More years ago than I care to remember, in the early sixties I went on my first family holiday to the Isle of Man.   We travelled there and back on the IOM Ferry ‘The Lady of Mann’, I remember it because I was as sick as a dog, all the way there, and I was no better on the way back.    Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I was interested to read a small piece in the Wirral News about the current whereabouts of this once, pride of the IOM Ferries.    The article was sent in by my brother Tony, who as you will see took part in the 2000 Round The World Yacht Race, and he came across the Lady of Mann, plying her trade in the Azores.   You can read the full article by clicking here.

Well done Lewis, what a truly magnificent drive under very difficult conditions, not only did you win the Santander British Grand Prix, you did it from fourth on the grid and with some peerless driving.  On to Hockenheim.

Today sees the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone.   I am sure that the whole of Britain is right behind Lewis Hamilton in his attempt to win the home Grand Prix in his Mercedes McLaren.   OK, so Lewis is starting from fourth place on the grid, but like the rest of the UK we know he is good enough to overcome that obstacle.   I hope that you have a great race, and that all the drivers have a safe and successful day.

Earlier today, along with the ever growing (in numbers) members of the Action Team I helped distribute our latest Newsline edition to residents of Seacombe and Poulton.     Whilst we were walking round people stopped to chat, they all say how delighted they are with our visible and proactive approach, and the help we give.  If you want to read the Community Newsline click here  

(Denis, Adrian, John and Dave had all had complimentary copies delivered direct to their doors), along with the other 6,600 households - happy reading!

Readers of this blog will be aware of my ongoing concerns with access to NHS Dentists and the new cost structure following the introduction of the new Dental Contracts back in 2006.

I have had many discussions, both face to face, and through correspondence with Kathy Doran, the Chief Executive of Wirral’s Primary Care Trust, and whilst I accept that perhaps Wirral is doing better than the rest of the country, the fact is, nearly one million people are not getting access to NHS dentists, and of those that can, many are simply struggling to afford the cost.

I also repeat that none of this is the fault of the Dental Profession, effectively they were ‘Stuffed’ by the Government when these new contracts were introduced. 

So Kathy, while we may disagree over this issue, can you really argue with the House of Commons Health Select Committee, who have slammed this lousy Labour Government for their lack of foresight over this issue, and the continuing decline of dental health throughout the country?   You can read more here.

This week the Action Teams have been out in Seacombe, Wallasey and Liscard.  As usual, the reception on the doorstep has been amazing.   I missed door knocking on Tuesday and Wednesday because I was in Bournemouth at the Local Government Conference, however I came back a day early so that I could help out the teams.   (Don’t get indigestion Denis).  Nationally It appears that the vast majority of people totally dislike abhor Gordon Brown, and locally people are totally dissatisfied with Labour and the Lib Dem control, particularly in the Rock Solid weakening rapidly Labour stronghold ex stronghold of Seacombe.   People there are telling us loudly and clearly that they are fed up with the unholy Lib Lab alliance, who, just ignore the wishes of the people here, and continue to spend, spend, spend in Birkenhead, and they see us, the Conservatives as the only credible alternative.   It really is time for Change!   Move over boys the Tories are coming!

I have just got my blog stats for June, wow it was the best month ever with over 2,700 hits.  Thanks to everyone who has visited the site, I do know it’s popular with Labour activists and Councillors, can’t for the life of me think why?    Anyway come back soon. 

After months of waiting the Council has finally taken action to resurface the approach road to Leasowe Common,  before it was done the road and the car park resembled the moons surface, on a good day. 

I had asked for the Council to improve it - a popular spot for dog walkers, beach lovers and visitors to the Common (who unfortunately can no longer drive on it). 

However credit where credit is due.  They’ve done a cracking job and while they were their they installed the new disabled access point, which can be seen being ‘road tested’ by me, Suzanne and Simon. 

Readers of the blog will be aware that I asked the Director of Regeneration to investigate allegations of malpractice at the Council’s CCTV Suite.

I have recently received an interim update from him, however I don’t intend to publish that yet as he still has people to interview.   Suffice it to say as soon as his findings are available, and if the Council allows it I will publish them.   Watch this space…………………

On Wednesday this week the next Moreton, Leasowe and Saughall Massie Area Forum takes place, starting at 7pm at the Millennium Centre on the Leasowe Estate.   Unfortunatley I will not be there because I am away on business, however my colleagues, Cllr Simon Mountney, Cllr Susanne Moseley and Cllr Ian Lewis will be on hand to answer any questions from local residents.   As well as local Councillors being present, Council Officers from Parks and Open Spaces and Streetscene as well as representatives from other agencies such as the Police and the PCT will be in attendance.   Why not go along and ‘Have Your Say’