SHOTS FIRED - BRECK ROAD, ANFIELD

ON Monday, 5 July 2010 two men from the Anfield area were arrested following reports from several members of the public that they had heard gunshots. "Merseyside Police were called to Breck Road, Anfield at around 7pm. On arrival officers discovered damage to the window of a business premises, but no-one injured. A search of the area lead to an armed containment at a block of flats in the area. There was no indication that anyone inside the flats have been threatened or are being kept inside against their will. Other officers where involved in the search for any other people who may have been involved in this incident. A green VW Passat car was also located in Breck Road and the scene around it was also cordoned off for forensic examination. At this early stage of the investigation it is not known who the intended target was or what the motive was. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about it is asked to call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111." said Merseyside Police who then also added on Monday night that:- "The incident is not believed to be linked to the firearms incident in Northumbria."

Wonder Walk outdoor exhibition launches at Eureka!

TAKE note... Awaken your senses this summer when Eureka! The National Children’s Museum launches its permanent outdoor exhibition, the Wonder Walk sensory trail. From Friday, 9 July 2010, on Eureka!’s 18th birthday, visitors will be able to appreciate the world through more than just their eyes as they wander through a multi-sensory natural experience.

Overseen by a giant totem pole representing different aspects of Eureka! the walk will be scattered with dramatic and engaging pieces, such as willow huts to play or hide in and stones embedded in the path to climb over. Children can experience squishy, splashy and scratchy sensations as, using their bare feet, they explore trays of mud, water and sand embedded within the trail. The tinkling of wind chimes and rustling grass will create an atmospheric sound scape, while aromatic herbs and coloured and scented plants placed at a child’s level complete the multi-sensory experience.

Amanda Phillips, Exhibition Manager for Eureka! said:- "The Wonder Walk is an exciting way to help broaden our visitors’ appreciation of the natural world while having fun. We have designed it so that it is suitable for all ages and abilities. A section of the trail will be wheelchair and pushchair accessible and will feature a range of textures, surfaces, sounds and scents to explore."

The Wonder Walk has been made possible thanks to a close partnership with Marshalls plc and Groundwork Leeds, who provided materials and assistance with the trail’s planning and the consultation process with local children. The children handled materials that will eventually make up the Sensory Trail and helped shape the trail design with their ideas. Birse Civils and CMBC provided time and expertise to the project, and UPM Tilhill and National Trust Hardcastle Craggs provided materials.

A book to give you Goosebumps!

SCREAM Street is really the new Goosebumps! He let slip there is a TV in the offing and the books are hugely popular wherever they are read... He is able to return in the Autumn when books 9/10 hit the shelves and with abit of careful planning we are looking at a special Scare-Fest in October with him and several other scary authors.. So get your mate onto the web and register at:- pritchards-formby.co.uk before it's to late....

EURO-MPS BACK NEW RIGHTS FOR BOAT, BUS AND COACH PASSENGERS

PASSENGERS on boats, buses and coaches are set to win new rights after a crucial vote in the European Parliament. Labour MEPs have backed proposals to give passengers on scheduled boat, bus and coach journeys the right to compensation if they face major delays. The new rules will also grant passengers who are disabled or have reduced mobility with important rights, in terms of access to public transport services and the right to free assistance. The rights being proposed are similar to those already in operation in the airline industry. They will include compensation for people who face significant delays or cancellations when taking ferries or long distant coach services. Local Labour Euro MP and Consumer Rights Champion, Arlene McCarthy said:- "Many of us now spend a great deal of time travelling around the European Union for work or leisure. However you choose to travel around Europe as a passenger you should have certain protections against excessive delays and cancellations. Our equalities law already protects the rights of disabled people in many circumstances, it is only right that they don't face unfair barriers that prevent them from accessing transport services." While MEPs have now come to an agreement which means that ferry passenger rights will come into force in 2012, further negotiations are still needed on passenger rights for bus and coach travel before they become reality. Labour Euro MPs welcomed the deal reached for ferry travel, but are disappointed that a final agreement with government ministers on bus passengers' rights has not yet been reached. Arlene added:- "Why should travelling by plane or now ferry be treated any differently to bus? As a consumer if we purchase a ticket to travel, so we expect certain standards to be met or our money refunded. Government must now work together to reach a deal for bus passengers so that travellers are protected across the board."

Eastern Airways Aircraft Named After Liverpool Comedian

EASTERN Airways have unveiled an aircraft named after legendary Liverpool comedian, Ken Dodd at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The UK regional airline, which this week celebrates its first anniversary at Liverpool since starting flights to Aberdeen and Southampton, named the aircraft to honour Ken Dodd, one of Liverpool’s greatest entertainers, for the fun and laughter he has brought to so many people over the years.

The 29 seater British Aerospace built Jetstream 41 aircraft has a caricature of Ken placed on the fuselage next to the entrance door, along with his name and famous welcoming line – “How tickled I am!”

Ken was present to unveil the aircraft in front of passengers, friends, family and employees at Liverpool Airport.

Ken Dodd OBE said:- “I’m delighted to have been given this honour with Eastern Airways of having one of their aircraft named after me, and I’m also feeling very plumptious about it. I’ve had a thrilling and exciting afternoon at Liverpool Airport.”

Darren Roberts, Eastern Airways’ communications manager, said:- “We’re thrilled to have one of our aircraft named after Ken Dodd. Ken is a comic legend in Liverpool, a leading icon and supporter of the city and airport and we felt this was an appropriate way to pay tribute to him on our first anniversary of flights from Liverpool. Passengers climbing the aircraft steps will see his caricature and name as they board our Liverpool flights, and the aircraft will also fly throughout the UK and Europe.”

Robin Tudor, Peel Airport’s head of PR said:- “Ken, who is honorary president of local airport support group - the Friends of Liverpool Airport, came to help celebrate Eastern Airways’ first flights from Liverpool so it was great to see him back here again 12 months on, having one of their aircraft named after him. There’s never a dull moment when Ken visits the airport either as a visitor or passenger bringing a smile to all he meets – and today was no different. This is a tremendous gesture by Eastern Airways.”

Eastern Airways has a fleet of 30 aircraft, of which 20 are Jetstream 41 aircraft.

Humberside-based specialist regional airline was formed 12 years ago, and last July started its first scheduled flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Its scheduled services to Aberdeen and Southampton from Liverpool are primarily timed to meet the needs of business travellers.