Merseyrail face covering statement

ON Friday, 16 July 2021, Merseyrail issued the following statement below regarding the change in face covering regulations and what this means for passengers on the Merseyrail network, from Monday, 19 July 2021. Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- "From Monday, 19 July 2021, the majority of lockdown restrictions will come to an end and face coverings will no longer be a legal requirement on public transport. However, we do expect passengers to follow Government guidance and wear a face covering in crowded spaces, out of respect for others, unless exempt. As we have throughout the Pandemic, we will continue to do as much as we can to keep our staff and passengers safe by extensively cleaning trains and stations throughout the day using specialist cleaning products."

Freedom of Sefton Borough for NHS Trusts

SEFTON Council has confirmed it is awarding the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, as well as Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. At a meeting of Full Council last night, the decision was made to recognise the four Trusts and all their staff formally, for their hard work and dedication during the Covid19 Pandemic. Freedom of the Borough is the highest ceremonial honour the Local Authority can bestow and a permanent record of the Borough's endless appreciation and debt of gratitude to the Trusts will now be formalised. An Extra ordinary meeting of Council will be organised to officially grant the Freedom of the Borough, when Covid19 restrictions will allow. In addition, a civic reception will be planned for officers of the Trusts and their invited guests.

Organistions receiving Freedom of the Borough gain the:- "right, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the Borough on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed."

Cllr Ian Maher, Sefton Council Leader said:- "The Trusts and all of their staff have served the Borough and wider City Region tirelessly throughout the Pandemic, putting themselves at risk in ensuring the safety of others. That selflessness and dedication cannot be underestimated, which is why the Council are awarding NHS staff at all levels within the Trusts the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.�

Neil Masom OBE, the chair of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust said:- "This is a tremendous honour for the tireless and often challenging work of colleagues during the Covid19 Pandemic. Every one of them is on the frontline in one way or another whether they are in a clinical, support or administrative role. We all work as one team and 1 family, ensuring we deliver the best possible care for those in need.�

Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer, at South Sefton and Southport and Formby CCGs, said:- "This is a huge honour for NHS colleagues working in our local Hospitals, recognising the risks and challenges many of them faced in dealing with the human tragedy of this Pandemic. We're proud, alongside our General Practices, community and mental health providers, to support them in continuing to care for our communities and keeping us all safe.�

Dame Jo Williams, Chair of Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive of Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust said:- "We are hugely honoured to be recognised and to have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough from Sefton Council. It is fantastic recognition for our staff and colleagues who have worked tirelessly and bravely during the Covid19 Pandemic. Alder Hey is privileged to play a vital role in supporting the health of children in Sefton and around the world. This would not be possible without the support we receive from children and families around the Borough and from our friends and partners in the Local Authority and other agencies.�

Joe Rafferty CBE, Chief Executive of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:- "Like all other NHS organisations, the COVID-19 Pandemic presented huge challenges for Mersey Care and I see this honour as recognition for everyone who have worked so hard during some of the most difficult times in the history of the NHS. We've had to adapt, quite often find different ways of working, but I'm extremely proud of the way we've continued to care and kept our mental health and community health patients and service users safe."

Previous organisations to have been granted Freedom of the Borough include:- RAF Woodvale, in 2011, and No. 238 (Sefton) Squadron, 156 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, in 1982. Individuals who have had the honour bestowed upon them include Jamie Carragher, in 2004, and Donald "Ginger� McCain in 2006.

Alleyways project "a huge boost" for Formby village, says Bill Esterson MP

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson says a project designed to rejuvenate the alleyways off Chapel Lane will be:- "a huge boost" to Formby village. Formby Labour Councillors have agreed to contribute ₤500 toward the project which will turn the eight alleyways from unsightly and antisocial areas to bright, green and artistic spaces with living walls, street art and creative lighting. Mr Esterson has encouraged local residents to contribute to the fundraising efforts if they are able to.

Mr Esterson said:- "The 8 Alleyways Project will be a huge boost to the village centre and will help to improve footfall which is what we all want. This is about creating a place which is fun and pleasant to visit and helping local businesses along the way. Well done to all the volunteers who are involved in the project including Labour parish Councillor Carol Richards. Carol is a tireless volunteer who works so hard for the community as do all the Imagine Formby team. They have my full support. Please do contribute to this project if you can."

Cllr Nina Killen along with Cllr Catie Page agreed to a ₤500 contribution from Councillor funds and Cllr Killen wrote to the Council to ask that they consider pledging further funds from a community grant. Cllr Killen wrote:- "The 8 Alleyways project would be of huge benefit to Formby, making the village centre a much more attractive and pleasant place to spend time. Imagine Formby are a dedicated group of volunteers who have been working tirelessly to improve Formby. They have my full support. The alleyways off Chapel Lane are currently unsightly and this project would make them far more attractive and would create attractive features. The project would transform these spaces into safe, light spaces with exciting themes that would increase footfall in the village. I fully support this project and would support any funding that was able to be given toward the project."

Each alleyway will be designed by the Imagine Formby Arts, Culture and Heritage group, in collaboration with local Schools and the Formby Civic Society. They will be transformed through:- plants, street art, conservation measures, improved lighting and entrance features, and will all be given new names to create a cohesive theme and identity.

To help, please donate via:- SpaceHive.Com.

Merseyrail face covering statement

Freedom of Sefton Borough for NHS Trusts

Alleyways project "a huge boost" for Formby village, says Bill Esterson MP

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region