Knowsley Online

Retailer fined after selling alcohol to children

B&M Retail Ltd today (February 27) pleaded guilty to two offences of underage sales after the store failed two test purchase operations in Knowsley.

The hearing, at Knowsley Magistrates Court, Huyton, was told that the B&M Bargains store in Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, failed the operations in March last year.

Test purchases – organised by Knowsley’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Team with Merseyside Police – took place on March 20 and 27.

On the first occasion, a 16-year-old girl was able to buy a £2.99 bottle of wine and was not asked for identification. The court was told that, when questioned under caution, the shop assistant claimed he had not received any training on the sale of age-restricted products, including alcohol.

On the second occasion, a 17-year-old boy purchased four cans of lager and was again not asked for identification.

Magistrates heard that further investigations into the sales revealed that the designated premises supervisor, was unable to confirm whether or not any training on the sale of age restricted goods had taken place.

The company was given a 12 month conditional discharge for both offences, which means that, if B&M is convicted of a similar type of offence committed in the next 12 months then they will have breached the discharge and could be re-sentenced for this offence as well as sentenced for the new one. They were also ordered to pay costs of £611 within 28 days.

Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, Cllr Ken Keith, said: “We have been working closely with retailers for some time now, providing education packs and guidance as part of our Get Real! campaign to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and the law surrounding age-restricted goods.

“Equally, the campaign is also reminding young people, parents and other adults they have a responsibilities too.

“Despite this case our work is having great success - there has been a 10% reduction in the number of retailers failing test purchase operations. However, we are committed to building on this in the coming weeks and months and will use every sanction available to us to pursue those who consistently flout the law.”

Retailer fined over dangerous Christmas toys

Poundworld Retail Ltd today (February 27) pleaded guilty to three offences of selling dangerous products after trading standards officers seized potentially lethal Christmas toys on sale.

The hearing at Knowsley Magistrates' Court was told that novelty goods which could pose a health risk to children were on sale at the Poundworld store in Kirkby.

A Knowsley Council Trading Standards officer spotted reindeer and snowman hats and Baby’s First Christmas Stockings on sale last December.

He thought the items would be attractive to children but noticed they all contained small parts that could be easily removed.

If these parts had been swallowed by a child they could have caused choking or breathing difficulties.

The items were seized and sent away for testing and the risks were confirmed.

The Trading Standards officer asked Poundworld to provide details on who had supplied the goods but they did not.

This hindered his investigation and, as a result, Poundworld were also charged with failing to provide information to an Enforcement Officer.

The company pleaded guilty to all charges and were fined £2,800 and ordered to pay costs of £3,146.

Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, Cllr Ken Keith, said: “It is extremely important that the people of Knowsley have confidence in the safety of the goods they buy.

“The vigilance of Mr Roberts may well have prevented a serious accident or even the death of a child and his work must be commended.

“Our Trading Standards officers carry out vital work on behalf of local people throughout the year and this case shows that those who flout the regulations will be prosecuted.” 

The unsafe toys which Trading Standards officers found on sale in Poundworld, Kirkby.

Activity events for 2009

Knowsley Hall Prescot, is the place to be on Sunday 17th May 2009 for the Active Knowsley Challenge.

Starting at 10.15am is the Junior Active Challenge which is free to enter and is open to 8-16 years with 3 Age categories (8/9 10/11 and 12/16s)

All participants will receive a Goody bag, medal and certificate with the top boy and girl and team in each category receiving a trophy.

At 11am is the start of the Active Knowsley 5K Adult Challenge, which is a run or walk in the beautiful surroundings of Knowsley Hall.  The Home of Lord Derby. 

Entry requirements are that teams must be made up of 4 people with at least one being a female. Teams should identify a captain and must all be over 16 years of age on the day of the Event. Entry is £28 per team.

Prior to the start of the Junior and Active adult Challenges there are a Number of other Free events on the day please see programme for details

 Programme
9.30am -  3 K Cycle Ride (Under 12s must be accompanied by Responsible Adult 18 years or over) Free for Information E-mail Kelly.mckeown@knowsley.gov.uk

9.30am -  2 Mile and 5 mile walks (Under 12s must be accompanied by responsible adult 18 years or over)

 Free10am Orienteering taster sessions.

For Further Information on any of the events featured, please contact Steve Guy in Knowsley’s Sports Development team on 0151 443 2153. Or E-mail steve.guy@knowsley.gov.uk

Information and Entry forms for all of the above with the exception of the cycle ride  are also available by visiting  www.knowsley.gov.uk/things-to-see-and-do/active-knowsley-challenge.aspx
or www.runliverpool.org.uk

Join up for 2009 Junior Golf tournament  www.knowsley.gov.uk/things-to-see-and-do/active-knowsley-challenge.aspx

Entry forms are now available for young golfers to take part in this year’s Knowsley Junior Open Golf Tournament, which takes place at Bowring Park Golf Club on Roby Road, Huyton on Friday, 14th August 2009.

The tournament promises a fantastic day of golf, as well as the chance to win some great prizes.

With just 188 places on offer, players are being urged to sign up well before the August 13th deadline or risk the disappointment of not being able to play.

The popular tournament is open to all players aged Five to 17, and is divided into three categories:

1. Official handicap golfers with a maximum handicap of 34, aged 12-17, teeing off between 9.20am and 11.20am Entry £9.50p

2. Non handicaps aged 12-17, teeing off between  11. 30 and 13.30pm Entry £9.50p

3. Cadets under 12, teeing off between 13.40 - 15.30pm Entry £4.75p

A reduced £4.75 fee for cadets, (same as last years Entry fee) who will compete over 11 holes along the scenic course - the first municipal golf course to open in this country.

Link to Entry Form which must be downloaded to complete available at  www.knowsleyspace.co.uk or www.knowsley.gov.uk/things-to-see-and-do/knowsley-junior-golf.aspx

To reserve a place call Steve Guy on 0151 443 2153 Or E-mail steve.guy@knowsley.gov.uk or go online at either of the websites featured to download and Entry Form

 Keep it in the family

The ever popular Knowsley Junior Golf Tournament is to allow parents to join in with their golfing children.

For the first time, organisers have added a parent and child category to the event which takes place at Bowring Park on Friday, August 14.

So if you’re a keen golfer and have a son or daughter aged between 12 and 17, who is equally interested, call Steve Guy at Knowsley Council’s Sports Development team on 443 2153 for an entry form or visit www.knowsleyspace.co.uk  or

www.knowsley.gov.uk/things-to-see-and-do/knowsley-junior-golf.aspx to access information and download and entry form.

Get Hooked on Fishing!

There are still a number of “plaices” available for keen young anglers in Knowsley to take part in the Knowsley Junior Fishing Festival.

The event is open to anyone aged 16 years or under and takes place on Thursday 6th August at Mill farm Dam, Mill Lane, Towerhill, Kirkby. Registration is at 11.30 and there is a £4.50 entry fee.

For those not wanting to cast their line there is also a range of activities taking place on the day including a barbecue, outdoor games, football and arts and crafts.

If you’d like to take part in the Fishing Festival entry forms are available to download at www.knowsleyspace.co.uk or www.knowsley.gov.uk/things-to-see-and-do/knowsley-fishing-festival.aspx

For further details or to download and Entry Form or contact Steve guy on 0151 443 2153 or E-Mail steve.guy@knowsley.gov.uk

Eastwood Town 1 Prescot Cables 1

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Prescot held out for an unlikely draw in last evening’s Unibond Premier League encounter between sides at either end of the table.

Eastwood took advantage of the slope to score first in the 9th minute through Foster as his dipping shot evaded keeper Jones.  Cables copied admirably with the ‘Badgers’ sharp movement and high passes to their very tall players.  The visitors belied their position in the division with some skilful play of their own.

Time seemed to stand still for Eastwood in the 15th minute when some precise passing by Cables enabled Byers to turn and volley from 25 yards.  The ball sped over the stricken Redmond into the net.

Eastwood condensed the action into Cables half early in the second period despite having play uphill.  Byers and Mahama spent most of their energy tracking down opposition players as Prescot combated the expected barrage.

The whole team put in a fine effort in repelling the leagues top team as an increasingly frustrated Town could not find a way through.

Prescot’s next league fixture is trip to Nethermoor to play Guiseley on Saturday 28 February, followed by a home match a week later, 7 March, against Worksop Town.

Controversial Penalty Costs Cables Vital Points.

Prescot Cables  1 – 1   Bradford Park Avenue. Saturday 21st February 2009.

Unibond Premier League.

A controversial decision, when referee Peter Davies awarded Bradford a penalty on 37 minutes, cost Prescot Cables vital points in their attempt to climb the table.

Cables started the game, knowing how difficult a win would be against a side riding high in the league, but they began brightly and took the lead on 7 minutes. Byers Cables No9 was pushed over in the penalty area but the referee gave the free-kick on the right edge of the area. The disappointment turned to joy, when Flood, Cables left back scored direct from the resultant free-kick.

The goal gave an edge Cables play and Byers missed a great chance, when he blasted a shot over the bar, with only the keeper to beat. As the half progressed Bradford came more into the game and nearly equalised on 24minuets, but Zac Jones made a brilliant save, after a defensive blunder left Hall clear in the Cables penalty area.

Cables were now under severe pressure but nearly scored again, a quick breakaway left Flood clear on the left edge of the box but he shot wide. Cables paid a high price for not taking their chances, when during huge scramble in the Cables area, shot after shot was blocked by the desperate defenders but then the referee decided that Byers hand led the ball. After Cables heated protest, Bett scored a deserved equaliser from the spot.

Both sides tightened up their defence work in the second half, with Bell being outstanding for Cables. Play became a little scrappy, with neither side creating any clear chances. Hall had a great chance to put Bradford ahead, on the hour mark but his header from 6yards was brilliantly turned away by Jones. Both sides made substitutions to try and force a winner but both defences held firm.

McCulloch nearly won the points on 84 minuets for Cables but his dipping shot from 30 yards was well saved by the Bradford keeper Worsnop. Neither side created any other chances, so the game ended all square, a result that does much for either side in their respective league positions.

Prescot Cables.   Jones, Smith, Flood, McCulloch, Bell, McIntosh, Croxton, E.Taylor( C ), Byers, T.Taylor, Williams.
Subs. Connolly ( 67mins T.Taylor),  Parsonage ( Byers 72mins), Dalton, Carney, Deakin.

Knowsley women are invited to do something amazing at Race For Life 2009

Knowsley women are being invited to do something amazing by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2009 and raising money for research to help more people survive cancer.

And the charity is asking them to pass on the invitation to friends, family and colleagues now that entry to the Knowsley event is officially open.

This year Race for Life in Knowsley takes place on Tuesday 14th July, at 7.30pm at Knowsley Hall.

Last year 2100 women walked, jogged or ran the event which took place for the second time in the town and raised an incredible £93,817.

In 2009, organisers are encouraging 2,100 women to put their best feet forward and raise £95,000.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2009 is the UK’s largest women only fundraising series. Women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to do something amazing by signing up for the 5k event and joining together to walk, jog or run 5k to raise money to help beat cancer.

Many women who walk, jog or run are cancer survivors or are participating in memory or celebration of a loved one whose life has been touched by cancer.

Helen Wright, Race for Life Area Event Manager for Knowsley, said: “We hope that everyone will accept our invitation to do something amazing by taking part in Race for Life. Women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes join in. They motivate and inspire each other to complete the 5k course. Many simply walk round, chatting and having fun but they all share the wonderful spirit of sisterhood and pride on the day.”

Cancer Research UK spent over £1 million last year in Liverpool on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research. For example, researchers at the University of Liverpool are coordinating a clinical trial to investigate whether adding a potential new ‘cancer vaccine’ to chemotherapy can improve survival for people with pancreatic cancer.

Helen Wright continued: “The number of people surviving cancer is increasing. In the 1960s, less than three out of ten children diagnosed with cancer were successfully treated. Now, it’s seven out of ten. Today, more than 95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer are cured and more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before.”

She added: “But we still have a long way to go. Despite improvements in treatment, one in four people in the UK will die from cancer. With your help, we want to change that. Cancer Research UK believes that research is the key to developing better ways of preventing, detecting and treating cancer.”

Knowsley participants will be part of a total of 680,000 women from across the UK, taking part at over 230 events between May and July. Cancer Research UK hopes that together they will raise a total of £60 million to fund the charity’s life saving work.

Gloria Hunniford, Patron of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, said: “I know that for many women, Race for Life holds a special place in their hearts and the determination and passion that is felt throughout the events creates an atmosphere that is truly special and inspiring for us all. I would urge every woman, no matter what age, fitness level or ability to take part.

She added: “On a personal level, Race for Life is a very moving and emotional experience for me. It’s now four year’s since I lost my gorgeous daughter Caron to cancer but even in this short period of time, treatments for the disease have improved so much.”

Women in the North West are invited to enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at www.raceforlife.org or by calling 0871 641 2282.

Designated area introduced in Huyton

The Safer Knowsley Partnership is continuing its efforts to crackdown on anti-social behaviour with the extension of a 'designated area’ in Huyton.

A designated area came into effect on Thursday, 13 November 2008 and operates from 5pm – 6am, seven days a week. This has now been extended to run for a further three months until 13 May 2009.

Police officers will be using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act which means officers can move on youths who gather in groups of two or more within the designated area. Those who return within 24 hours can be arrested.

The designated area is aimed at combating ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour in the North Huyton Area. The ‘designated area’ is bounded by and includes Seth Powell Way to the junction with Woolfall Heath Avenue.  Woolfall Heath Avenue to the junction with Primrose Drive.  Primrose Drive to the junction with Liverpool Road.  Liverpool Road to the junction with Seth Powell Way (see map attached).

Cllr Jackie Harris, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion said: “We are making great inroads in tackling anti-social behaviour by targeting the areas causing the most concern.  I hope residents are reassured that we are taking positive action to tackle this problem and improve their quality of life.  This is a fine example of partnership working across Knowsley to address the issues affecting our residents.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Sutcliffe added: “The designated area is in response to concerns about anti-social behaviour, particularly rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour and criminal damage. We are committed to use every power available to us to stop this behaviour and take action against offenders.  The designated area will continue to send a clear message to offenders that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and along with our partners, we will do everything in our power to put a stop to it.”

The designated areas are one of a number of tools being used to address anti-social behaviour in Knowsley.  

The orders will complement other activity including high visibility patrols, diversionary activities across the borough (log on to www.knowsleyspace.co.uk to find out more) and test purchasing initiatives.

If you have information about anti-social behaviour, or those behaving in an anti-social manner, call Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010.  

Alternatively, you can call the Knowsley Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline on 0151 443 2000.
 

 

Knowsley Flower Show

Sunday 9th August 2009   -   Time: 11.00am – 5.00pm

Venue: Court Hey Park, (Home of the National Wildflower Centre), Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton, L16 3NA

The Show is a Free event for all ages with everything from the fantastic floral marquee, with over 100 different classes for all ages of growers to enter from 5 – 95 years old! With everything from a Large Farmer’s Market, Craft and Information marquees, arts and crafts to plant and garden accessory sales, arena acts including falconry, dog obedience shows.

The Youth Arts Friendship Field provides dance, drama and arts and crafts activities and entertainment for young people.

Free Park and Ride service operating regularly between Huyton Bus Station and Court Hey Park from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

Free hourly Shuttle Bus Service between Kirkby Town Centre and Court Hey Park for 2009, supported by Arriva and The Great Outdoors Project.

£6.4 million investment in Liverpool’s public transport network

Liverpool’s public transport network is set to benefit from an investment of over £6 million from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The funding is being allocated for six projects, to be taken forward by Merseytravel, which aim to improve the provision and accessibility of public transport into the city centre. The projects include:

• City Centre Underground Stations – This project has been allocated £417,000 of ERDF funding to enhance the welcome, attractiveness and accessibility of the gateway underground stations to Liverpool city centre. The scheme involves the refurbishment of the station’s entrances, new signage, and improving accessibility.
• James Street Underground Station – This project, which will receive an ERDF grant of £680,000, will enhance the gateway station to Liverpool’s waterfront and the western areas of the city centre, including Liverpool One. The scheme includes the creation of a new station entrance/exit, the extension of the concourse area allowing incorporation of extra automatic ticket gates, the introduction of a landmark canopy outside the station entrance and new lighting and signage.

In addition, four individual projects which will upgrade significant bus corridors to improve access into the city centre have also been approved. These include:

• City Centre Bus Corridor (A59) (£1.4 million ERDF) – Connecting Liverpool city centre with St Helens. It will create improved transport routes in and around the city centre to connect with the radial routes on the major corridors including Brownlow Hill, Pembroke Place, London Road, Lime Street and Upper Parliament Street.
•  Integrated Corridor B Gateway (A57) (£911,000 ERDF) – Connecting Liverpool city centre and Bootle with Walton, Fazakerley, Old Roan, Maghull and Kirkby. 
• Integrated Corridor D Gateway (A561) (£1.4 million ERDF) – Connecting the city centre with Kensington, Old Swan, Dovecot, Page Moss, Huyton, Prescot, Whiston, Rainhill, Widnes and St Helens. 
• Integrated Corridor F Gateway (£1.7 million ERDF) – Connecting Liverpool city centre with Allerton, Aigburth, Speke and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Anti-Social Behaviour Order - Man Arrested

On Wednesday 11th February the Safer Knowsley Partnership carried out an operation to reduce drug use/dealing and anti-social behaviour in Reeds Road.

During the operation, Merseyside Police executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Gary Fagan was arrested for breaching his Anti-Social Behaviour Order as he was found inside the property and 2 females and 1 male were arrested for assisting an offender.

Gary’s Anti-Social Behaviour Order was imposed upon him by St Helens Magistrates Court on 26th November 2008 following an application made by The Safer Knowsley Partnership’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.

A prohibition contained in that Order meant that Gary could not enter or remain in an area of Bakers Green including Reeds Road.

On Thursday 12th February at Huyton Magistrates Court, Gary Fagan entered a guilty plea to the charge of breach of Anti-Social Behaviour Order and breach of community order which resulted in him being sentenced to 18 weeks in custody at a Young Offenders Institute.