Knowsley schoolchildren will have their good citizenship recognised and rewarded

ARRIVA, which operates buses throughout the North West, is working with the Foundation for Citizenship at Liverpool John Moores University, to identify young people who are shining lights in their local community. Their achievements range from sporting success to coping with serious illness and often reflect the support young people give to families and friends during difficult times.

Earlier this year, schools in Knowsley were invited by Arriva to nominate pupils who had shown great strength of character and proved themselves to be good citizens. 

Phil Stone, managing director of Arriva North West, and Lord David Alton of Liverpool John Moores University’s Foundation for Citizenship will present the Awards to the children at a special ceremony. The Rt Hon George Howarth MP, the Mayor of Knowsley, Councillor Dave Smithson, and Damian Allen, Knowsley Executive Director for Children & Family Services, will also be at the event.

Phil Stone commented:- “All the children who are entered for these awards show tremendous strength and deserve all the recognition that this ceremony offers them. We are happy to show our support once again for this moving and inspiring event.”

Lord David Alton, Director of the Foundation for Citizenship at Liverpool John Moores University, said:- “We’re delighted that Arriva has supported our Citizenship Awards scheme for nine years now in Knowsley.”

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - ASSAULT, CROSBY MARINA

MERSEYSIDE Police is appealing for witnesses to an assault that took place at Crosby Marina on Monday, 1 June 2009.  The victim, an 18 year old man, was at the beach at Crosby Marina with 2 young women at around 7pm when a group of 10 men aged between 18 to 20 years old arrived.  The group of men began shouting over towards the girls before one man from the group headed towards them in an aggressive manner.   The 18 year old victim tried to stop the man from approaching his friends and was then assaulted by the man. Other men from the group reportedly joined in and kicked and punched the victim before leaving the area.  The attack left the victim with a broken jaw. He was taken to hospital where he was treated. The assault has meant the victim has had to have surgery. The male offenders are described as wearing dark coloured clothing and having Liverpool accents.  CCTV enquiries are being conducted in the area. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to come forward.  Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Swimmer Ann is 1 in half a million!

SWIMMER Ann Carroll does not need to splash out on a summer holiday this year. Thanks to a sponsorship deal between Liverpool City Council and Norfolkline.com, the 55 year old from Childwall has won a 4-day family holiday to Dublin, including car ferry crossing, after becoming the 500,000th person to use the Wavertree complex.

Ann became the landmark customer when she popped in for her regular swim in the Olympic size pool recently. She has received her prize from council leader Warren Bradley.

Ann, who has been swimming since she was nine years old, said:- “I use the pool most weeks as I think it’s lovely, and it’s very handy for me as it’s so local.  I’ve got 2 sons with partners so making a decision over who to take with me is going to be really difficult!”

Liverpool Aquatics Centre has been a runaway success since it was officially opened by Britain’s Olympic swimming squad last July at the national shortcourse championships.  As well as clocking up half a million users in less than a year, the centre has also attracted more than 3,500 new members.

Council leader Warren Bradley said:- “I am delighted to be able to present Ann with her prize. She is one of many thousands of people who absolutely love the centre and use it on a regular basis to keep fit.  It is a top quality facility right at the heart of the local community, benefiting both local residents and elite athletes.  I’m really pleased it is attracting so many users. To reach this milestone so quickly underlines the value of giving the public access to affordable, top quality leisure centres.”

The Aquatics Centre is three pools in one, as the 50 metre pool can be split into 2 - and there is a separate 20 metre community pool.  The main pool also has a unique moveable floor which allows the depth to be varied and can even be raised above the water line for it to be used for dry sports such as aerobics. There is also a 400 seat athletics arena for major championships.

All children under 17 are able to use it at no cost using their free council Future Lifestyles passes, as can over 60s through the Lifestyles Senior programme.

Liverpool Aquatics Centre was the biggest investment in the city's swimming facility for decades, and together with an Indoor Tennis Centre, Athletics Centre and extensive synthetic and grass sports pitches, forms part of the Wavertree Sports Park.  The project included additional investment to improve the former Lifestyles Picton, which has seen a large expansion of the gym which now contains 94 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment.

The centre will shortly be offering a FREE 2 week trial for Lifestyles members who refer a friend – and as a thank you the member will get a complementary t-shirt, towel and bag for their workouts!