This week so far we’ve carried out door-to-door surveys in Seacombe and Leasowe, so tonight it was Wallasey and New Brighton.  There were quite a few of us, so we split into two groups and I went to New Brighton with Cllr Bill Duffey, James Keeley and Simon Mountney and the team.  While Cllr Ian Lewis, Lesley Rennie, Chris Blakeley and Paul Hayes went to roads off Kingsway in Wallasey.

Thanks to everyone who made us welcome and opened their doors to us – we received a great reception!

I was shocked to see photos of the Council’s ’spy car’, equipped with an 11ft periscope camer, parked on the pavement on the pedestrianised area in Liscard Way, trying to catch other drivers breaking the law!  If anyone else had parked there they would have received a fixed penalty notice.

Read more in this weeks Wirral Globe here.

A good night calling door-to-door in Leasowe.  I met people who had always been Labour but ‘never again’ and the cost of Angela’s bed came up a couple of times.  It’s great to see the team in Leasowe growing and there were seven of us out this evening, calling on people living in Cameron Road, Mackenzie Road and some of the roads off.  Cllr Ian Lewis will be dealing with some of the complaints and issues. 

Egremont Community Voice was set up in 2006 by residents of Rice Lane in Egremont who were concerned about their area and set about making it a safer and cleaner place to live.  The group meets every month with the local warden, councillors, housing reps and police.  Cllr Karen Hayes, Cllr James Keeley and I attended the meeting tonight and updated everyone on issues in their immediate community. 

The housing development in Stringhey Road is well under way, almost all residents in Charter House have been rehoused; many in new flats on the old Apollo Cinema site (or Unit Four as it was once called!) and the proposals for a safer crossing on Seabank Road.

We came away with quite a few issues to deal with from dog mess, to alleygates and rubbish.  It was then straight to Leasowe for door-to-door surveys with the team…

I spent the morning visiting local shops in Moreton with Cllr Chris Blakeley.  We were very warmly welcomed, with many shopkeepers pleased that we were taking an interest in their problems and the issues that small businesses are facing as a result of the recession.

Many talked about the downturn in business, lack of parking and the effect on trade caused by United Utilities who are carrying out mains water renewal on Hoylake Road.  I am determined to do all I can to make sure that businesses survive the recession in Moreton and other shopping areas so that they come out the other side much stronger.  There were a couple of traffic issues which Chris picked up and will deal with later today.

When we’d finished we called into the new extended Paninos for a coffee.

Tonight, after a short but sweet door to door survey in Seacombe, around Belle Vue Road, we headed off to a meeting of the Conservative councillors to plan our policy for next week’s council meeting.

Libraries and landfill feature heavily in what we are asking for and many of our local councillors are keen to stand up and be counted.

After the meeting, some of us headed back to the Egremont Ferry for a shandy.

I was in Moreton this afternoon carrying out door-to-door surveys of residents living in sheltered accommodation.  Quite a few issues were raised which Chris and I will deal with over the next few days.

A numbe of people mentioned the MPs expenses scandal – even those MPs whose expenses weren’t high, came in for criticism; with many asking why taxpayers should be expected to pay for new furniture and decorating - how does that help them carry out their job?  After a lifetime of working hard, many feel betrayed by their politicians and the present Government - time for change.

Over the weekend we started delivery of this year’s residents’ survey.  As well as asking for any local issues such as litter or graffiti, Cllr Ian Lewis and I would also like to know your views on the Leasowe Recreation Centre and some of the expenses claims by our current MP, wider issues such as global warming and animal welfare.  It’s a FREEPOST address so if you get one through your door, please take part and send it back!

It’s been a busy week so it was nice to relax this evening.  Thanks to Bernie, who lives in Seacombe,  for holding a party fundraiser.  It was great to sit in her garden and catch up with colleagues and local supporters - great food, great wine and great company!

Cllrs Kate Wood, James Keeley, Lesley Rennie, Leah Fraser, Denis Knowles, Karen Hayes, Paul Hayes and Ann Lavin

After the various visits today, the first thing on my mind was the need for a drink.  Ian and I called into Sorella’s and were greeted by various pink balloons and a giant pink inflatable ribbon. 

Having bought a diet coke and a beer, we sponsored Sheena in her bid to complete tomorrow’s Race for Life in Birkenhead Park.  This is a great cause – raising money for Cancer Research UK and the need to tackle breast cancer. 

The event is full but I’m sure the participants would welcome any support you can give on the day.  Click here for details. 

Good luck to Sheena and the other 4,500 people taking part in events tomorrow and thanks to the event sponsors, Wirral Globe and Heart 97.1 FM