Motorists who drive in bus lanes will avoid fines for 1st time offences

OVER the last week news broke that motorists who drive in bus lanes will avoid fines for 1st time offences under major traffic laws shake up. Car Insurance Expert, at Confused.com, Alex Kindred says:- "In 1 year, Councils issued more than 9 million PCNs, equating to a whopping ₤326 million in fines. A huge 21% of these fines were handed out to people driving through bus lanes, so clearly there's some confusion. Our research then found that 29% of drivers who have received a fine blamed unclear information for their mistake. Being let off for 1st time offences will help alleviate the stress of driving through a bus lane that isn't clear, especially if it was a genuine mistake. But this isn't a signal to take advantage of them. 36% of drivers told us Councils need to spend more money on making road signs clearer, so that we don't have to fork out for unfair fines in the 1st place. Our challenge checklist will help drivers decide whether they should appeal a fine and guide them through the process."

MARGARET Isherwood MBE, born in 1918, in Banchory, Scotland, marked the amazing milestone with a socially distanced birthday party organised by staff, at the Orchard Care Home, with music, balloons and banners. Both residents and staff enjoyed reminiscing with Margaret about the impressive, active and full life she has lived. Before choosing to settle in Warrington, Margaret lived in Croydon from 1939 until the end of the war, where she met her husband Daniel at a local dance. They were married 5 April 1947 and shortly after they had their 2 daughters, Joyce and Sandra.

Aged 82, Margaret returned to her studies and gained qualifications in crystal healing, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, reflexology, holistic facials and Hopi ear candles, hot stone therapy and advanced aromatherapy as well as a holistic degree from Halton College and Salford University. Once qualified, she regularly volunteered at community groups, happily sharing her skills in holistic therapies to help others. She also ran 'well being for older people' groups; teaching healing massage techniques to NHS staff at nursing homes and offering holistic skills to various charities.

Her efforts over the years earned her the National Adult Learner of the Year award, at age 94, and in more recent years, Margaret has become quite the star. In 2014, she appeared on The Alan Titchmarsh Show and subsequently received an MBE for her services to adult learning. In addition, her work to reduce isolation amongst the elderly was recognised and she was also made an Honorary Freewoman of Warrington in 2015; the Town's highest civic honour.

Amongst Margaret's proudest moments is becoming a grandmother to 4 grandchildren and great grandmother to three great-grandchildren. Margaret's granddaughter in law Heather said:- "She continues to amaze and inspire us all."

Val Marston, Home Manager, said:- "It's such a delight to have a local legend at Three Bridges. Margaret is an inspiration and continues to surprise us all with her eagerness to live a full and happy life every single day."

3 Bridges Care Home is a specialist residential, short term respite and dementia residential facility and part of Orchard Care Homes' network of residences situated across the North of England and the Midlands.

ON World Suicide Prevention Day Sefton Council is launching this year's 30 Days of Sefton in Mind campaign. Now in its 4th year, 30 Days of Sefton in Mind happens during the 30 days that fall between World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day. During this time, we will be promoting positive mental health across the borough and highlighting the many services available on our My Sefton website and across social media using the hashtag #SeftonInMind.

With the added impact of COVID19, our campaign this year asks:- 'Are you okay?' with the hope that this question starts a conversation about stress or anxiety linked to various issues. For example, residents might be worried about loneliness, financial difficulties, employment, social isolation or a lack of support. The campaign will provide information about local solutions to problems, such as financial support, friendship groups, or ideas for physical activities which can reduce feelings of isolation.

The campaign is led by Sefton Council and supported by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service.

Cllr Paul Cummins, Mental Health Champion for Sefton Council said:- "With the unprecedented impact of COVID19 we need to promote positive mental health in Sefton now more than ever. As we adapt to a world altered by the pandemic, levels of isolation, distress and anxiety increase. It is vital that we continue work together with our partners to provide services for people struggling with mental health and make sure that people know there is lots of support for them."

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is calling on local residents to make a contribution to Policing by volunteering to become an independent custody visitor. Jane Kennedy is looking to recruit more volunteers to be part of an important scheme through which independent members of the public check on the welfare of people detained in Police custody.

The Independent Custody Visiting programme was established following the investigation into the Brixton riots in 1981 and is now the responsibility of Police and Crime Commissioners to operate in their respective areas across the country.

Under the scheme volunteers undertake random, unannounced visits of Police cells to check on the conditions and make sure those being held are being cared for appropriately. It gives members of the public an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of Merseyside Police, while gaining a real insight into how an important Police function is carried out.

A team of 20 volunteers currently give their time to the scheme, but the Commissioner is hoping to encourage up to 15 more people to join. The volunteers visit the region's custody suites in pairs, at varied times of the night and day, throughout the year. Once on site, they check on the welfare of those detained and the conditions within the suite and produce a report for the Police Commissioner. They raise any issues directly with Merseyside Police. During the Covid-19 outbreak, these visits have been carried out virtually via video link.

Jane said:- "Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) carry out an important public duty which provides reassurance to the public, the Police and to me that we are detaining men and women here on Merseyside properly and caring for them appropriately. Detainees are potentially vulnerable and visits by our ICV volunteers are a key protection for them, ensuring their legal entitlements and rights are respected. This is an interesting and rewarding role where volunteers can make a real difference within their community and get an insight into how our Police system operates. By volunteering for this scheme, people can play their part in promoting the highest standards of Policing. This is a fantastic opportunity for people who wish to make a contribution to Policing and their community."

The ICV scheme in Merseyside has been in operation since April 1984, when 20 members of the public were trained as visitors. In 2019, Merseyside's ICV volunteers made a total of 229 impromptu trips to custody suites in the region, offering to see just less than 3,000 detainees. During the Coronavirus outbreak, visits were conducted remotely. While some physical visits have now resumed, visitors will be able to decide what type of visit they wish to carry out, according to how comfortable they feel at the time.

ICVs must have good observational and thinking skills, strong ethical principles and be able to maintain confidentiality. They should also be comfortable challenging authority if required. Ideally the volunteers will also come from a range of backgrounds, ages and experience. Volunteers must be over 18 years old and live or work in the Merseyside area. Full training will be given. It is expected that volunteers make 1 visit a month. Interviews will be conducted either remotely or face to face following a review of the Covid-19 guidance at the time of short listing. If you are interested in applying, please find out more on the:- Merseyside PCC website.  The deadline for applications is:- 5pm, on 30 September 2020.