Health

Yesterday Merseyrail announced a reduced timetable starting on Thursday 2 April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with services operating between 07:00 and 19:00 Monday to Saturday (Sunday services differ).

 This was based on staff availability to provide a reliable service to key workers and those making essential journeys.

 Following feedback from those still travelling on the network, Merseyrail’s planning team has worked hard and staff have agreed to longer hours to make small adjustments to the reduced timetable using the resources available.

 Merseyrail is now able to provide an additional limited service on some lines between 19:00 and 22:00 Monday to Saturday to better accommodate those travelling to or from work.

The additional evening services are as follows:

Kirkby line

Additional services leaving Kirkby at 19:13, 20:13, 21: 13 and 21:58

Additional services leaving Liverpool Central at 19:35, 20:35 and 21:35

Southport line (Southport to Liverpool Central only)

Additional services leaving Southport at 18:43, 19:43 and 20:43

Additional services leaving Liverpool Central at 19:53, 20:38 and 21:38

Chester line

Additional services leaving Chester at 20:15 and 22:00

Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating at Rock Ferry at 22:41

Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating at Chester at 19:11 and 20:56

West Kirby line

Additional services leaving West Kirby at 20:01 and 21:31

Additional services leaving Moorfields at 19:15, 20:31 and 22:01 (22:01 terminates at Bidston)

As the situation is changing so rapidly, it is likely that this timetable may change again in the future.

All passengers are advised to check Merseyrail’s website and Twitter account @merseyrail before travel for the most up-to-date information.

 Passengers who still require alternative forms of transport due to the reduced timetable are encouraged to visit https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/bus/ as many bus services are continuing to run into the evening.

Residents across Sefton are being asked to take part in a community equipment amnesty and support the efforts to tackle the coronavirus.

Anyone who has been issued with no longer needed community aids and equipment are being asked to return it to help meet demand at this time.

This can be any equipment you may have been issued with in the past and no longer need, including walking frames and hospital beds.

Smaller items such as raised toilet seats are not currently in demand.

Residents are being asked to return equipment to Sefton Community Equipment Stores in Aintree.

This is so stocks can be replenished and re-issued to meet the expected increase in demand, as part of the ongoing commitment to ensure all residents living in Sefton have access to support and aids that they need to maintain independent living at home.

If you have any equipment that has been issued from Sefton Stores that is no longer being used, please ring the Stores to arrange a pick up from your home. Alternatively, you can return it to:

Sefton Community Equipment Stores

Unit 2C

Bechers Drive

Aintree Racecourse Retail & Business Park

Aintree

Liverpool

L9 5AY

Telephone: 0151 288 6208
Email: equipment.service@sefton.gov.uk

Sefton’s beautiful coastline, nature reserves and heritage parks are still there to be enjoyed during the COVID-19 outbreak, says the Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing.

Cllr Ian Moncur believes the ability to enjoy Sefton’s natural assets has become more important than ever, as people seek exercise and recreational activities during this time.

Sefton boasts 20 miles of coastline, an abundance of wildlife and a wealth of parks and other attractive outdoor spaces.

Cllr Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As long as social distancing is practiced and people respect the current Government guidelines on limiting the spread of the coronavirus, then our nature reserves, parks and coastline all remain open for people to enjoy.

We are so fortunate in Sefton to have such beautiful natural assets on our doorstep and there are plenty of wonderful things to look out for at the minute as the natural world wakes up after winter.

So long as everyone acts responsibly at this time Sefton is the perfect place to get some fresh air and exercise and enjoy nature.”

Staffing at some locations may be reduced as a result of the continuing impact of the coronavirus. Visitors are politely asked to take any litter home with them at this time, particularly in more remote locations, if bin collection services are affected.

Green Sefton and Sefton Council will be keeping visitors updated via web and social media channels.

If you see anything that requires attention in any of our green spaces, email greensefton@sefton.gov.uk. Green Sefton may not be able to commit as many resources to regular inspections during the COVID-19 outbreak, so visitors can play their part in helping us to maintain our green spaces.