Officers get on their bikes

POLICE officers in Halewood are hitting the beat on new bicycles. Police Community Support and Traffic Officers (PCSTOs) can now fight crime quickly and efficiently after a £1,000 donation from Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) to purchase two mountain bikes.

The bikes mean officers can provide greater coverage in their patrols in the Leathers Lane area.

Neighbourhood inspector for Halewood Gary Wilde said:- “A fully operative PCSTO is pivotal to the continued success of neighbourhood policing. They are our eyes and ears in the community. A PCSTO equipped with a mountain bike provides a greater coverage of their ward and can get to places that a police car cannot, like grassy areas or railway lines. They are also able to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents than on foot, particularly incidents of anti social behaviour.”

Steve Hughes, Neighbourhood Manager from KHT, said:- “We are fully committed to working with police to crack down on anti social behaviour in our neighbourhoods. PCSTOs are vital in helping to ensure our communities are safe. We hope our contribution will mean greater coverage, and more residents having the reassuring sight of officers on their streets.”

Caption: PCSTOs Allan Marsh and Alan Mason try out the bikes.

LOOKING FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF ALBERT DILLON

THE Liverpool Coroner’s Office are now appealing for the next of kin of Albert Dillon, who died at Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Thursday, 19 August 2010.  Mr Dillon, 75, had lived at Rodney House Residential Home, 4/6 Canning Place, Liverpool, L8 for over 20 years. Prior to that he had lived at Rainhill Hospital. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Dillon’s death. The Coroner’s office has been unable to trace Mr Dillon’s next of kin and is appealing for any relatives to come forward. Anyone who has any information are asked to contact the Coroner’s Office on:- 0151 233 4705.

Stepping up with business help

ENTREPRENEURS of all ages have been given a business boost thanks to two new FREE Stepclever services. Stepclever, helps start up businesses and existing organisations in North Liverpool and South Sefton grow and develop, and has introduced two new schemes to encourage even more budding entrepreneurs to improve their business skills. And, as a result, it is hoped more people will start their own businesses in the more deprived areas of Merseyside.

The Business Mentoring Project aims to develop the skills of entrepreneurs as they learn from someone who has already experienced the ups and downs or the business world.

It helps people who have an achievable business idea and the passion to make it work. The Stepclever team will recruit existing businessmen and women to become mentors to the budding entrepreneurs. They will work with individuals to shape their ideas and test it out with potential investors, customers and suppliers so they are ready to launch their business.

The mentors will also help to secure the required investment and give advice on how to maintain a successful company. They will provide support throughout the process and will also use their existing contacts to help make the business a success.

The Young Enterprise Project is for at 16 to 25 year olds who have left school or are unemployed. With the help of one of a team of specially trained coaches, the young people will be encouraged to focus on what they’re passionate about and what their options are in terms of education, employment, training and self-employment.

Accredited business training will be offered as well as specialised courses in personal development which will look at how they can improve their presentation and interview skills.

The team also use their extensive network of contacts in order to offer the young people invaluable work experience or job opportunities in relevant industries.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for regeneration and Stepclever Board Member, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said:- “Stepclever recognises the importance of inspiring young people and also welcomes local businesses sharing their invaluable expertise. Both projects will give people of all ages the confidence and the skills to succeed in the business and vital support to help them succeed during this difficult financial climate. Stepclever plays a vital role in the regeneration of more deprived parts of the region and since it began in 2007, it has had a huge amount of success, but these two new initiatives show that we’re not resting on our laurels.”

To find out more call:- 0800 030 4376 or go to:- stepclever.co.uk.