Issue 68 • August 2011
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Inside your
The picture
‘River from the ferry’ by Robert (Bob) Curwen
Every issue of city features a photo taken by a reader.
Bob sent us this tremendous picture of Liverpool from the Mersey Ferry. The Mersey looked choppy so Bob did well to get such a crisp shot.
Why not submit your favourite Liverpool photograph to city.magazine@liverpool.gov.uk It could feature here!
Inside your ... 4 14
City Focus A new series of features looking at key priorities of the city council, including a budget update from Councillor Joe Anderson and the launch of Beautiful North
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Green city Bulky Bob’s goes green and unused land becomes a growers’ paradise
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people, places, music, sport, history...
• Focus on parks • Young talent rewarded
Business city
• Be Bold and party
It’s all go at London’s Gherkin as city representatives wow London’s business community
• Memory Pool • Mersey Marathon
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Healthy city
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Civic city
COVER STORY
Cultural city Special report: On the Waterfront arrived with an explosive 3D show on the side of the 100 year old Liver Building and the new Museum of Liverpool opens its doors
Tel: 0151 233 3000
Don’t miss our great THEATRE and VERY competitions, with fantastic prizes up for grabs!
As a new health centre opens up in Garston, City looks at other health stories affecting Liverpool
Introducing the Junior and Young Lord Mayors of Liverpool
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Budget update THE city council has got to save an unprecedented £91 million over the next financial year.
These savings come after the local authority received one of the worst settlements in the country from central government. Consultation has been underway over the last few months with local residents and users of affected services.
The pressures are further compounded by the fact that in the forthcoming financial year (2012-13) the City Council has to find an additional £50 million in savings. In this Budget update, City explores how spending cuts will affect key council services, and highlight what we are doing to mitigate the impact of the reduction in spending.
From the Leader ALTHOUGH the cuts we have had to make are severe and unpalatable, I would like to reassure people that we are doing our utmost to protect the most vulnerable and needy in our city. We’ve spent the last year looking at our organisation, seeing where efficiencies can be made and acting on these quickly to stand us in good stead for the coming year. So far we’ve managed to save £30 million through cutting inefficiencies, removing performance related pay for senior staff and reducing staff numbers by over 900 through offering voluntary redundancy. I’ve also ensured we save money in other ways, such as stopping the delivery of fresh flowers to building receptions and not paying for taxis to take staff to meetings. In many ways, setting the budget was the easy part. The difficult and painful part is choosing how exactly we will reduce services in order to balance the books. Many vulnerable people in our communities need the life-line that key council services provide. However we’ve got to face the fact that with such a big shortfall in the budget, some things have got to give.
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Over the next few pages we’re providing updates across the council from those teams that are on the front line of decision-making. I hope that this frank and honest update sets the scene for you and highlights the dilemmas we’re grappling with. In some cases it will take us longer to fix and repair things, and we may not provide as comprehensive a service as we used to. There will be fewer facilities and services but we will attempt to apply fairness to everything we do. I did not come in to politics to make these types of decisions. I don’t mind telling you I have had many sleepless nights worrying about the impact they will have. But decide we will, because that is why we were elected. If we chose not to, the government would send in officials to do the work for us, and we would have no say in the matter. Please do remember that you can always contact me if you have any ideas, suggestions or comments. Email joe.anderson@liverpool.gov.uk or you can write to me at Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH.
Councillor Joe Anderson Leader, Liverpool City Council
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Regeneration and Housing The Government’s scrapping of the HMRI (housing market renewal) programme has hit the regeneration of some of the city’s most deprived communities. Liverpool needs to find £200 million to complete the housing renewal needed in the city. Inevitably, this means the pace of regeneration has slowed, and led to frustration in communities. The city council is trying to overcome this huge challenge by working more closely with private partners and housing developers to secure vital investment. We are also working hard to find other pots
of public funding, such as Kickstart and a £30m fund launched nationally by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP, to help vulnerable residents in poor households. Recent regeneration successes include the completion on the first phase of the city’s redevelopment of the former Boot Estate in North Liverpool, pictured left. The work has brought more than £20 million investment to the area and will deliver almost 200 new homes. We’ve also completed the first 34 of 72 homes in the priority Anfield Breckfield renewal area, thanks to a partnership Keepmoat Homes and Arena Housing, and a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Environment
Adult social care
We have had to reduce the number of staff dealing with environmental health issues, which includes private rented housing complaints, pollution and vacant land.
Consultation is underway with service users and carers on removing moderate social care, but no final decision has been made. Each person’s situation would be fully reviewed before any decision is made over their current support package - and some people would move up into the substantial category while others will be judged not to require support as they’ve regained independence. We will do all we can to help those people who do need it, with the emphasis on reablement services and short-term assistance to get them living independently again.
This is likely to lead to increased response times as the volume of requests remains the same. There will be less enforcement, fly-tipping clearance and street cleansing activity - although we are working with partners to ensure that where possible efficiencies are found to maintain services. There has been a very clear commitment to retaining a weekly refuse collection service and fortnightly recycling and green waste collections. A free pest control service to treat domestic rats and mice remains, but we are no longer dealing with cockroaches, fleas and bedbugs. The cemeteries and crematoria service has been protected, funded by an increase in fees. The Ranger Service has been scaled back and support for “friends of” and voluntary groups has been reduced.
Tel: 0151 233 3000
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Children’s Centres We will continue to protect the most vulnerable in our city.
We have therefore allocated funding to keep 22 centres open, and consultation is underway with the local community at the remaining four (Hunts Cross, West Derby, Childwall and Woolton, Church and Mossley Hill) to help them come up with alternative / viable proposals. Although we are committed to Children’s Centres continuing to offer a full range of services for families, especially for those in most need, additional projects such as school teacher support and community childminder posts, are being withdrawn. As we went to press, consultation was also underway on a proposal to close nurseries at four centres – Knotty Ash, Belle Vale, County and Croxteth. These centres have surplus places which cost thousands of pounds to subsidise and there are alternative nurseries nearby. We are proposing to ‘federate’ nearby Norris Green and Clubmoor Centres and merge the teams, but there will be no change for families as many already travel to both sites to access services.
Culture and Tourism
Highways
Most of the city’s arts organisations have received budget cuts of up to 20 per cent, which equates to an overall £800,000 budget reduction. Events such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade and the Performing Arts Festival will no longer take place.
Overall reductions in government funding of 40 per cent for transport and road maintenance means Liverpool has only £5.8 million to spend on improving roads and filling potholes this year - despite a repairs backlog of well over £200 million.
A major review of the state of Liverpool’s road network has found 14 ‘red-list’ roads, identified as priority
for improvement. Roads in the very worst condition will be prioritised, while others will have to wait. These include stretches of Queens Drive, East Lancs Road and Prescot Road. One of the issues we are grappling with is unadopted roads, which the council has no legal responsibility for. The three miles of roads in Sefton Park would cost £6 million to bring up to standard.
Some cultural organisations have benefited from transitional funding to assist them in managing funding reductions from City Council and other bodies. We are planning a full consultation on how we best manage future funding cuts to grant funded clients. Thanks to a partnership with Liverpool Primary Care Trust, we have been able to offer £150,000 funding to grass roots community organisations.
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Libraries
Community Safety
A consultation into the future of the city’s library service is underway and more than 4,000 people have given their views on where the savings of £2 million should be made.
In the last issue of City we reported how Citysafe – Liverpool’s community safety partnership – has recorded a year of significant achievement, including a 10 per cent reduction in crime. However, the amount of money made available to the city for community safety schemes has been slashed by £9.3 million an 87 per cent funding reduction. As a result many crime-busting programmes will have to be curtailed or scrapped. These schemes include no new
alley-gating schemes and fewer new street lighting schemes in hotspot locations. We have had to end the business crime grant aid programme funding, which is made available to small businesses to help prevent robberies. Reduced funding is now available for taxi rank marshalling in the city centre and the Night Alert scheme. Fewer resources are available for security enhancement measures to protect vulnerable people in their homes who are subject to domestic burglary, hate crime and domestic violence.
The results will be announced in forthcoming months and could see reduced library opening hours. Unfortunately some closures may be unavoidable in the current financial climate now or in the near future.
Recreation and sports centres Leisure Centre funding has been cut by £1.6 million in 2011/12 and as a result schemes such as Futures and Seniors, which gave under 17s and over 60s free access to our lifestyle centres, have been stopped.
We are looking at innovative ways of generating income. A recently signed deal with Liverpool John Moores University, which allows the 25,000 students and 3,000 staff to use the city’s leisure facilities free-of-charge at off-peak times, will bring in £400,000 to the council coffers. This of course doesn’t solve our budget problems, but working with other organisations is a win-win situation and benefits all sides.
Planning with you for next year Work is now underway on planning for a sufficient 2012/13 budget.
The city council estimates it will have to make at least another £50 million of savings on top of the £91 million found in the current financial year. This could be even more challenging than last year’s budget process. We are looking at all options to make the savings. To make sure everyone is kept in touch with the decision making process, the city council is planning to webcast its budget discussions between councillors and officers on its website. In September, residents will be able to indicate which services they would like to see protected in an interactive consultation called ‘You Choose’, which will also be hosted on the website.
Consultation will also take place with the business community, voluntary and cultural sectors, schools and other service providers. The final budget will be set in February 2012.
September – December Councillors and officers meet to discuss budget priorities – live meetings will be streamed online
December Final budget options decided
January 2012 Consultation with residents, businesses, voluntary and community sector and schools
February 2012 Budget meeting to ratify spending for 2012/13
Did you know? You can take part in public consultations on council services by visiting liverpool.gov.uk/council/consultations .
Tel: 0151 233 3000
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What’s next for the city centre? WHEN Liverpool ONE was being built a number of commentators expressed fears about the effects it would have on the rest of the city centre. In April, record numbers of people visited Liverpool city centre. CITY takes a look at the future of the city centre following the development of Liverpool ONE. “We cannot rest on our laurels,” said Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council.
“With a development like Liverpool ONE there may have been a temptation to think – that’s it, we now have the town centre we want.” It’s true that as a city, continued growth is very important – without this you are overtaken by your rivals and end up back at square one. “That is why ambitious and exciting schemes such as Central Village are so important. They show investors still have faith in Liverpool and that they still believe there is demand for major projects,” continued Councillor Anderson. “The future of the city and the wider region rests on whether Liverpool City Centre continues to thrive. It is, after all, the economic powerhouse for the region, generating jobs and boosting the local economy. We need it to keep on growing so that those fears some people had about Liverpool ONE do not become a reality,” added Councillor Anderson.
The biggest new scheme taking shape is the £200 million leisure and retail development Central Village on six acres of land behind Liverpool Central Station, Renshaw Street and Bold Street. When complete in 2013 it will have three new hotels, offices, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, cafes, a new public car park, residential buildings, six cinema screens and landscaped public space, including a boardwalk and water feature and will contribute £100 million to the city’s economy. Central Village is being developed by Merepark whose chairman, Robert Ross said: “Central Village is Liverpool’s largest regeneration scheme and the next key employment site for the city.” Central Village is likely to create 1000 construction jobs and a further 2000 permanent positions, a very substantial boost to the local jobs market. “From waiters, chefs and hospitality managers to retail staff and office workers, Central Village will create a whole host of opportunities working for some of the UK’s
best leisure brands. “Very few developers are delivering anything of this kind in the UK right now and occupiers have responded with enthusiasm to what we’re offering, which is a positive statement about Liverpool’s future,” continued Ross. Another major proposal is a £25 million investment by Forever 21 on Church Street and Whitechapel. Added to major retail development has been the continued growth in the number and quality of hotels and restaurants in the city centre. And the city now boasts the fourth hippest street in the country – Seel Street had that accolade bestowed on it in the recent Google Street awards. Inevitably, given the current economic climate, there will be some empty shops. A number of businesses will fail and the pace of growth will not be as great as some people would like. But overall the city centre’s future looks a lot healthier than some of the sceptics would have you believe.
• Artist’s impression of Central Village
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Commercial District says yes BUSINESSES in Liverpool’s commercial district have voted in favour of the area gaining Business Improvement District (BID) status.
BID status is expected to generate more than £3 million in additional funding over the next five years for enhanced maintenance, marketing and physical improvements. With 60 per cent of voters agreed to the proposal, this will create only the third ever commercial-led BID in the UK. Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “I’m delighted that local firms have voted in favour of creating a BID. Creating a stronger commercial district is crucial to Liverpool’s ambitions to attract jobs and investment, and this result shows a blossoming revival of confidence among Liverpool’s private sector. “It will mean companies have a greater influence over how they would like the business district to look and feel, with
potential further investment. The commercial district BID is now Liverpool’s second following the successful City Central application five years ago. The new BID takes in Leeds Street in the north and James Street in the south, and runs from west-east from The Strand to Pall Mall.
additional resources available to make those ambitions a reality.” The application for BID status was launched by Liverpool Commercial District Partnership, (CDP), which identified a need for the city’s private sector to protect the area’s wider interests and leverage
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
• Artist’s impression of Central Village
BIN IT, BUT DON’T BAG IT Local waste officers are asking householders to help raise the region’s recycling rate by keeping unwanted items out of their bins. The Merseyside and Halton Waste Partnership message is simple: ‘If you have any doubt about whether an item should go for recycling, leave it out!’ and comes as the Partnership reveals a catalogue of inappropriate objects left for recycling including: a paddling pool; a bag of dry cement; bags of animal excrement; gas bottles, and a car exhaust. Equally alarming is the amount of bagged waste making it into recycling bins – items that have been sorted by householders for recycling, but then tied up in a plastic bag. Recycling items should be placed loose into the recycling bin. General black bin-bag waste is also ending up in some recycling bins, whereas this should be placed into your normal residual bin.
Tel: 0151 233 3000
Chief Executive of Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority Carl Beer said: “After bin lorries have done a collection they come to our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Bidston where conveyors, magnets and sorting separates the recyclable materials. If there’s too much contamination then it disrupts the process and can bring it to a halt completely.” Other items of trouble for the MRF include food packaging – if materials are dirty then residents should put the items in their normal purple bin. Liverpool’s recycling blue bin accepts glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminium cans, paper and cardboard and plastic bottles. Carl Beer continued: “It’s a shame if people are sorting their recycling but then putting it into plastic bags. Our message is ‘bin it, but don’t bag it’.” The Bidston MRF in action
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The Beautiful North IN June a long-term community project, The Beautiful North was launched to improve life for communities in the north of the city.
Problems with anti-social behaviour and high unemployment, lack of opportunities, boarded-up shops and grot-spots have blighted the area for many years. However, investments such as the £150 million Project Jennifer scheme on Great Homer Street, Peel’s future Mersey Waters project and environmental improvements of the regeneration of Stanley Park offer potential for a much needed boost. The campaign, which focuses on Anfield, Kirkdale and County is being driven by Liverpool City Council with support from 40 organisations including Plus Dane, community groups, residents and a range of partners from across Liverpool. “North Liverpool is a proud area with lots of potential and we need to re-inject some of that famous Liverpudlian spirit back into some of our neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Steve Munby, Liverpool’s cabinet member for neighborhoods. Lots of events are being run in the area throughout the year. These include a mass clean-up of streets and grot-spots, dealing with empty property and making some much needed environmental improvements. One very visible clean-up project was the recent landscaping and fencing of the former Aldi site on Eldon Street. The site had been derelict for five years and attracted arson attacks and vandalism.
Donna Williamson is a North Liverpool resident who works at the Rotunda. She attended the launch at the Isla Gladstone conservatory in Stanley Park:
“I’ve lived in North Liverpool all my life and I love the place and the people who live there. It’s genuinely pleasing to see so many people from around the city willing to give up their time to support this project.
says:
There are plenty of opportunities in the north of the city to improve peoples’ livelihoods. The Beautiful North is being seen as an
opportunity to grasp some very serious issues, focus on the positive aspects of the community and make the most of the rich heritage the north has at its disposal. To join in the Beautiful North campaign, visit the Facebook group ‘North Liverpool’ and pledge your support.
“I think Beautiful North is a really common sense project and if people can give their time, energy and resources to help this project along, then we’ll make big differences to the area I love so much.” Partners involved in Beautiful North cleared and made the site beautiful in under six weeks. “Beautiful North is an exciting project, which focuses us on being innovative and working well as a partnership,” said Erika Rushton, director at Plus Dane Housing. “By working together to improve our local environment, we can make big things happen in North Liverpool.” Leader of the opposition, Councillor Paula Keaveney said: “North Liverpool has received a lot of assistance in its
continued regeneration and Beautiful North is an evolution of this work. “It’s great to see so many partners, from big housing associations to smaller community groups, getting involved in making their neighbourhoods better.”
Anfield gets a spring clean VOLUNTEERS called the ‘Jazzy Jiggers’ have been brightening up Anfield’s alleyways in a bid to make them safer, cleaner and greener.
City talks to Irene Taylor, chair of the B2U residents association and keen ‘Jazzy Jigger’, who inspired and led the makeover alongside pupils from Pinehurst School, Merseyside Police, Plus Dane and the Jigsaw organisation. “Our alleyways have been a real mess for too long with dog fouling and bin bags left out. They’re not safe either. If people leave bins out, it gives thieves stepladders into their properties.” By talking to neighbours and bringing the community together, Irene and her fellow 10
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Jazzy Jiggers made a real difference in a short space of time. “I dropped letters through neighbours’ doors and asked people if they’d like a hanging basket. Some said no but most were really behind the idea.” Now the area has been cleaned up and made pretty, the next job is to extend the work beyond Bingley and Denebank Roads, to neighbouring streets and maintain the planting after winter - something which Irene is certain will happen. “I don’t believe in a negative attitude and by working together, with the Beautiful North behind us, we can keep our community looking cleaner, greener and safer.”
Have you and your neighbours got together to spruce up your street, or made your alleyway greener? Send City your pictures. The best pics may make it into the next issue. liverpool.gov.uk
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Parks boost for Anfield A housing development is promising to boost the housing market in Anfield/Breckfield.
The £9 million ‘Parks Scheme’ of 72 high quality, affordable homes in the Anfield/Breckfield area, include 38 for private sale, with a range of shared equity options available to help people get on the property ladder. 34 will be available for rent through Arena Housing. Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool’s cabinet member for housing and community safety said: “I’m absolutely delighted that these fantastic new homes are nearing completion. “The regeneration of Anfield/ Breckfield remains a major priority for us, and although there are many challenges ahead, we are doing everything we can to improve life for residents.”
20-year ambition AN ambitious 20-year plan to revitalise North Liverpool and South Sefton has been agreed.
Tackling empty homes
North through a lens
THE number of empty homes in North Liverpool has been halved thanks to the Pretty Vacant scheme, which has been targeting landlords and owners of empty or void property since September 2010.
A competition is currently underway to find the true beauty of North Liverpool through photography.
Empty housing is a proven deterrent to new people moving into an area, as well as discouraging future investment and new business start ups. Each empty property is estimated to cost the local economy upwards of £100,000 per empty home each year. The Pretty Vacant team has contacted hundreds of owners of empty properties, which has resulted in generating a 70 per cent response rate and a number of homes being brought back into use.
The ‘Show Your Beautiful Face’ photography competition will showcase amateur photographers’ snaps of their local area – the winner will be announced at an event in September and will take home the £500 prize. Entries closed at the end of July and the judging panel will deliberate and announce the winners at a special event being held in September (venue to be announced). To view all the entries and make comments, visit Flickr.com and search for ‘Show Your Beautiful Face Photography Competition’.
Did you know? Each home that is brought back into use generates additional council tax and enables Liverpool City Council to claim £1,300 from the New Homes Bonus for each property for six years. Tel: 0151 233 3000
The North Liverpool and South Sefton Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) was developed by Liverpool Vision in partnership with Liverpool and Sefton Councils, NWDA and Homes and Communities Agency. It aims to increase job opportunities, attract investment and improve the local environment. It also looks at how current schemes, such as Mersey Waters, development of the port, Everton Park and Everton and Liverpool football clubs can maximise economic growth for the area. Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “This important strategy will be the driving force for the regeneration of North Liverpool over the next two decades. It will be an invaluable tool for showcasing our shared vision for the area to potential developers, investors and the Government.” Issue 68 City magazine
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Festival site blooms once again THE LONG-awaited reopening of the Festival Gardens site in Aigburth has captured the imaginations of people who remember visiting the site in 1984. For decades, the 90-acre area was derelict, neglected and overgrown – a far cry from when it staged the International Garden Festival, and received millions of delighted visitors in the colourful gardens. Now owner and developer, Langtree, has completed the first phase of a £3.7 million transformation of the site, including the spectacular gardens. This includes four new bridges, two kilometres of newly created pathways, 5.25 million litres of water pumped into the water bodies, 5,000 decorative pagoda roof tiles from China and the planting of more than five million wild flower seeds. Leading Japanese landscape architect, Satoru Izawa, was flown in especially to support the restoration of one of the site’s original features, the Japanese Garden, which stands alongside an Oriental Garden featuring a fully restored Chinese pagoda and Moon Wall. Liverpool’s Japanese Garden
Blooming marvellous Granby RESIDENTS of a Liverpool street are hoping their green-fingered magic will win them another Britain in Bloom award. Pay a visit to Granby Street, Cairn Street or Beaconsfield Street in Toxteth and you’ll see apple trees, beautiful hanging baskets and planters containing all manner of colourful flora. Residents hope the RHS Britain Streets in Bloom judges will award them a coveted award in 2012 following their visit in August. Hopeful resident, Eleanor Lee said: “We’re proud residents who like to make our streets welcoming, bright and colourful. Our houses don’t have gardens so we’ve decided to make our road our garden and everyone’s really embraced it.” 12
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is widely claimed to be the finest outside Japan. Councillor Tim Moore, Liverpool’s cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “We have waited for the restoration of the Festival Gardens for many years.” “The site was a blight on Liverpool’s landscape for far too long. Now far from being an eyesore the site will be one of the most attractive green spaces in the region.” John Downes, managing director at Langtree, said: “We believe that we are about to create one of the most exciting residential schemes in the country set within a fantastic new contemporary park. “The local community has been very supportive of our plans and we have had great support from the city council and other partners.” The site will be managed by Land Trust working in association with Groundwork Merseyside. The second phase of the project will see Langtree work with residential developers to create 1,374 new homes on 25 acres located on the area of the former Festival Hall dome.
• Festival site in full bloom
Taking a shine to neighbours 60 volunteers in Dingle joined together to clean up their neighbourhood as part of European Neighbours Day.
Volunteers including residents, staff from local business and other agencies took part to improve the look and facilities of the area including the creation of a new picnic area on Riverside Drive, near to the Britannia Pub. Railings along the Grafton Cliffs were given a coat of paint; hanging baskets throughout the area were replenished and community planters spruced up.
More than100 full bags of litter were removed from the streets, while ‘hot spots’ were cleared of dog fouling. Councillor Steve Munby, Liverpool’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods who took part in the day, said: “This was a real community effort from people who live and work in the area showing that they have pride in their neighbourhood. “Dingle is cleaner and brighter because of their efforts. They really have proved to be good neighbours.”
• Dingle volunteers clean up
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Interpreting the gardens IN THE run up to the site’s opening, CITY talked to Angela Davies, vice chair of the Japanese Society North West. Angela was involved with the site from the start, following its commission by the Merseyside Development Corporation. “I was originally brought in as an interpreter and helped with the negotiations with the Japanese and eventually with Hakone Ueki, the garden design company.” Through this work Angela developed links with the site’s build and developed relationships with the Japanese government and people involved in the scheme. “I have maintained ties with the original design team over the years, and have often sent photos and hosted delegations of visitors wishing to see the site. Whilst the site was waiting to be renewed, people in Japan often wanted to see it. Gardens are very important to the Japanese and not many places have the honour of an authentic Japanese garden.” Tel: 0151 233 3000
Angela had always dreamt of the garden being brought back to life. “It’s had so many false starts and I thought this would never come into fruition. I’m thrilled that the gardens have been renewed and cannot wait for the park to be full of people enjoying the splendour of the garden in full bloom.” Japanese gardens need to be balanced and look natural and the features, such as the stunning rest house,lake and waterfall must be seen from all angles. “Many of the original trees remain, including some pretty outstanding Japanese Maples. All of these
have been severely pruned back so that features such as the wooden structures, the bridge and lake can be seen un-obscured.” Now the Festival Gardens are open, does Angela think her work is done? “Far from it, I am continuing to provide support and when parties come over from Japan I will be on hand to interpret and tell all the history of this fascinating garden.” For a trip down memory lane, flick to page 27 and read Memory Pool all about the original Festival Gardens site.
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Liverpool ONE hits jackpot LIVERPOOL ONE the city’s £1bn retail development, has won a prestigious International award in Las Vegas.
The Council of Shopping Centre (ICSC) ‘Best-of-the-Best’ award at the ICSC VIVA (Vision, Innovation, Value and Achievement) was won for reconnecting the centre of Liverpool, attracting new visitors, and raising the city’s appeal among leading UK and international brands. Liverpool ONE beat off retail and leisure destinations from around the world to claim the title. The award honours the most outstanding examples of retail design and development, sustainability, marketing and community service. Liverpool’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “Liverpool ONE is a world-class development which has transformed the city centre and become a symbol of the city’s renaissance. “It continues to attract millions of local, regional, national and international visitors and has made Liverpool a premier retail destination once more.”
Liverpool continues LIVERPOOL’S business community has been working hard to encourage new investment at the city’s London business embassy.
Over the last few weeks events have been held at the ‘Gherkin’ and at the Embassy on Broad Street. In June investment high-flyers attended a lunch sponsored by DWF, bringing them together with wealth management and bio-sciences representatives from Liverpool. The lunch was cooked and presented by Masterchef winner and local chef extraordinaire, Claire Lara. At the meeting, the chief executive of City UK, Chris Cummings, delivered a positive assessment of Liverpool’s economic growth prospects: “Liverpool ticks all these boxes. There is an underlying vigour in the city’s economy based on fast-growing strengths in areas like wealth management, bio-science, advanced manufacturing, digital
creation and the low carbon economy. Liverpool is building a modern high value economy with attractive investment opportunities.” Meanwhile at the Gherkin, the Embassy team met two hundred business people to tell talk to them about the exciting investment opportunities in Liverpool. A team of Liverpool’s public and private sector leaders, led by Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council and hosted by Balfour Beatty, led a compelling pitch about the city. After the Gherkin event, Councillor Anderson said: “This was about telling some of the UK’s most important CEOs and business people why they should think about Liverpool when making their business and investment decisions. “This is why we are in London – to speak to the right people, to make the right contacts and impress upon them that Liverpool has great assets for business and is a place to make business happen.”
City vacant homes boost DEVELOPERS are being sought to breathe new life into 177 inner city homes in Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council has invited expressions of interest from developers to refurbish vacant council-owned Victorianera properties in the Kensington, Granby and Picton renewal areas. The works, which have an estimated value of £14 million, will bring 177 vacant homes back into use as part of a major refurbishment and rebuild programme. The selected organisations will finance the work. Liverpool’s cabinet member for housing and community safety, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, (pictured left) said: “In such difficult economic times, it’s more important than ever that we find new and innovative ways of improving our housing stock and bring vacant properties back into use.” The scheme aims to drive up the quality of housing for local residents, widen choice and provide a better mix of affordable properties for sale or rent. 14
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Business
to charm capital
News in brief
Virgin talks on track HIGH-level talks between Virgin Trains and Liverpool City Council have started with the aim of increasing services to and from London.
The current level of service to Liverpool Lime Street from Euston are a fraction of those to Manchester, with many trains being over-crowded at peak times. “With Liverpool’s continuing focus on bringing up investment from London, an efficient and frequent rail service is vital to our success in attracting high-level investment,” said Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council. The west coast mainline from Glasgow to London has been upgraded over the course of a decade-long programme, with journey times between Liverpool and London Euston slashed to just over two hours.
Sponsors back festival LIVERPOOL’S business community has shown its support for this year’s Mathew Street festival by sponsoring the event. As the city council faces budget pressures, it is looking for support from those who take part in the annual event, and from businesses who benefit from visitors to the city centre during the August bank holiday weekend. Cains Brewery has signed a deal to become an official supplier for local culture events, and their first role will be as a key supporter for the festival. Cains will host a special area for key sponsors and partners, and branding will be seen across the city centre.
The Flanagan Group has donated £10,000 and the Cavern Club and Pub have given £2,000. The Ship and Mitre, Garcias, The Vernon, The Slaughterhouse, The Liverpool and The Cornmarket have all contributed. Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The Mathew Street Music Festival is a popular event which brought in £20 million to the local economy last year. “It is a costly event and as we’re facing big budget cuts, it isn’t feasible for us to solely fund the event. We’re asking residents and businesses to back this year’s festival as the level of local support will help to shape the future of the event.”
All aboard for big rail projects LIVERPOOL Chamber of Commerce and Industry led on a delegation of the region’s MPs, councillors, railway experts and businesses to make the case for improved rail services in the region.
The group took over the Liverpool Embassy to promote the big three schemes which will help boost the region’s economy. “Liverpool’s a major UK and international player and needs high quality rail services to maximise its potential,” said Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council. The rail improvement schemes cover improvements in regional, national and international connections. “Our key rail projects are electrification of lines between Liverpool and Manchester, the Northern hub and High Speed rail 2 (HS2), which will link the north with fast trains to southern counties and the existing HS1 line to the continent. “These projects will be key to our city and the region’s future success,” continued Councillor Anderson. Issue 68 City magazine
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Cultural
Wondrous museum opens J
ULY was a historic month to remember in Liverpool as the old and the new were celebrated in memorable style.
Thousands streamed into the new Museum of Liverpool as the doors opened for the first time. The People’s Opening on Tuesday 19 July was a chance for the crowds to step inside the newest waterfront addition and take in some of the spectacular exhibitions on display. And if you haven’t had a chance to experience the city’s latest attraction, here are some of the delights you’ve got in store. On entering the museum, you’ll be blown away by the impressive Atrium, filled with natural light from a circular skylight at the centre of the building, mirrored on the ground floor by a spiral motif. This New Stone Age motif was discovered on the Calderstones, revealing the rich and long history to which the Museum is devoted. On the ground floor there‘s Global City which explores Liverpool’s links with
the rest of the world, uncovering the innovators, entrepreneurs and reformers behind the city’s international connections. Little Liverpool is aimed at children up to six years old and is crammed with activities including a Liver Bird’s Nest sensory area. The second floor Skylight Gallery displays Ben Johnson’s beautiful Liverpool Cityscape painting and opposite this is the People’s Portrait display which features 30 photographs by Mike McCartney, reflecting his own insights and experiences of the city. Wondrous Place celebrates Liverpool’s creative and sporting personalities. And if that wasn’t enough, the gallery also features a huge 80ft window, offering amazing views of the Albert Dock and the rest of the city. And finally there’s The People’s Republic which also boasts an impressive 80ft window, beautifully
Centenary marks honorary scouser
THE REGION’S most famous landmark, the Liver Building celebrated its centenary as the backdrop for a breathtaking 3D show. As a mark of honour and acknowledgement of the Liver Birds’ creator, Carl Bernard Bartels received a posthumous ‘Citizen of Honour Award’. During the Great War, anger against the Germans reached its peak with the sinking of the Lusitania, on its way to Liverpool in 1915. The fallout saw German properties in the city attacked.
Throughout the Second World War, the Birds watched as much of the city was destroyed by bombing. Bartels’ plans and blueprints for the Liver Birds were in turn destroyed; acknowledgement of their creator as a German was deemed unthinkable. Until now, the creator of the Liver Birds has gone largely unrecognised for his sculptures, so embedded in the psyche of Liverpool, it is said their demise would cause the city to fall. The memorable celebrations were part of the city’s On the Waterfront festival and opening of the Museum of Liverpool.
• Tim Olden, great-grandson of Bartels, receives the honour
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City magazine Issue 68
framing Liverpool’s Three Graces, and is home to the museum’s very own life-size 18ft Liver Bird. And don’t forget this is just the first phase. In winter 2011 phase two will be unveiled which will feature sections called The Great Port, Liverpool Overhead Railway Gallery, History Detectives and City Soldiers. What are you waiting for? Make your way to the Pier Head and discover more about this fantastic city in this beautiful venue.
Big ships are back THE city’s cruise season is with us again and promises to bring some stunning vessels to Liverpool’s famous waterfront.
Crown Princess kicked off the season at the end of May, with its inaugural visit to Liverpool. One of the largest ships to arrive in the city, it brought 3,114 passengers to the cruise liner terminal. It was followed by another city debut for the Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas. And it’s full steam ahead for the rest of the cruise liner season, with eight more visits – including another city first for the newest luxury ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth, which sails into the city on 8 September, to herald the start of the new-look Mersey River Festival. And to close the festival, the breathtaking Queen Mary 2 will arrive on 15 September. By the end of this year’s cruise season, there will have been 15 visits to the city, bringing around 25,000 passengers. Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool’s cabinet member for culture and tourism said: “The cruise liner industry is vital to the city’s economy, and this season is estimated to bring in around £6 million to the local economy.
Cultural
MATHEW STREET MUSIC FE
STIVAL - BAND TOGETHER • 2011’s Festival themes
THERE’S one band you won’t want to miss at this year’s Mathew Street Music Festival.
For the first time, revellers will be able to get their hands on a special Mathew Street wristband which means they can benefit from dozens of fantastic offers, including 20 per cent off meals
at Lunya and 10 per cent off clothes from Resurrection on Bold Street. The stylish black and gold wristbands cost just £3 each and can be bought online at mathewstreetfestival.org or at The 08 Place and St. George’s Hall. This year’s festival takes place on the 28 and 29 August.
MATHEW Street Festival 2011 will celebrate Liverpool’s rich cultural links and heritage. The 19th festival has the usual eclectic mix of international bands and local talent, with more than half of the performers from the Merseyside region. Highlights include a ‘Liverpool Number One’ stage, where all 56 number ones recorded by Liverpool artists will be played, and a special celebration of the music of George Harrison. The ‘Made in Liverpool’ stage will feature original bands and artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and the Radical Stage will celebrate Liverpool’s ‘Year of the Radicals’. There’s a nod to the 2012 London Olympics with a ‘London Calling’ stage, while the ‘Contemporary Stage’ at The Tunnel has tributes to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Katy Perry.
Soul on the Mersey THIS year’s Mersey River Festival – returning after a six year break is to be Soul-powered!
“Liner companies are eager to come to Liverpool because of the warm welcome they receive and the outstanding tourism offer found here.”
Mersey visitors
13 August 20 August 26 August 27 August 8 Sept 9-14 Sept 15 Sept 17 Sept
Blu Crown Princess Arcadia Blu Queen Elizabeth HMS Ocean Queen Mary 2 Mein Schiff
City can reveal that the UK’s Queen of Soul, Beverley Knight, will be performing at a free outdoor evening concert at the Pier Head on Saturday 10 September at 7.30pm, in what is expected to be one of the highlights of the event. And the new-look festival will also have an added element of glamour and excitement as the city hosts the finale of the P1 SuperStock Championship. The Race to Liverpool will take place on 10 - 11 September and will see brand new racing boats hitting the River Mersey. The On the Waterfront – River Festival event takes place from the 8 – 15 September and will feature a royal naval visit and Cunard Cruise Liners including the new Queen Elizabeth arriving on 8 September and the Queen Mary 2 which docks on 15 September. There will also be seven tall ships including two from Europe - Mercedes
and TJ Tolkein - aerial displays by the RAF, spectacular wake boarding displays at Salthouse Dock as well as street theatre and a Big Band stage. “There is going to be something to suit all tastes at the festival,” said Councillor Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council. “Whether it’s soul music or sailing - it will be at the waterfront.” Councillor Paula Keaveney, leader of the opposition, said “On the Waterfront is very important for the city. We need to make the most of our best natural asset - the Mersey. I hope the festival will attract thousands of visitors to Liverpool, giving the city a major economic boost.” For more information, visit liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk.
Issue 68 City magazine
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City magazine Issue 68
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Green
Bulky Bob’s goes green BULKY Bob’s has been generating its own electricity in a bid to cut its carbon emissions and save on energy bills.
112 Solar PV panels have been installed on the roof of Bulky Bob’s head office at Brunswick Business Park - the largest commercial power generation system of its kind in Liverpool.
Bulky Bob’s works with Liverpool City Council to provide the city’s bulky waste disposal service. It aims to offset about 25 per cent of the carbon footprint coming from its four vehicles that cover the city collecting furniture and other bulky goods from homes. Much of the furniture Bulky Bob’s collects goes to its Furniture World retail outlet on London Road, where it’s available for purchase at reasonable prices. “Bulky Bob’s is always looking for ways to increase the positive effect it has on the environment by reusing and recycling more and more of the large waste items that we collect,” said Shaun Doran, Bulky Bob’s CEO. “We also look at how to reduce our negative environmental impacts – mainly our carbon footprint which arises from the energy we use at our head office and the fuel we use in our vehicles. The amount of carbon emissions that will be saved this year will be nearly the same as if we were to take one of our purple Bulky Bob’s vehicles off the road for year”.
Students help keep Liverpool Tidy A SCHEME set up in partnership with Liverpool Guild of Students has helped reduce the amount of student waste going to landfill.
Leave Liverpool Tidy is the brainchild of Liverpool student, Kim Cooper and Princes Park ward councillors. It works by distributing over 8000 bags to student halls for students to fill with reusable items before they move out of rented accommodation for the summer months. Donations are then sent for sorting, with reusable items being sold in free shops to raise money for continuation
of the scheme and other charitable causes. Councillor Tim Moore, Liverpool’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “This is a really innovative campaign that has captured the imaginations of students and the community. Kim and her team have dedicated hundreds of hours to this project and my thanks go out to them for making a big difference.” To get involved and for more details please contact Project Coordinator Kim Cooper at leavelpooltidy@liv.ac.uk or visit leaveliverpooltidy.org. • Councillor Tim Moore with the Leave Liverpool Tidy team
News in brief
Green light for garden memorial CHILDREN from a local school have joined forces with John Moores University to build a permanent memorial to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
The project will renew a piece of old, derelict land by Anfield football ground which will brighten up the local environment. The Jigsaw environmental team will provide landscaping works, and local school children working with students from John Moores University will produce the artwork which will grace the memorial.
Speaker praises Rice Lane PUPILS from Rice Lane Infants School have won a national award for their work in promoting green issues. 10 children won the 4-7 age category for the ‘Eco Stars scheme’, part of the ‘Speaker’s School Council Awards’. Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP recognises and acknowledges the most inspiring achievements of school councils across the UK through the Speaker’s School Council awards. Councillor Jane Corbett, Liverpool’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. It’s great that such young children are showing an interest in the environment and taking action on it.”
Landowners - a perfect match OWNERS of unused land in Liverpool are being asked to join an online community to match them with keen growers.
Landshare.net is a national scheme which matches land owners to community groups or individual growers who don’t have the facilities to start their own allotment. Simply sign up to the service, include the location and description of your land, and the site will contact suitable people to complete the match. Tim Moore, Liverpool’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Landshare is a fantastic community portal and has helped achieve some great results amongst its 69,000 members. The take up in Liverpool is slow and I’d like to urge landowners to sign up and start conversations with people eager to utilise spare land for good causes.” Issue 68 City magazine
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Healthy
Heart of healthy communities THE FIRST of two brand new NHS treatment centres has opened as part of the new health service for Liverpool programme.
South Liverpool NHS Treatment Centre at Garston is a £13 million development which offers a range of services, including GP and dental practices, an NHS walk-in centre and drop-in sexual health services. Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) announced the programme in 2007, which is intended to bring modern health facilities into the heart of the city’s communities. Councillor Roz Gladden, Liverpool’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “The opening of the new treatment centre in Garston is the start of a new model for bringing health care back into the community in Liverpool. The facilities offer many services under one roof, in a clean, modern and friendly environment.”
The second of the new treatment centres isn’t far from completion. The Neighbourhood Health Centre in Childwall will open its doors to the public later this year. It will be housed in a state-of-the-art building which will also contain education facilities and a library. As well as providing more accessible GP services, a wide range of nurse-led services will be available at Childwall, along with sexual health, podiatry and a pharmacy. The new building will also provide Childwall School and Specialist Sports College with three modern learning spaces and two offices for use by sixth form students and staff. The tired 1960s library will be replaced with a new facility offering a wider selection of books, free computer access – including Wi-Fi, a new children’s discovery area and E-book download facility.
Are you sitting comfortably? AN innovative roadshow aimed at saving lives by increasing early diagnosis of cancer has been touring Liverpool, as part of Liverpool PCT’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign.
A branded sofa and expert clinicians have been touring parts of the city to talk to people, dispel myths and raise awareness of the disease, in particular lung, breast and bowel cancer. Liverpool GP, Dr Steve Connolly said: “Cancer claims the lives of around 1,330 Liverpool residents every year, making it the city’s biggest cause of death. We know earlier diagnosis is key to improving survival rates, and the idea behind the tour is to provide people with an opportunity to chat to a health professional about the signs they should be looking out for.” Visit liverpoolpct.nhs.uk for further information. 20
City magazine Issue 68
Be Clear on Cancer asks people to look out for the following symptoms: Bowel Cancer (for three weeks) • Blood in your poo • Looser poo • Persistent change in bowel habit • Abdominal discomfort • Abdominal lump
Breast Cancer
• Lump in your breast • Skin dimpling/puckering • Discharge from your nipple
Lung Cancer (for three weeks) • Persistent cough • A change in a cough • Unexplained shortness of breath
liverpool.gov.uk
Healthy • Artist’s impression of the Childwall centre
Wii to prevent bad falls AN innovative project in Liverpool is using the Nintendo Wii to help prevent older people suffering debilitating injuries after falling over. Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust has a dedicated team which runs a falls prevention programme in Anfield. People who attend the programme complete an eight week course which includes education sessions and advice for patients from Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and a Podiatrist and an “Otago” exercise programme, designed specifically to prevent falls.
Measles on the increase MERSEYSIDE residents under 25 are being targeted in a health campaign to prevent the continued spread of measles.
Dr Andrew Riordan, consultant in paediatric infectious diseases at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, said: “Measles is a highly infectious disease which can have severe complications including pneumonia and brain infections. On rare occasions, it can even kill. “The best way to prevent children and young people from catching measles is to ensure they have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. It’s a really important message and one which we hope parents and young people will act on.”
GPs across Merseyside are encouraging people up to and including the age of 24 who haven’t received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination, to take up the jab. Hundreds of measles cases have been confirmed across England and Wales, and there is currently an outbreak of the disease on the Wirral. The majority of those who have contracted • Little girl receiving her final MMR vaccine dose measles are children or young adults under 25, who either haven’t received the MMR vaccination at all or haven’t had both doses. The first dose of the vaccine is given to children shortly after their first birthday. Children receive their second dose before they start school, usually once they are three years and four months old. Tel: 0151 233 3000
• Ken Rushton playing Wii Sports Programme members compete in a range of competitions and sports on the Wii, which improve balance and co-ordination. A member of the class, Ken Rushton said: “The individual advice and support we get from the therapists has really helped me, particularly the coordination techniques such as getting out of a chair safely. I’ve also found that the Wii is helping with my balance as well as being good fun.” Every year, around one in three over-65s living in the community and one in two people aged over 85 will have a fall. The consequences can be devastating, causing loss of mobility, independence, confidence, and in many cases even death. The classes run every Wednesday and Friday afternoon at Venmore Community Care Centre, Hartup Street, Anfield and individuals can be referred to the class by their GP or Health Professional. Issue 68 City magazine
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Civic
Meet our other Lord Mayors YOU’LL recall in the last issue of City that Councillor Frank Prendergast had just been sworn into office as Lord Mayor of Liverpool, succeeding Councillor Hazel Williams.
What you may not know is that each Lord Mayor is shadowed by a group of young people who put themselves forward for the important roles of Junior and Young Lord Mayors of Liverpool. The Liverpool Schools’ Parliament, which aims to have representatives from each school in the city, receives expressions of interest from people wishing to take on this important civic job. The Schools Parliament votes each member in and Junior and Young Lord Mayors pair together for a month-long stint accompanying the Lord Mayor on appropriate engagements. CITY brought eight of the young people together to introduce them to readers. You’ll probably see these young people around the city on special occasions through the summer months.
The four Young Lord Mayors are: Rachel Carr
Liverpool College
Abigail McLinden Liverpool College
Mollie Christopher
Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School
James Bartels
King David High School
The four Junior Lord Mayors are: Natalya Daniels
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School
Hollie Eustace
Hunts Cross Primary School
Emma Harrison
Holy Name Roman Catholic Primary School
Daisy Cooper
New Park Primary School
Crying out loud LIVERPOOL has a lot to shout about – and soon it will have its very own Town Crier to do just that.
The city council’s tourism team has started the search for Liverpool’s first Town Crier since Victorian times. The successful candidate will play a role in key civic and ceremonial functions, welcome international passengers at the Cruise Liner Terminal and be an ambassador during high profile events. Once the applicants have been shortlisted, their oral skills will be put to the test with a ‘Test Cry’ audition outside the Town Hall. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast, said: “In my role as Lord Mayor I’m always attending various functions and people I meet, particularly those who aren’t from Liverpool, are keen to know more about the city. It’s wonderful that there’ll be another ambassador spreading the message about everything we have to offer to visitors and residents.” The Town Crier will be in post by September and will play a role in the 22
City magazine Issue 68
forthcoming On the Waterfront – River Festival in September. The advertised position attracted a great deal of interest with many people feeling they had the X Factor.
Our ideal can didate for Liverpool Tow n Crier will: • Have good lo cal knowledge of Liverpool and what it ca n offer to touris ts • Possess a fin e voice with good volum e • Have previou s whether they experience – ’re already a Town Crier, or been a maste perhaps they’ve r of ceremonie s • Have outstand ing communicat ion skills • Possess a grea t and outgoing sense of humour personality liverpool.gov.uk
Civic
New faces 2011 A WARM welcome to the 12 new councillors who won places on the city council in May’s local elections. At the end of May they met senior officers and signed a declaration of Acceptance of Office before the council’s Annual General Meeting.
Your new councillors are:
Liverpool honours armed forces
Councillor Adele Dowling
LIVERPOOL came out in force to honour its service men and women as part of British Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Childwall
The service took place at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral and featured music from the Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and there will be a procession of standards. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast led hundreds of residents and more than 600 distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and Mayors
of other Merseyside Boroughs. Councillor Prendergast said: “The City of Liverpool has long standing, strong connections with all military organisations. This has been recognised over the years by awarding them the highest honour we can bestow, the Freedom of the City. “The British Armed Forces are highly motivated, determined and compassionate. I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the city in thanking them for the difficult job they do.”
Anfield
Councillor Jeremy Wolfson Councillor Roy Gladden County
Councillor Bill Jones Cressington
Councillor Peter Clarke Fazakerley
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins Greenbank
Councillor Hayley Todd Knotty Ash
Councillor Patrick Hurley Mossley Hill
Councillor Peter Brennan Old Swan
Councillor Abdul-Basit Qadir Picton
Councillor Jake Morrison Wavertree
Councillor Daniel Barrington West Derby
To read more about each councillor and to find out when and where they are holding surgeries, visit liverpool.gov.uk/council Issue 68 City magazine
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City magazine Issue 68
liverpool.gov.uk
people, places, music, sport, history...
Focus on parks THERE’S no better way of showing off the beauty and majesty of Liverpool’s parks and green spaces – than through the photos of the people who use them each and every day.
Last year’s parks photographic competition received some superb entries But can you match them or even do better? Photographers – from beginners to professionals – are being invited to enter this year’s contest which, once again is being run by the Liverpool Parks Friends Forum. There are three categories:
• Wildlife in the Park • People and Parks • Parks for all Seasons The best images will be included in the 2012 Parks calendar and there will be prizes for the outstanding entries.
• Summer Morning in Mill Wood, by Richard Davies
Councillor Tim Moore, Liverpool’s cabinet member for environment and climate change said: “The quality and imagination of the photographs we receive is breathtaking. But that is hardly surprising as there is so much in our parks and green spaces to inspire any photographer.” Please send the shot which captures your favourite view or illustrates the wildlife that flourishes in our green spaces.
Entry forms and further details of the competition are available on the Parks website liverpool.gov.uk/parks or on entry forms available from Parks outlets (Sefton Park Ranger Base, Croxteth Country Park Gift Shop, Calderstones Park Coach House Gallery and The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park). The closing date for competition entries is 31 August 2011.
“Taking part in Design Stars has enabled these young people to develop their already exceptional design talents even further. Their creativity shone through in the ideas and pieces produced in their entries and during the masterclasses. “We hope this experience will give them a head start in fulfilling their future design career ambitions.”
An exhibition of all the winners and nominees will be on display at the Design Show at St George’s Hall, as part of Liverpool Design Festival, from 6–9 October. The next Design Stars competition will also be launched during this year’s Festival - liverpooldesignfestival.com.
Young talent rewarded TWELVE design stars of the future received certificates and prizes for their ideas and innovation in a Liverpool schools design competition. The Design Stars Award competition aims to get school children, aged 12-16, interested in design careers, run by local charity, Design Initiative. Over 280 children took part in Design Stars workshops from 15 Liverpool schools, and 190 individuals entered the competition. The entrants had to fulfill one of three design briefs depending on their chosen discipline; product, video games or surface pattern design. 38 nominees then attended master classes with professional designers including videogames expert Richard Boon, Rachael Taylor and Liverpool talent product designer, Ilsa Parry. Elaine Caldwell of Design Initiative, said: Tel: 0151 233 3000
Issue 68 City magazine
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Be Bold and party
Foodie paradise LIVERPOOL Food and Drink Festival returns to Sefton Park, for a weeklong celebration of culinary delights from around the North West.
Over 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, starting on 3 September. Some of Liverpool’s finest bars, restaurants, hotels and food retail outlets will be cooking mouth-watering dishes for visitors and showing off some creative gastronomic skills. There will also be the finalé of a competition to find the North West’s most creative gastronomist. Shortlisted finalists will be asked to present their most daring and unique dishes to top London chefs, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. Daily entry for adults is £4 (purchased online prior to the event or £5 on the day. Children under 14 go free. liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk
PAVEMENT painters, street entertainers, in-store promotions, live music and a craft fair await those who visit Bold Street on 24-25 September. The whole weekend will have entertainment for all on one of Liverpool’s hippest shopping streets. The event, being organised by traders and City Central BID, returns following last year’s successful event which caused a real stir amongst visitors and shop keepers. On Sunday there will be a full road closure for street entertainment and the return of James Carling’s international pavement art competition.
Mandy Vere, of News from Nowhere Bookshop, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the festival. It’s a chance for the eclectic, creative and vibrant shops and cafes to really put Bold Street on the map. Liverpool is lucky to have a unique street like Bold Street and it’s our way of giving something back to the community, by putting on a bit of razzmatazz as the summer drawsto a close.” Ged Gibbons, chief executive of City Central BID, said: “The Bold Street Festival is a very special event. Its programme perfectly captures the street’s bohemian spirit and has a great European vibe which families love.’’ For more info visit citycentralbid.com or visitboldtstreet.org.
Centre of at-ten-tion
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City magazine Issue 68
A LIVERPOOL arts company has won a prestigious contract to stage a production of Alice in Wonderland at the Blackpool Winter Gardens. Hope Street Limited beat off stiff competition to produce ‘Alice through the Winter Gardens’, which is on between Tuesday 13 and Sunday 18 September. Visitors will be taken on a magical journey to hunt for clues, solve riddles and discover keys that unlock magic doors as they are guided around the Winter Gardens by an assortment of extraordinary characters including Mad Hatter, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and the elusive Cheshire Cat. Visit alicewintergardens.co.uk for more information.
Summer of love
THE Sefton Park Palm House is celebrating its tenth year since refurbishment with a series of special events and spectacular gatherings. One of Liverpool’s most loved park landmarks was saved from the ravages of time by a group of local enthusiasts who raised money for it to be partially restored in 1993. Grants from Heritage Lottery Trust and English Heritage totaling £3.5 million allowed for the restoration to be completed and it re-opened on 6 October 2001. From 6 September, the Palm House team will be celebrating in style with a 12 month events program to excite every taste, with rumours of some very special happenings to be announced on its website palmhouse.org.uk.
Scouse Alice to delight Blackpool
THIS year’s Liverpool Pride will be themed ‘Summer of Love’ to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
The Palm House was originally opened in 1896 following a £10,000 gift by Liverpool millionaire Henry Yates Thompson. The glass and steel structure measures 25m high, built on a base of red granite from the Isle of Mull. There are 3,710 flat panes of glass, all individually cut.
The Pier Head will burst into life on 6 August as thousands of people are expected to be attending the free event. Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “IDAHO is an important day in the city’s calendar and I’m delighted to say the city will be flying the rainbow flag with pride. “Following some horrendous attacks on members of the gay community, this day is a chance for us to reinforce the message that homophobia is unacceptable. As a city council, we will do everything we can to promote diversity in this great city.” liverpool.gov.uk
Memory Pool
International Garden Festival Roger Hull, research officer at Liverpool Record Office, looks back on the reclaimation of land that became the International Garden Festival THE INTERNATIONAL Garden Festival is seen by many as the start of Liverpool’s renaissance during the 1980s after the Toxteth Riots of 1981. The Garden Festival was planned by the Merseyside Development Corporation, a government body set up to reinvigorate the old Liverpool docks. It was responsible for leading on the restoration of the Albert Dock which was also started during the mid-1980s. The Garden Festival, the first of its kind, attracted private sponsorship of £26 million and also over £1 million from foreign governments. It took place on an area in south Liverpool near the old Dingle oil terminal. A near miracle was achieved in reclaiming 100 hectares of severely polluted land and turning it into a magnificent display in less than two and a half years. Fortunately the summer
of 1984 was sunny and hot and the Festival attracted a record number of visitors to become the most popular tourist attraction of 1984 with over 3.4 million visitors. It won the Landscape Institute’s award for the ‘Most Influential Landscape Scheme 1970-2002’. One of the highlights was the Japanese Garden. Combined with the highly successful Tall Ships Race in the same year, which attracted over two million visitors, the Festival put Liverpool on the map as a major tourist centre. After the Festival ended, there was debate over what to do with the site. The famous sports dome was eventually demolished in 2006 and some of the site was used for housing. The Festival site is now open again following a restoration costing £3.7 million (see pages 12-13 to read more).
Among its many excellent and extensive collections on all aspects of the city’s history, Liverpool Record Office holds the comprehensive and important archive of the Merseyside Development Corporation. This archive can be accessed for research into this and other projects. The Record Office also has maps, photos and other sources for the area before the Garden Festival. • Check the Record Office online catalogue at liverpool.gov.uk/archives and follow the links for information on our holdings on the Festival. • There are some images on the Port Cities website at mersey-gateway.org • Please remember that the Central Library is currently closed for major redevelopment and we have two temporary sites at Liverpool Museum (mainly family history sources, 2nd floor, open daily 10-5) and Unit 33, Wellington Employment Park, Dunes Way, Sandhills L5 9RJ (by appointment only, open Tuesdays to Saturdays 9.30 to 4.30) • The Record Office can be contacted by phone on (0151) 233 5817 or by email on archives@liverpool.gov.uk
Tel: 0151 233 3000
Issue 68 City magazine
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Ooooh as you like it? THIS summer from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 21 August, the popular Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is back in Chester with an impressive cast of some of the country’s finest actors.
Evening and matinee performances of Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Merlin and the Woods of Time by Glyn Maxwell are set to please and delight both new and returning audiences at the only full time professional open air theatre company outside of London. The unique outdoor theatre is constructed ‘in the round’ to create a close connection between the actors and the audience. There is an area in front of the stage to enjoy picnics and there will be concession stands selling wine, summer drinks and nibbles plus blankets and cushions. Tickets for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre are available from as little as £12 and can be booked online at grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk or by phoning the box office on 0843 241 7868.
CITY has five pairs of tickets to give away for the performance of As You Like It on Sunday 21 August at 12:30. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question: Merlin was a famous… A. Politician B. Architect C. Wizard Answers to: City Magazine, Open Air Theatre Competition, Newscentre, Room 129, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH; or email city.magazine@liverpool.gov.uk. Closing date: Friday 12 August. One entry per person. Please include your name, address and day time telephone number.
Win a Very nice £100 shopping splurge Very.co.uk is kindly offering two lucky City readers the opportunity to win £100 of vouchers to spend on anything they wish. VERY.CO.UK is an online department store, offering stylish clothing from a wide range of designers and celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton and Steve Jones to name just a few. The website has been designed with internet savvy customers in mind and gives shoppers the opportunity to browse a variety of product areas, from fashion and footwear to home and electrical - there really is something for everyone.
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To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer this question: Which famous TV celebrity is the face of Very.co.uk? a) Fearne Britton b) Fearne Cotton c) Peter Andre Answers to: City Magazine, Very Competition Newscentre, Room 129, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH; or email city.magazine@liverpool.gov.uk. Closing date: Friday 16 September. One entry per person.Please include your name, address and day time telephone number.
Winners of the competitions in the last issue of City magazine were: Mrs Anne Morris from L18, Mrs Irene Bond from L13 and Mrs Patricia South from L14 who all aced their way to the finals of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament after guessing the correct answer. Congratulations also go to Ian Welford from Childwall who won two tickets to see Legally Blonde at the Empire. Well done to you all!
One man and his marathon ON Sunday October 9, the RunLiverpool Marathon will take place through the streets of Liverpool and Wirral.
The race is set to attract an estimated 12,000 participants, with a further 20,000 family and friends staying in the city to support runners during the weekend. Aigburth’s Dave Hughes is a Mersey Marathon veteran and member of the race’s ‘10 Year Club’; a group of runners who completed all ten races between 1982-1992.
Dave said: “You can’t describe the feeling that you get when you run the streets of your own city. The experience has stayed with me all these years. It’s truly spinetingling when you run through familiar areas like The Dingle and people are out in force, on the street, cheering you on. It’s amazing to know that you have the city supporting you every step of the way.” With the countdown to October’s race already underway, Dave Hughes is confident that the legacy of marathons past stands the new RunLiverpool Marathon in good stead. Dave continued: “Whilst the kit and training regimes may have become more sophisticated since I ran in the 80s, the raw passion and dedication of Liverpool runners remains unchanged. The Liverpool marathon has always been the people’s race. It’s very satisfying to see its revival and to know that the pedigree of running in the city is in safe hands and will continue well into the 21st Century.” To find out more about The RunLiverpool Marathon, how to enter and training programmes available, please visit runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk or call the RunLiverpool team direct on 0151 236 8432.
Mecca Reunites
Tel: 0151 233 3000
A marathon hasn’t been held in the city in over 20 years, however Liverpool enjoys a rich history of long distance races. The annual City Marathon was staged as early as 1927 and in 1948 it drew estimated crowds of 300,000 watching a small field of athletes race around the city. The event was run annually until 1961, when marathon legend Ron Hill made his debut at the distance. After a break of some 20 years the Mersey Marathon made a welcome return to the streets of Liverpool a year after marathon fever took hold in London. The course was completely different to the old 1961 route and started in the Hillfoot area reaching as far as the top end of the Dock Road before returning southwards. It was an immediate success with thousands of people taking part, compared to just hundreds 20 years earlier.
School’s out for summer Children and young people across the city are set to benefit from hundreds of free activities this summer as Liverpool Integrated Youth & Play Service launches its popular summer programme.
30 YEARS since the first Beatles museum opened its doors, the original founders plus lots of fab four fans are coming together to celebrate the city’s mop-topped heroes.
The Cavern Mecca was born out of a group of peoples’ love of the Beatles during the early 80s – an unfashionable time to be a Mersey Beat fan. “The Mecca came out of the postpunk era, where there was a vacuum of musical and creative taste, before the new romantic movement got started in Liverpool,” said Steve McDonald, long-term member and musician. The first Mecca gathering occurred at the now Cavern Museum in January 1981, organised by Liz and Jim Hughes. Bands would play Beatles hits, people would swap merchandise and stories about the fab four.
Did you know?
“Our group is still going strong and we’re pleased to have lots of special guests and fans from acrossthe globe coming to join our celebrations,” said Julie Sudbury, reunion organiser. The reunion is being held at Flanagans Apple Bar on Mathew Street, on Saturday 5 November, from 7:30pm. Music will be provided by Ringer and Mojo Filter, and money raised will go to the Marie Curie Centre. Join the Facebook group ‘Cavern Mecca Reunion’ for pre-event chatter and more details.
Boredom busting activities ranging from Arts & Crafts to Zumba will be held at youth centres, community organisations and public spaces across the city ensuring that there is something for everyone, come rain or shine! Children aged 8-12 and young people aged 13 – 19 can get active, develop their skills, meet new friends or just try something different; whichever area of the city they live in. Visit liverpoolyouth.org for full details of activities being delivered by LYPS and partner agencies this summer. Issue 68 City magazine
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Ten of the best... WITH so much going on around Liverpool over the coming few months, here are City’s 10 things you just can’t miss during August – October.
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK
liverpool.gov.uk Email: liverpool.direct@liverpool.gov.uk Recruitment For all recruitment enquiries
0151 233 3003
Automated Payments Line To make an automated payment for council services
0151 233 2000
Payments Line (Advisor assisted) To make a payment for council services
0151 233 3050
Appointments For Council Tax and/or housing benefit appointments at your nearest One Stop Shop
0151 233 3016
Careline: Adult Social Care services
0151 233 3800
Careline: Children and families Social Care Service
0151 233 3700
Council Tax enquiries
0151 233 3008
Housing & Council Tax Benefit
0151 233 3009
Disabled Parking & Libraries Blue Badge Scheme & Library book renewals
0151 233 3000
Street Scene Services Refuse collection, Recycling, Trees and Woodlands, Highways, Street Cleansing, Street Lighting, Grounds Maintenance & Pest Control, Anti Social Behaviour
0151 233 3001
Benefit Maximisation Service Advice, guidance and assistance with the full range of welfare benefits
0151 233 3064
Electoral Registration Advice on electoral Register and local Elections
0151 233 3028
Registrars, Cemetery and Crematoria Appointments to register births and deaths and all enquiries about local cemeteries and crematoriums
0151 233 3004
Education Awards, School Admissions, Student Support
0151 233 3006
To find out what else is happening around Liverpool City Region, sign up to the Culture Liverpool weekly e-blast: events@liverpool.gov.uk
Education Grants, School Meals, Uniforms, Travel passes
0151 233 3010
Parking Parking Issues, Permits and fines
0151 233 3011 Published by Liverpool City Council Communications Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH
Editor: Dominic Smith
city.magazine@liverpool.gov.uk Circulation enquiries call 0151 225 2611
City is the official magazine of Liverpool City Council
ISSUE 68 • August 2011 City Magazine is delivered free to 213,000 homes and businesses in Liverpool
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City magazine Issue 68
Licensing Including Taxi and Street Trader licensing
0151 233 3015
Planning and Building Control
0151 233 3021
Untaxed & Abandoned Vehicle Reports
0151 233 3045
To advertise in City call David Hedges at Barbers Media on 0151 944 4334 david.hedges@barbersmedia.co.uk
Tourist Information and Events
Have you got a story for City? Give us a call on 0151 225 2545
General enquiries For general enquiries, you can contact us by:
Follow us on Twitter @lpoolcouncil
Telephone: 0151 233 3000 Minicom: 0151 225 3275 Careline Minicom: 0151 225 2500
The next issue of city is delivered from October 2011
0151 233 2008
liverpool.gov.uk
A Summer Sizzler from Lifestyles 6 weeks membership for the price of 4 during the summer hols! Now the summer holidays have arrived why not take advantage of our fantastic 6 weeks membership for the price of 4? Indulge in a leisurely swim, book yourself on one of our range of classes or burn off some of that excess stress in one of our fitness suites. We have a programme of activities planned for children over the summer holidays too, so why not let us help to entertain the kids while you take advantage of this great offer. Memberships available with no obligation to extend after 6 weeks! Buy online at: www.liverpool.gov.uk/lifestylesoffers or call in to your nearest centre. Contact us on 0151 233 5433 for more info. T&C’s. Offer includes free induction + TGS key worth £15, when signing up for Total or Plus membership. 6 weeks membership to commence between 25 July – 31 August 2011
Sizzling summer activities at Speke Hall!
The Maze Challenge Lose yourself in our new maze designed by the world’s leading maze expert, Adrian Fisher. How long will it take you to find your way through 12 gates, over 5 bridges, do 4 finger mazes, pass 3 weather vanes and take in the view from the tower? There’s 594m of path to follow weaving in and out of over 2000 plants making up the maze hedges – and as each maze gate can be opened in 2 different directions, it means the maze route can be changed – so it’s different every time you visit!
SPEKE HALL, Liverpool Re-discover fond memories of Speke Hall with your children or grandchildren. Lose yourself in our new maze, take a costumed tour, relax in the garden, try our children’s trail and tracker packs or explore the woodland walks discovering bugs and blooms. Delicious food served in Home Farm Restaurant. Normal admission applies. NT members free. Open daily except Monday, House closed Monday and Tuesday.
Look out for our other great summer activities at Speke. Meet owls and hawks on the North Lawn at our bird of prey display on 30 July. Costumed tours, croquet and all manner of Victorian entertainment will be taking place at our ‘Victorian Jollies’ weekend, 6–7 August, and on 9 August you can meet David Whitley, author of ‘The Midnight Charter’. David will be holding a special Creative Writing Workshop for children aged 8 – 15 years – so if you’ve ever fancied being a writer, now’s the time to try out your skills! ‘Birds, Bugs and Blooms’ offers 5 days of trails and craft activities in the great outdoors at Speke when you can really get close to nature and wildlife on the Speke estate (24–28 August), and you can meet Speke Hall’s nocturnal residents at our Bat Walks and Talks taking place on 3 and 10 September.
Please note that some events require pre-booking and are chargeable.
You’re never far away from us, so come along for a visit
Infoline: 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/spekehall
Registered charity No. 205846.