PFI BAIL-OUT THROWS GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD, SAYS UNISON CHIEF

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, on 3 March 2009, has criticised Treasury plans to use public money to bail-out private companies that are walking away from the once-lucrative PFI contracts.  He is calling on the Government to instead use the billions of pounds to keep the projects in the public sector, rather than allow the bailed-out private companies to continue to make profits at the taxpayers’ expense.  Dave Prentis said:- “Taxpayers are fed up seeing their money used to bail-out failures in the private sector with no return. Bailing out PFI now is just throwing good money after bad. Why doesn’t the Government see sense by building and running major public works itself for the benefit of the public, not to line the pockets of big business?  We have warned the Government over and over again that private companies were only in it for as long as the profits lasted. There has never been a transfer of risk – it was not an option for the Government to allow school and hospital building projects to go to the wall. Whenever anything goes wrong, the private companies come to the taxpayer with a begging bowl.  Now that private finance has dried up, it is high time to make a clean break with PFI, end the vast profits these companies make at the expense of the taxpayer and return to publicly run, publicly funded schemes.”

WITNESS APPEAL AFTER CASH-IN-TRANSIT ROBBERYY

MERSEYSIDE Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to a  cash-in-transit robbery that happened outside the Iceland food store in Prescot Road, Old Swan, on Monday, 2 March 2009.

At around 3.35pm, a security guard was collecting cash from the store when he was confronted by two men who stole his cash box. The guard was not injured during the incident and managed to run off and raise the alarm.

The offenders were last seen at the back of the store in Baden Road. They are described as white, between 5ft 11in and 6ft tall, of slim build, and were wearing dark clothing.

Police officers called to the scene conducted house-to-house enquiries and are reviewing CCTV of the area.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or who has any information is asked to call police on 0151 777 5815 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RE-APPEAL:- THE MURDER INVESTIGATION OF TONY BROMLEY

MERSEYSIDE Police are again re-appealing for information in relation to the murder of Tony Bromley on Saturday, 14 February 2009.  His body was discovered outside of a house on Sprucewood Close, Tuebrook, just after 1.30am. A post mortem examination later revealed he died as a result of multiple stab wounds.  Detective Chief Inspector Karen Cummings said:- "We believe Tony had been out drinking with friends in the area earlier in evening and would appeal to anyone who was with Tony, or who saw him and his friends to contact us, as they could have information which could be vital to the investigation.  We are particularly interested in identifying the rider and passenger of a red motorbike seen riding in and around the Breck Road and Belmont Road at the time of the murder. The bike may have since been abandoned within the area and police are seeking to identify anybody who may seen the bike or may have innocently removed it for scrap.  We are looking to the identity the bike and any details relating to it. Anyone who has seen or has information about this type of bike is urged to contact us as they may have details which could be vital to our inquiries.  I would reassure the community that our investigations will be thorough and will continue until we bring those responsible before the courts."  Anyone with information should contact the Major Incident Room on 0151 777 8649, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively you can text the word CRIME followed by your message to 61051, or you can email them with your information.

MISSING FROM HOME:- ROY ARTHUR HARMANY

DURHAM Police have contacted the media on Merseyside as they are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of 67 year old Roy Arthur Harman, who officers believe may have visited the area. Mr Harman has been missing from his home in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham since 15 January 2009. Officers believe he may have recently sold his car, a black V-registration Vauxhall Omega, in the Liverpool area and are eager to trace him. Anyone who has seen Mr Harman or has any information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact Durham Police on 01325 742 615, Crimestoppers on 01325 742 615, or any police officer or police station.