| Date | Saturday 1 August 2026 |
| Time | 12:00pm |
| Venue | Woodchurch Methodist Church, Pemberton Road, Woodchurch |
| Present | Jennifer Allinson - Chair Julie Mayes Julie Evans Andy Fishwick Ian Grant LiamHayward Rakeem Akibru JJ Martin Lindsey Air Joanne Foster |
| Apologies | Matthew Patrick Netty Walker Ivan Camphor Michelle Taylor Jean Robinson Moira Bridge James Hammond Stephen Bennett Lindsey Quirk June Richards |
| Section | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 1. Welcome | The Chair welcomed members to the first full meeting of the complete Woodchurch Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. Apologies acknowledged. No declarations of interest were recorded. The Chair thanked members for attending and encouraged everyone to contribute their ideas, questions and suggestions throughout the meeting. |
| 2. Approval of Previous Minutes | The Chair reviewed the draft minutes of the inaugural Neighbourhood Board meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026. Members raised a question regarding the information previously provided about the Capacity Fund allocation. It was agreed that this would be considered in more detail under Agenda Item 6. Subject to any amendments raised, the draft minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2026 were agreed for ratification. |
| 3. Board Communications | The establishment of an official Woodchurch Pride in Place WhatsApp group was discussed. The Board agreed that the WhatsApp group would provide a quick and accessible way for members to communicate, share information and remain updated between formal meetings. It was agreed that all messages and communications within the group should remain focused on Woodchurch Pride in Place business. Some Board members asked whether they could raise questions directly with the Wirral Council representative between meetings. Members explained that this would allow straightforward questions and requests for clarification to be addressed without taking up or monopolising the Board's limited meeting time. It was noted that this support had been offered by Kate Pierce at the inaugural Board meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026. The Board agreed that some members could submit relevant questions directly to the Wirral Council representative between meetings. IG suggested that a joint question-and-answer session with MHCLG and Wirral Council representatives would be helpful. The Board agreed, and Jenny Allinson will request a meeting with MHCLG and Wirral Council so that Board members can raise questions and receive further clarification about the Pride in Place programme. It was also agreed that any response or information relevant to the wider Board, its decisions or the Pride in Place programme should be shared with all Board members. Decisions and Actions • The Board agreed to establish and use an official Woodchurch Pride in Place WhatsApp group. • The Board agreed that some members could submit relevant questions directly to the Wirral Council representative between meetings. • Jenny Allinson will request a joint meeting with MHCLG and Wirral Council for a Board question-and-answer session. • Information relevant to the wider Board should be shared with all Board members. |
| 4. Pride in Place Prospectus and Programme Guidance | Board members discussed the Pride in Place Prospectus and the MHCLG programme guidance. IG asked whether the Board had received all relevant programme information and suggested that further information would help members understand the programme and their responsibilities. JW expressed his support for Board members in his capacity as an elected member. RA asked who Board members should approach when seeking clarification about financial decisions and programme responsibilities. Asset-based community development was discussed, with members considering how existing community strengths, organisations, facilities and local knowledge could support the delivery of the programme. The Board's key themes were provided to members. Board members were asked to focus on the themes, collect feedback from residents and bring forward ideas about how each theme could be developed and progressed. Members were encouraged to speak with residents and community organisations before a future meeting so that a wide range of ideas could be considered collectively by the Board. There was a positive discussion about the opportunities available through Pride in Place and how the Board could work together to improve services, facilities and opportunities for Woodchurch residents. Actions • Further clarification to be sought regarding the respective responsibilities of the Board, Wirral Council, the accountable body and MHCLG. • Lindsey Air to share PDFs relating to Phase One of the Pride in Place programme in other areas. • Board members to review the key themes, gather community feedback and bring ideas to a future meeting. • Feedback and ideas received under each key theme to be considered collectively by the Board. |
| 5. Terms of Reference | The draft Terms of Reference prepared by Wirral Council were discussed. Board members agreed that further clarification would be helpful regarding the Council's role in grant funding agreements and the wider governance arrangements applying to the Board. Members agreed that the Terms of Reference should clearly support the Board's community-led decision-making role. It was also agreed that clear arrangements would be needed for the consideration and approval of future grant applications. A question was raised about whether Woodchurch Pride in Place could hold the remaining Capacity Fund money within its own dedicated bank account once the account was operational. Actions • Further clarification to be requested from Wirral Council regarding grant funding agreements. • JA to seek further guidance and clarification from MHCLG. • Any further Board comments or proposed amendments to be incorporated into the revised Terms of Reference. |
| 6. Capacity Funding Allocation | The Board received an update regarding the £150,000 Capacity Fund allocation. It was noted that Wirral Council had retained £50,000 for mobilisation, set-up costs and two full-time Council posts. Members requested further information about the allocation, including a detailed breakdown of expenditure, so that the Board could fully understand how the funding had been used and plan effectively for the remaining balance. It was noted that approximately £75,000 remained available, subject to confirmation and reconciliation of expenditure. The Board also noted that one of the two Council-funded posts had not yet been filled and requested clarification about the current position, the responsibilities of the posts and how they would support Woodchurch. Members agreed that clear and regular financial information would support positive working relationships and help the Board make informed decisions about the future use of the Capacity Fund. Actions • A detailed breakdown of Capacity Fund expenditure and deductions to be requested from Wirral Council. • Further information to be requested regarding the two Council-funded posts, including recruitment status, responsibilities and how the roles will support Woodchurch. • Confirmation to be obtained regarding the current Capacity Fund balance. |
| 7. Clarification of Board Position - Inaugural Meeting of 4 July 2026 | The Board discussed whether it was appropriate for Wirral Council to accept Pride in Place applications from other organisations. Members were asked to clarify whether this arrangement had been formally endorsed at the inaugural meeting held on Saturday 4 July 2026. The Board confirmed that no formal endorsement had been made at that meeting. Members agreed that it would be helpful for the official record to clearly reflect the Board's position and that further discussion may be required regarding how applications should be received and administered. Decision • The Board confirmed that no formal endorsement had been given at the meeting held on 4 July 2026 for Wirral Council to accept Pride in Place applications from other organisations. Action • The Board's position is to be shared with Wirral Council so that the official record can be clarified and updated where necessary. |
| 8. Governance and Grant Funding Arrangements | The Board held a constructive discussion about the future governance and administration of Pride in Place grant funding. Members discussed the possible role of Wirral Council in applying additional costs relating to activities that fall outside the agreed management costs. The Board also considered the possible role of Wirral Council in any future plans relating to leisure facilities. Members agreed that further information and discussion would be helpful before any arrangements were confirmed. The Board emphasised the importance of remaining fully involved in decisions affecting local activities, projects and facilities. The Board requested clarification about: • The services and support included within the six per cent accountable-body allocation. • The circumstances in which additional costs outside the agreed management costs might arise. • How any proposed additional costs would be calculated, presented and approved. • The possible role of Wirral Council in future plans relating to leisure facilities. • How the Neighbourhood Board would remain involved in decisions affecting local projects, activities and facilities. • How grant applications would be received, assessed and approved. The Board agreed that grant applications should be presented to the Neighbourhood Board for consideration and approval. Members supported the development of a clear and transparent application process through which eligible organisations could submit proposals for consideration. The Board also supported the establishment of a dedicated Woodchurch Pride in Place bank account and discussed whether the remaining Capacity Funding could be held in that account once it became operational. The temporary role of the Anchor Organisation was noted, pending Woodchurch Pride in Place becoming fully established. Decisions • The Board requested further information before considering any additional costs relating to activities outside the agreed management costs. • The Board requested further discussion regarding the possible role of Wirral Council in future plans for leisure facilities. • Grant applications should be presented to the Neighbourhood Board for consideration and approval. • The Board supported the development of a clear, fair and transparent grant application process. • The Board supported the establishment of a dedicated Woodchurch Pride in Place bank account. Actions • Further clarification to be requested from Wirral Council and MHCLG regarding the accountable-body role and the services and costs included within the six per cent allocation. • Further information to be requested about the circumstances in which additional costs outside the agreed management costs might arise and how these would be approved. • Clarification to be sought regarding the possible role of Wirral Council in future plans relating to leisure facilities. • A clear grant application, assessment and approval process to be prepared. • Grant application forms and key-theme engagement materials to be developed. |
| 9. Secretariat Update | The Secretariat provided the following updates: • The Woodchurch Pride in Place WhatsApp group was available for communication between meetings. • The Woodchurch Pride in Place Facebook page was active. • The Woodchurch Pride in Place website was in development. • An application had been submitted to Lloyds Bank for a separate Woodchurch Pride in Place bank account. • The proposed mini-festival planned for 15 August 2026 had been cancelled due to additional regulatory and administrative requirements. The Board discussed the requirements that had been requested for the proposed community play afternoon or mini-festival, including risk assessments and event-management documentation. Members agreed that further clarification would be useful regarding the requirements applying to informal community gatherings compared with larger formally organised public events. Despite the cancellation, members remained positive about organising future community activities and agreed that suitable events should continue to be explored. |
| 10. Any Other Business | 10.1 Future Community Events and Engagement The Board held a positive discussion about future community events and activities that could bring residents together, increase engagement and support the Board's key themes. Ian Grant offered to support a monthly community engagement opportunity at Asda Arrowe Park. This could provide an opportunity to promote Woodchurch Pride in Place, speak with residents, collect feedback and share information about future plans. Rev JA agreed that community events at Holy Cross Church and within the surrounding grounds would be beneficial. Actions • IG to explore arrangements for monthly engagement activity at Asda Arrowe Park. • Opportunities for community events at Holy Cross Church and within the surrounding grounds to be explored. • Further information to be obtained regarding the condition of the Jubilee Hall roof, anticipated costs and possible funding support. • Future community event ideas to be developed and brought back to the Board for consideration. 10.2 Jobs Fayre and Employment Opportunities The Board discussed the possibility of holding a jobs fayre on the Woodchurch estate. Actions • The proposal for a Woodchurch jobs fayre to be developed further. • Potential employers, training providers and employment-support organisations to be identified. • Suitable venues on the Woodchurch estate to be explored. 10.3 Woodchurch Boundary The submitted Woodchurch Pride in Place boundary was discussed. It was noted that an additional area had been included. 10.4 Jubilee Hall and Community Use The Board discussed the Jubilee Hall at Holy Cross and its potential value as a community facility. Actions • The eligibility of projects based outside the boundary but directly benefiting Woodchurch residents to be reflected within the grant guidance. • The availability and suitability of the Jubilee Hall for community activities and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to be explored. • Further information about the Jubilee Hall roof and repair costs to be obtained. |
| 11. Date of Next Meeting | The date of the next Woodchurch Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board meeting was not recorded in the handwritten notes. Date 01/09/2026 Time 6.00pm Venue Woodchurch Methodist Church, Pemberton Road, Woodchurch |
Closing Summary
The meeting included constructive discussions about governance, funding arrangements and the information required to support the Board's decision-making.
Board members also put forward a wide range of positive ideas relating to community events, employment opportunities, resident engagement, local facilities and the Board's key themes.
There was a strong commitment from members to work together, engage with residents and develop proposals that would provide lasting benefits for the Woodchurch community.
The Chair thanked everyone for their contribution. The meeting was thorough, constructive and positive, with a number of promising ideas identified for further development.
Summary of Actions
| Action | Responsible person or body | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Establish and use the official Board WhatsApp group | Board members | Ongoing |
| Submit relevant questions directly to the Wirral Council representative where appropriate | Relevant Board members | As required |
| Request a joint question-and-answer meeting with MHCLG and Wirral Council | Jenny Allinson | Before a future meeting |
| Request a detailed Capacity Fund expenditure breakdown | Wirral Council/Chair | Before next meeting |
| Confirm the current Capacity Fund balance | Wirral Council/Chair | Before next meeting |
| Clarify what is covered by the six per cent accountable-body allocation | Wirral Council/MHCLG | Before next meeting |
| Seek information about possible additional costs outside the agreed management costs | Wirral Council/Chair | Before next meeting |
| Clarify the possible Council role in future leisure facility plans | Wirral Council | Before next meeting |
| Seek further programme guidance from MHCLG | Jennifer Allinson | Before next meeting |
| Share PDFs relating to Phase One in other Pride in Place areas | Lindsey Air | As soon as available |
| Review key themes and collect resident feedback and ideas | All Board members | Before a future meeting |
| Explore monthly engagement at Asda Arrowe Park | Ian Grant | To be confirmed |
| Explore community events at Holy Cross Church and its grounds | Janet Arnold/Board | To be confirmed |
| Develop the proposal for a Woodchurch jobs fayre | Board members | To be confirmed |
| Identify employers, training providers and possible venues for the jobs fayre | To be allocated | To be confirmed |
| Obtain information about the Jubilee Hall roof and possible repair costs | To be allocated | To be confirmed |
| Explore the Jubilee Hall for community activities and support groups | To be allocated | To be confirmed |
| Progress the Lloyds Bank account application | Secretariat | Ongoing |
These minutes remain in draft form and are subject to amendment and approval at the next meeting.