Archive for July, 2009

I warmly welcome today’s announcement by the Labour Government of the £1.1bn railway electrification plan which includes electrification of the line between Liverpool and Manchester.

As well as being lighter, more efficient and environmentally friendly, the new electric trains will reduce journey times between Liverpool and Manchester from 44 minutes to 30 minutes, thus opening up opportunities for the Mersey Region as a whole.

Also I welcome Wirral Conservative Cllr Blakeley’s (no doubt reluctant) change of heart in finally accepting Gordon Brown’s policy of not cutting our way out of recession as illustrated in this press release from Merseytravel and I quote

This investment makes commercial and environmental sense and comes at a time when the economy is in difficulty and investment in public services is essential

Maybe Chris you should have a word in the ear of your Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers who appears to pour cold water on the investment and I quote

how can we believe that Labour can announce £1.1bn of new spending without impacting on existing transport commitments or putting further strain on public finances already stretched to breaking point?

Overall together with major investment in a vital transport link and a leading Wirral Tory finally seeing the light over investment in Public Services, its been a good day day for Wirral and the Mersey Region as a whole, I just hope that the scheme is not one of David Cameron’s targets in his proposed massacre of Public Services should the Tories win power.

The Woodchurch Partnership have been busy organising the Big Lunch event which will be held at the Woodchurch Community Centre on 19th July. The Big Lunch is tied in to a national event instigated by the Eden Project and is an ideal opportunity for members of the community to get to know each other. Everyone is welcome to participate but don’t forget to bring a picnic.

Below are some useful dates for your diary courtesy of Wirral Play Council

Summer Play Schemes Summer 2009

• Overton, From July 27th to August 21st, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm at Overton Community Centre, Royden Road, Overchurch, CH49 4RH. Tel 0151 678 5635
• Woodchurch, From July 27th to August 28th, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm at Woodchurch Community Centre, Carr Bridge Road, Woodchurch, CH49 8EU. Tel 0151 678 0297

Community Play Rangers From 23rd March 2009

• Woodchurch, The Hill, Meadow Crescent, Woodchurch. Fridays 5.30 to 7.15pm. For more information on Community Play Rangers contact Gemma Birchall on 0151 650 0030

Play Practitioner Play Point Sessions

• Thursdays, Woodchurch Community Centre, Carr Bridge Road, Woodchurch, CH49 8EU. Tel 0151 678 0297
• Fridays, Overton Community Centre, Royden Road, Overchurch, CH49 4RH. Tel 0151 678 5635

For more information on Play Point contact Ros Barrie on 0151 650 0030

Youth & Play Service Open Access Play Facilities – Summer Holidays (5 – 14 years)

• Woodchurch, 27th July to 28th August, 10am to 12pm &  Woodchurch Community Centre, Carr Bridge Road, Woodchurch, CH49 8EU. Tel 0151 678 0297. For more information contact Beth Hogg 0151 650 0030

For more information an any of the above schemes, Wirral Play Council can be contacted on