Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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Volume 12, Issue 2 - September 2010

Page 2Editorial

Page 3Around & About

Page 4Could This

Happen Here?

St Bart’s 125Year Celebration

Page 5Planning

Page 6Committee

Diary

At long last, Thurstaston Crossroads is nolonger! It has been noted that people nowrefer to the area as ‘The Roundabout atThurstaston’ – is this too long a phrase?The only sad part about it is what could bedescribed in 2 words now appears to be 4!I jest, but now we have a much saferjunction that has been tried and tested fromall angles by car, motorbike, cycle and footand it is agreed that this is a far saferjunction from whichever angle you areapproaching than previous. We have theadded bonus of course of not just getting aroundabout, but a work of art in terms ofdesign and of course one of the built insafety features is the road layout forcestraffic to slow down on the approach, thusmaking mergingsafer, which wasafter all, the bigissue previously.

Let us not forget ofcourse how longthe campaign hasbeen ongoing toget to this level.Some local

residents have been asking for this sincethe early/mid-1990’s and ITPAS havecertainly been involved since at least 1997.Remember Councillor Jeff Green arranginga meeting in Irby Village Hall circa 2000?Present was a very defensive HighwaysChief from WBC telling a frustratedaudience that it was not possible to build aroundabout due to the camber of the road!

Surprisingly there was an official opening forthe new roundabout, attended by, weassume workers, designers and some local

dignitaries. It waspleasing that ITPASCommittee members IanChalmers and Roy Fisherwere also present for theofficial photography as itwas quite symbolic thatan organisation behindthe pressure groups tohave this in the first placewere present!

Junction Function

Refused

ITPAS’ Ian Chalmers and dignitariesat the opening ceremony.

Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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From the ChairI’ve no doubt people accept that business is the currentmethod of making the world go round. A business planoften involves a good idea (from someone’sperspective), investment, followed by a product thatshould, generally, benefit others, preferably a majorityof others.

There’s good business and there’s bad business. Yourdefinition of either may depend which side of the fenceyou’re sat, but of course most ITPAS members whoknow me, know where I sit and where we are as aSociety!

Allow me to quote an example of good and badbusiness (from where I sit of course!).

As I type, I have just read that Wirral Council haveapproved the ‘Wirral Waters’ development. Artistsdrawings look fantastic, but they always do don’t they!The whole plan has been drafted by Peel Holdings. I donot know who these people are, but they seem to knowwhat they are talking about and they also appear tohave had a lot of success in the past. This developmentwill transform the whole of this brown-field site intosomething much better than the current desolatelandscape and I’ve no doubt, in 5 or more years time,we will be visiting the area and admiring the conceptfrom its user friendly environment, fabulous buildingsand waterside café’s. Time will tell.

What’s in it for us? Well, I would hope that such adevelopment would bring in new investment to Wirral,even more ‘good’ business maybe! But if this works, itwill no doubt bring in much more income to theapparently debt ridden Wirral Borough Council. Itmaybe sometime off yet, but at least the ball is rolling. IfWBC can sort their finances out maybe there will be lessof a threat to our local libraries, maybe our Council Taxwon’t need to rise again (ever the optimist!) and maybethe much neglected West Wirral will get someinvestment rather than the take, take, take, mentalitythat has prevailed for many years! More importantly,this development, I would hope, will ease the pressureto open up Green Belt for building land.

For this reason alone, I would suggest this is ‘good’business!

In contrast, two guys get together, maybe it was in a pub,I don’t know! (I think you know where I’m coming fromdon’t you!), One has an idea to hold an open air ‘rock’concert over 3 days in Wirral. The other, owns a fewfields – sufficient space to allow several thousandpeople, in their cars and tents, to gather and enjoy 3days of music. In itself, maybe not a bad idea, butclearly not much thought went into the business plan.Maybe they didn’t realise this had been previously triedand tested in Wirral – and failed! One thing is for sure,they knew this would be unpopular with the localcommunity! How do I know that? Well you only have toread all the ‘spin’ that came from the applicants torealise they knew full well their ‘business plan’ would beunpopular! In fact, there was so much ‘spin’ for oneminute I thought Alastair Campbell was involved! Highlyunlikely though, I think Mr Campbell would have madea better effort!

So why do I think this was ‘bad’ business? It wasdoomed from the outset… we already know the detail,but we now only have to look at the result – the burdenthis has been on the Wirral Council Tax payers and theembarrassment this must have been to WBC. Whilst Ido not know whether this has had a positive or negativeeffect on the pockets of the instigators, we can onlyassume the latter. Less than a quarter of the hoped forattendees, tickets given away freely or at hugediscounts, three nights of music buttoned down to onenight only with open music to be stopped at midnight. Akey performer refused to ‘entertain’ on the basis of thelow turnout and a lot of people stating they wouldn’tbother next time – if there ever is a next time! Couple allthis with the fact the applicants now have a legal bill inexcess of £100,000 – for them as individuals, this badlythought out venture has to have been a failure.

What about the knock on effect to us as tax payers andresidents? Whilst we await the final figures, we alreadyknow, as predicted, that some crime was committeddown at Thurstaston that weekend, namely fire damageto parts of the Wirral Way and a break-in at ThurstastonVisitor Centre. Bearing in mind of course that this was apoorly attended event – what would have happenedhad the organisers achieved their aims of 7000+people? Additionally, Wirral Borough Council, who haveat all times supported this despite community objections,despite organisations such as ITPAS objections anddespite local Councillors objections! have now had theirlegal bill – costs against them – a rare enforcement bythe courts – of over £85,000 plus of course the personaltime civil ‘servants’ have given to this much unwantedproject! I was informed at our AGM that this amount ofmoney would have funded Irby library for a year!Considering all the talk of major cuts, why on earth didWBC support this clearly doomed venture?

A community event this was not! Good business?Clearly not! Or at least not from where I’m sitting anyway!

Tim MobbsITPAS Chairman

Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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We would like to thank all the members that came alongto support our AGM back in June. A good turn out ofaround 50 filled Irby Village Hall, who we are now tryingto support as much as possible in view of current hard-ship.

I know everyone is waitingto hear about ‘The

Festival’ and a lot wasexplained about the History at the AGM,but the Committee have decided that we

will not do a full written report until the matterreaches an absolute final conclusion. No folks, it’s notover yet. Whilst there was some success in clampingdown the festival so much it became unworkable, thereis now an investigation being conducted into thebreaches of the licence, of which there are numerousalleged. We may consider sending out a ‘Special Edition’Newsletter later in the year in which we will outline ALLthe hard facts about this debacle as we do not wantanyone to think we were just being a bunch of ‘NIMBY’s’by opposing an event, which some described as beinggood for our ‘community’ and good for Wirral as a whole

– not so as has proved to be the case!

Some of you may have read TheChairman's Blog about the goingson at Irby Village Hall. The mainreason for moving our venue back tothe Hall is because of some hard-ship they are facing. For many years,resident(s) of Coniston Road haveenjoyed access onto Village Hallland from their back gardens as amuch time saving short-cut to Irby

Village. This all went wrong when one of the residentsdecided to register the land with the Land Registry. Asmost of us know, all the land for the Village Hall, as farback as where the 1st Thurstaston Scout Group occupyand lease, was given to the Community by Miss LetticeValentine Lee Townshend. That makes all of that landand the Village Hall a Trust and Trustees have aresponsibility for it.

There are a number of Trustees who are ably led by it’sChairman, Mrs Brenda Ireland and her husband Mikedoes a first class job in maintaining and managing theday to day activities and all the problems that arise withsuch responsibility. Not forgetting of course AdrianKnight who keeps a watchful eye on finances for them!

Of course it would be remiss of the Trustees to have letthe registering of the land by subterfuge go by withouttaking action to remedy the situation and protect thiscommunity asset. This action has now been ongoing

several years and has been costly to the Village Hall interms of legal fees, not forgetting the stress and hardwork that has been involved in research and preparingpapers to defend this action. The outcome has beenexactly the same as where people were at before this allstarted, that is, the resident(s) is still able to use theshort-cut, but the Village Hall, as before now has theland back as its own. Two lawyers will have made a fewthousand pounds out of this, but sadly our much lovedCommunity Amenity is somewhat poorer all due to theactions of one or more individual(s) – shame!

You will read elsewhere in this Newsletter about thesuccess we are having with noticeboards which arecurrently acting as a great communication aide and ameans to advertise ITPAS as an active communitygroup. Just to clarify, we have access to the noticeboardoutside the Co-op on Pensby Road near to Fishers Laneshops. This is kindly provided by Kylemore CommunityCentre who are always willing to place communitynotices within it. ITPAS has ownership of noticeboardsin the following locations. Pensby Library; Pensby Park[Fishers Lane]; Irby Park; Irby Library and Irby Village.

Most of you will be aware of the board in Irby village onthe wall of the Doctors Practice as it has been there inone form or another for many years. Unfortunately,there has been some work going on at the former 1stfloor dentists, which has meant we have had to take theboard down. For one reason or another, the Doctorshave refused permission to allow us to re-erect thenoticeboard. It would be somewhat pedantic if this wasdue to our democratic stance against The Warrensdevelopment, but we are unable to confirm or otherwisethat this is the reason.

In the meantime, we are looking for a new home for theboard, preferably central in Irby village. We have acouple of ideas, which we are currently researching, butif anyone can help, please do contact us.

Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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Could this happen here?

Photo courtesy of The Independent

Our colleagues at Wirral Green Belt Council (WGBC)have been busy dealing with an issue relating to theoccupation of a parcel of land next to the Brook MeadowHotel in Badgers Rake Lane, Ledsham.

The WGBC reports states, “A very disturbing newapproach to development is being used byTravellers/Gypsies near the Brook Meadow Hotel. Themethod is to buy the land and then in a co-ordinatedplan move in on mass and set up accommodation, hardstanding, etc. and then apply for retrospective planningapproval. The problem is that the invasion takes a day,but the Council’s enforcement of Planning Regulationstakes months to catch up. The travellers are thenallowed to stay or at least have some months of illegalresidence.

A similar invasion has been reported in the nationalpress and swift action by the local residents in Meriden,Warwickshire fended off some of the deliveries neededto build permanent facilities. There are fears thatnationally, Council planners have been “advised” toallow such camps to be set up (Daily Mail 06/05/2010).”

Anyone, walking or cycling past this former paddock willwitness large earth banks, high fencing and largewooden gates with security cameras.

The planning meeting for this “invasion” was at Winsfordon Wednesday 19th May and a written submission wasmade by WGBC, opposing. The retrospective planningapplication was rejected by the meeting.

As an ITPAS committee, we try to stay abreast ofchanges of ownership but with so many fields and openspaces in and around Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby, itis difficult. It also costs money in search fees each timewe apply to the Land Registry for details of ownership.

One of the principal aims of ITPAS is to maintain thegreen belt but with a small committee we are sometimesreliant on members alerting us to suspiciousdevelopments. Please voice any concerns before theybecome serious problems.

ITPAS notice boards are a hitRegular readers will know that our Research andDevelopment Officer, Dr Carol Porter was recentlysuccessful in obtaining grants to provide large, glassfronted, ITPAS notice boards in Irby and Pensby parks.

In addition to displaying our ITPAS information, thecommittee believes that we should also offer space tolocal community groups. This facility has now beentaken up with enthusiasm by several community groupsincluding the Community Police Team, The HopeCentre, Pensby, Irby Gardening Club, and Pensby TaeKwondo martial arts group.

All advertising is vetted by the committee but if anymember would like their local group to be advertised,please contact:

Roy Fisher on 648 7671

At a Vestry Meeting on 23rd March 1871, the pulling down ofthe second Church was approved and the executors of JosephHegan of Dawpool set apart £4,500 for a new church.

The present beautiful edifice designed by J. LoughboroughPearson R.A. was erected to the memory of Joseph Hegan ofDawpool by his two daughters, and was consecrated by WilliamStubbs, Bishop of Chester, on the 7th January 1886. It is asplendid example of a Victorian revival of mid-gothicarchitecture, being of the late 13th century character and builtentirely of local sandstone, both inside and out. In the same yearthe old building was taken down and the material used to builda wall to enclose the new churchyard, which is now separatedfrom the Hall.

It would be great if plans were made to celebrate the 125 YearAnniversary of the present church next year. Hopefully someonewill take this on board and a celebration will materialise.

Text and pictures courtesy of St.Bartholomew’s website.

St. Bartholomew’s

Thurstaston

Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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Member Records

When you received this Newsletter, did you check themailing label to ensure we have your correct details. Weneed every bit of information to be accurate to complywith the law in respect of holding personal details aboutpeople, so please tell us if its incorrect, even if its justyour initial or title, please check and let us know.Phone 648 6780 or email membership@itpas.org.uk

Planning MattersThe ITPAS Planning Officer’s case book

In this issue, ITPAS Planning Officer, IanChalmers, gives an update on some of theplanning issues considered by the committeerecently.

Horse feed sheds – Strawberry Field, SandyLaneOne of our vigilant members reported the suddenerection of these wooden structures on the fieldpreviously used as a “pick your own” soft fruitfacility. A site inspection was conducted andthese appear to be feed storage or equestrianequipment storage sheds. We took advice fromthe Council’s Enforcement Team who advisedthat Planning Permission would need to beapplied for. At the time of going to press, theEnforcement Team have established ownershipof the field (Mr White of Station Road,Thurstaston). He in turn has passed the Council’sorder for planning permission be applied for, tothe horse owner/lease of the field who hasagreed to remove the sheds.

Old caravan at Dodd’s Wood, Mill Hill RoadA different ITPAS member drew our attention to thesuspicion that someone was residing in the caravanand a site visit by one of our committee seemed toconfirm this. Once again we took advice from theCouncil’s Enforcement Team and they advised thatoccupation of the caravan was definitely not allowed.The Enforcement Team have established ownershipof the field and an enforcement notice for the totalclearance of the caravan and pig sheds has beenserved. As of 24th August, the pigs, pens and sheds

have been removed but the caravan has been movedto the rear of the site and disguised with an old greentarpaulin sheet. The enforcement officer has beenadvised and has said this is not acceptable andfurther action to have the caravan removed will betaken.

Horses in fields around Harrock WoodWe were pleased to see the return of horses in thefield to the east of Harrock Wood (Elm Road). Thefield appears to be well managed with separatepaddocks for each of three groups of horses. Weunderstand the field is being used by a horse rescuecharity

Following the sale of the field to the west of HarrockWood, adjacent to Yew Tree Farm, we alsounderstand that this is being prepared for equestrianuse. An access track on to Thingwall Road has beenprepared. There has been a recent planningapplication to alter the road access point to almostopposite the dental surgery. This is slightly differentto the original access point but will avoid the felling ofa large, protected, tree.

Supermarket in Pensby Road, PensbyThis application, to demolish three existing retailunits adjacent to Pensby library and build a smallsupermarket, was originally considered by thecommittee in early 2009. At the time it was notopposed on the grounds that we felt it maybenefit residents in that area of Pensby andwould tidy up the dilapidated surrounding area. IfITPAS members had contacted us we wouldhave opposed this on their behalf. Theapplication was initially refused by the Council’splanning committee but allowed on appeal. Workis now well under way with demolition completeand steelwork completed. We hear from our localcouncillor that the tenant will be Tesco Express.

Irby, Thurstaston and Pensby Amenity SocietyEstablished over 30 years

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ChairmanTim Mobbs – chairman@itpas.org.uk

Vice ChairpersonDr Carol Porter – 648 6736

vice-chair@itpas.org.uk

SecretaryMelanie Walker – 648 6780

secretary@itpas.org.uk

Treasurer

(Position vacant from June 2010)

PlanningIan Chalmers - 648-5619planning@itpas.org.uk

MembershipTim Mobbs

membership@itpas.org.uk

Greenbeltgreenbelt@itpas.org.uk(Position vacant from June 2009)

Rights of Way

(Position vacant from June 2010)

NewsletterRoy Fisher – 648 7671

newsletter@itpas.org.uk

Researcher (Funding)Dr Carol Porter – 648 6736

funding@itpas.org.uk

Irby Traders RepresentativeTBC

WebsiteTim Mobbs

webmaster@itpas.org.uk

Researcher (Local History)Position Vacant

General CommitteePositions Vacant

enquiries@itpas.org.uk

© ITPAS – Contact the Newsletter editor, details on this page, if you wish to extractinformation from this Newsletter. For externally drafted articles, contact the copyright holderor author direct (details will be shown). We are more than happy to receive articles, comments,letters or suggestions though they may or may not be included in our forthcoming Newslettersor on the ITPAS website. Any such articles may also be edited at the discretion of theCommittee. ITPAS committee members can be contacted by phone or email as detailed above.

DIARYAll talks are 7.0 for 7.30 pm in unless stated otherwise.

Autumn Talk 2010 - October 6thIrby Methodist Church (not hall)

Mr. Gavin Hunter

“Wirral’s Rivers”

The fascinating history of some of Wirral’slesser-known rivers.

have started a series of Drop InSurgeries on the first Friday ofthe month (commenced onThursday 1st July. The time isbetween 10am and noon. This

has arisen at their request following a successful“Information Day” in the Library which the 'friends group'organised on 10th June. They will be offering informationand advice on subjects including assistance to welfarebenefits and access to local services and activities andmuch else.

Need help using your computer? Do you want adviceand guidance on hardware and software use? EveryMonday from 9am - 7.30pm for the next few months,someone will be making themselves available at IrbyLibrary to people who want to know more about usingthe Internet and/or their computers. You can use theLibrary computers or bring your own laptop if you wish.The tuition is catered for all levels, not just beginners,so please use this facility if you’re interested - and ofcourse it creates some 'foot-fall' in the library!

ICT and Computer Support

Irby Library Facilities