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Merseyside Police launches new officer identification protocol for people who are visually impaired

23 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Police

Merseyside Police has launched a new way to help people who are visually impaired confirm whether a person at their door is a police officer.

Anyone with any form of visual impairment can use the verification protocol, which is made possible by the Police Contact Centre, either over the phone or by the attending officer using an agreed password.

Password

There are two instances when the protocol can be used. The first is when someone with a visual impairment, rings 101 or 999 to ask for police attendance at their address. In this scenario, a password is chosen during the call and the officer who calls at the address will use this password to verify their identity.

The second scenario is when someone with a visual impairment needs to verify the identity of a police officer who is calling at their address although they have not dialled 101 or 999 to request police attendance. Whether it’s a planned visit or not, the occupant can call 101 and give details provided by the officer to the police call handler to verify their identity.

Carers and anyone who provides support to someone who is visually impaired can also use the service.

Details about the Visual Impairment Protocol are being distributed to people across Merseyside who are visually impaired, by councils and other organisations including charities.

More information can be found on the Merseyside Police website.

 Warrant

All police employees (including those in uniform) carry an identification or warrant card, but it can be difficult for someone with a visual impairment to make out details of a uniform or to see a photograph or details on a card.

Superintendent Mark Wiggins of Merseyside Police described the protocol as an extra layer of security and assurance for potentially vulnerable people. He said: “The person with the visual impairment is safeguarded by verifying the identity of the police officer, before letting them into the premises. This verification is facilitated by our contact centre, either over the phone or by the attending officer using an agreed password.

“Similar initiatives have been implemented by other forces across the UK and we have adapted the protocol for use in Merseyside. Examples of good practice like this are shared between forces at a national level and we recognised the protocol’s potential to enhance our accessibility and support for vulnerable members of the community.”

He added: “The partnership approach taken to develop the Visual Impairment Protocol for use in Merseyside is a good example of preventative policing. It’s about problem solving and reducing the risk to vulnerable members of the community becoming a victim of a bogus caller who purports to be a police officer.”

Simple but effective

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “It’s vitally important that police officers and staff who go to the door of a victim or witness are able to identify themselves.

“This simple but effective process provides greater security and safeguarding for visually-impaired members of our community, ensuring they can have confidence that the person coming to the door is who they say they are and can be trusted.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to introduce this worthwhile scheme here in Merseyside and I would urge anyone who knows someone with a visual impairment to let them know about this useful protocol.”

Find out more.  

Still time to have your voice heard in Ainsdale-on-Sea consultation

23 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News, Local Consultation

Sefton Council is urging its residents and beach visitors to take the opportunity this summer to put forward their views for how the Ainsdale-on-Sea coastal gateway could be improved for all.

Images of Ainsdale asking for people to take part in a public consultation
Images of Ainsdale asking for people to take part in a public consultation

Already more than 300 people have taken part in the public consultation, but further voices are welcomed to ensure that as many people as possible can help to shape future proposals for investment in the area.

During 2020, an extensive consultation with residents, business owners, visitors and young people took place as part of the now successful Southport Town Deal bid. It was recognised by a large number of respondents that the beachfront area at Ainsdale-on-Sea is in need of investment to improve its facilities for residents and visitors alike.

The current consultation runs until 30th September 2021 and asks for views on the wider development of the coastal gateway including the Sands Lake and Hotel area, Toad Hall and Ainsdale Discovery Centre.

It is also an opportunity for residents and regular beach users to offer ideas for how Ainsdale-on-Sea could be improved for all, from better traffic management to projects that would ensure Ainsdale’s rare habitats and species are able to thrive.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We recognise the need to create high quality visitor infrastructure at a number of access points along the Sefton coast, to drive growth within the visitor economy and provide a high-quality visitor experience. This will also reduce visitor pressure on our coastal communities as well as areas of high conservation value – protecting our special wildlife and landscape.

“Ainsdale-on-Sea has been recognised as one of these key access points and we are keen to hear what our residents would like to see prioritised as we draw up our development plans for the area to complement the investment already underway.”

Ainsdale beach food and drink concession trial, B-Eat On The Street, manager Alex with Cllr Ian Moncur and Green Sefton staff earlier this summer
Ainsdale beach food and drink concession trial, B-Eat On The Street, manager Alex with Cllr Ian Moncur and Green Sefton staff earlier this summer

Many visitors to Ainsdale this summer will have already seen some of the initiatives being funded by the Council to improve the experience for beach goers, showcasing the possibilities being explored that could form part of the longer-term rejuvenation of the area.

A posh fish and chip pop-up has proven incredibly popular and will continue to serve up food and drinks at the beach until the autumn. Meanwhile, award-winning street artist Paul Curtis is part way through transforming the exterior of Toad Hall with a vibrant mural – the largest commission he’s ever undertaken.

Cllr Moncur added:

“People can take part in the consultation through our ‘Your Sefton Your Say’ online survey and we’ll also have staff on the ground throughout the remainder of the busy summer season capturing the thoughts of the community and visitors.

“Following the consultation, the plan is to start looking at the next stages for development, based on areas of priority. This phased development will realise the potential of Ainsdale-on-Sea and reflect the aspirations, opportunities and constraints associated with this important location.”

People are urged to complete the online survey on the Your Sefton Your Say portal and have until the end of September to take part: https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/

Swab squad – latest!

23 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council
Swab Squad
Swab Squad

Our Swab Squads are out at Sefton’s rail stations and other venues over the coming week, providing free, rapid COVID tests, information and advice.

Operating from 08:30am – 04:30pm:

  • Monday 23rd August – Aintree station
  • Tuesday 24th  Augutst – Blundellsands station
  • Wednesday 25th August – Asda Aintree
  • Thursday 26th August – Blundellsands station
  • Friday 27th August – Asda Aintree
  • Saturday 28th August- Blundellsands station

Mobile testing units are also deployed at locations across the Borough.

 

The Mersey Beatles bring number one hit-packed show to Southport

19 August 2021
Amy Hitchmough
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Southport, The Atkinson

All 17 of The Beatles sensational UK Number One hits will be delivered in an all-new live show by the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four.

The Mersey Beatles have played to sold-out audiences around the globe for more than 20 years and they are bringing their unmissable theatre show to The Atkinson, Southport, on Saturday September 4.

This will be one of the first full-capacity shows at the historic coastal venue since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

And to celebrate the return of live music – and, of course, the hits of the greatest band of all time – The Mersey Beatles will play every Beatles’ chart-topping single in this magnificent two-hour show alongside more than 20 other classic songs.

So, get your dancing shoes ready as such smash-hits as From Me To You, She Loves You, I Want To Hold Your Hand to Lady Madonna, Get Back and Hey Jude will all be delivered in a truly authentic way.

Formed in Liverpool in 1999, The Mersey Beatles – Mark Bloor (John), Steven Howard (Paul), Craig McGown (George) and Brian Ambrose (Ringo), together with keyboard player and percussionist Tony Cook – were the resident Beatles’ band at the legendary Cavern Club between 2002-2012 – clocking up more than 600 gigs.

Since leaving The Cavern, The Mersey Beatles have toured the world many times over – winning legions of fans, including John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird and The British BeatlesThe Mersey Beatles tour image Fan Club who rate them as “The best Beatles tribute band around”.

They exude the inner and outer spirit of the real thing, from the costumes, instruments, Scouse charm and, of course, that unmistakable era-defining, Liverpool-born sound. Their show wonderfully flows from the ‘Mop Top’ hits of Beatlemania, through the psychedelic creativity of Sgt Pepper to the melodic wonder of the Fab Four’s later work.

Steven said: “We can’t wait to play Southport – The Atkinson is a brilliant venue and the audiences are always up for a great night.

“As for everyone, this last year has been incredibly difficult. Our 2020 World Tour was postponed and not being able to go and play shows has been so frustrating.

“But live music is back at last and so we thought what better way to celebrate than to create the ultimate feel-good night by playing, for the first time, every Beatles’ Number One in the same show.”

Mark added: “That’s 17 chart-toppers – from 1963’s From Me To You to 1969’s The Ballad of John and Yoko – played totally live, as they should be, plus many, many, more Fab Four hits.

“We’ll play around 40 songs in the show so it’s going to be a brilliant night for Beatles fans. My advice is bring your dancing shoes!”

Final tickets for The Mersey Beatles at The Atkinson, on Saturday September 4, are available now from theatkinson.co.uk or by calling (01704) 533 333

Did someone say Bank Holiday Weekend at Bootle Canalside?

19 August 2021
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Bootle Strand, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration

Bootle Canalside opens its gates from Thursday 26th to Monday 30th August for a Bank Holiday weekend packed full of mouth-watering food, drinks and a whole host of activities and entertainment.

Entry will be free at Sefton’s newest venue as it welcomes an eclectic mix of local traders, serving from bespoke, fitted shipping containers, which is a nod to Bootle’s docklands history.

Visitors to the event will be able to sample food from around the world, showcasing Sefton’s mix of culinary talent.

Local musicians, groups and artists will descend on Bootle Canalside from Thursday 26th August, to providing a mix of entertainment and activities for all the family.

Bootle Canalside will be accessible via Washington Parade and will open from 12 noon to 9pm from Thursday 26th to Monday 30th August.

It will be the first time the much-anticipated venue will host an event and showcase its potential as a new feature of Bootle’s hospitality and night time economy. The pop-up event is a chance to test the site and gather community feedback from residents, as well as attracting visitors to Bootle from across Sefton and beyond. It is intended that the lessons learned from this, and other potential events later in the year, will inform design and business planning for the long-term future of the site.

There will be no formal COVID restrictions as per government guidance for an outdoor event of this size, however visitors will be encouraged to be mindful of others, practice good hand hygiene and keep their distance from others where they can.

Details of traders and entertainment will be released in the run up to the Bank Holiday weekend, so watch this space and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

 

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:

“I am thrilled to see Bootle Canalside opening up for the August Bank Holiday to provide a five, fun-filled days of food, drink and entertainment from a range of Sefton’s talented local traders, artists and entertainers.

“Bootle Canalside is being developed to work for our community and kick-start the regeneration and recovery of one of the country’s towns hardest hit by the COVID pandemic and other issues.

“I cannot wait to see the site bustling with visitors and I hope this is the start of a new chapter of opportunity, regeneration and recovery in Bootle and I hope lots people head down to our latest venue and tell us what they think.”

 

Following the pop up, work will take place to complete the site based on community feedback. Once completed, Bootle Canalside will include an urban garden, food, drink and leisure outlets and events spaces that adds a new element to Bootle’s local economy. It will bring activity to currently under-used land and will help to stimulate the local economy, transforming the look and feel of the town for residents, businesses and visitors and improving the quality of life for the community.

Bootle Canalside site is one of a number of areas of exciting progress in the town.  The development of an Area Action Plan in the coming months will ensure the views of the local communities and businesses are reflected in the plans. Alongside this, work continues on the future of the Strand Shopping Centre, and the Council’s bid for the Government’s has been submitted.

If approved by the Government, the Council’s £14.5million Levelling Up Fund bid will see construction and launch of a new, hi-tech digital and Virtual Reality (VR) venue hosting a unique visitor attraction and providing places for technology enhanced ‘competitive socialising.’

Bootle’s “Flying Theatre” will use a robotic hydraulic platform to create the feeling of flying through the British Isles and a VR Time-Travel Tunnel will take visitors on a journey through the ‘History of Bootle and Liverpool’, including an experience of the Blitz, adding to Bootle’s offer as a visitor destination.

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