Have your say on dog theft

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy is supporting a national survey designed to understand public perception of dog theft, enforcement, and the prosecution of offenders. Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as ₤3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals. According to Dog Lost, the UK's largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250%, with criminal gangs involved. The Home Secretary is currently reviewing the issue of pet theft and what future enforcement may look like with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators. The survey includes a question seeking views on whether companion animals should be treated in law as sentient beings, not merely as property. The public's responses, which will be collected by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, will help inform discussions that PCCs will have on this issue nationally and allow Police Forces to better understand the public's views on this crime and how they might improve their response to these concerns. The 60 second survey will be open until 5pm, on Friday, 12 March 221, at:- SurveyMonkey.Co.UK.

Jane said:- "As a dog owner and lover myself, I certainly appreciate how alarming and upsetting dog theft must be to anyone who suffers it. Dogs are a part of the family and a source of great love, comfort and companionship. This has been brought into even sharper focus given we are all spending much more time at home and walking our dogs is undoubtedly a highlight in many people's days. We believe there has been a significant increase in dog theft, but through this survey we want to know what is really happening across Merseyside, so we can respond accordingly and support people appropriately. I'd encourage all dog owners to take part, share their views and help us ensure we are properly informed to help shape national policy going forward."

Views welcomed on improvements to transport links through Sefton's Maritime Corridor

CYCLISTS, pedestrians and motorists, as well as local businesses, are being encouraged to share their views on Sefton Council's scheme to improve transport links for all who use the Maritime Corridor. Stretching from Switch Island to the Netherton Way (A5038), the Maritime Corridor links Atlantic Park to the wider Region. It includes junctions on:- Ormskirk Road (A59), Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036) and Netherton Way (A5038), as well as the local road network. The Corridor is also key to connecting the Port of Liverpool with the wider Region and is a recognised area for potential economic growth by both the Council and the Liverpool City Region.

The Maritime Corridor scheme proposes improvement works at 5 key junctions, as well as enhancements to walking and cycling routes. The public consultation will run until Sunday, 28 March 2021 and feedback from the survey will be incorporated into development plans while funding is sought for the improvements.

As part of the Council's 2030 vision, all improvement plans for the Borough's streets and transport networks take into account the need to tackle the wider Climate Change Emergency while improving the health and wellbeing of its residents. Schemes aim to keep people active and encourage them to think about alternative and green modes of transport that will improve air quality, while at the same time reducing congestion and enhancing access for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said:- "We are improving our streets and transport networks throughout the whole of the Borough to support our Sefton 2030 Vision. The intention is to make it easier to move around and to improve links across the Region and beyond, while also including active travel measures that support the health and wellbeing of our communities. It's also vital that we maintain our commitment to taking positive action towards a low carbon transport network and supporting Sefton's Climate Emergency objectives. The scheme around the Maritime Corridor area is just 1 part of this wider approach which will aim to improve connectivity and reduce congestion, improving air quality and health, while not forgetting the opportunity to unlock the area's economic potential. The planned improvements to junctions and active travel routes for pedestrians and people who cycle are at a very early stage of development, and we would encourage all residents and businesses to use this consultation period to get involved and help to shape the scheme as it moves forward."

The consultation, along with maps of the proposed junction improvements and cycle provisions, can be accessed on the Your Sefton Your Say website and will be open until Sunday, 28 March 2021.  Feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of the scheme's next stages. A report summarising the consultation responses and next stages will be produced and made available on the Council website.

More than ˝ of adults living in the North West are unaware regular exercise can help reduce bowel cancer risk

A new poll commissioned by Bowel Cancer UK reveals that more than ˝ of adults living in the North West (60%) are not aware regular exercise could help to reduce the risk of bowel cancer; the UK's second biggest cancer killer.

Every year more than 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer, which is the 4th most common cancer in the UK. Research shows that taking part in regular physical activity; at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week; can lower your risk of bowel cancer by up to 50%. However, on average only 6 out of 10 adults are reaching this target.

On Monday, 1 March 2021, Bowel Cancer UK has published findings of its new poll of more than 4,000 UK adults to launch the charity's latest fundraising challenge, Step up for 30, and is encouraging people all over the North West to take up regular exercise to reduce their risk of bowel cancer. It's really simple, just get sponsored to be active every day in April, as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Bowel Cancer UK's newest patron and the host of BBC's You, Me and the Big C podcast Deborah James (@Bowelbabe) is supporting Step up for 30. She says:- "Being active is really important and helps me to recover from treatment more quickly, boosts my mood and I sleep better. It's great for my mental health too. I'm a keen runner, but if that isn't for you then a brisk walk, an online yoga or dance class, or bike ride are brilliant ways to be more active. As a Bowel Cancer UK patron, I'm proud to support this campaign and encourage everyone to sign up to the challenge."

Personal Trainer to Hollywood stars like Matt Le Blanc, Fabrice Le Physique (@Fabricelephysique) is lending his support to the campaign:- "Staying motivated for a whole month can be a real challenge, but having a goal can help you stay focused. Trying new ways of being active will keep it fun and interesting, like an online barre class, hoola hooping or skipping in a local green space. I'll be providing online workouts for mixed abilities throughout April for Step up for 30, which will help you stay motivated too."

Sign up to Step up for 30 today and receive your free fundraising pack:- BowelCancerUK.Org.UK.