saughall Massie gave verbal evidence at the hearing, I hope the weight of evidence against the counter proposals of 1,000 houses around the village will prevail.
Q: ‘Are we getting any new rubbish bins in the village?’
A: I have asked for various new and replacement street litter bins around the ward, where residents have made me aware of specific bins that are dilapidated or in need of replacement.
In response, the Waste Control Team has confirmed that ‘open top’ bins (which do not prevent the wind from removing the contents) are the priority for replacement, as well as any other bins that present a risk to safety due to loose fittings or damaged panels. They have also promised me, and others, to replace bins around Moreton Cross - we are chasing that up again.
The Council has also agreed to buy new bins to enable more of the decayed bins to be replaced. Specific requests should be submitted to the Council via their website https://my.wirral.gov.uk/service/Litter_bin_issues
Q: ‘Are we going to 20MPH through the village? Most support that.’
Wirral has been divided up into various ‘zones’ for the roll out of 20mph. We called for (but were outvoted) a pause to enable the first zones to be assessed to see how the scheme is working. The ‘rural’ part of Saughall Massie Road and roads off is in zone 37 and will be in Phase 3 - the next phase for consultation (date still to be confirmed). We have asked for confirmation that Saughall Massie Village will be included. Residents with queries on roads in the village, or anywhere in the Borough can email [email protected] – the Highways Department has accepted that some signage has been incorrectly located. More information can be found at https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/
Q: ‘Street cleaning! As at today nobody is sweeping up leaves and the gutters and island at the crossroads are covered in weeds.’
A: We have been in contact with the Council’s Environmental Services Officer following these concerns. She has assured us that, as a result, Biffa will be deployed to remove dead weeds and leaf fall in this area, including the gullies and pedestrian refuge. We hope this work will be carried out this week.
The village is scheduled for a 12-weekly cleanse by mechanised sweepers, the next being 22 February.
Finally, for updates on issues affecting the wider area, Colin, Gary and I are issuing a monthly email bulletin to residents, as first started by former councillor Chris Blakeley. Residents can register to receive these at www.wallaseyconservatives.com
Best wishes to all residents in the village for Christmas.
Councillor Vida Wilson
