. . but local events get a £100,000 boost

AS EXCLUSIVELY forecast in the Globe, Wirral's big party to welcome in the Millennium has been called off.

The event in Hamilton Square on New Year's Eve - similar to the Victory Night celebrations in 1945 - is being called off because of costs and safety concerns about thousands of people packing Hamilton Square.

Councillors on the policy-making committee were advised that the £25,000 cost of a Millennium party is more likely to be £100,000 because of wages, entertainment and crowd control on New Year's Eve, 1999.

Instead Wirral Council is to earmark £100,000 to help residents stage their own parties and provide lasting legacy projects for future generations.

Some lottery awards are already in the bag to help celebrate Euro Wirral 2000. The Millennium Commission has given £200,000 for a River of Light event on the Mersey, while £30,000 in funding is earmarked for a Bidston Hill Millennium project.

At the policy-making meeting, Coun Phil Gilchrist, Lib Dem leader, flagged up his party's proposal to spend the money on children's play areas. Conservative Jeff Green (Thurstaston) wanted the £100,000 split four ways with the parliamentary constituency areas.

Council Leader Dave Jackson (Labour) stressed that £100,000 was not that much money and it had to be spent wisely. It was decided to use the £100,000 to support a mixture of events to be announced later.

Meanwhile, a Millennium helpline has already been set up by the council on 649 9401 for groups planning events. Before ringing the helpline, event planners should get a free copy of the Millennium Celebration Toolkit booklet from libraries and main council buildings. There is information on everything they need to know, from grants to fund-raising tips, licensing and legal needs.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.