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Issue. 12 - April 2018
Inside this issue: Local News - wales - Cumbria - sports FREE Loaded shotgun
found in Belle Vale
Detectives have recovered a shotgun in the Belle Vale area following enquiries on Tuesday 10 April. At around 2.50pm, officers were made aware of a firearm being found in the Halewood Triangle area near to Childwall Valley Road. Officers have confirmed that the weapon is a 12 gauge shotgun with two cartridges ,which has been forensically recovered. Local Policing Inspector Andy Wignall said: “It is pleasing to see this and indeed any weapon taken off the streets. Every gun we find removes a weapon that could be used to cause fear, intimidation or harm to the people of Merseyside, and clearly has the potential to cause serious risk to people in the area. “We want these results to continue so keep coming forward with any information about those involved in gun crime, or who knows where
weapons are being stored. You can speak to us directly or anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers, which is completely independent of police.” Anyone with information on the storage of firearms can contact the gun crime hotline on 0800 230 0600, message @MerPolCC, or @ CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
FREE
A thriller of
a tribute night
Fans of the King of Pop get the chance to moonwalk their way to the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, for the Michael Jackson- HIStory show on Friday 4 May. After a more than 5,000 performances worldwide in the past few years, the show has arrived in the UK by popular demand. The production remains true to a real Michael Jackson concert with only one solo artist taking the stage, mirroring the star’s performances for an accurate experience. The world-class production showcases all of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits live on stage, complemented by the famous dance moves that fans all know, love and aspire to do. Star of the show, Dantanio, will be accompanied by a six-piece band and backing dancers. The show features 40 different customised costumes. Over 100 hours have been dedicated to the lighting design, which makes use of 160+ moving lights and over 2,000 lighting cues arranged to punctuate and enhance the musical elements of the show. Director Johnny Van Grinsven flew around the world auditioning performers for the role of Michael Jackson for over a year before finding and casting Dantanio, a South African theatre performer and solo recording artist who has been studying and impersonating Jackson since the age of nine! For more information see: www. mjhistoryshow.com Tickets are £25 from www. thebrindley.org.uk and the box office on 0151 907 8360.
Special Educational Needs funding
A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council says: “The Council continues to fund all pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans, and remains committed to meeting its statutory duties. “Unfortunately, Government funding made available for supporting children and young people with Special
Educational Needs is not sufficient to meet demand, and with increasing numbers of children and young people who need support, along with the additional requirement to support young people 0-25 years, there are significant, and virtually unsurmountable budget pressures. These have been exacerbated by
recent changes to the funding formula proposed by Government. “To meet this gap proposals put forward include the removal of the opportunity for schools to apply for short term, discretionary top-up funding. “Schools, with any child or young person that has in place this enhanced provision will continue
to receive this funding. “These decisions are not easy, and a report will go back to the Executive Board proposing to maintain the current position, allowing applications to continue whilst a review is undertaken to determine the future of Enhanced Provision for the next academic year.”
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Kicking high sugar drinks teenage and junk food into touch pregnancy rates St Helens’
continue to plummet
St Helens has seen a massive reduction in the numbers of teenagers becoming pregnant in recent years. Annual rates published recently by the Office of National Statistics, show St Helens having the lowest number of under 18’s conceptions since recording these figures began. In the last eight years there has been a 70 per cent decrease, from a reported 216 conceptions in 2008 to 65 in 2016. The latest released data shows the gap between St Helens and the England and North West averages significantly narrowing. The current rate of conceptions is converted to an annual rolling rate of 22.6 per 1,000 15-17 year old females, which is the same as the North West average, better than the Merseyside rate of 25.1 and closer to the England average of 18.8. In 2015, St Helens annual rate was 29.6. Sue Forster, Director for Public Health in St Helens, commented: “Teenage pregnancy rates have been on the decline over the past 10 years and although nationally there have been reductions, this is not coincidental in St Helens. “The ongoing reduction is attributable to the tireless work of our dedicated services to ensure that teenagers are provided with good quality and effective education about relationships and sexual health issues.” The TAZ Outreach Team delivers a range of services to schools, colleges, residential and other venues and supports young people to make positive choices about their relationships to delay the onset of sexual activity and increase resilience and self-esteem to improve their overall wellbeing. St Helens is also one of few local areas that delivers a six-days-a-week clinic service making confidential advice, information and access to contraception services highly accessible. The TAZ clinic is run jointly with the TAZ Outreach Team and St Helens and Knowsley Hospital Trust at the Millennium Centre. Sue added: “We want to make sure that young people have continued access to these services and a recent scrutiny review highlighted the excellent partnership work being undertaken across the borough to address these issues. “The latest teenage conception rates are an indication of the ongoing commitment we have to improving young people’s health and wellbeing and the access that they have to excellent young people friendly services.” For more information on the TAZ Outreach Team, visit www.tazsh.com or email taz@sthelens.gov.uk
Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Sefton, is one of 58 health experts who has supported a campaign to protect children from food and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and salt, promoted through football across the UK. The campaign is led by Healthy Stadia and Sugar Smart and aims to
tackle the issue of childhood obesity as well as tooth decay. Many football associations, leagues and some football clubs partner with companies known for products containing high fat, sugar and salt, so health experts have now joined forces to help address this important issue. Other supporters to the campaign
include representatives working in sports development, dental health, sustainability, social housing and the media. All 58 experts signed a letter which was sent last week to English football clubs, UK National Football Associations, UK league operators and the Department for Digital,
Culture, Media and Sport. Whilst a response is awaited, further work will continue around raising awareness of the health harms such products cause on children and young people’s health. This includes swapping sugary fizzy drinks or sugary squash for water, lower-fat milk or no added sugar cordial, along ditching the takeaway and cooking meals from scratch – that way you know exactly what is in it!
Memorial service remembers those lost to suicide
A memorial service was held at Saints’ stadium towards the end of last month (March) for those affected by suicide. 130 people turned up to remember their loved ones at the event which was hosted by Listening Ear’s AMPARO service (provides support following suicide) and led by the Saints RLFC chaplain, Paul Johnson. The evening saw members of the public sharing their personal stories, a memorial wall that displayed photos of lost loved ones and a gospel singer who sang poignant songs to commemorate their lives. The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens and a number of support services were in attendance including SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), State of Mind (a charity that promotes positive mental health for sportsmen and women), Suicide Bereavement UK and the Healthy Living Team. A number of speakers - including Danny Sculthorpe and Ian Smith from the world of rugby league, and Anne Cunliffe from the SOBS service - also shared their stories of how suicide has affected them. Anne spoke about her son Andrew who she lost to suicide. “It has been a long journey for me and my family since the loss of my son Andrew 17 years ago,” she said. “The memorial service for me was an acknowledgment as to how dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide is so difficult to come to terms with.
I hope that by sharing my own experiences and some of the happy memories I have of Andrew, I have helped others to continue on their own journey and in time remember the life that their loved ones lived and the happier times.” A number of photographs of loved ones were left at the event. If you attended and left your photograph
on the memorial wall, please contact Nattalie Kennedy on 01744 671056 to arrange to get your photograph(s) back. If you have been affected by suicide and would like support, the following services are available: AMPARO Tel: 0330 088 9255Email: referrals@ listening-ear.co.uk
Website: www.listening-ear.co.uk/amparo Twitter: @AMPARO_LEM SOBS Tel: 0300 111 5065 Email: sobs.support@hotmail.com Website: https://uksobs.org/ Twitter: @SOBSCharity If you are worried about someone, visit St Helens Council’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Support page for information about services and other support.
The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens joined a number of support services at Saints' stadium for a service of reflection for those affected by suicide.
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Warrington Youth Zone Special moves a step closer as Educational
Needs funding
planning permission is submitted
Proposals for the development of a new £6.5million OnSide Youth Zone, supporting thousands of young people across Warrington, have moved a step closer as a planning application has been submitted. The joint venture between national young people’s charity OnSide and Warrington Borough Council will see a purpose-built facility which will raise aspirations, enhance prospects and improve health and wellbeing for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds in Warrington. The new Youth Zone will offer affordable activities in sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring to young people aged from eight to 19, or up to 25 for those with a disability, every day of the week. The confirmed site for the new state-of-the-art facility in the Stadium Quarter next to the UTC, which when completed will see Warrington Youth Club move to its new Youth Zone home. The proposed location is extremely central and accessible by public transport, enabling it to be reached by large numbers of young people from across the borough. Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services said: “As a major partner in this project, Warrington Borough Council is thrilled the
Youth Zone is moving forward. The opportunities it will offer young people from sports to media, arts and preparing for work are hugely exciting. Not only will it offer a safe and inspiring place for young people to meet, the Youth Zone will play an
important part in helping to raise young people's aspirations, provide jobs, and help them achieve their true potential. The project will benefit the whole town and we look forward to seeing it take shape.” Mark Brocklehurst, Chair of Warrington Youth Club said: “A lot of hard work
Lymm gears up for May Queen Festival
The countdown has begun for Lymm village’s historic May Queen Festival – and local people are being urged to get involved. This year’s event takes place on Saturday 12 May, with Lymm coming alive with colour and activity, as it welcomes the traditional procession of floats and attractions throughout the village – including fair rides,
stalls and food and drinks. The theme for 2018 is ‘Celebration’ with the procession commencing at 1pm. Established in 1889, the May Queen festival is a long-established community event, and a major highlight in Lymm’s cultural calendar. To book a stall or event on the field, please contact dianekerfoot@gmail. com. If you would like to sponsor the
event by putting an advert in the May Queen programme, please contact Sharon / Glenis at lmqprogramme@ gmail.com Volunteers are also needed on the day. If you could spare some time to help in any way, please contact Kbuckley@hotmail.co.uk Follow the event on Facebook @ lymmmayqueen
The Home Office has recently launched the third phase of it’s ‘Disrespect Nobody’ campaign which will run until the beginning of May. The campaign aims to prevent young people, aged 12 to 18 years old, from becoming perpetrators and victims of abusive relationships. The campaign helps young people to understand what a healthy relationship is, as well as re-thinking their views of controlling behaviour, violence,
abuse, sexual abuse and what consent means within their relationships. Healthy relationships are all about respecting each other. Unacceptable behaviour and being disrespectful comes in many forms – as well as physical behaviour, applying pressure on you to do something you don’t want to do, making you feel scared, intimidated or someone trying to control you. The focus of the campaign is consent, sexting and
personal boundaries, which are the issues many young people need more education and information on. Further information is available on the Disrespect Nobody website www. disrespectnobody.co.uk, including advice around sexting, relationship abuse and consent, as well as where you can get help if you are worried about yourself or someone you know who could be in an abusive relationship.
Home Office Disrespect Nobody campaign
has gone into gathering the thoughts of young people, the council and local residents in order to prepare the Youth Zone’s planning application. The young people of Warrington deserve an OnSide Youth Zone which will give them a safe and inspiring place to spend their leisure time,
and we are on the road to making that dream a reality.” Warrington Youth Zone’s capital cost of £6.5m is being funded by Warrington Borough Council and a number of additional generous funders who are keen to see Warrington benefit from an OnSide Youth Zone.
A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council says: “The Council continues to fund all pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans, and remains committed to meeting its statutory duties. “Unfortunately, Government funding made available for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs is not sufficient to meet demand, and with increasing numbers of children and young people who need support, along with the additional requirement to support young people 0-25 years, there are significant, and virtually unsurmountable budget pressures. These have been exacerbated by recent changes to the funding formula proposed by Government. “To meet this gap proposals put forward include the removal of the opportunity for schools to apply for short term, discretionary topup funding. “Schools, with any child or young person that has in place this enhanced provision will continue to receive this funding. “These decisions are not easy, and a report will go back to the Executive Board proposing to maintain the current position, allowing applications to continue whilst a review is undertaken to determine the future of Enhanced Provision for the next academic year.”
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Take the family for a trip to the Brecon Beacons National Park whilst in Scotland and enjoy a broad assembly of attractions and activities!
STARGAZING: The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality skies throughout the whole of the UK which makes it a first choice for many to enjoy stargazing as the contrast of the stars against the beautiful dark sky allows for a truly brilliant stargazing experience. There are also many nocturnal animals that venture out in the night that you will be able to spot with your binoculars! You may be able to spot some of the rarest creatures of the night such as barn owls, horseshoe bats, foxes, badgers, dormice, hedgehogs, moths and insects. MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy beautiful views whilst cycling throughout the stunning scenery within the National Park and simultaneously participating in a healthy bout of exercise and spending plenty of time in the fresh air with family and friends. Bikes can be hired from the park where guests can enjoy a range of packages such as a modest one day bike ride to a complete set including equipment, accommodation, routes and guides. A range of different terrains are available for guests to discover such as lanes and hillside tracks. FISHING: Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a complete newbie, turn your hand to fishing at the National Park and experience fishing in rivers,
canals, lakes and reservoirs within The River Wye, The River Usk, Talybont Reservoir, Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, or the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. All participants are required to hold a Rod Licence. HORSE RIDING: Horse lovers are also welcomed at the National Park as the stunning scenery spans over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing pub lunch whilst exploring as facilities also cater for the horses. Experience quality trekking, riding and hacking holidays, short rides and pony trekking. GROUP ACTIVITIES: Experienced coordinators can help to create a package of activities including mental exercises or physical challenges for an afternoon of fun with your family and friends. Take advantage of the group activities at the Brecon Beacons National Park where a variety of activity sessions can be booked such as: water activities, i.e. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing, windsurfing; walking and riding, i.e. Hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking; nature and skills building, i.e. Navigation, bushcraft, wildlife-watching, archery, clay pigeon shooting as well as exploration activities, i.e. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, ropes and zip wires. It is important to note that before partaking in outdoor activities, a thorough visit to the Brecon Beacons National Park’s website is recommend ensuring that all essential equipment can be obtained. Also, check the weather forecast to allow for proper preparation for the course of nature. Ensure family and friends are aware of your location and always take local advice about any natural hazards you might encounter. Contact a local guide, instructor or organised group and follow the Countryside Code and the Waterways Code.
A new way to discover the wonders of Welsh wildlife
Wales is one of the world’s best places to watch wildlife, if you know where - and when - to look. So we’ve teamed up with Wildlife Trusts Wales to create an interactive guide to help you explore Wales’ wonderful wildlife, whether it’s amazing ospreys, a feeding frenzy of red kites, the world’s largest Manx shearwater colony, or the best place in Britain to see puffins and porpoises. Why not go for a relaxing stroll through an
enchanting Welsh rainforest carpeted in bluebells and daffodils? Or simply sit in a field full of orchids, or by a brilliant waterfall, and admire the view? The magic isn’t just restricted to spring and summer – there are amazing wildlife displays in autumn and winter with seal pups aplenty, the return of thousands of birds to our estuaries, and wonderful autumnal woodland colours with
golds, bronzes and foxy reds. Wales has an abundance of wildlife hotspots, including 216 Wildlife Trust nature reserves, 11 RSPB sanctuaries, over 2,485sq miles (4,000sq km) of National Park, and an 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path for wildlife to, well, go wild in. Wales has it all – but knowing where to go is the key to unlocking its secrets. Wildlife of Wales helps visitors to explore Wales’s wonderful natural world
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Visit Cumbria
Conservation Day at Foulney Island Nature Reserve 3rd March -10:00 am to 4:00 pm Bring your friends and family and help benefit the wildlife with the clearing of vegetation from bird nesting areas of the Foulney Island Nature Reserve on the 3rd of March. This work helps to assist the little terns that travel to nest in the Foulney Islands in the summer. Participants are encouraged to wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring snacks and refreshments along with them. Foulney Island, Barrow in Furness, Lancashire, LA13 0QL. Houghton Village Farmers Market 10th March to 11th March – 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Visit the farmer’s market and purchase local produce from the stalls. Expect stalls selling items such as meat, bread, fruit and veg, cakes, cheese, as well as crafts and in-season plants. Tea and coffee mornings are run every month in aid of a different charity. Houghton Village Hall, Houghton, Carlisle, CA3 0NY Mother’s Day Treat @ Kong Adventure
11th March - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Reward Mum to a free cake and hot drink at Kong Adventure this Mother’s Day with any play area entry. Kong Adventure, Heads Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5EZ Dracula’s Ghost – The Beggar’s Theatre 15th March - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Visit The Beggar’s Theatre on the 15th of March to witness a truly spectacular performance of the vampire king at war with Van Helsing. Ticket prices start at £8.00 per adult. To pre-book tickets contact The Beggar’s Theatre on 01229 775677 The Beggar’s Theatre, Market Square, Millom. LA18 4HZ Please note: Prices are correct at time of
printing and may be subject to change. Film Night: North by Northwest 23rd of March - 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm NORTH by NORTHWEST Visit the Threlkeld Village Hall on the 23rd of March to witness the 1959 American thriller performed. Enjoy a tale of mistaken identity which has been deemed one of the greatest films of all time. With screenplay by Ernest Lehman, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason. Tickets are required for this event, £2 under 18’s and £4 adults. Threlkeld Village Hall, Station Rd, Threlkeld, Keswick CA12 4RX Please note: Prices are correct at time of printing and may be subject to change.
Penrith
Once known as the capital of Cumbria, the buzzing town of Penrith is now filled with traditional shops and arcades acting as a large regional centre for the eastern Lake District and those just outside of the National Park.
Cumbria, and therefore Penrith, was a semi-dependent state in the 9th and 10th century and formed part of the Kingdom of Scotland and Strathclyde until 1070AD. Penrith has a rich history and was later used as a strategic route to and from Scotland,
cementing its status as a military centre. The Penrith Museum and Tourist Information Centre are housed within an Elizabethan building, recently refurbished, which was being used as a school until the early 1970’s. The museum displays the history, geology and archaeology of Penrith. The Penrith Beacon, a monument built in 1719, sits at the top of Beacon Hill and reminds residents and visitors of the numerous times the beacons were lit in times of war since King Henry VIII. The view from Beacon Hill is spectacular as views across Eden Valley up to the hills of Lakeland are able to be enjoyed. The Penrith railway station is within close proximity to the centre of Penrith and opposite the ruins of Penrith Castle.
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Lakes coastal village celebrates
unique double World Heritage Status
As 2018 begins, the Lake District’s only coastal village, is celebrating its place on the map as one of the only places in the world to have a double World Heritage Site status. Muncaster Parish sits at the start of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire and is also part of the English Lake District. Two more good reasons to visit. Following a bumper season for the village last year, the New Year is set to bring even more opportunities to make the most of the remote jewel in the Lakes’ crown. Already part of Hadrian Wall’s World Heritage inscription, July’s announcement that the Lake District had joined the elite line-up of international locations gave it exceptional dual status. Lake District National Park area ranger, Rec Cathey, said it was an exciting time and that a lot of work had been done to help worldwide visitors enjoy the stunning landscape and history. She explained: “We have already rolled out the compelling
community-led archaeology project tracking Romans in Ravenglass and provided great walk options, including an accessible route for all ages and abilities. “The England Coast Path, due to open in this area in 2018, will take people into the village and Ravenglass has a regular train service, as well as top attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. “It’s fantastic that people can get to this remarkable place by public transport and see for themselves why UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage Site.” Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s marketing manager, Lisa Braithwaite, said getting global recognition twice was a remarkable feat. She explained: “It amazes people that this small community on the national park’s western fringes should have the same status as the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef. “They often come here without realising the Hadrian’s Wall connections and rich Roman heritage,
revealed in our new Ravenglass Railway Museum and nearby Muncaster Castle, The Roman Bathhouse, The Beacon Museum and Hardknott Fort in the Eskdale valley. “Since the Lake District became a WHS in summer, people have been flocking. In 2017 we saw a record 115,000 visitors.” For more detailed history and information about the great tourism location that is the Western Lakes visit www. westernlakedistrict.co.uk. Peter Frost-Pennington, of Muncaster Castle, added: “It’s onwards and upwards for us and I can’t wait to promote and push our double World Heritage Site status for years to come. “People need to know the scope and depth of what we’ve got here in the Western Lake District, the history, people, coast, mountains, scenery, industry, culture and heritage. “World Heritage is absolutely positive, it’s given confidence and pride and will help us attract people to this incredible place.
Lake District low-carbon
initiative calls for support
The Lake District National Park Partnership has reassessed its carbon footprint and is encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to support its efforts to reduce the impact of climate change on the Lake District. An area-wide ‘low-carbon Lake District’ initiative, which seeks to tackle climate change, has reviewed the baseline carbon footprint in the Lake District, and for the first time has reviewed business emissions too. Sam Hagon Strategy and Partnership Adviser at the Lake District National Park said: “Our approach is to decide what actions will deliver the largest carbon savings. We have a focus on visitor travel as transport has become more important since the previous assessment. Accommodation, food and drink are also important as combined they make up the second largest area of greenhouse gas emissions.” Residents of the Lake District can join the initiative too by making lifestyle changes, no matter how small. For example, Drinking from the tap instead of buying bottled water can be up to 1000 times less carbon intensive. If you swapped
your bottle of imported lager for a pint of locally brewed ale, the carbon saving would be equivalent to driving one mile. Cumbria has over thirty microbreweries so there’s no shortage! Tomatoes grown in artificially heated greenhouses in winter can be 100 times more carbon intensive than those grown locally and in season. Keep an eye out for locally produced food and embrace the UK seasons. Buy seasonal and local fruit and vegetables to keep yourself and your carbon footprint healthy. If you need an excuse to keep up your January diet then how about this, a cheese burger has a carbon footprint of about 2.5 kg CO2e, that’s four and a half miles in an average car or 15 miles by train! In fact, you can eat 250 locally grown apples for the same amount of carbon. The climate change subgroup of the Lake District National Park Partnership took a pioneering approach in 2010 by setting out the first ‘carbon budget’ for a local area with the target of reducing the emission of carbon, and other greenhouse gases, by 1 percent per year. It has now
taken a look back at the learning so far. Sam Hagon added: “It is good practice to review the methodology used in the carbon budget at regular intervals. This review, seven years since the scheme launched, allowed us to identify what may be required to achieve greater carbon savings so that we are clear which actions make the biggest difference. “Collectively we’ve saved over 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, from activities such as sustainable transport initiatives, installing hydroelectric schemes and planting new trees. We are now saving almost 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. That’s equivalent to the carbon footprint of 5,600 people in the Lake District – or six times the population of Coniston.” The Lake District National Park is encouraging people to be efficient in their use of travel as part of its Get Fit in the Lakes campaign, which is motivating people to walk, run, cycle and even swim around the Lake District in a bid to look after themselves and the environment. To read the full carbon budget report visit www.lakedistrict. gov.uk/carbonbudget
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Short breaks for 15 to
19-year-olds with disabilities Do you have a young person aged 15 to 19 with a disability? If so, they may be interested in getting involved with Knowsley’s short breaks service. Short breaks give young people with a disability an opportunity to join in activities in the community, as well as giving parents or carers a break from their caring role. The service has now launched a new range of activities specifically aimed at older teenagers, which have been developed after asking young people about the sorts of things they would like to do. As well as encouraging young people to socialise independently, the short breaks programme gives them the opportunity to enjoy activities experienced by other young people. These include trips to the cinema, restaurants, bowling, or shopping. Where appropriate the service will provide travel training. There is also support for young people to attend mainstream youth clubs or activities,
or specialist disability provision. Sports and games sessions – run by experienced inclusive sports staff – are offered alongside existing sessions as a way of building confidence and independence, and enabling young people to take part in an accredited disability/ adaptive sports leader’s training course. Organisers are also planning a photography project for 15 – 19 year-olds which is a great opportunity to have fun and develop new talents. Families can have up to five hours of short breaks a week – and this increases during the school holidays. While targeted short breaks activities are subsidised by the Council, there is a small charge of £1 per hour for activity clubs and £4.50 for structured swimming sessions. For more information about short breaks contact the Early Help, Children with Disabilities Team on 0151 443 5085 or visit the Knowsley Family Information Service website www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk.
Surrounded by the stunning Pennant Park Golf Course, the Pennant Holiday Lodges will delight those looking to relax and enjoy some of North Wales’ picturesque countryside. The park boasts spellbinding views of the Dee Estuary, Hilbre and the Wirral.
On a clear day you can see as far as Blackpool and the Cumbrian Hills. Pennant Park is perfectly situated between Conwy and Chester, making it the ideal location for exploring the North Wales coast and all the area has to offer. Within just a short walking
Pennant Park Golf Course distant you can enjoy nature trails, rambling, horse riding and fishing. If it’s something more adventurous you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. North Wales is fast becoming a Mecca for adventure sports. Of course, if you’re a keen
golfer then this is the perfect place to own a holiday home. Set in 110 acres of stunning parkland Pennant Park boasts a superb 18 hole golf course with greens of the highest quality and truly breathtaking signature holes. The course also has a practice putting green and a six bay driving range. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at the clubhouse with its friendly atmosphere and fully licensed bar and restaurant serving food daily. The luxury holiday homes are finished to the highest of standards and complete with interiors that are unique, elegant and fully customisable, so you’re sure to find one that you’ll love. Each lodge comes with a large decked veranda and parking for two cars. The small, exclusive development of 15 holiday lodges are sold with an amazing 75 year agreement and a full 12 month holiday licence, meaning they can be used all year round, as often as you like. This quiet retreat is filling up fast, with the park currently having one
brand new lodge for sale and only one empty base left. However, work had now commenced on a second holiday park. This will be home to a further 18 lodges with all the amenities of our first park plus the benefit of being able to sub-let. To truly appreciate the beauty of this park seeing really is believing! Spend a day at Pennant
Park, viewing the lodges, have a bite to eat and maybe a round of golf, you won’t be disappointed! Pennant Park Golf Club & Holiday Lodges. a: Whitford, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9ER Junction 32 off the A55 t: 01745 563000 e: info@pennant-park.co.uk w: www.pennant-park.co.uk
Warning over telephone scam Please be wary of a suspected telephone scam reported by a resident in Knowsley. The resident received a call from somebody claiming to be Clifford Blossom from the Financial Ombudsman. The caller requested that the resident go to their local shop and buy a £125 Paysafe card. The caller claimed that, after this, a solicitor called Jennifer Smith would visit the resident’s property to collect the card and pay the resident £2,000. Knowsley Council’s Trading Standards team is advising residents not to agree to any call or visit from Clifford Blossom or Jennifer Smith or to buy a Paysafe card in these circumstances. If you receive a call like this, please report it to Consumer Advice on 03454 04 05 06.
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It’s all Under One Roof
Changes are about to be made to the way people can access social housing in Warrington. Warrington Borough Council is introducing a new housing allocations system, to make sure that people who have the most housing need have the best chance of getting a home. The new system, called Under One Roof, will begin operating from 15 March 2018. It will replace the current system, Choose A Home, a choice based lettings system which has run for a number of years. Warrington Borough Council has changed its housing allocations policy because of the increase in demand for social housing and the need to make it as simple as possible for those with the greatest need for housing to get a home. Public consultation over the change to the policy took place in January and February 2017. Under One Roof will be different from Choose A Home, in that applicants will be matched to properties in the areas they have told us they would like to live - depending on availability - based on information they have provided about their circumstances. They won’t be able to see available homes or express an interest in them in the way that they can now. Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member responsible for housing, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “Every Council in the country has a housing allocations policy. This explains how people can access homes owned by social landlords. In most parts of the country, there are fewer homes available than people need, and Warrington is no different. “The Under One Roof system aims to mitigate this by supporting those people with the greatest housing need, matching members with properties based upon their circumstances. This is about making sure the people with the highest level of need get housed quickly, and reducing delays in the system. It is in line with our pledge to protect the most vulnerable.” Under One Roof will have available homes from Muir Group, Your Housing Group, Warrington Housing Association, Plus Dane, Sanctuary Housing, Clarion Housing Group, Helena Homes and Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) who run the scheme on behalf of Warrington
Borough Council. There will be two bands for housing need. Band 1 will be for people with an urgent housing need. Band 2 will be for people over 18 who meet the eligibility criteria but have no housing need. All current Choose a Home members are now being written to, explaining the changes and inviting them to register to join Under One Roof if
they are still looking for a home to rent. A special website, www. chooseahomeischanging.co.uk, has been launched to explain the changes being made. When people register, they will be asked to provide up-todate information about themselves and the people who will be living with them. This will inform their priority for housing and the band they are
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placed in. People looking for a home to rent in Warrington can continue to use the existing Choose a Home system until Friday 9 March. From 19th February 2018 they can register to join Under One Roof. The first matching through Under One Roof, at www.U-1-R.co.uk, will begin on Thursday 15th March. Support will be available for those who need it.
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SULJOVIC EXITS UNIBET PREMIER
LEAGUE ON EMOTIONAL JUDGEMENT NIGHT
MENSUR SULJOVIC was eliminated from the Unibet Premier League on Judgement Night on Thursday with a 7-4 defeat to Michael van Gerwen in Liverpool, as Michael Smith whitewashed Raymond van Barneveld. Suljovic had needed to claim at least a point from his tie with Van Gerwen to put the pressure on Peter Wright at the Echo Arena. However, Van Gerwen produced another master-class to retain his advantage at the top of the league table and eliminate the Austrian from his debut Premier League season. Van Gerwen opened the match with six perfect darts and landed a stunning ten 180s during the game, averaging 107.45 to claim his eighth win from nine matches. Suljovic joins Gerwyn Price in dropping out of the Premier League following Judgement Night, with the remaining eight players now progressing to compete for Play-Off places over the next six weeks. Suljovic withstood Van Gerwen's early barrage of four 180s in two legs to lead 2-1, before legs of 14, 14 and
13 darts put the world number one in command. The Champions League of Darts winner finished a 12-darter as he pulled back to 5-4, but Van Gerwen took out legs of 14 and 11 darts to seal the win. Wright later drew with Daryl Gurney in an emotionally-charged final game, with the breaking news that the legendary Eric Bristow had passed away seeing the 8,000-strong crowd singing their tribute to the fivetime World Champion. Gurney had begun the day in Derry at the birth of his son Daryl Jnr, before flying to Liverpool to compete in the Premier League in what could have been a pivotal contest with Wright. Gurney landed five 180s and a 121 checkout as he finished six doubles from 12 attempts, while Wright landed six perfect darts in the deciding leg as a 12-darter secured him a point. Price's disappointing debut season ended with a seventh defeat from nine matches as the Welshman lost out 7-3 to Simon Whitlock. Australian ace Whitlock opened up an early 4-1 lead as the pair struggled to find
their range on the doubles, before Price hit back to 4-3. However, a key 164 finish denied the Welshman the chance to level, and Whitlock then finished double six and double 16 to claim his fourth win of the season and maintain his Play-Off push. "It was a good win in the end and the two points is huge to me," said Whitlock. "I'm pushing towards the top four again now and I can build on that. "I'm experienced in the Premier League and Gerwyn is new, and I do feel for him. He's a good mate and we get along great but the Premier League's tough. "That's not the Gerwyn Price I know and it made it difficult for me because I'm feeling the pain he's going through but I had to do a job. "I got there in the end but it was ugly. It wasn't a good performance but I'll take the two points." Michael Smith rose to the occasion in his "home" Premier League night as the St Helens ace whitewashed Raymond van Barneveld 7-0 in an outstanding display. The former World Youth Champion's seventh win of the season saw him hit seven doubles from eight attempts - with his only miss being a wired bullseye to complete a 170 finish - while he also averaged 103.15. Finishes of 86, on the bull, and 70 gave Smith two early breaks as he
took command, and he also finished 116 in leg six before completing the win to seal both points. "My finishing went really well but I'll take my first whitewash in the Premier League," said Smith. "I knew this kind of performance was coming and you can't be at your best every single match but to get close to it tonight is really nice. It shows that the hard work's paying off. "I've not been playing well in the Premier League but I've still been winning. It had to come some time and I'm glad it came today, I enjoyed it and it was a nice night for me. "I'm just glad to get past Judgement Night and I can relax now and start looking forward now and focus on the top four." World Champion Rob Cross claimed his sixth victory of the tournament as he overcame Gary Anderson 7-5 to continue his impressive run of form and claim a first career win over the Scot. Anderson hit back from 2-0 down to level and remained all square following six legs, but Cross took out 67 and 75 to regain the edge and fired in a 180 as he held firm in a decider to claim the points. "It wasn't great tonight but a couple of big moments helped," said Cross. "The 75 to go 5-3 up was big and I managed to hold my throw from
there. "If you're winning you're not doing a lot wrong - it doesn't matter if it's scruffy or perfect. I've played brilliantly against Gary before and lost so to get the win tonight is really pleasing. "I've really enjoyed the Premier League, the crowds are amazing and I look forward to it every Thursday." The Unibet Premier League season will continue on Thursday April 12 at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield with the season's tenth league night. For tickets, visit www.flydsaarena.co.uk or call 0114 256 5656. Unibet Premier League Judgement Night - April 5 Echo Arena, Liverpool Simon Whitlock 7-3 Gerwyn Price Raymond van Barneveld 0-7 Michael Smith Gary Anderson 5-7 Rob Cross Mensur Suljovic 4-7 Michael van Gerwen Daryl Gurney 6-6 Peter Wright
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