Chris Davies MEPChris is a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the North West of England. This Web Site was built by Steve Blaylock © Wirral Liberal Democrats and is maintained by Alan Davies Printed by: UK2Net.Ltd, Lutomer House, 100 Prestons Road, London E14 Published and Promoted by and on behalf of: Wirral Liberal Democrats, 29,Shrewsbury Road, Birkenhead CH43 2JB Updated 14/11/08 |
Welcome to the website of Wirral Liberal Democrats
Irby Quarry saved from Landfill threat
Local Councillors and residents are celebrating the success of their campaign to stop a local amenity being included as a potential landfill site as part of the Merseyside Waste Development Plan. Read Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release here. 
Lib Dems call for local MP to ‘consider his position’
Wirral Liberal Democrats have responded to yesterday’s revelations regarding expenses claims by local MP Ben Chapman. Councillor Simon Holbrook, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wirral Council and Deputy Leader of the Council, said, “If Ben Chapman was claiming back mortgage interest that he wasn't paying out for, then it is hard to see how he thought that it would be justifiable. He should now consider his position." 
Call for Bidston-Wrexham line electrification to go ahead
Liberal Democrats in Wirral have stepped up their call for electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham railway line to go ahead. And they have backed proposals that will make it more likely that train companies will invest in badly needed improvements. Read more here. 
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WELCOME WIRRAL’S ‘3 STAR’ ACCOLADE
The award of 3 stars by the Audit Commission is welcome recognition of the improvements this Council has made under the joint administration. Read the press release issued by Cllr Simon Holbrook here. 
Plan for Jobs and Affordable homes backed in Wirral West
Liberal Democrats in Wirral West have welcomed plans to boost affordable housing and avoid home repossession. Read the press release issued by Cllr Peter Reisdorf here. 
HOME ENERGY PLANS MEAN CHEAPER BILLS IN WIRRAL SOUTH SAY LIB DEMS
PLANS by the Liberal Democrats to massively increase the energy efficiency of all homes will lead to big savings in energy bills. Read the press release issued by Cllr Paula Southwood here.
CHILDREN IN WIRRAL WILL BENEFIT FROM SCHOOLS PLAN
PROPOSALS from the Liberal Democrats for big improvements to schools and teaching will see around £30 million of extra cash for schools in Wirral. Read Councillor Paula Southwood's press release here. 
Rising ‘Stars’ for Wirral’s recycling
Wirral is ‘the most improved metropolitan borough’ for recycling in 2007/08; read Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release here.
MASSIVE RISE IN WIRRAL UNEMPLOYED 'DEEPLY WORRYING' SAY LOCAL LIB DEMS
Read Councillor Paula Southwood's press release here.
WIRRAL SOUTH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BACK BILL TO END FUEL POVERTY
Read Councillor Paula Southwood's press release here.
Wirral’s recycling rate ‘overperforming’ at 40% - ‘Fantastic achievement’
Read Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release here. 
WIRRAL SET TO SAY ‘NO’ TO WASTE SITES
Wirral Council is set to give a resounding ‘no’ to proposals for a series of controversial waste sites Read Councillor Ann Bridson's press release here.
Strategic Asset Review - senior Councillors hit out at critics
Senior Wirral Liberal Democrat councillors have today hit out at critics following the discussion of a radical report on the review of the Council’s assets at last night’s Cabinet meeting. Read Councillor Simon Holbrook's press release here. 
Low Earners to Benefit from Tax Plan
A plan to help cut taxes for low and middle income earners has been welcomed by Liberal Democrats in West Wirral. Under the proposals discussed at the Party's recent Conference people who are struggling to make ends meet would see their taxes reduced. Read Councillor Peter Reisdorf's press release here. 
Councillors throw out move to ban dogs on beaches
Ban ‘completely over the top’. Liberal Democrat Councillors last night spoke out against a controversial proposal to ban dogs from Wirral’s main beaches. Read Councillor Mike Redfern's press release here.
Councillor Gill Gardiner: New Council team to lead the way on tackling climate change and cutting energy bills
Wirral Council's carbon footprint - and its energy bills - are set to be slashed by a new team. Read Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release here. 
‘It’s your call’ spells Zero Tolerance for Graffiti
A new trial scheme is set to signal a zero tolerance approach to graffiti across Wirral. Through the ‘It’s your call’ borough-wide reporting service, members of the public will be able to report graffiti and have it removed free of charge. Read Councillor Jean Quinn's press release here. 
Nick Clegg launches 'Make it Happen'
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg today launched the party's Make it Happen document stating in clear language the party's position on important issues such as the economy, taxation and the health service. Read Nick's speech here. Watch Nick's speech here on YouTube 
Councillor calls on utilities to take action following flood ‘misery’
Councillor Dave Mitchell has called for urgent action after last weekend’s flooding caused misery for hundreds of Wirral residents. Read Dave's press release here. 
You Decide - Councillor urges local people to ‘get involved’
As the first stage of Wirral Council’s new ‘You Decide’ initiative gets under way, a senior Councillor is urging local people to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Read the press release issued by Councillor Stuart Kelly here. 
Combating Climate Change - Council leads the way
Wirral Council is well on the way to meeting its targets to combat climate change. Read the press release issued by Deputy Leader of the Council Simon Holbrook here. 
Flooding - Greasby Councillors call on water giant to take action
Councillors for Greasby are pressing water giant United Utilities to take action after extensive flooding caused misery for local residents. Read the press release issued by Councillor Peter Reisdorf here. 
Simon Hoggart of The Guardian remembers Bill Hanley
Well-known local Liberal Democrat Bill Hanley died suddenly Wednesday, August 6th. A Requiem mass was held for him last Thursday (14th) at St Michaels and All Angels Church followed by burial at Frankby Cemetery. According to Bill's wishes it was a simple burial and a tree will be planted over the grave in a few weeks. Simon Hoggart of the Guardian knew Bill and remembered him in the Guardian last week. Click here for Simon's memories.
‘FAIR TIPS’: LIB DEMS WELCOME GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Liberal Democrats today welcomed the Government’s agreement to changes in the law to ensure ‘Fair Tips’ following unanimous backing for their call to support the Fair Tips Campaign at Wirral’s Full Council meeting on July 14. Read the press release issued by Councillor Stuart Kelly here.
Local welcome for Liberal Democrat vision for Britain
Liberal Democrats in Wirral West have welcomed the launch of the Liberal Democrats' vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called 'Make it Happen', the paper will be debated at the party's conference in Bournemouth in September. Read the press release issued by Councillor Peter Reisdorf here.
UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR ‘FAIR TIPS’ Wirral’s many hospitality industry workers could soon benefit from a campaign to end the legal loophole which allows employers to use tips to subsidise the minimum wage. Read the press release issued by Councillor Stuart Kelly here. 
Greening Communities Bleak new housing estates and commercial developments could be a thing of the past if a radical proposal is agreed at next week's meeting of Wirral Council. Read the press release issued by Councillor Simon Holbrook here.
LISCARD HALL FIRE
“This fire is a blow to all those who cared about the building and took the time to become involved in plans for its future.” Read the press release issued by Councillor Simon Holbrook here.
THE NEW ADMINISTRATION
A statement by Councillor Simon Holbrook. Read the press release here
LOCAL ELECTIONS 2008
Liberal Democrats Deliver Change And Make A Difference. Read the election message here 
CALL FOR COUNCIL ‘THANK YOU’ TO YOUNG PEOPLE
As the number of young people involved in Council decision-making grows, a Wirral Councillor is calling for their efforts to be formally recorded and rewarded. Click here for Councillor Tom Harney's Press Release
INVOLVING PEOPLE IN MAKING WIRRAL’S STREETS SAFER
Wirral’s increasingly busy thoroughfares could soon be under scrutiny from its pedestrians. Councillor Tom Harney is calling for the borough’s streets to be ‘audited’ by people with mobility problems. Click here for Tom's Press Release
‘Councils could foot bill for national bus passes’ Councillor warns Local council tax payers could end up footing the bill for the extra costs of the Government’s new national concessionary bus fares scheme. Click here for Councillor Dave Mitchell's Press Release
Councillor warns on Government’s ‘broken promises’
Councillor Gill Gardiner said today that broken Government promises could jeopardise Wirral’s recycling rates and increase council tax bills. Click here for Gill's Press Release
RECYCLING RATES SET TO RISE - AGAIN
It might have the highest recycling rates on Merseyside, but Wirral Council is determined not to rest on its laurels. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
Wirral celebrates Beacon Status Award and ‘commendation for excellence’.
Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transport Services, Councillor Jean Quinn, represented Wirral Council at a ceremony in London on Tuesday to receive the award of Beacon Status for Accessibility. Click here for Councillor Jean Quinn's Press Release
Bin Enforcement Policy gets the go ahead
Wirral Borough Council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee last night rejected attempts by Conservative Councillors to delay an enforcement policy against residents who deliberately contaminate recycling collections. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
Liberal Democrats welcome proposal to use The Oval for Olympics training
Liberal Democrats in Wirral South have welcomed the recommendation that Bebington Oval should be used as an athletics training camp in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012. Click here for Councillor Paula Southwood's Press Release
Zero Tolerance for Graffiti Approved
A new trial scheme to signal a zero tolerance approach to graffiti was given the go-ahead last night. Click here for Councillor Jean Quinn's Press Release 
Wirral Liberal Democrats to attend national Conference in Liverpool
LOCAL Liberal Democrats in Wirral West are heading to Liverpool next weekend for the Party's spring conference. Click here for Councillor Peter Reisdorf's Press Release 
Budget 'That Delivers'
This is a Budget that delivers much-needed financial stability, a below inflation Council Tax Rise, a package of improvements worth over £1m, and sets the Council on course to fulfil its ambitious New Vision for Wirral. Click here for Councillor Simon Holbrook's Press Release
Budget Support for Wirral’s Veterans
Wirral’s Veterans have been included in the Council’s Budget proposals announced last week. Click here for Councillor Simon Holbrook's Press Release 
Weekend Clean Ups for Play Areas Children’s play areas are set to receive extra attention as part of the Council’s Budget proposals. Click here for Councillor Bob Moon's Press Release
Zero Tolerance for Graffiti
A new trial scheme to signal a zero tolerance approach to graffiti will be put forward next week as part of the Council's Budget proposals. Click here for Councillor Jean Quinn's Press Release
Wirral's Budget investment in tackling Climate Change 'demonstrates our commitment to this serious issue.'
Wirral Council Cabinet, as part of its budget proposals, has invested an additional £115,000 in tackling climate change and leading the promotion of Carbon Reduction across Wirral. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
FUEL PRICE HIKES PROMPT CALL TO STEP UP FUEL POVERTY ACTION
Recent price hikes in fuel costs have prompted a Wirral Councillor to call for increased efforts to combat fuel poverty in the Borough, and for local MPs to back a review of the energy market. Click here for Councillor Paula Southwood's Press Release
‘Caught Doing Right' campaign approved
Wirral Council last night gave the go-ahead for a novel scheme to reward dog owners who clean up after their pets in an attempt to reduce dog fouling on Wirral’s streets. Click here for Gill's Press Release
Pat on the back for dog owners ‘Caught Doing Right'
Councillor Gill Gardiner is calling for rewards for dog owners who clean up after their pets in an attempt to reduce dog fouling on Wirral’s streets. Click here for Gill's Press Release
WIRRAL SCHOOL TO MEET CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE
Wirral Council’s Cabinet this week gave the go-ahead to proposals for a new school that will be environmentally ‘state of the art’, ready to meet the challenge of climate change. Click here for Gill's Press Release
WIRRAL ON TRACK TO MEET TOUGHEST FINANCIAL TARGETS FOR YEARS
Wirral's Cabinet this week approved its latest round of efficiency savings to meet the toughest Government financial targets it has faced for years. Click here for Councillor Simon Holbrook's Press Release
NEW WASTE CONTRACT HAILED GREAT SUCCESS BY GOVERNMENT TEAM
A Government-appointed Review Team has given Wirral’s Department of Technical Services an excellent report on its new bins collection service. Click here for Councillor Jean Quinn's Press Release
WATCHDOG AGREES MOVES TO KEEP RECYCLING ON TRACK AND CLEAN UP NEIGHBOURHOODS
Wirral Council’s Environment watchdog committee last night (Tuesday Jan 15th) agreed moves to help keep Wirral’s recycling rates on the up and promote clean neighbourhoods Click here for Councillor Ann Bridson's Press Release
Clegg welcomed as new leader
Click here for Councillor Paula Southwood's Press Release 
Wirral Lib Dems welcome Leadership announcement
Councillor Simon Holbrook, Leader of the Liberal Democrat on Wirral Council, has welcomed today’s announcement. Click here for Simon's Press Release and the text of Nick Clegg's speech
Wirral Tories out of step with Cameron’s Conservatives
Following last night’s meeting of Wirral’s Full Council, Paula Southwood, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson in Wirral South said, “Astonishingly Wirral Conservatives voted against opposing the national ID Card Scheme; bucking Cameron’s view about ID cards.” Click here to read more
Liberal Democrats celebrate plastic bag success!
Liberal Democrats today celebrated gaining Full Council support for their campaign against plastic bags. In a motion to Wirral’s Full Council meeting on 17th December, Liberal Democrats proposed that the Council take the lead in persuading retailers and consumers that Wirral should be ‘plastic bag free’. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
WIRRAL ON TRACK TO MEET TOUGH FINANCIAL TARGET
Wirral Council approves its latest round of efficiency savings to meet the toughest financial targets it has faced for years. Click here to read Councillor Simon Holbrook's Press Release
Council Staff to ‘dig for success’
Wirral’s wildlife and beauty spots could soon benefit from a Council staff volunteer scheme, and local businesses are being invited to join in. Click here to read Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
Wirral to go ‘plastic bag-free'
Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to free plastic bags in the borough. All over the country campaigns are forming to get rid of disposable plastic bags - one of the most visible symbols of environmental waste Click here to read Councillor Gill Gardiner's Press Release
SAY “NO” TO ID CARDS, “YES” TO MORE POLICE
Local Liberal Democrats are calling on Wirral Council to oppose the Government's plan for ID Cards. Click here to read Councillor Peter Reisdorf's Press Release 
‘Cheap travel for under 20s' Liberal Democrat Councillor Frank Doyle is leading a call for cheap travel for Wirral's young people to improve their access to leisure facilities. Click here for more details 
Call for Wirral to say ‘No to ID cards’Liberal Democrats are calling on Wirral Council to oppose the Government's ID cards scheme in the wake of the HMRC personal data loss fiasco. Click here to read Councillor Paula Southwood's Press Release  ‘More allotments' demand prompts petition Liberal Democrat Councillor Gill Gardiner , Cabinet member for the Environment will be presenting a petition at Monday's full Council meeting asking that Wirral Council increases its provision of allotments in the wake of rising demand. Click here for more details.  BATTLE TO SAVE POST OFFICES IN HESWALL AND SPITAL Closures will have huge impact on vibrancy of local shops. Click here for more details. Government fails on climate change commitments One year on from the publication of the Stern Report on the dangers posed by pollution leading to global climate change - Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for the Environment Councillor Gill Gardiner has called upon the Government to do more. Click here for more details.  Liberal Democrats call for Carbon Neutral Wirral by 2050‘Together we can do so much more’ As part of Energy Saving Week 2007, Lib Dem Councillors have called upon the Council to set a clear commitment to ensure that Wirral is carbon neutral by 2050. Click here for more details.  NEW SMOKING LAW COMES INTO FORCE TODAYWirral clamps down on tobacco sales to under-18s. Click here for more details.  LOCAL COUNCILLOR CHOSEN TO FIGHT PARLIAMENTARY SEAT Local Liberal Democrats have chosen Wirral Councillor Peter Reisdorf as their prospective parliamentary candidate for the Wirral West constituency. Click here for more details.  ‘Carbon neutral Wirral’ RADICAL plans agreed at the Liberal Democrats' recent conference in Brighton to cut down on pollution have been backed by members from Wirral. Click here for more details. Planning rules make a mockery of disabled access Liberal Democrat ward Councillor for Irby, Councillor Gill Gardiner , last night described an application by an Irby post office and store to install a wheelchair disabled access ramp as making a nonsense of the planning system, but Council Officers were recommending approval for the ramp because it meets planning regulations. Click here for more details.  Green boost for Liberal Democrats as Wirral heads for conference LIBERAL Democrats from Wirral have welcomed the results of an audit of policies of the three main political parties that shows Menzies Campbell's party as the best for the environment. Click here for more details. Door still open for residents' parking Wirral Council's Cabinet last night agreed to take no further action on several pilot residents' parking schemes across the borough after consultation resulted in a ‘thumbs down’. Click here for more details.  Local Councillor takes mast appeal to Secretary of State A Pensby Councillor has pledged to take her fight against a controversial ‘phone mast to the national corridors of power. Click here for more details.  Another boost to Wirral's recycling rates Thousands of empty drinks cartons add to the waste sent to landfill sites every week, but that's about to change in Wirral, sending the Borough's recycling rates even higher. Click here for more details.  WIRRAL BEACHES RATED EXCELLENT IN ‘GOOD BEACH GUIDE’ Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for the Environment Cllr Gill Gardiner today welcomed the news that Wirral beaches are now featured in the country's biggest and best beach guide as bathing sites recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for excellent water quality. Click here for more details. 
Wirral breaks composting records A record number of Wirral residents are turning to home composting – its official. Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for the Environment Cllr Gill Gardiner, welcomed the news, saying, “Latest figures from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) show that Wirral sold 1362 home composters from January to June 2007. That's more than was sold in Wirral in total in the last 7 years!” Click here for more details. 
'FANTASTIC RESPONSE’ TO GREY BIN RECYCLINGWirral set to exceed recycling target Since November Wirral Council has been rolling out the new grey bin recycling service to 140,000 domestic properties across the Borough and the final phase was completed last month. Early indications are that the new scheme will be a resounding success with high participation from residents resulting in a dramatic increase in Wirral's recycling figures. Click here for more details. 
WIRRAL CLEAN UP PROMISED AS LIB DEM CABINET MEMBERS TAKE OVER‘Get tough on those that blight our environment’ Two of Wirral Council's new Liberal Democrat Cabinet members Gill Gardiner and Bob Moon joined forces today to condemn the legacy left by their Conservative predecessors and have pledged to clean up Wirral during the coming year. Click here for more details. 
NEW CABINET TEAM ANNOUNCED New Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Simon Holbrook last night revealed his Cabinet team that will share power in Wirral's new joint administration. The new Cabinet contains equal representation from the Liberal Democrats and Labour. Click here for more details. 
NEW LIBERAL DEMOCRAT MAYORPhil Gilchrist, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Eastham ward, was elected Mayor of Wirral at the Council's annual meeting on Monday 14 May. Phil (click on the photo for group photo) was first elected to Wirral Council in 1977. He served and was re-elected through to 1990, then re-elected in 1992 to the present. He was a member of Merseyside County Council from 1977-1986 where he worked for the protection of the Green Belt and the electrification of the Rock Ferry to Hooton railway line. The campaign for a station at Eastham Rake was eventually successful. Throughout this time Phil has represented Eastham Ward. He's well known for cycling round the ward as the most convenient and environmentally friendly way to meet constituents. Phil has always been a keen environmentalist, having been brought into local politics through campaigning against the extension to the tip at Spital in the late 1960s. In his Mayoral acceptance speech on Monday Phil continued his commitment to the environment by pledging to offset the carbon emissions produced by his Mayoral 'limo' during his year of office.  LIBERAL DEMOCRATS GAIN ANOTHER SEAT For all the local election results click here Click here for the Wirral Borough Council recycling page. Then simply enter the name of your street and you will see the next collections for your green, brown or grey bin.  Child Bus Fares Update Bus Operator Arriva has decided to continue half fares for children on its buses following the withdrawal of subsidy by Merseytravel. However the bad news is that fares for all passengers will rise to cover the cost. There is no news at this time whether this lead will be followed by other bus operators. Whilst this is good news for children and families it now means that the future of half price travel for children rests entirely on the commercial interests of the bus companies. Liberal Democrats believe that public transport is a public service and it is in the public interest that decisions such as subsidised travel for children renain in the hands of the people through their elected representatives. This is recognised by the Government who subsidise children's rail travel. By voting to end the subsidy for children's fares, Labour and Conservative Councillors locally are abandoning their responsibilities to the public. Our campaign goes on.  Liberal Democrat Budget - protecting services under threat Wirral Council tonight debates its budget, and Liberal Democrats will seek to support and protect key services. Waste collection and recycling, the youth service, libraries, and Wirral's local neighbourhood forums are all under threat from cuts. Read Councillor Stuart Kelly's press release here  Making Wirral a fairer borough Liberal Democrats in Wirral have welcomed Fairtrade Fortnight and reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Wirral a Fairtrade Borough. Read Councillor Stuart Kelly's press release here  COMING TO YOU LIVE - A STEP NEARER Live Webcam broadcasting of Wirral's Planning Committee came a step nearer today with the announcement of a test run. Read Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release here 
Digital changeover ‘will leave residents confused' A Wirral councillor has expressed concerns about the forthcoming digital TV changeover, warning that it will leave many residents confused and might not improve the poor quality reception in parts of the Borough. Read Councillor Phil Gilchrist's press release here  Crime is one of the biggest issues in Britain todayMing Campbel's Liberal Democrats are taking the lead, proposing real action at a national level and acting to cut crime where we are in power locally. Together we can cut crime 
PLANNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND A GREENER WIRRALA Liberal Democrat initiative to help Wirral combat climate change and protect the local environment has been warmly welcomed by a Council watchdog committee. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release
WIRRAL LEADING THE WAY AGAINST ‘COMPO' CULTUREThe Chair of Wirral Council's financial watchdog has welcomed a £2m boost to Council funds as a result of facing down the compensation culture. Click here for Councillor Simon Holbrook's press release
COMING TO YOU LIVE – WIRRAL'S PLANNING COMMITTEEWirral Council has given the go-ahead to Webcam broadcasting of Wirral's Planning Committee. This bold initiative, proposed back in February by Liberal Democrat Councillors, was agreed at last night's meeting (2nd November) of Wirral Council's Executive Board. Click here for Councillor Gill Gardiner's press release 
WIRRAL'S POOR HEALTH PROMPTS CALL FOR ACTIONWirral's poor state of health and criticisms from a Government watchdog have prompted a local councillor to call for urgent action. Click here for Councillor Jean Quinn's press release
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: RADICAL NEW PROPOSAL A STEP NEARER A Liberal Democrat proposal for a radical new approach to crime and anti-social behaviour could become a reality. Click here for Councillor Bob Moon's press release
VOICE OF YOUTH AT HISTORIC MEETINGYoung people were yesterday given their voice in Wirral's corridors of power when they met with councillors for an historic Youth Parliament. for more details click here
“Cut income tax and save the planet” Leading local Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Reisdorf has welcomed plans passed at the Party's recent conference in Brighton that would cut £1000 from the average family's tax bill whilst helping to protect the environment. read the press release here |
RESIDENTS' SURVEY 
   
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