March 13, 2023

KIT Link

Kit Link Wirral – an opportunity to share

Welcome to Kit Link, our new and exciting sports based recycling scheme. Kit Link offers Wirral residents the opportunity to recycle and reuse new and used sports equipment and clothing.

The aim of the scheme is to provide much needed equipment to adults and children across Wirral who are prevented from accessing sports and physical activity due to the cost of clothing and equipment whilst increasing the lifespan of the goods and ultimately reducing carbon emissions and waste.  

How does it work?

  1. Donate: Collection points are created in key locations across Wirral for residents to donate Sports kit and equipment 
  2. Reuse: The Kit is checked for viability and allocated for distribution to groups or individuals who require the goods
  3. Be Active: The user can then engage in the physical activity that they previously couldn’t access and the Kit is reused.

Your help and generosity during these tough times will help:

  • Tackle the cost barrier preventing people from accessing sport and physical activity.
  • Increase the lifespan of sports clothing and equipment and thus reduce the need to purchase brand new goods.
  • Reduce the need to manufacture new goods, meaning fewer carbon emissions and waste ending up in landfill.

We know that your donations will benefit our communities and help to make a difference to the lives of inactive children and adults across Wirral. Please bear in mind that there may be some items we cannot accept for safety, legality and hygienic reasons. Please view our list of acceptable and non acceptable items before donating. 

JOIN US FOR OUR LAUNCH EVENT – Wednesday 29th March

The Kit Link scheme will be launched by the WBC Graduate team at Cheshire Lines Building on Wednesday 29th March 2023 between 12 – 2pm. All employees are welcome to attend to find out more about and see what you can do to help. Collection bins will be on site to start collecting on the day. 

What will happen at the launch: 

  • Learn more about the project from the team
  • Hear from Assistant Director of Parks & Environment, Mike Cockburn at 12.30pm
  • Donate unwanted sports clothing and equipment that are in good, reusable condition
  • Meet other members of staff to discuss your sporting hobbies.

*After this date, the donation stations will be in the 2nd floor canteen in Cheshire Lines for the next 3 weeks.                               

Please deposit items into the donation bin, once the bin becomes filled, it will be moved onto the leisure centres for storage.

Your feedback will be invaluable to us to model Kit Link for the future.

Kit Link – what items are accepted:

Ball sports

  • Footballs, rugby balls,
  • Shin pads
  • Goalkeeper gloves
  • Boots
  • Clothing: shorts, t-shirts, team kits

Cricket

  • Cricket balls
  • Bats
  • Bags
  • Stumps, guards
  • Gloves, pads

Martial Arts

  • Gloves, pads
  • Martial arts robes
  • Shin guards

Racket  Sports

  • Rackets (tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash etc.)
  • Balls
  • Trainers, bags

Golf

  • Clubs
  • Balls
  • Bags

Water sports

  • Wetsuits
  • Swimming caps, goggles,
  • Pool floats, diving toys

Athletics

  • Running shoes
  • Shorts, t-shirts

Misc

  • Skipping ropes (untangled)
  • Fitness DVDs (checked in working order)
  • Hula hoops
  • Roller blades, roller skates, skateboards
  • Bike pumps/other air pumps

This list is non-exhaustive. Additional items may be accepted providing they are sports/fitness related and are safe, hygienic, useable and of appropriate quality.

Items that we do not accept include:

Hygiene

  • Gum shields
  • Swimwear
  • Trainer socks
  • Sweatbands
  • Towels
  • Items with visible sweat stains

Legal

  • Sports nutrition (protein, consumable supplements, drinks) (not suitable for under 18s)
  • Martial arts, or other sports equipment deemed dangerous (nun chucks, fencing swords,
  • shooting equipment, including bows)

Undesirable

  • Clothing in very worn condition or with visible stains
  • Chalk of any kind
  • Footballs, rugby balls etc. with any excessive wear and tear
  • Clothing or kit with specific club logos
  • ‘As seen on TV’ items
  • Any rusted items (scooter, pogo sticks etc)

Safety

  • Electronics/media of any kind
  • Heavy weights (over 3kg)
  • Items requiring 2 or more people to lift
  • Armbands or any inflatables
  • Ice skates
  • Safety pads, helmets

This list is non-exhaustive. Please do not donate anything you consider to be unsafe, unusable, undesirable or unhygienic.

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

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?

Whilst the courts are directly operated by the LTA 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.

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

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