Albert Dock Saviour Bestowed Honorary Scouse Citizenship On Behalf Of The People Of Liverpool

LEONARD Eppel CBE, Chairman of the Albert Dock Company, on 6 April 2009 was recognised by the people of Liverpool in becoming an ‘’Honorary Scouser’’ at Liverpool’s Town Hall.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Rotherham said about the award:- “I am delighted to celebrate Leonard Eppel becoming an ‘’Honorary Scouser’’. This award, bestowed on behalf of the people of Liverpool, and recognises the integral role Leonard and the Albert Dock Company have played in the regeneration of our City. Leonard Eppel has shown true Scouse determination in the re-development of Liverpool over the last 25 years and is truly deserving of this honour”

Leonard Eppel CBE - Chairman of the Albert Dock Company said:- ““I am extremely proud of the role the Albert Dock has played in re-establishing Liverpool as a great city and helping realise this important objective. I first visited the Dock in the early 1980s when I was struck by the strong atmosphere of the place but, more particularly, by the distinctive architecture of the buildings. What does it mean to be an “Honourable Scouser”? In my view it is having drive and enthusiasm, retaining one’s humour in the face of adversity and, of course, optimism about the future. Liverpool has indeed achieved a dream and has joined the exclusive ranks of a world class destination.”

The Rt Hon the Lord Heseltine said:- “I am delighted to salute Leonard Eppel as he receives this well deserved recognition for the remarkable contribution he made to the restoration of Liverpool’s faith in itself. He made a brave decision and today’s Albert Dock is a fitting tribute. I am proud to have worked with him.”

Leonard Eppel’s vision paved the way for the Albert Dock’s redevelopment at a time when the site was nearly earmarked for demolition. The Albert Dock played a significant role in sustaining confidence through the 1980's and 1990's that the City could secure a sustainable future and a key role in attracting subsequent investment, notably the Arena and Convention Centre, whose masterplanning refocuses Liverpool towards the Albert Dock as the centrepiece of the City's waterfront. The Arena and Convention Centre has been masterplanned to integrate with the Albert Dock, creating a combined estate that offers world class entertainment, leisure and conference facilities.

Councillor Eddie Clein - Chairman of the Regeneration Committee during the Albert Dock’s redevelopment said:- “I have lived through some of the most challenging of times, having watched the devastation of our Liverpool landscape. I have no doubt in my mind, that Leonard Eppel and the Albert Dock Company, showed real faith in our City, restoring a key landmark site and breathed life once more into our unique Waterfront. This was the point which kick-started the regeneration of Liverpool, now widely accepted as the biggest regeneration programme of any City in Europe. Liverpool owes a debt of gratitude to the vision and passion of this man who certainly put his money where our hearts are - when no one else was willing to take a chance on us.”

Letters to the Editor:- "Aintree's Grand National Meeting"

"ON the way home from Saturday’s demonstration against the Grand National, I received the depressing news that yet another horse had been killed at this year’s Grand National meeting at Aintree, bringing the death toll to five. Why is it that there is so little mention of the fatalities and so much written about the winners?

Thursday’s racing killed the famous Thoroughbred, Exotic Dancer, who suffered a fatal heart attack back at the stables. Receiving far less coverage was the death of lowly-ranked Mel in Blue, who broke his neck. Denman, with his history of heart problems, looked as if he had come to grief, but thankfully survived.

Two more horses were killed the following day (Friday). Moscow Catch died after a heavy fall that appeared to break his neck, and Lilla Sophia, who was only four-years-old and had raced only three times before, was destroyed after breaking a leg.

Saturday’s overcrowded Grand National race had the predictable sequence of horrific falls and accidents, as horses hurtled round the course at break-neck speed, and were forced to confront massive and dangerous obstacles. Just 17 of the 40 Thoroughbreds finished the race. Hear The Echo collapsed in the run-in and, despite oxygen being administered, he died. Butler’s Cabin also collapsed and required oxygen. At several other races in his career, he had to be revived in this way.

One has to wonder why horses who have previous medical conditions, such as Denman and Butler’s Cabin, are still deemed fit to race? Why are they pushed, and pushed, patched-up and raced again?

Even racing’s regulatory body, the British Horseracing Authority, has failed to produce any meaningful data on Thoroughbred deaths, when pressed to do so. Instead, it is left to Animal Aid’s Race Horse Deathwatch online database to record and make public each and every death of a race horse on Britain’s 60 racecourses.

Animal Aid will continue to campaign on behalf of all race horses by taking to task an industry that is motivated by profit, and that literally races horses to death." Fiona Pereira, Campaigner, Animal Aid.

THEY DON'T CALL THEM LOCKS FOR NOTHING

AN unlocked door or window is all the burglar needs.  Don't make it easy for thieves.  Most break-ins can be avoided by thinking about the security of your home and building security into your daily routine.  Many burglaries reported to the Police in Sefton and throughout the country are committed via insecure doors and windows.

By taking a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary:-

► Always lock your windows and doors

► Keep your house and car keys out of sight, away from doors and windows

► Don't leave your keys in the back of the door lock or on hooks where they can be seen from windows or doors

► If you have an older style UPVC door ensure you lock it from the inside using the key (this type of door can be accessed from outside if left unlocked)

► Always check your front and back doors are secure even if you are in, burglaries can often occur via insecure back doors whilst residents are at home watching television

If you wish to contact the Police in relation to this or any other matter, please contact Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.