Knowsley Online

Report on todays proceedings in the Kirkby Tesco / Everton public enquiry

27 NOVEMBER 2008 TODAY’S HEADLINES

Tesco and Everton’s fourth witness, Graeme Tully, a regeneration expert, spoke in favour of the proposals to redevelop Kirkby, on the seventh day of the public inquiry

COMING UP TOMORROW.
Mr Graeme Tulley will continue to be cross examined on the regeneration aspects of the Kirkby proposals.

Tesco and Everton’s fifth witness, Alan Black, an expert on the commercial aspects of the proposals, will speak in favour of the plans.

Depending on time, Philip Coles, an expert on corporate Issues, will be called.

TODAY IN DETAIL
Inspector Wendy Burden opened the inquiry, sitting with fellow Inspector Paul Jackson.

Patrick Clarkson, for Tesco, introduced Graham Tulley, a town planner who presented his report on the regeneration effects of the Kirkby proposals.

Mr Tulley said he had been looking at the physical, economic and social regeneration of Kirkby.

He said Knowsley was the eighth most deprived borough in England and the fourth most deprived outside of London.

He said this severe deprivation was focused in the north of the borough, particularly in Kirkby.

Cables draw after extra time in the 3rd round

Prescot  Cables.  2. v  Marine 2. (After extra-time)
Unibond League Challenge Cup. 3rd Round.
Marine won 4-1 on penalty’s.

Both teams made changes from the previous week's derby, in the Liverpool Senior Cup, but there was no let up in the excitement for the fans of both sides.

Marine certainly started the better but were unable to create many chances but it was Cables, on 20 minutes, who should have opened the scoring, when Forsyth broke clear but with only the keeper to beat shot over the bar. This miss did not prove to be to costly because only three minutes later, Cables Byers diverted an excellent cross from Mahama into the corner of the net. Marine came more into the game and wasted a great chance when Tuck completely missed the ball when attempting a header, when only 6 yards out from goal. The game was now end to end but without any further chances being created.

The second half started with Marine pushing forward and looking very dangerous and it was no surprise, when Brazier struck with a fierce shot from just inside the area to equalise. Both defences were now coming under increasing pressure as each side tried to make a decisive breakthrough. Marine brought on Cumisky and nearly scored with his first kick but his shot went just wide. 

Extra-time was looking certain but with only 5 minutes left, Tuck scored with a header. Cables threw everyone forward and deep into injury time Byers hammered home a deserved equaliser. Byers nearly won the game but had a close range shot saved by the keeper.

Jones in the Cables goal made two excellent saves to deny Marine taking the lead, in the first period of extra-time. Cables started the second period the better of the two teams but could not score although Taylor forced a brilliant save from lake in the very last minute of the game. So the game, in which neither side deserved to lose, went to penalties. Marine’s players kept there nerve the better and made Cables pay for missing two of there attempts.

MP backs national campaign for affordable warmth for all this winter

Eddie O’Hara MP is supporting a local event in Huyton as part of an annual drive by fuel poverty campaigners to raise awareness of how energy efficiency measures can make homes warmer, cheaper and healthier; and what assistance is available from the government.

There were nearly 27,000 Excess Winter Deaths linked to cold homes in 2006-07 in the UK. With high energy prices forecast to continue now until Spring, higher food bills and the credit squeeze, this winter could be a perilous time for vulnerable households.

Eddie O’Hara, MP for Knowsley South, said: “I am delighted to be able to support Knowsley Borough Council in their ‘Get Energy Smart this Winter’ event as part of the Warm Homes Campaign 2008. This winter is going to be a difficult time for many households in the UK. High energy prices have driven the number of fuel poor in the UK to over 5 million.

“Improving energy efficiency is a powerful and sustainable way to bring people’s energy bills down and make homes healthier to live in. The most important message of this campaign is that there is help out there for vulnerable households. I urge everyone to contact the Warm Front team on 0800 408 2095 to find out if they are eligible for funding.”

In addition, the Knowsley Warmstreets scheme also offers cavity wall insulation and loft insulation to all owner occupier or privately renting tenants in Knowsley free of charge, to find out more you can ring the energy team on 0151 443 2216.

White Ribbon campaign launched in Knowsley

The Safer Knowsley Partnership joined the White Ribbon Campaign against domestic violence on Tuesday, 25 November.

The national campaign asks people and organisations to make a pledge to end violence towards women and promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

To mark the day, Knowsley Council's 'Hands up who wants to stop domestic violence' Ad Van toured Huyton and Kirkby Town Centres and Prescot Retail Park giving out white ribbons to shoppers and asking them to support the campaign.

Cllr Jackie Harris, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion, said: "Admitting to yourself and others that you are experiencing domestic abuse is very difficult, but it's an important step towards getting help.

"The Safer Knowsley Partnership is committed to providing support to those suffering from domestic violence. Unfortunately women are more likely to be at risk in the home than outside of it.

"If you are in an abusive relationship, don't suffer in silence - help and support is available to you."

Open auditions for Kirkby community production to play at the Everyman Theatre

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse is working with Knowsley Arts and Museums Service and Kirkby’s communities to develop a community production written by Liverpool playwright Laurence Wilson and directed by Gav Cros. It is a play researched in Kirkby and the final production will be performed by Kirkby residents on the Everyman stage on Friday April 17th and Saturday April 18th 2009.

Next weekend they are holding open auditions to recruit a performance company of 30 people aged 14 – 114yrs+! No previous acting experience or preparation necessary. Everyone is welcome. If you fall into this age range, and are available to rehearse on Sundays between 11am-4pm and on Tuesday evenings between 6-9pm from January to April 2009, go along to the open workshop auditions at the following times and venues:

Saturday 29 November 2008 at West Vale Community Centre

• 11am for ages 26yrs plus
• 2pm for ages 14 – 25yrs

Sunday 30 November 2008 at Kirkby Leisure Centre

• 11am for ages 26yrs plus
• 2pm ages 14 - 25

Laurence Wilson and Gav Cross have led research and reminiscence sessions in Kirkby this autumn working with a range of individuals and groups including Sea Cadets, Mums and Tots, Elders and Wardens. They even planted themselves on a sofa chair in Kirkby town centre to collect Kirkby stories from passers by!

There will also be a programme of performance projects, making art/craft/sewing activities, art projects and writing projects linked to the production for people aged 8 – 114+ from January to April 2009.

For more information about the auditions or projects planned call the Everyman and Playhouse Theatre and Community department on 0151 706 9110

Black cab fares revised

Fares for hackney carriage journeys in Knowsley have been revised following a meeting of the Council’s Licensing Committee.

From Monday 24 November, the cost of traveling in one of the borough’s hackney cabs will rise between 6% and 10%, depending on the length of the journey. However, there will be no increase in the cost of short journeys of 2.7 miles or less. The charge for dirtying a taxi will also rise from £20 to £35, to cover the costs of cleaning.

The committee made its decision after considering the increases in fuel costs over the past year and other rising costs including insurance premiums and service parts.

A typical four mile journey fare will be increased by 6%, whilst a five mile journey will rise by 10%. Despite, this increase Knowsley’s hackney cab fares remain lower than the national average.

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, said “The rise in fares has been unavoidable due to the continuous increase in associated costs. However, the new fares still remain lower than the national average and are comparable with other authorities.”

Private hire taxis remain unaffected as they set their own fares by law and can alter the fares at any time without the council’s permission.

Knowsley Council Supports the Campaign for Warm Homes

Knowsley residents can learn how to stay warm and keep fuel bills low this winter at local ‘Get Energy Smart’ events.

The ‘Get Energy Smart’ events have been organised by Knowsley Council and its partners as part of the Warm Homes Campaign and will take place on Thursday 27 November 10am – 3pm CVS Main Hall, Nutgrove Villa, Huyton. Last week’s event was held on Tuesday 18 November 10am – 3pm Centre 63, in Kirkby.

The Warm Homes Campaign is a national campaign that aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter.

The campaign, which runs throughout November, is organised by energy efficiency charity NEA in association with eaga, and supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Knowsley Council and its partners are using the ‘Get Energy Smart’ events to raise awareness of the problems facing local people who struggle to affordably heat their homes and the role that energy efficiency can play in making their homes warmer, more comfortable and easier to heat.

Cllr Morgan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: "Knowsley is pleased to be supporting the Warm Homes Campaign. We are working all year round to help local people keep their homes warm and healthy.

The ‘Get Energy Smart’ events will provide local people with the chance to talk to a number of different groups all in one place. They will be able to find out about grant information and advice to stay warm this winter and save money on their fuel bills.”

Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive of NEA said: “On behalf of the Warm Homes Campaign I would like to thank Knowsley Council and its partners for their support.

The more organisations and individuals that become involved in the campaign, the further the energy efficiency message spreads; helping ensure more vulnerable people receive help this winter.

I would urge anyone worried about heating their homes to contact the Warm Front team on 0800 408 2095, to find out if they are eligible for Government assistance’.

Paul Varley, Divisional Managing Director at eaga, said, “Warm Homes week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of fuel poverty whilst also making people aware of the help that is out there. For low income households help is at hand through a range of measures.

For example, making sure they’re claiming the benefits they’re entitled to through Benefit Entitlement Checks, making their homes more energy efficient, and there’s lots of cheap and even free ways of doing this, and of course, by maximising grant availability through Government Schemes such as Warm Front.”

Knowsley’s ‘Get Energy Smart’ events are just one of many activities taking place across the country in support of the Warm Homes Campaign. The campaign particularly focuses attention on the misery cold weather can bring to the elderly, families with children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes.

For more information about the Get Energy Smart events please contact: Sally Carter on 443 2216 or sally.carter@knowsley.gov.uk

Multi-million pound Stockbridge Village regeneration plan unveiled

People who live and work in Stockbridge Village are being invited to share their views on the first draft of a multi-million pound plan to transform and improve the area.

The consultation event on Tuesday 25 November (3pm - 7pm) will provide Stockbridge Village residents with an opportunity to have their say on the initial proposals.

It follows a consultation event organised by Knowsley Council in March this year, attended by nearly 300 local people who live, work or own their own business in Stockbridge Village. They gave their views on how they want the area to develop in the future.

Residents asked for improved sports and leisure facilities as well as more activities for children and young people. The council and its partners have used all the feedback from the event to help form the multi-million pound preliminary plan.

Cllr Bill Weightman, Stockbridge Village councillor, said:

"We want the community to be at the heart of the plans for Stockbridge Village and are now sharing with local people some initial proposals so they can give us their views on the plan.

"The consultation event in March was a tremendous success and we are now urging local people to work with us again so we can ensure the redevelopment meets the needs of the people who live and work in Stockbridge.

"The proposals include new leisure facilities and a new hub building with library, café and community space. Residents asked for more activities for children and young people so the proposals include a new primary school with a children's centre and nursery as well as an outdoor play area.

"We are at the beginning of a long term journey to transform the area, one which will bring about social change as well as physical regeneration.

"Knowsley Council and its partners are committed to consulting with local people every step of the way. The wishes of the Stockbridge Village community are key to the success of this multi-million pound investment in the area."

Knowsley warns residents – think carefully before opting for equity release

Knowsley Council is warning residents affected by the credit crunch to carefully think through their options before entering into equity release deals on their homes.

The deals - which allow homeowners to release the capital tied up in their homes either as a lump sum or regular income – can affect an individual’s entitlement to benefit.

This is because of three main factors in benefits legislation:

• If a person has £16,000 or more in savings or capital they will not be entitled to benefit
• Housing Benefit cannot normally be paid if you have owned the property that you are renting and less than five years have elapsed since the sale. The only exception is if you can demonstrate that you had no other option but to give up ownership; 
• The amount of Housing Benefit that can be paid cannot be more than the average rent levels in the area. This means that your home could still be at risk if your new landlord increases the rent above market levels.

Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Information Technology, Cllr Norman Keats, said: “I would urge people to carefully consider their options before entering into one of these agreements. There may well be other solutions open to them.

“Take time to make your decision and explore as many other avenues as possible. If you are in debt, there is a lot of support and advice available.

“You also may be entitled to benefits you are not currently claiming. Around £5bn in benefits goes unclaimed every year and in Knowsley Council we have a team of dedicated Visiting Officers and Benefits take-up officers who may be able to help.”