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Sefton welcomes sentencing of unlicensed Netherton dog breeder

19 August 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

Sefton Council has welcomed the sentencing of an unlicensed dog breeder from Netherton after an investigation by the borough’s Trading Standards team.

Lawrence Moran of Chapel Lane, Netherton pleaded guilty to breeding dogs without a licence after 44 dogs, including several puppies, were found at his home address in December 2018.

Further investigations by Sefton Council’s Trading Standards team uncovered that Moran, 31, has also been responsible for at least 17 litters and 49 puppies in 2018.

He was just sentenced at Sefton Magistrates court (Friday, August 16) following a guilty plea to the offence of breeding dogs without a licence.

Moran was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling ÂŁ4985.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation & Compliance, said: “This is a fantastic result following months of hard work by our Trading Standards team.

“We had previously warned the defendant about unlicensed breeding following allegations by concerned members of the public however our concerns continued and a warrant was issued.

“What our team uncovered was a dog breeding enterprise on a massive commercial scale. This kind of illegal operation makes it almost impossible to make sure animal welfare standards are met and often the well-being of puppies are put way behind profit.

“We will continue to act on any information we receive regarding illegal trading practices and we hope this case serves as a stark warning to others.”

More information regarding dog breeding licences and how to apply can be found via www.sefton.gov.uk

To report an unlicensed breeder contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0345 040506.

Sefton Council asked to fell diseased tree on Chapel Lane, Formby

19 August 2019
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

Sefton Council has been contacted by Formby Parish Council and requested to fell a diseased tree in the village.

The horse chestnut tree, located outside Cassidys on Chapel Lane, was earmarked to be removed last year for the health and safety of the local community.

 As part of a compromise, Sefton Council asked Formby Parish Council to agree to a number of conditions and allowed them to carry out further works on the tree in the hope of saving it.

Unfortunately, the Parish Council has since contacted Sefton Council’s Tree and Woodland Team asking them to now remove the tree.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “Last year an independent report was carried out for the Parish Council highlighting how this tree was diseased with bleeding canker and the usual way of dealing with this is by felling it.

“However, after ongoing discussions with Formby Parish Council, they agreed to a number of conditions where they would carry out maintenance work to mitigate the immediate risk and try and save the tree.

“Sadly, this has not worked and their arboriculturist has stated that the tree needs to be felled so we will now start the process to remove it. We have been in contact with ward members in the village and will liaise closely with Formby Parish Council to move this forward.

“Our priority is and always will be the safety of residents and visitors to Formby village.”

Cllr Bob McCann, Chairman of Formby Parish Council, added: “Of the remaining trees identified by Sefton Council for felling, this particular tree has always been the weakest. Our tree specialist from Cumbria, who we contracted to survey and undertake some remedial work to try and save the trees, said at the outset that this tree was the least healthy and his inspection this year confirmed that this tree had failed and would not recover.

“However, we are still trying our best with the remaining three horse chestnuts. They were injected this year with nutrients and action will be taken in September to try to fortify and protect them. We will always listen to the community and the presentation of a 4,500 signature petition, asking us to protect the trees as much as possible, has given us this particular focus.”

A tree removal notice has been issued and work to remove the tree should start shortly.

Bootle business bestowed with prestigious Queens Award

15 August 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

A business reception was held to celebrate the presentation of the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise to a Bootle business supported by InvestSefton.

The award was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, in recognition of Richardsons Healthcare Ltd outstanding growth in its exports.

The family owned private business, which is based in Bootle, started trading in 1988 and designs and manufactures operating table and birthing mattresses.

Richardsons Healthcare Ltd, has championed British-made manufacturing and exporting in Sefton for many years. This includes working with InvestSefton, Sefton Council’s enterprise and inward investment service on initiatives including chairing the Sefton Export Advisory Group, Sefton Economic Forum and the UK International Business Festival.

The prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:
* Innovation
* International trade
* Sustainable development
* Promoting opportunity through social mobility

On winning the Queens Award for Enterprise, Michael Gould, Managing Director, said: “This is wonderful recognition of the hard work and professionalism of our entire team.
“Despite being the 5th largest economy, the United Kingdom is ranked only 9th for exporting. More British companies need to recognise the huge benefits of becoming an exporter in terms of profitability and the spreading of commercial risk.
“I hope in the near future to be helping in some major export awareness events, supported by our local chambers of commerce and the Department for International Trade. There is plenty of help and assistance available for companies who would like to start exporting and we need to make businesses aware of it.”

Despite a difficult economic trading environment for UK manufacturers, the company’s overseas earnings grew by 66% over a three-year period. Their main customer base includes Germany, France, Finland, Sweden and Italy. However the company has more recently expanded their export market to the USA and China.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, added: “We are extremely proud of Richardsons who continue to fly the flag for the British manufacturing industry, and Sefton.
“They are positive about employing residents and have worked with InvestSefton and the Department for International Trade in encouraging other Sefton businesses to consider exporting. I am delighted that this work will continue and we may hopefully get to see other Sefton businesses being recognised in this way.”

The Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns and Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Mark Underwood OBE also attended the event.

Paul Stowers, head of the Department for International Trade in the North West, said: “It’s fantastic to see Richardson’s Healthcare win the Queen’s Award, as they’re already one of the Department for International Trade’s Export Champions.

“They are a great local company, and is a brilliant example to others about how to succeed overseas.
“Companies that export not only increase their customer base and spread their risk, but we know that they also become more innovative and resilient, so tend to do better in their home market as well as abroad. I urge all businesses to follow Richardson’s example.”

Get active on the beach this summer!

15 August 2019
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Active Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

Sefton Council is offering an exciting programme of events this summer as part of a regional campaign to get people active on the beach, and improve their health and wellbeing.

The North West’s Active Coast programme will showcase a diverse range of activities that cater for everyone, no matter their age, ability or interests including stand-up paddleboard yoga, nordic walking, beach clean-ups, boot camps and more.

Research shows that getting out, connecting with the natural environment and being active regularly can have multiple health benefits, from losing weight to improving heart function and relieving anxiety and depression.

Sefton’s beaches are a fantastic resource that can help keep people healthy in body and mind. The beach is free, easy to access and can be used for almost everything, from a high intensity run, team sports or even a stroll or meditation.

The Sefton coast is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so its wildlife, plants and landscape are carefully protected but there are still plenty of ways to have fun without disturbing these natural treasures. Barbeques are banned from Sefton’s beaches and all visitors are asked to take their rubbish home with them.

This year, the Active Coast programme seeks to appeal to more people and includes a broader range of activities that fall into five categories: sports; environment; community action; walk and relaxation and arts and culture.

More information on planned activities will be available on www.lovemybeach.org/activecoast 

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “There is something for everyone on our coast and we hope that people will be inspired to use our beaches more this summer.

“Sefton proudly boasts 22 miles of coastline which provides the perfect back drop for a summer of fun activities that boost health and wellbeing. I encourage all of our residents to see what’s on offer at the beach this summer.”

If you’re planning a visit to the coast we recommend taking public transport, walking or cycling where possible. Our beach car parks can become busy and sometimes will be closed due to high tides or events. Check beach car park updates at www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches 

Macmillan to hold event for people affected by cancer

15 August 2019
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: 2019 - Sefton's Year of friendship, Front Page, Latest News

Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre will be holding its second ‘Health and Wellbeing Event’ of the year on Thursday 12th September at the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport and anyone who has been affected by cancer, whether directly or through supporting someone is invited to come along.  

The Centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is holding the event in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, at the Royal Clifton Hotel from 2pm – 4.30pm.

On the day there will be around 40 local organisations, clinical nurse specialists and representatives from local support groups – all available to offer their expertise and help.

Volunteers from Sefton OPERA will be offering free complementary therapy tasters. Entertainment will be provided by the Macmillan singing group who will be inviting visitors to join in and learn for themselves just how therapeutic singing can be.

There will be a focus on the financial impact of having cancer with two breakout sessions hosted by staff from the Department of Work & Pensions and the Southport Money Advisory Group to discuss returning to work, benefits and debt management advice. 

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG cancer clinical lead, said: “These events are ideal for people to come along and meet others who have had a similar experience. It is always useful to share and the hope is that there may be an activity or group out there that suits an individual’s needs, so you might go away with an idea of what we can help you with. It’s a friendly and informative event and everyone is very welcome.”

Sonia Holdsworth, Macmillan Partnership Quality Lead for Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We saw over 100 people at the last event in March and we hope to see even more this time, they are always a great success and the more people we can support the better.

“The feedback we get is that people enjoy meeting others they can chat to, whether that be other patients, clinical nurse specialists or someone from a support group. Many people who come to the Centre or one of our events have joined one of the support groups such as the walking, cycling or craft group, which they feel is another good way to meet others and get out and about during or after treatment.”  

Elaine Deeming, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust’s lead cancer nurse, said: “We’re delighted to continue to build on the success of previous health and well-being clinics. The events provide access to the wide range of services available locally in one venue, making it easier for our attendees.”

The Health and Wellbeing Events aim to support people in adjusting to life with and beyond cancer by providing information on the wide range of services which are available locally as well as healthy living activities.

Anyone affected by cancer, either recently or in the past, as well as family and friends supporting others are welcome to book onto this free event.

The events are friendly and educational with the opportunity for visitors to chat to cancer nurse specialists, key organisations and support groups.

You can watch a video from a previous event here: https://youtu.be/jr4d9S3xRy4  

The Health and Wellbeing events are free of charge and refreshments are provided, but booking is essential. To book onto the next event please call 01704 533024 or email: sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net.

For more information about the work of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre on Stanley Street in Southport, please see the website: www.southportmacmillancentre.org.uk

 

 

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