Protest over Port of Liverpool's role in deforestation

THE Save Rimrose Valley campaign joined protestors from Biofuelwatch and Extinction Rebellion outside the Port of Liverpool, on Wednesday, 21 April 2021, to highlight the role it plays in deforestation in North America. Wood pellets, created from trees felled in ecologically biodiverse forests across the Atlantic are imported into the UK via the Port of Liverpool, owned and operated by Peel Ports. They are then transferred by rail to energy company Drax's facility, in Selby, Yorkshire, where they are burned to produce electricity. In 2020, Drax received ₤2.27 million per day in Government subsidies for burning biomass, whilst subsidies for renewable and low carbon onshore wind and solar power were slashed.

Commenting on behalf of Save Rimrose Valley, Stuart Bennett said:- "It was really important to be here today to stand alongside #AxeDrax campaigners, to highlight this practice and the hypocrisy of Peel Ports. They bemoan the lack of rail connections between the East and West of the country yet choose to ignore how many HGVs this line could remove from our roads if it weren't being used for such a destructive purpose. The sustainability credentials of huge corporations like Drax and Peel Ports are laughable. Their glossy literature claims that they care about the environment, but this is the reality. It is shocking to hear of the environmental destruction and harm being done to communities across the Atlantic by this industry. Closer to home, pollution from the port, its ships and the associated HGV traffic contributes to a lower than average life expectancy in our part of Liverpool. And the Government wants to build them a new road, destroying more trees and green space in the process? It's a joke. It felt great to be part of a small demonstration again after being deprived of this during the Pandemic. We're looking forward to mobilising our communities as soon as restrictions ease for bigger protests. Peel Ports can expect more of the same unless and until they play an active role in stopping the road proposal and start respecting our communities."

Junior sports teams in Southport invited to win a new strip
Photograph by Daniel Tidbury.

UNDER 16 sports clubs within Southport are being given the chance to win a brand new team strip to celebrate the lifting of lockdown. As junior sporting clubs can finally begin to start meeting and playing again, it's important not to forget the individuals in those clubs who held the group together during the long months of lockdown and worked tirelessly to get everything ready for their welcome return. Which is why branded clothing and school uniform specialist, Recognition Express, is once again inviting nominations for unsung junior sports club heroes in Southport. The hero will receive a trophy and their prize is a complete new strip for the club.  In previous years, the competition was only open to junior football clubs, but Steve Bibby, Director of Recognition Express North West, has decided to give all youth sports teams an equal opportunity to win the prize for 2021.  He is inviting nominations from all organised junior sporting clubs from tennis and rugby through to hockey and netball.

Said Steve:- "It's been a tough year for everyone but particularly for children with their disrupted schooling and not being able to meet up with friends and teammates. I know how hard club officials, parents and children themselves have been working to keep up morale during lockdown when clubs couldn't meet to train or play. Getting everything ready for re-opening safely has been a mammoth task for all involved. There will always be that one stand out individual whether it be a coach, parent or a team member who goes that extra mile for the club quietly and without seeking any praise or reward. As specialists in recognition products, promotional items and branded clothing, it makes sense for us to combine donating a new team kit to a local junior sports club whilst recognising an unsung hero. It gives us the chance to recognise the contribution these unsung heroes make and give something back to the community we serve."

Anyone can nominate a junior sports club hero. The competition is open to all under 16's junior sporting clubs playing in Southport. To enter visit:- Recognition-Express.Com/NorthWest/ and complete the simple entry form. The competition closes, on Sunday, 30 May 2021, and the winner will be announced from Monday, 14 June 2021.