Apollo Court

Leah, Kathleen, James and I in Kathleen's new apartment.

I originally suggested that Wirral Partnership Homes should look at purchasing the new development at the site of the former cinema when it was decided that residents should move out of Charter House and Mersey Court. Its great that these plans have finally come to fruition and I was pleased to go along to the official opening of Apollo Court with Leah and James.

We spent time having a look around the apartments and the residents seem delighted with their new home. It was good to have a chat with some familiar faces and to introduce ourselves as councillors to those people who have moved from outside Liscard ward. I’m sure they will all be very happy at Apollo Court – there is already a great community atmosphere about the place.

Door Knocking In Egremont

Oliver Adam, Tony Cox, Simon Mountney, Tony Pritchard, Myself, Lesley Rennie, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes, Kate Wood and Chris Blakeley

This evening the team were out in force knocking on doors in Greenwood Lane and the surrounding areas. As usual we had a very welcoming response and most people were keen to tell us they can’t wait to cast their ballots at the General and Local elections and get rid of this useless government and labour led council.

Egremont Community Voice

Last night Leah, Karen and I attended a meeting of Egremont Community Voice to update people on the various isssue we are dealing with in the community.  People where pleased to hear that the housing development on Stringhey Road is well underway and we informed the meeting that most of the residents of Charter House had been rehoused in the new development on the old Apollo Cinema site.

Residents reported an increase in the instances of fly tipping following the introduction of a charge for the ERIC service (which all Conservative councillors opposed) and we will be raising these issues with council officers.

Local shops and businesses

This week I visited shops and small businesses in King Street to discuss the  economic issues and problems which they face on a daily basis and also the ongoing issue of regeneration in Egremont.

I was surprised to see many green bins overflowing with rubbish along the main road.  Apparantly, because of roadworks, due to a possible gas leak, Biffa decided there wasn’t enough room to park – so didn’t bother emptying the bins!  I immediately phoned Streetscene, within 15 minutes the area inspector Chris was on the scene and within half an hour a Biffa van appeared and emptied the bins – seems they could collect after all.  Thanks to Chris for all his help.

Rising business rates combined with the credit crunch are straining many local shops.  Some shops are eligible for rate relief but do not know about it and many are not claiming for a reduction in the rates that they are entitled to.   For more information click here.

108 King Street

After over 5 years of “taking one step forward and two steps back”, the derelict mess at 108 King Street has finally been demolished.

Along with residents of Egremont I think this building has been an eyesore for years. It’s great to see it’s finally gone!