Wirral News letters: February 16

Feb 16 2011 Birkenhead News

I will do all to help: MP

I WAS very sorry to read Kevin Berry’s letter (February 9) regarding the closure of Givaudan in Bromborough.

Since the announcement of the closure, I have met with both management and union representatives at the site and have asked to meet with the entire workforce to discuss their concerns.

My office has been waiting for contact from staff representatives in order to organise that meeting and I have offered to assist any individual with concerns or problems meanwhile.

I have liaised with Job Centre Plus and others to check the workforce are getting the best assistance and advice possible.

Givaudan are scheduled to close by 2012, and even then, it is likely that this will not be complete closure.

Whilst I have expressed extreme disappointment at their choice, this is a decision that, in my view, has come about due to the lack of investment in the site since the mid 1980s.

I have constantly spoken out since my election against the Government’s withdrawal of tax allowances for investment, and their absence of an industrial strategy, and will continue to do so.

I will do everything I can to help Mr Berry, and the rest of the workforce at Givaudan during this difficult time.

I would encourage him, and anyone who currently works at Givaudan, to get in touch with me so that I can offer personal assistance.

My contact details are on my website: www.alisonmcgovern.org.uk

Alison McGovern

MP, Wirral South

Stop tree felling

THE clear felling of many healthy, mature trees in sections of the Wirral Way is totally insensitive to residents who enjoyed the views of these trees from their houses.

What was once a lovely green and welcoming start to this popular walkway, is no more.

Residents are very perturbed at the heavy-handed and insensitive mismanagement which is being practised in this regard by the parks and gardens department of Wirral Council.

These residents were not consulted and were shocked to find all these trees suddenly gone.

Many had bought their properties because of the natural aspect and views. Also these trees helped screen the noise and view of the nearby main road.

The Brookfield Gardens residents and many local people want this felling of trees stopped now and to be given a voice on their environs.

C Barnes

Address supplied

Wrong to fly-tip

THE letter rubbishing the council’s recycling programme simply because of having to apply for a permit for a vanload of waste is completely over the top (Wirral News, February 2).

To almost condone fly-tipping because of permits is irresponsible.

The people who fly-tip would still do it even if no permit were required.

The average householder very rarely has to apply for a permit (if ever) and whilst there is still a long way to go, the council’s recycling programme has made considerable progress.

T McCullough

Bebington

All responsible

EXCELLENT letter on this page (Wirral News, February 2) with regards to litter.

I fully agree with the sentiments outlined and the idea that we all have a role to play in keeping Wirral litter- free.

The idea that everyone should take ownership or responsibility and many do, to keep the frontage of their property “clear of litter” is a good one and one that I would have thought worth having a by-law to enforce.

But sadly a lot of people think it is always someone else’s job. If all 60 million of us picked up just one piece of litter each day I am sure Britain would be a much nicer place to work and play.

Wirral resident

Via email

Right decision

I WAS disappointed to read that the Labour councillor for Liscard and Egremont is critical of the council’s plans to tackle the issues affecting shopping areas across the borough.

Our plan will use money given for this purpose but which had been sitting in the council’s bank for far too long. Among the areas with the highest number of empty shops, King Street in Egremont is one of the worst.

Other than Cllr Dodd, does anyone who has seen its condition, seriously suggest it should not be a priority?

We will give communities more say over what can be done to tackle issues in neighbourhoods – in some cases, it will be empty shop fronts, in other places it will be parking or general neglect.

We are working closely with the Liscard Traders Association to tackle the issues – our decision to reduce parking charges over Christmas was welcomed but I know there is much more still to do.

Cllr Andrew Hodson

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy