News Report Page 8 of 12
Publication Date:- 2020-11-01

News reports located on this page = 2. Merseyrail launches new forum to improve accessibility services MERSEYRAIL has teamed up with Network Rail and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to launch a new accessibility forum to engage with customers with accessibility needs and organisations that represent them. The 1st meeting of the forum took place last month with service users and representatives from 17 organisations across the voluntary sector that support people with accessible travel needs on the rail network. Attendees were updated on changes made due to Covid19 including continuing to provide passenger assistance and guidance around face covering exemption. They were also updated on the new Merseyrail trains, step free access across the network and potential new Stations. There was also an update from Network Rail on the roll out of a new Passenger Assistance web application across the UK rail network. The new fleet of Merseyrail trains will feature sliding step technology, enabling passengers to use the train with step free access and without the need for assistance. This will make Merseyrail the most accessible, traditional network in the country. There was a consultation around Merseyrail’s current accessibility travel training for front line staff and attendees fed back on how this could be improved further. Greg Suligowski, Head of Customer and Stakeholder at Merseyrail, said:- "At Merseyrail we pride ourselves on being one of the most accessible rail networks in the country. It was fantastic to bring together so many of our key stakeholders from across the City Region in what was a successful 1st meeting. The forum provides an opportunity to share ideas and gain valuable feedback from those that use our services, including those that rely on assistance to travel. We are always looking for more organisations or individuals to join the forum and anyone interested should contact our Customer Relations team at:- Comment@Merseyrail.Org or by calling:- 0151 555 1111." Wendy Booth for the charity Bradbury Fields, said:- "I am delighted to be able to represent Bradbury Fields Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People on this Merseyrail accessibility forum. It is a great opportunity to have a positive input in representing the particular needs of our service users, influencing the policies of Merseyrail and exploring the possibility of training their staff on the issues relating to visually impaired users. It was also good to see such a variety of organisations represented at the meeting on behalf of their service users and members, and it is a fantastic opportunity for Merseyrail to lead the way in providing a service which meets the needs of all." Justine Shenton, Sefton Older Persons Forum Co-ordinator at Sefton Advocacy, added:- "Many of our members enjoy using the train in normal circumstances and we find Merseyrail staff are always willing to help. We are very keen to be involved in the future on access issues and our forums work in partnership with Sefton Council on our Age Friendly Agenda. It is a shame that so many excellent programmes have had to come to a halt because of the current situation, but we are very keen to work with Merseyrail on confidence building. More information on Merseyrail’s Assisted Travel service can be found on the Merseyrail website." Public consultation on possible improvements at Southport Golf Links now underway SEFTON Council’s Green Sefton team has launched a public consultation on ways to improve the course and facilities at Southport Golf Links. As well as the tees, greens and fairways, people taking part are asked to rate current facilities including the reception and shop, changing rooms and toilets and parking and signage. Participants are asked to indicate and prioritise on possible future improvements they would like to see at Southport Golf Links, including a new driving range, a chipping and bunker area, a putting green and floodlights. They can also comment on improvements they would like to see to the current facilities, including the White House Café. Work to improve the course by redesigning is also among proposals on which people can express their views. And, as part of Sefton Council’s commitment to combating climate change, the consultation also includes questions about:- renewable energy, sustainable irrigation, recycling and reducing the use of plastics and improving existing wildlife habitat on the course. Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:- "The results of this anonymous survey will help our Green Sefton service plan any possible future developments at Southport Golf Links and we want to hear from current users but also golfers who might consider using an improved course. Although no specific funding has yet been identified for investment at Southport Golf Links, as a result of feedback from last year’s similar consultation on Bootle Golf course, plans are now underway to create the new driving range that people told us they wanted to see as part of improved practice facilities at the course." To take part in the consultation, people should visit:- YourSeftonYourSay.Sefton.Gov.UK.  The consultation opened last week and closes on Friday, 20 November 2020.              Previous  Edition Menu  Next Report       News Report Audio Copy      Monthly Sponsor:- Holistic Realignment Your local, fully qualified sports therapist. Call now on:- 07870382109 to book an appointment.     Please support local businesses like:- Our live webcams... An Image from our Southport Webcam above. To see it live, please click on image. An Image from our Southport Webcam above. To see it live, please click on image.   Please support local businesses like:-  RSS Our Weekly Headlines Trustpilot   This is the current phase of the moon. For more lunar related information, please click on here.   This is just 1 of the events on our event calendar, click on here to see lots more! This online newspaper and information service is regulated by IMPRESS the independent monitor for the UK's press. This is our process:- Complaints Policy - Complaints Procedure - Whistle Blowing Policy Contact us:- (+44)  08443244195 Calls will cost 7p per minute, plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to this number may be recorded for security, broadcast, training and record keeping.       Our website network   Liverpool Reporter   Mersey Reporter   Formby Reporter Our News Room Office Address Southport and Mersey Reporter, 4a Post Office Ave, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0US, UK     Tracking & Cookie Usage Policy - Terms & Conditions       - Southport Reporter® is the Registered Trade Mark of Patrick Trollope.