2nd to 6th April
Chinese State Circus.
The Dips, Kings Parade, New Brighton
CH45 3HL.
performances 3pm & 7.45pm

Wed to Sat
2.00pm & 5pm Sun
Ticket line 08445765506

A family ticket for the Circus is available for the first person to ring 639 5798 after 10 am on Wednesday morning 19 th March. Leave your name, address and telephone number and the answer to the following question:-
In which year was the Foundation Stone for the Promenade laid?

DRUGS/ ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

On my arrival as the new Neighbourhood Inspector, I made promises to do everything within my power to rigorously deal with drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. To combat this, I launched OPERATION UXBRIDGE at the beginning of October. This operation is an ongoing initiative, but I wanted to give you an update now that we are at the three-month stage.

Since its launch, a total of 15 warrants have been executed on this neighbourhood under the misuse of drugs legislation. The warrants have all been executed by the dedicated neighbourhood staff and have resulted in 14 arrests. Large quantities of controlled drugs have been recovered and other offences have also been detected, such as abstracting electricity and theft.

The most successful warrant so far was executed on the morning of 23rd December 2007 at an address in New Brighton. Class 'A' drugs with a street value in excess of £40,000.00 was recovered, together with large quantities of cash, dozens of brand new mobile phone sim cards and offensive weapons. Two people were arrested and are currently on police bail.

In addition to the enforcement detailed above, my team are also working hard to implement our 'prevent and deter' strategy, targeting young people who engage in anti-social behaviour on the neighbourhood. We have been working closely with officers from Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team and together; we have successfully secured acceptable behaviour contracts (ABC) for 5 youths, an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) for 1 youth and an anti-social behaviour order on conviction (ASBOC) for 3 youths.

Success in both of the above areas is still in the early stages, but with continued focus and direction, we will continue to improve on our performance and I am confident that I will be reporting further good news to you in the future.

Crime Figures

Below is a very brief overview of improvements in crime figures for the three-month period up to December 2007, compared to the same period in 2006. As you can see, there has been positive progress in every area.

Please be assured that my Officers and I will continue working to reduce and detect crime in order to improve the quality of life for the residents of East Wallasey Neighbourhood. These improvements can only be achieved with the help of our partners and the local community and I would urge anybody with information regarding criminal activity or anti social behaviour to contact your Neighbourhood team on 709 6010.

Julie Fletcher

Neighbourhood Inspector.

Extract from the Council's Budget proposals

Graffiti

A pilot 12 month graffiti removal scheme should be established in partnership with the Probation Services, who will supply a team of young offenders on Community Based Orders, the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, the Fire Service, Tranmere Together and Technical Services to provide a full time service for the removal of graffiti not just from publicly owned buildings, but from residents' buildings and from businesses.

The removal of graffiti from private homes should be provided free of charge.

The sum of £30,000 should be allocated, in addition to the current budget for the removal of graffiti, to pay for necessary equipment and supplies.

That Cabinet recognises that, as well improving the graffiti removal service, this initiative should also reduce anti-social behaviour, promote civic pride and contribute to restorative justice and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Tackling Dog Fouling in Coastal Areas and Country Parks.

A full scale assault should be launched on dog fouling in Wirral's Coastal areas and country parks.

This assault should include:

• intensive enforcement activity to prevent dog fouling,

• positive re-enforcement by inclusion in a prize draw of those members of the public identified as cleaning up after their dogs

• clean-up operations targeted to coincide with both enforcement and reward campaigns.

• improved signage and publicity for dog owners

Better access pathways and seating in managed public open spaces.

Environmental improvements should be made to Wirral's managed public open spaces aimed at improving or providing additional access pathways and providing additional tables and seating.

The Fairy Wedding

This will take place on Vale Park Bandstand on Saturday 10th May starting around 12pm weather permitting.

Any local children who want to join in the procession are welcome. Wear a nice floaty dress and make a reef of flowers to go on your head. Any boys who have a pixie outfit or similar are also welcome.

The photo shoot will be illustrating a story about a fairy wedding that takes place in the imaginary place called 'Nettle woods.' between Fairy Rose Petal and Prince Oberon. Copies of the book will be available to buy locally and mounted pictures will be available to buy after the event.

New Brighton Regeneration Update

Neptune Developments is delivering the regeneration of New Brighton in two phases. The first relates to the construction of the New Floral Pavilion Theatre and the development of a residential and leisure block on the adjoining site. The second phase will see a mixed retail and leisure scheme focussed on the site of the former open air baths.

Good progress is being made on the construction of the new theatre following an initial delay of 4 weeks due to unforeseen ground conditions. The contractor is confident that the new building will be handed over to Wirral MBC at the end of October enabling it to open for the Christmas 2008 pantomime.

Unfortunately the contactor selected to build the adjoining apartment block went into administration before Christmas. The works have been retendered and it is Neptune's intention to commence work in early April.

Turning to Phase 2, the proposals were granted outline planning consent on 14th November 2007. This dealt with the types of uses that could be included in the scheme and the amount of floorspace that could be constructed. It also provided strict restrictions over where buildings could be located and their maximum heights.

The next step is for Neptune to submit Reserve Matters Applications dealing with the detail of the scheme. These applications will be dealt with in exactly the same way as applications for full or detailed planning consent. They will be the subject of consultation with the local community and interest groups and will be determined by Wirral Council's Planning Committee.

It is Neptune's current intention to submit four reserve matters applications. The first will deal with the land raising (filling in the dips where the Lido formerly stood) and the public realm works including the relocated model boating lake and the new waterfront promenade. The application will also include a design code that will provide a framework for working up the detailed design of the buildings. This application will be submitted in early March.

The subsequent Reserve Matter Applications will address the detail of the buildings to be constructed on the site.

Rob Mason
Development Director
Neptune Developments Ltd

Sitting Pretty is the theme of a photographic exhibition at Earlston Library from March 10 to 22. The pictures of local girls were taken for the newspapers by Bob Bird when mini skirts were the height of fashion. As part of Wirral 08 Culture for all, Bob's press photographs of yesteryear are also on display at New Brighton railway station and the 1948 replica of his photo booth outside the Queen's Royal New Brighton.

Friends of the Tower Grounds

Following a recent meeting with the contractors, I can report that they are behind on the project. They are aiming to be finish by the end of February but realistically, it will be by Easter, weather permitting! The huge hole has been filled in and they are now in the process of replacing the dwarf sandstone wall and setting in the manhole covers. There's some grassing to be done and a few small cosmetic jobs. The 'wendy house' building on the prom has unfortunately been the target of the local vandals who have caused minor damage and graffiti. The local police have been informed and are now regularly patrolling the area. Hopefully, the Tower Grounds will be restored to it's former glory for the summer!
A date is soon to be arranged for the next meeting of the Friends of the Tower Grounds. If you would like to kept informed of future meetings, please email me at suetaylor@no2nonsense.org.uk or contact me on 07736 927201

Upper New Brighton

This is the title of a Local History Trail Limited Edition Book available for sale at Earlston Library - ask at the desk.

THE LINUS PROJECT

QUILTS FOR NEEDY CHILDREN

Following the appeal by St Peter and Paul's Union of Catholic Mothers for cotton material to help them make quilts for the above project, six quilts have been completed and sent off, with a further two still "works in progress".

Thank you to all who contributed material - which, together with that provided by our own members and friends, enabled us to help needy children. Unsuitable material donated (mainly beautiful satin/taffeta in various colours ) has been sent to the nuns at Ty Mam Du Convent in Hawarden, who will make excellent use of it for charitable purposes.

So thank you, one and all, but especially Vale House Café for acting as the drop off point for contributions.

Rita Fraser. Treasurer. St Peter and Paul's U.C.

Reclaim the Quarry - Please help us to keep this Park in good condition for use by the whole community. Telephone the Police on 709 6010 or Community Patrol on 666 5265 to report any incidents of vandalism or problems of any kind. Thank you.

Annual Fundraiser 2008

Join the movement for a Family Vale Park Pedal Picnic to help raise £4,000. This money will purchase a Velo-plus bike (pictured below) which enables the very special children from Lyndale School to experience the thrill of cycling whilst remaining in their specially adapted wheelchairs. Then we can all Bike It this summer.

Registration: £1 per person. Further donations welcomed.

Bring a picnic and your bike.

Wear suitable clothing and wear a smile!

Responsibility for the children's safety rests with the parent(s)/carer(s).

To find out more visit

St Johns Hospice offers free of charge care to all our patients, we are only able to this because of the donations we receive, our Hospice is here to care for the people of Wirral.

This year we are delighted to be celebrating our 25th anniversary, quite an achievement for us, and everyone that has been involved with the Hospice over the years. We have grown and changed dramatically over this time.

We are about to enter another period of change, creating a purpose built centre of excellence, for patients and their carers requiring Specialist Palliative Care, we will deliver services to enhance dignity, independence and quality of life. The building work starts in January and completion is approx August 2008.

Across our services, we care for and treat approximately 150 patients every week; we are able to offer support and counselling to the families of our patients, with a specialist bereavement counsellor for children. We would not be able to do this without donations from the public.

We are currently registering runners for the Tunnel 10K Sunday 1st June, a fantastic run from Liverpool to New Brighton running through the Wallasey tunnel, its perfect for the novice runner or the more competitive as there is a large cash prize. There will be an abseil down the Leasowe Lighthouse on Saturday 14th July... a great way to raise funds for your local Hospice.

If you have any Fundraising ideas or would like to take part in any of our events please call Lynne Hamilton on 343 0778.

FRIENDS OF RAKE LANE CEMETERY

Following the destruction of the Rake Lane Cemetery, its gravestones and the continuing anti social behaviour in the vicinity of Earlston library gardens, the Friends of Rake Lane Cemetery & surrounding roads (formed by local residents, Cllr's & Police) are celebrating reaching one of their stated aims to have new gates, fencing and increased security put in place.

Local Councillor Pat Hackett (Chair of the Friends Group) said, "We were able to secure £25,000 from the Council's budget last year to enable these extra security measures to be put in place. We have worked closely with all our partners, particularly the Police, who have put extra resources into taking action against the perpetrators to ensure that local residents and those who have their loved ones buried at the cemetery are left in peace to go about their daily lives & business free from the fear of the anti social elements that have plagued them in the past"

The Friends Group secretary Steve Davies, has urged residents to become involved and to make a difference to their community and with their help we hope to be able to form a residents group to open and close the new gates which we think will make a big difference to their quality of life..

Another local member of the Friends group Paul Smith is also offering the services of his security company (Forefront Security) for free in the fight against crime. Paul said his company would make regular patrols and adds that its important for us as a community to stand up and not to let yobs intimidate us or criminals rule our society.

Do you have any spare knitting wool? Double knitting is especially welcome.

The knitting group at St Andrew's is making a variety of items for use both close to home and overseas : warm hats for seamen, rather different hats for new-born babies in local hospitals, blankets and jumpers for adults and children in Roumania - anything for which there is a need.

So, if you have any double knitting wool you don't want - odd balls and part-used balls are all welcome as well as larger quantities - please drop it off at Vale House. It will be put to very good use!

Help us to help others.

Vale House Community Centre in New Brighton applied for funding through the Big Lottery's family learning programme to run a project teaching local residents of all ages about their area's illustrious history.

They have successfully secured funding of nearly £125,000 to run the New Brighton Learning Together project for the next three years and the people responsible for putting the bid together couldn't be more pleased with the news, which was made public today (February 12th).

Ian Shortall, Treasurer of Vale House Community Centre, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund for an innovative project that will benefit the community of New Brighton.
"The New Brighton Learning Together project is really exciting it will bring together all family members, from young children to their grandparents, to learn about the history of New Brighton; it's past, present and the future development of the resort.

"We aim to cover topics from education and learning, the sea, arts and culture, to sport and recreation. The project will have something for everybody and will use the latest creative interactive media, video, digital photography and podcasts."

Project staff can now get to work on getting as many local families as possible, across the generations, involved, exploring their experience of New Brighton by gathering personal memories, knowledge, photos and stories.

The project will also work in partnership with other groups including the New Brighton Community Partnership, Friends of Vale Park, Friends of Harrison Park, New Brighton Primary School, New Brighton Community Association, local Church Groups and Community Groups and Wallasey Historical/Civic Society.

Cllr. Bob Moon, Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: "The project's focus on the past, present and future of New Brighton will help families become more familiar with their local area and help them to develop a greater sense of belonging.

"It will also being families closer together, improving parents' and grand parents' relationships with their children and will hopefully lead to an improved quality of life for local people and have a positive impact on the area as a whole."

Have you all ways wanted to work in the TV & Film Industry?

YES then contact Michelle Billington at www.castmeuk.com

Michelle is looking for talent to register with Castmeuk, in all of the following areas

Professional Artistes, (Male and Female, All ages 0-100, All Characters)

Background Artistes, (All ages 0-100, All Characters)

Professional Film Crew , (DOP, Director, Trainees, Assistant Directors, Make-up artistes, you know who you are)

Skilled Professionals, (scuba diving, specialist skills, Para gliding, skate boarding, Kick Boxing, Stunt Artistes)

&

Locations & Vehicles, (homes, warehouse, churches, helicopters, boats, Cars, Bikes ext)

If you think you have what it takes to be in the Film & TV industry please contact Michelle Billington for further information about her registration day.

www.castmeuk.com

michelle@michellebillington.co.uk

Liverpool based South Asian dance company Chaturangan is delighted to invite you to an innovative, international conference on the theme of dance and heritage: TRANSITIONS
This is a conference on Dance and Heritage in partnership with the National Museum of Liverpool and Sampad. It will take place on 7th/8th March 2008 at the World Museum in William Brown Street, Liverpool. Taking dance as its focal point, this two day conference will explore and examine what heritage means in today's society.
The conference is being managed by Aspire Trust. For all enquires concerning the conference timetable, marketing, booking arrangements, accommodation and travel please contact

Nick Owen
Aspire Trust
The Oldershaw School
Valkyrie Road, Wallasey CH45 4RJ
Tel / Fax 0151 639 9231
EMAIL trans.aspire@btconnect.com

Neptune rises on New Brighton waterfront

Neptune Development for New Brighton has now got the green light to proceed with Phase 2 of the construction programme. The final stage of the planning process was reached on 14th February and Jobcentre Plus is now actively involved in this exciting development. Promised are many opportunities for employment, these coming initially in construction and subsequently in the leisure and hospitality sectors as the project comes to fruition over the next few years. New Brighton will once again becoming a well used stretch of seafront and a major gateway to our coastline.

The phase 2 proposals will, on completion, include a wide range of businesses; a Morrison's superstore, a cinema, 60 bed hotel, health and fitness club, café bars fronting a pedestrian plaza and outdoor Lido/Spa.

The local Jobcentre Plus will be looking to make the most of this jobs bonanza, supporting local residents into employment with vocational training and support customers to ensure they have the best chance of securing a brighter future. New Brighton and its residents should see individual and local area improvements, which will bring a resurgence in visitors and economic activity.

Neptune has timetabled construction work to start late summer this year. With the completion of the building work the new superstore, hotel, cafes, various retail and service industry vacancies will be created. Whilst this is some time away Jobcentre Plus is planning Jobfairs and will contact the companies taking up residence when the site is finished.

Jobcentre Plus will provide further updates when more concrete information is available.

Photos of Old Wallasey

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WALRUS