RAC WARMS TO TORY DRIVER PLANS

MOTORING organisation RAC welcomed Conservative plans announced today to tackle the problem of uninsured drivers on Britain's roads.

Estimates suggest that there are more than a million cars on the roads that are being driven uninsured. These motorists are a real menace. Statistics show that they are more likely to drive over the alcohol limit, run a non-roadworthy car or have convictions for other driving offences. 

Accidents involving uninsured drivers cost law-abiding motorists over £600million per year in increased insurance premiums, with each and every premium costing an extra £30 per year because of this problem.

RAC spokesperson Rebecca Bell said:- "It's essential that this problem is tackled and the Tory's plans announced today indicate that there is now cross-party consensus on this issue."

The Government must work closely with the insurance industry to break the vicious circle of the uninsured driver. One reason that premiums are spiraling and new drivers in particular can't afford to buy insurance cover is the cost of accidents involving uninsured drivers.

Wirral Hospital NHS Trust in Running for National Award

AN announcement that Wirral Hospital NHS Trust has been shortlisted for a Freedom to Move award, the first ever awards specifically celebrating the achievements of rheumatology units across the UK. 

The awards recognise those rheumatology units which are at the forefront in implementing and developing best practice. The independent judges selected Wirral Hospital NHS Trust because of their commitment to placing the patient firmly at the centre of care.

The rheumatology team at Wirral Hospital NHS Trust will now join the other finalists at a Wyeth - hosted event at the British Society of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Edinburgh next month. The unit is in the running to receive the first prize, an educational grant of £5,000, or an educational grant of £2,500 or £1,500 if they achieve second or third place.

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Robbery on King Street, Southport

THIS week Merseyside Police are appealing for any information about an incident that took place in Southport on 3 April (Saturday). 

At about 2:30pm a 47 year old man walked out of Corals Bookmakers on King Street, Southport and was heading towards his car when someone pushed him to the floor. A man then went through his pockets. The victim then heard a member of the public shout 'hey' and when he looked up he saw a man running off.

The offender is described as black, 6" tall, and was wearing a blue top with writing on it.

Detectives are appealing for the passing member of the public who intervened to come forward as well as anyone else who may have witnessed the offence.

The victim was shaken, but uninjured during the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LOCAL WOMEN TO RAISE MONEY FOR EPILEPSY

EPILEPSY, a disease that causes affliction to many and much less understood by non sufferers but to two young ladies from Liverpool it is all in the day of a life as their plight to raise awareness and money for charity by taking on the Grand Canyon.

Rachel and Ema from Crosby who suffers Epilepsy, plan to brave the waters of the Colorado and trek through the sweltering heat of America's most unforbidding desert ridges to raise money for Epilepsy Action in their unusual challenge.

Epilepsy Action is the largest UK voluntary member led epilepsy charity, which improves the quality of life for people with epilepsy, helping 315,000 people per year. The neurological condition affects over 420,000 people in the UK, or 1 in 130 of the population. 

Ten years ago Ema herself was diagnosed with epilepsy and she would not have coped in coming to terms with this life changing condition without the support, information and advice from the BEA.

Ema and Rachael hope to raise £5,000 for the charity and currently are in search of donations from the public. But other events such as gigs with local bands, open days and cultural venues are to be held to raise awareness of epilepsy and provide fun nights for all. If you would like to make a donation cheques should be made payable to Epilepsy Action and sent to: Ema Quinn, C/O Bluecoat Arts Centre, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX.

If you would like further information on Epilepsy action and the Grand Canyon Challenge or other fundraising activities, please telephone 0113 210 8800. 

Attempted Armed Robbery on Pilch Lane in Huyton

KNOWSLEY Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man attempted to rob a bakery in Huyton armed with a gun.

A man believed to be the offender was seen walking up and down outside Sayers on Pilch Lane, Huyton for around two hours on 3 April (Saturday), before he went into the shop at just before 3:15pm.

He walked directly towards a member of staff who was standing near to the till, produced what is believed to be a small handgun and pointed it towards this member of staff, demanding the money from the till. 

He was challenged by another member of staff, and then left the shop empty handed, going along Page Moss Avenue towards Western Avenue. 

The man is described as being of mixed race, approximately 5" 8' tall, of slim build, with dark hair, and a Liverpool accent. He had freckles running under his eyes and across his nose and was wearing a tight fitting hat and a zip fronted cardigan, dark in colour with white checks on the front. 

DC Alan Martin, from Knowsley CID, said:- "We believe this man was outside the shops on Pilch Lane for some time before attempting this robbery and had possibly been seen there on the Friday before too, again walking near the shops for some time. The Pilch Lane shops are particularly busy and we're sure that a number of people will have been in the area at this time, and may have seen this man on either Friday or Saturday. We would urge anyone who saw this man, or who has information regarding the incident to contact the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.