Ask your PM – and MP

Dec 12 2012 Birkenhead News

I MUST take issue with the letter published in last week’s edition of the Wirral News from Mr Charles Barnes.

The budget cuts to which Mr Barnes refers are a direct consequence of the policy of the Government to impose draconian cuts on local councils. In Wirral’s case, we will have to find savings of £108.7million over the next three years, the equivalent of one third of our total budget. This is on top of a £17million in-year overspend inherited from the previous administration.

I will do everything possible to protect frontline services and jobs. However, cuts of this magnitude will require us to make some extremely difficult decisions about priorities. The budget options to which Mr Barnes refers are officer options and are currently being consulted on.

If Mr Barnes disagrees with these cuts, may I suggest that he writes to his Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister?

Cllr Phil Davies,

Leader of the Labour Group

Well done, Linda

I’VE just read the story in today's news about Linda Birch's regret over her letter. She seems to be worried that the letter may cause loss of confidence.

On the contrary, it’s inspired more confidence from me that action is being taken. I had my daughter at Arrowe Park and if I have any more children I was planning on moving to my mother’s in Sheffield to give birth due to the lack of care and attention I received locally.

My concerns over a pre-existing condition were ignored, notes over a condition I developed in pregnancy were also not read while I was in labour which could have caused serious harm to myself and my daughter. Also, never forgetting I nearly gave birth alone as nobody checked on me for hours.

Hoorah for Linda Birch, pointing out that there are flaws and she is working to try and fix them.

Anita Brigden,

Prenton

Keep the pound

TODAY (Dec 4) I had reason to use the Animal Control & Welfare Services, also known as Birkenhead Kennels or 'the pound'.

I was in the Bassett Hound pub, Thingwall, when a stray dog walked in, and was being turfed out onto the main road by the barmaid. After speaking with a lovely lady on the phone who arranged for me to be met out-of-hours, the team promptly received and logged the poor dog. Without this crucial service, stray dogs would be roaming the streets. Who would volunteer to take a stray to the alternative – Halewood (RSPCA)?

Most people would do as the barmaid did, and think "he will find his own way home". I think every Wirral resident should petition to keep the 'pound' and its wonderful staff. This isn't a 'charity', it's a necessary service.

Gemma Ahearne,

Oxton

Keep us tidy!

GOOD news!

Plastic containers can now be taken to Sainsbury’s Upton for recycling.

This includes margarine cartons, yoghurt pots, ice cream tubs and all plastic food trays, except for those from meat for hygiene reasons.

The containers do need to be clean.

This is really good news as they cannot go in our grey bins and it is something people have been asking for, so well done to Sainsbury’s.

If you want to find out where to recycle other items, please look in our Recycling Guide on www.la21.net

Ann Barclay,

Secretary, Wirral Waste Action Group