December 14, 2022

Wirral Council Budget Consultation

Soaring inflation and national economic pressures have seriously impacted Wirral Council’s budget setting for 2023-24.

Like other councils across the country, Wirral is seeing the costs of providing services increase at the same time as demands for those council services are also rising.

Initially working with a potential £49m gap, the latest forecast, based on the outcome of the Autumn Statement and refinement of assumptions, means that the council still needs to find savings of up to £38 million in order to set a legal budget.

A large number of budget saving options are currently being looked at and details of them all will be made available in the New Year. However, there are some service areas we are keen to consult on earlier to ensure resident views can be considered as we bring forward the final budget proposal in the New Year. These include street cleaning and maintenance in parks, as well as proposed changes to library and leisure services.  

You can find out more about the council budget simulator and answer the questionnaire at the council’s budget HaveYouSay page

December 9, 2022

Christmas Fitness Stars 2022

We want to hear from you this Christmas!
 
Are you a Fitness Star? Do you have a story of how activity and fitness has changed your life this year? We want to hear your story!
 
Tell us about you activity journey this year and be entered into a draw to win an Invigor8 fitness passes.
 
Tell us about;
How do stay active and healthy?
Has someone helped you this year and you want to say thanks?
What keeps you motivated, happy and healthy?
Have you kept active in the face of aversity?
 
Nominate your friends, family or yourself and help to inspire others by telling your fitness story. Include a photo if possible and become an Active Wirral Fitness Star this Christmas 
 
Email: activewirral@wirral.gov.uk
WhatsApp: 07584 205949
 
November 8, 2022

Go Tri Improve Your Front Crawl Sessions

Go Tri Improve your Front Crawl sessions are back!

The sessions will be running at Leasowe Leisure Centre every Wednesday 8-9pm starting Wednesday 18th January.

These sessions are designed for those who can already swim unaided but wish to turn their breast stroke into front crawl or improve their front crawl technique and generally enjoy swimming with confidence.

Active Wirral are proud to bring these sessions to you in partnership with British Triathlon.

More Information & Book Online Here
October 25, 2022

Indoor Tennis Returns to Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre

Indoor Tennis Returns to Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre

A new partnership between Wirral Council and the Lawn Tennis Association will see indoor tennis return to Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre this Autumn with an exciting programme aimed at all abilities.

Following a decision earlier this year at the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee(TCCL) to redevelop the offer at Wirral Tennis & Sports Centre, the council has entered into a partnership agreement with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to take over the management and operation of the six indoor tennis courts at Bidston Tennis Centre.

The Centre had been closed as part of the council’s work to balance its 2022/23 budget however following an approach from the LTA to work together in partnership to provide the six indoor courts, members of Wirral Council’s TCCL Committee agreed in June 2022 that the indoor tennis offer could be reinstated based on the development of a new operating model.

Play Point Sports, will now assume operation and management of the tennis offer at the centre. They have been working to introduce an exciting new tennis programme for all tennis enthusiasts which includes a comprehensive programme for all ages and abilities. There will be a clear pathway in place for players to go from absolute beginners to county standard and beyond.

There will also be opportunities for players to take part in social tennis and cardio tennis as well as a new disability programme coming to the centre soon. All of these programmes are centred around getting Wirral more active through tennis.

Anyone wishing to book a court or lessons can do so through the operator’s website at https://playpointsports.co.uk/wirral-indoor-tennis-centre/

Scott Reid, Tennis Operations Manager for the LTA said:

 “We’re delighted to be entering into this partnership with the council and hope it will pave the way for a full tennis offer at Wirral for years to come. The LTA has worked hard with council colleagues to ensure the centre can re-open with all six indoor courts, and they won’t be lost to redevelopment.  We will now be working with Play Point Sports to ensure the centre can run sustainably on a day-to-day basis. Our goal is for the centre to offer players and families in the local area a chance to get on court and enjoy a first-class experience.”

Councillor Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee added, “This development represents the latest evolution of the council’s long-term partnership with the LTA, who originally part funded the building of the centre in the mid 90’s and have continued to support the maintenance of the tennis hall and development programme with significant grants over the years.

With no other indoor courts available on Wirral the facility will offer the tennis community an opportunity to extend their playing season throughout winter season. Both the council and LTA hope that this partnership will be the first step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of a full tennis offer on the site.”

The partnership will not impact on the wider redevelopment of the remainder of the centre which is currently closed for remodelling as part of a budget option agreed last year.

During this time a programme of refurbishment is taking place to allow the site to better meet local needs. It is anticipated this programme will be completed in April 2023. The programme will see most of the Centre’s indoor space redesigned to offer a wider choice of sport and physical activities for all age groups that will benefit the local and wider community.

This includes major upgrades to the gym and fitness studio as well as new and innovative soft play areas with an exciting catering offer in place of the sports hall. A second full size artificial 3G Astroturf football pitch will also be built at the site through a partnership with The Football Foundation that will cater for the growth in local football demand.

Membership FAQs

How do you book a tennis session?

Anyone wishing to book a court or lessons can do so through the operator’s website at https://playpointsports.co.uk/wirral-indoor-tennis-centre

Who can I speak to about tennis enquiries?

Enquriries can be made via the PPS team: info@playpointsports.co.uk and 07872 161712

What will happen to members who currently have their single site membership frozen?

Suspension will continue until the end of the agreed suspension period of 23rd March 2023.

Customers will be contacted prior to the end date to advise of the current position.

Can multi-site members access the site?

During the initial 6-month interim operating period no council subscription (Invigor8 membership) will allow access to the courts. Bookings will be taken solely through the LTA operator website https://playpointsports.co.uk/wirral-indoor-tennis-centre/

Can I no longer play Tennis with my Invigor8 membership?

Yes, there are outdoor Tennis courts available for bookings at Oval Leisure Centre, Bebington

Can I cancel my Invigor8 membership ?

Memberships can be cancelled by emailing bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk

My child had tennis lessons prior to the centre closing, how do I book lessons now?

Through the LTA operator Play Point Sports, contact https://playpointsports.co.uk/wirral-indoor-tennis-centre/

I may be due a refund for lessons at the centre, who do I contact?

Refund requests can be made by emailing bookingsandinformation@wirral.gov.uk

Will the gym and studios be available for Invigor8 members to access?

Yes, the redevelopment of the centre will include Invigor8 member access to the fitness facilities. Further details will follow.

October 3, 2022

Active All Sports Programme – Autumn 2022

Active All Sports Holiday Programme

25th – 28th October 2022

This Autumn holiday activity programme is available to children and young people with a disability or additional needs.

We welcome parents, carers and siblings to all sessions.

Activities require pre-booking, please read the attached information HERE regarding the activities being provided.

Download programme information & Book Here

If you have any questions please contact the programme co-ordinator by email at staceyaddison@wirral.gov.uk or mobile at 07825402594 

We look forward to seeing you this Autumn Half Term.

August 9, 2022

Beach Wheelchair Rental

The council has six beach wheelchairs that are available to hire.

The wheelchairs are to help people with mobility difficulties and physical disabilities access the beach and coastal areas at West Kirby and New Brighton.

Users of the chairs will require assistance from a friend, family member, or support worker. We are working on making hoists available for people to use, but this equipment is currently not able to be used.

Where can the wheelchairs be hired from?

Wheelchairs can be hired from either:

  • Wirral Water Sport Centre, West Kirby
  • The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

When can the wheelchairs be hired?

The hire of the chairs will be available at different days and times depending on the time of year.

  • During spring and summer, wheelchairs will be available Monday to Sunday
  • During autumn and winter, wheelchairs will be available during day light hours

What types of wheelchairs are available?

There are 3 different types of chairs available. These are: 

  • Sand Cruiser (push assisted)
  • Hippocampe (push assisted)
  • Extreme X8 All Terrain (electric powered)

Beach wheelchairs for Wirral

Only Sand Cruisers are available from Wirral Water Sports Centre.

All types of chairs (Sand Cruisers, Hippocampe and Extreme X8 All Terrain) are available from The Floral Pavilion.

For all chairs, users will need assistance from a friend, family member or support worker. We are working on making hoists available for use, however, these are currently not able to be used.

All chairs that are available to hire are equipped with support straps, cushions and harnesses. Any additional support or accessories required to use the chairs will need to be brought by the user.

How can I book a wheelchair?

For wheelchairs at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, book by:

  • visiting the Box Office (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm)
  • calling 0151 666 0000 (Floral Pavilion Box Office) (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm)
  • visiting the Floral Pavilion website (you may need to create an account)

For wheelchairs at the Water Sports Centre in West Kirby, book by:

  • Water Sports Centre in West Kirby, book online (you may need to create an account)

On the day of booking, please check in with a member of staff on site. They will verify you are the person who booked by checking your ID, so please bring with you, either:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s licence

Will my existing wheelchair be stored securely?

Yes. At Wirral Water Sport Centre, your chair will be stored securely in the entrance of the building. At The Floral Pavilion, your chair will be stored in a separate room.

Is there an emergency number I should call if something goes wrong?

Yes, when you make a booking, you will be provided with these details.

Is there any training I need to have before I can hire and use a wheelchair?

No, but when you check in for your booking, a member of staff will briefly run through some instructions on how to use the chair as part of your booking.

April 26, 2022

Beat the Street launches in Wirral

Beat the Street comes to Wirral on Wednesday 27th April!

Parts of Wirral are to be transformed into a huge adventure in which residents of all ages can take part.

Starting Wednesday 27th April until Wednesday 25th May, residents are asked to ‘Beat the Street’ by walking, cycling, running, scooting or skating as far as they can over the four-week period, clocking up points as they go by checking in at special ‘Beat Boxes’ placed around the areas.

The game takes place across the wards of Moreton East & Leasowe and Seacombe and can be played by individuals or teams. 

To take part, people need first to get hold of the ‘Beat the Street’ card. Under 11s, who are at participating schools, will be given these directly from their primary school, older people will need to collect theirs from one of the local distribution points – Moreton Library, Leasowe Leisure Centre, Guinea Gap Leisure Centre and Seacombe Children’s Centre.

Players then need to create an account online, connect their card to their player profile and they’re ready to start.

A map, available online or from the distribution points, shows players where each ‘Beat Box’ is situated and will help people plot their route and get going.

Once a player has located a Beat Box, they need to use their card like a contactless payment card, hovering it close to the box until the box beeps and flashes. You need to visit at least two different Beat Boxes within an hour to score points – 10 points for each box – then 10 points for each subsequent box visited within the next hour.

 

Andy McCartan, Assistant Director of Leisure, Libraries and Customer Engagement at Wirral Council, said: “This is a really innovative way of encouraging local people of all ages to get out and about, being active, using environmentally friendly ways of travelling – but most of all having fun.

“Beat the Street can bring out the competitive nature in us all, as we try to top the local leaderboard, score more points than our friends, or simply challenges ourselves as individuals.”

Points are logged in online accounts and contribute towards the production of local leaderboards where players and teams can compare their scores with others.

Beat the Streets is an initiative running in a number of locations across the country. Beat the Street Moreton East, Leasowe and Seacombe is being delivered locally by Wirral Council Leisure Services, managed by Intelligent Health and funded by the Government’s ‘Welcome Back Fund’.

The project contributes to the council’s ambition to encourage residents to incorporate activity into their daily lives – the main aim of the borough’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy – as well as helping to form part of the Climate Emergency response.

Further information, including advice on how players can take part in the competition safely, can be here

April 26, 2022

Wirral Walking Festival 2022

The Wirral Walking Festival is back!

The Wirral Walking Festival highlights the variety of walks that take place in Wirral during Spring/Summer each year. The Wirral Walking Festival includes short strolls, long-distance treks, nordic walking, mixed ability running, and much more!

Click here to download the Wirral Walking Festival 2022 brochure

Walking has never been so important in people's lives. Following on from the pandemic we have seen more people getting out locally to help them stay fit and healthy and very much to help with people's mental health.Walking is accessible to all and is free so why not get walking, it's an excellent way to meet new people, make friends and enjoy all the wonderful places the Wirral has to offer. We have many different groups across the borough which cater for everyone and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those volunteers out there who help make this happen. You change people's lives so thank you.
Fiona Hanik
Wirral Walking Coordinator

*To avoid disappointment, we recommend checking the relevant group’s website and social media to confirm that walks are taking place before setting off.

March 25, 2022

Campaign to encourage more people in Wirral to be physically active

‘Be Part of the Movement’ is a new campaign to encourage Wirral residents to make sport and physical activity part of their everyday life.

Funded by the Government’s Welcome Back Fund it will showcase the borough’s facilities and open spaces as safe places to improve health and wellbeing especially as communities continue their recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign is part of Wirral Council’s new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy approved by the authority’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee in January.

The strategy lays out the council’s ambition to ensure that all Wirral residents have the opportunity, environment and support they need to lead active, healthy, and happier lives, and recognises the important role sport and physical activity plays in improving physical and mental health, supporting the economy, reconnecting communities, and rebuilding a stronger society for all. More than 1,000 people and organisations contributed to the development of the strategy.

The vision for the strategy is to now make sport and physical activity part of everyone’s everyday life and is based on four key themes:

  • Active People – To provide opportunities for all Wirral residents to be more active
  • Active Partnerships – To build partnerships and collaborations that provide inclusive activities for all
  • Active Places and Spaces – To ensure a network of high quality and accessible spaces that make it easier for people to be active.
  • Active Facilities – To create accessible, affordable, environmentally sustainable facilities offering a quality opportunity and environment that encourages Wirral residents to be more active, more often

Cllr Helen Cameron, chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee, said: “It is incredibly important to keep active whatever your circumstances and this a great way to help to stay healthy for longer.

“There are lots of ways you can be part of the movement with Active Wirral. Whether you are someone who is already active or you want to find out how to start moving in ways that work for you, there will be something for everyone.”

The campaign’s mini website, ActiveWirral.com is where individuals, organisations and community-led groups – Motivators – will be able to access a toolkit to support their participation and Be Part of the Movement.

It also includes information on the new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for people to learn more about our vision for the next five years, as well as a news feed plus ways to get involved here Get Active – Active Wirral.

The campaign will highlight how people can find out more about getting healthy and active.

March 24, 2022

Leisure facilities update – March 2022

At full Council on 28 February, the following leisure facility changes were agreed and will come into effect on 1st April 2022:

Golf course closures

The full and permanent annual budget to operate Brackenwood and Hoylake Golf Courses will be removed from this date. This will also mean that the service will no longer have the budget for the maintenance of the courses. .

The sites will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Preparation for Golf’s Open Championship 2023 will be dealt with separately through the established working group in reference to Hoylake Golf Course. .

Woodchurch Leisure Centre

The  budget to operate Woodchurch Leisure Centre will be removed from this date.  Therefore, the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The initial proposal for demolition of the site will not be progressed whilst the community asset transfer process is underway, and any expressions of interest submitted and considered.

Europa Pools fun /leisure pool

The budget to operate the fun/ leisure pool at Europa Pools will be removed from this date. Therefore, the leisure pool will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre

The budget to operate the centre will be temporarily removed from this date. Therefore the site will remain closed until the outcome of the current consultation is considered by the relevant committee in the new municipal year.

The Council is planning to redesign the facility that will be able to cater for new, emerging sports and  the introduction of a broader range of activities for young people designed around getting active. We will also be looking to provide activities  that are in demand, such as gymnastics, an improved fitness suite offer and the addition of a second artificial grass football pitch. Indoor Tennis, Sports Hall outdoor football and outdoor tennis will still be available at the centre following its redevelopment.

 

Those sites and buildings that will be considered as surplus to the delivery of Council services following budget setting decisions and outcome of consultations, with the potential for community operation, would be selected for possible transfer to community groups.

A report was presented to the Policy and Resources Committee on 15 March which outlines  the process for community groups wishing to express an interest in taking on Council assets.

Further details will follow – More information can be found here