Beating Crime Plan branded as:- "emperor's new clothing" by Merseyside's Police Commissioners

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has branded the Prime Minister's new strategy to tackle crime as:- "emperor's new clothing." Emily Spurrell has also criticised Boris Johnson for launching his:- 'Beating Crime Plan' without properly consulting Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Chief Constables. She said:- "This strategy was supposed to be a grand plan for cutting crime and building a safer country. In reality, it is superficial and populist. Boris has announced a series of measures he hopes will grab the headlines, but do nothing to actually tackle the root causes of crime. The few useful proposals contained within his strategy, such as providing victims with the contact details of Officers; are already contained within the Victims' Code of Practice. The idea of publicising league tables for answering calls is overly simplistic, hugely divisive and ill informed. A busy urban area like Merseyside has completely different demands and challenges to a leafy, rural shire area. Calls need to be answered appropriately, not just quickly. Since 2010, this Government has decimated our Police service and our criminal justice system. While finally, after years of protest, this is slowly being reversed, the Government is now putting a whole range of hugely demanding additional requirements on to the shoulders of our Police service and our partners, yet without the sustainable investment they so desperately require to deliver it. This announcement comes on hot on the heels of the launch of the Government's new Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy which similarly laid out a whole range of extra responsibilities yet failed to provide the funding for them. Frustratingly, Ministers only briefed Police and Crime Commissioners and Police Chiefs just hours before they publicly launched this strategy. Where was the consultation? Surely they should have been listening closely to those who are working to build safer communities day in, day out, if they want to make changes which will actually have an impact. This strategy is yet another example of emperor's new clothes; it fails to address the big issues and shows Boris is all soundbite, no substance."

Sefton Council has sent tastebuds tingling with the news that Southport Food and Drink Festival will return this coming September

THE popular three day smorgasbord of food vendors, pop up drinks stalls and live entertainment will take place between Friday, 3 September 2021 and Sunday, 5 September 2021, at Victoria Park, Southport, with thousands of families expected to visit over the weekend. Southport Food and Drink Festival is a free, family friendly event and this year features a host of tantalising takeaways to suite all tastes; from sweet treats to spicy curries and much more. Working with our friends, at Victoria Park Events, this year there will also be a complimentary home and garden experience for visitors to enjoy, as part of the festival's autumn theme.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:- "The Southport Food and Drink Festival is finally returning and I know this will be music to everyone's ears! Our teams have worked hard to ensure we can host a safe and enjoyable bumper weekend of the best food, drink and much more for thousands of visitors. Foodie fans will love the hand-picked selection of the region's most passionate producers, all of whom will be bringing their wares to the festival, including a wide selection of gift ideas and treats to relish at home. You can also keep your little ones entertained with a free Children's Festival, along with arts and crafts, magic shows, storytelling and sports workshops. It's guaranteed to be a fantastic weekend and we want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the fun. The Southport Food and Drink Festival is one of the most iconic events in our events calendar and we are delighted that we are able to bring it back for 2021."

Sefton has already started whetting people's appetites this week with the opening of the new Southport market food outlet/emporium . Backed by Southport Town Deal funding, the incredible revamped market space is already proving popular among locals and visitors alike. For more information about the 2021 Southport Food and Drink Festival, visit:- VisitSouthport.com.

Beating Crime Plan branded as:- "emperor's new clothing" by Merseyside's Police Commissioners

Sefton Council has sent tastebuds tingling with the news that Southport Food and Drink Festival will return this coming September

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