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Southport Reporter® covering the news on Merseyside.

Date:- 17 April 2006

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New powers of appeal over housing decisions imminent

NEW regulations governing disputes between landlords and local authorities in relation to the Housing Act 2004 will come into force this week.  The Government sponsored Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS), has been given a wide range of new jurisdictions, which will enable it to determine appeals over new legislation implemented under the Act.

Under the Act, local authorities will assess housing conditions using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System, which replaces the old housing fitness standards. They have also been given responsibility for a new licensing regime for houses in multiple occupation (HMO’s) and the selective licensing of landlords in designated areas of low demand for housing where there are problems of anti-social behaviour.

From 13th April 2006, the RPTS will be able to determine appeals over local authority decisions on the licensing of HMOs, the enforcement of the new Housing, Health and Safety Rating System and the licensing of landlords in selected areas, as well as in relation to a range of new housing management orders. The tribunal anticipates handling up to an additional 8,000 cases per year as a result.

RPTS has aimed since its inception to be an accessible and user-friendly tribunal service that is a faster and more affordable alternative to the court system for resolving residential property disputes. Appeals will be made to the new Residential Property Tribunals (RPTs) created under the Act, and will be heard by an expert panel comprising lawyers, surveyors and lay people.

RPTS Senior President Siobhan McGrath said: -"The services offered by RPTS help people solve housing problems that adversely affect their lives simply, quickly and without major cost implications. We are hopeful that the implementation of the new legislation will be a smooth and simple process for landlords and local authorities across the country, but we are keen to highlight our new powers to help resolve disputes, should they arise."

UKTV Style Needs Your Help!

ZENITH Entertainment Ltd are looking for contributors to appear on a television series for UKTV Style.  Nik and Eva Speakman have taken life coaching to new levels.  They are a dynamically driven couple based in the North West, whose day to day business is sorting out people’s lives.  After a successful first series (that’s just been aired for UKTV Style) the Speakmans’ are now looking for new clients who they can help make startling, life changing decisions for the second series. Whether it’s a lack of confidence, an addiction or a life out of balance the Speakmans’ can turn lives around.

The series is set in the Speakman household, the 12th Century and reputably haunted mansion in the North West.

Each client will follow a plan to achieve their own particular goal. The plan will be set by Nik and Eva but might contain such elements as time management, diet or work/life balance.  We’re looking for people who are facing a variety of life challenges and need their help. If you suffer from an addiction, have a phobia, lack the confidence to do your job properly, suffer from bad time management or just need to change your outlook then this could be an opportunity to radically change your life forever. 

The Speakmans’ are energetic and passionate people whose positive outlook is addictive.

Please contact Emma on 0161 838 5765 for more details or to discuss whether the Speakmans’ can help you.

Civic tribute to Hillsborough victims

SPECIAL prayers were held at Liverpool Town Hall to remember one of the most harrowing events in the history of football.  Thursday 13 April the Lord Mayor and the Rector of Liverpool, Reverend Steven Brooks joined together in prayer for the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster 17 years ago.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Alan Dean, said:- "Hillsborough affected so many lives not just in Merseyside but across the whole of the UK.  The passing years do not diminish the importance and the poignancy of this occasion.  This ceremony and the annual memorial service at Anfield means that we will never forget the old and young who died as a result of this terrible disaster."

Phil Hammond, who lost his 14 year old son Philip in the tragedy, is chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and took part in the event.  He said:- "I'm really pleased that the city council is once again doing something to mark the anniversary of Hillsborough.  As the father of one of the 96 who died I feel strongly about making sure that their memories live on."

The annual memorial service organised by the Hillsborough Family Support Group, took place on the Kop at Anfield on Saturday 15 April. The service started at 2:45pm and included a minute's silence at 3:06pm.  All were welcome to attend the ceremony.

The 5th City of Liverpool Business Fair, Liverpool Town Hall

Tuesday 25 April 10.30am to 3.30pm

* 70 stands showcasing the best of the Liverpool Business Community. * Business advice and support to established businesses as well as new start ups. * Excellent opportunity to network and promote your business. * Biggest Business event on Merseyside, 1000 visitors. * Free to visit. * Full seminar programme. * Meet the Buyer event * Café / networking area. * Business opportunities for 2008 * Free Wine tasting * Free head and back massages. * Sponsored by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, 08 Businessconnect, Viacom Outdoor and Business Liverpool.

Visit www.liverpoolba.com for more details or call Liverpool BA on 0151 709 8932

£2 million boost for Wirral’s woodlands

NEW Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and its partners announced this week that in response to the regeneration needs of Merseyside, Bidston Moss in Birkenhead is to receive more than £2 million of investment, to re-develop and manage it as a new public recreation facility and community woodland.

The 40-hectare site has been selected and approved for regeneration under the ‘Newlands’ project, which is billed as ‘land regeneration for the 21st Century’ because of it’s high-quality and sensitive approach to development, working with stakeholders and local communities. Newlands is set to rejuvenate over 400 hectares of the region’s damaged land, boosting economic and social conditions across Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

The Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority-owned site is located close to the centre of Birkenhead and the ‘NewHeartlands’ Housing Market Renewal Initiative. It is also visible from the M53 east-bound motorway and the mainline train route to Liverpool. The site was landfilled from 1963 to the 1990s, since when steps have been taken to improve environmental conditions by Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA) in partnership with Groundwork Wirral. Now the long-held local aspiration to turn this area into a quality recreation area for public use has been realised.

Newlands at Bidston Moss will allow the land regeneration works to continue, delivering a much needed contribution to inner Wirral’s social, economic and environment needs. The quality place created will also enhance the gateway to Liverpool – European Capital of Culture 2008 and provide one of Mersey Waterfront Regional Park’s visitor attractions. The design and future management of the site will also contribute significantly towards Merseyside’s Biodiversity Action Plan targets.

The community woodlands at Bidston Moss will be managed by the Forestry Commission in partnership with MWDA, Groundwork Wirral, The Mersey Forest and Wirral Council. To support the area’s over arching aims to provide a cohesive and balanced community, additional funding from Biffaward and EU Objective One via The Mersey Forest Trust has been secured for Bidston Moss.

A key development for the site is the extension of the Bidston Moss’ cycling resource, to be a valuable addition to the National Cycle Route Network. Improvements to the on-site cycle tracks will offer greater facilities for mountain bike riders, in the hope that it will help prevent man-made environmental damage to Bidston Moss, and support local health and fitness schemes.  In addition, plans for the site include the cultivation and introduction of more diverse wildlife species, opening-up the woodland’s panoramic views as well as establishing an eye-catching entrance feature, giving visitors to Bidston Moss a dynamic sense of arrival.

Following discussions with MWDA, Association of Wirral Angling Clubs and Wirral Council’s Rangers Services, the exiting three-hectare lake, which is located to the eastern edge of Bidston Moss, is to be restructured. Currently the lake is used for informal fishing and Newlands at Bidston Moss aims to capitalise on the water’s potential by encouraging more marginal vegetation as well as improving wildlife habitats - by formalising fishing pegs, softening the bank’s edges and enhancing the pond dipping access points.  Additionally Newlands at Bidston Moss will make improvements to the popular ‘Stargazer’ eco-statue with the introduction of further artworks around the feature to add drama and impact.

A large percentage of the NWDA investment will secure a 20-year programme of site management at Bidston Moss, making sure the scheme’s initial benefits will be sustained, and the outcome is a significant step change for the local community.  Bidston Moss, as well as several other areas of undervalued land across the region, were carefully chosen following an intensive land survey, which used region-wide aerial photography to highlight the Northwest’s area of derelict, underused and neglected (DUN) land.

Using a Public Benefit Recording System (PBRS), designed to measure the public benefit that can be achieved through regeneration, all the DUN sites identified were assessed according to social, economic and environmental factors. The sites chosen offer the greatest potential for impact with regards to the priorities of the Regional Economic Strategy.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said:- “Restoring and securing the environmental quality of this location in support of the aims of the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park and European Capital of Culture 2008 strategic investments, as well as ‘NewHeartlands’ are key priorities for the NWDA. Together these will contribute to the significant changes that are revitalising inner Wirral.  The Forestry Commission’s quality of approach to improving the region’s undervalued land will help to transform the perceptions of such challenging locations and raise values to bring about sustainable economic growth.”

Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Lord Clark, added:- “By joining forces with the local community, Newlands will become a prime example of the very best of grass roots regeneration and we are looking forward to this exciting challenge.  The NWDA has shown real leadership by forging a unique partnership with other government agencies, including funding for the long-term (20-years) management of the sites and using truly cutting edge surveying and analysis techniques to ensure maximum benefit for public money.”

Cllr John Fletcher, Chairman of MWDA, said:- “The social and economic benefits of transforming an existing brownfield site into a multi-use, attractive woodland shouldn’t be underestimated. We are delighted that land that was previously landfill can be used for something which the whole community will gain from.”

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