Merseytravels Conning plan

MERSEYTRAVEL is to build a replica of the Conning Tower of U534 at the Birkenhead visitor attraction U-Boat Story, after planning permission was granted by Wirral Borough Council.

The full size installation will allow visitors the chance to stand on the Bridge and look through the periscope to appreciate what it must have been like onboard U534.

Over 70,000 people have been to the Woodside attraction since its opening less than two years ago, far exceeding expectations.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, said;- “We would have liked to allow visitors to climb the Conning Tower of U534, but given the age of the vessel and the costs involved in making her safe enough to do so, this new attraction will be the next best thing. In fact this will give visitors the perspective of being onboard a new U-boat! "

Merseytravel hope to have the new feature in place in early 2011.

Merseytravel contributes more than £34 million a year to the region’s tourism economy through Spaceport, the Mersey Ferries and its other associated attractions, supporting the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs.

Counterfeit goods website shut down

A WEBSITE which sold more than half a million pounds worth of counterfeit products has been shut down thanks to an 18 month covert operation – the biggest of its kind in the North West.

Following intelligence gathered by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), a team led by Liverpool City Council’s Trading Standards unit has been carrying out an undercover investigation into:- marks-domain.org since 2008. The website sold and delivered counterfeit music, computer games and films – and at its peak was offering more than 30,000 different titles.

The city council team carried out raids with FACT, Merseyside and Greater Manchester police, the British Phonographic Industry (which represents the UK recorded music industry) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Around 5,000 films, 2,000 games and 1000 counterfeit music CDs were seized, along with computers and equipment used for disc copying, printing and scanning. 

5 warrants were served to individuals based in Liverpool and Manchester – all of whom were arrested and bailed pending further investigation by Liverpool Trading Standards.

Liverpool city council’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, Councillor Tim Moore, said:- “This particular type of website is extremely damaging to the film and music industry.   Individuals who set up and operate this type of criminal activity have a direct impact on the local economy impacting on legitimate businesses trying to survive in these tough financial times.  It is not a victimless crime and we will continue to work with partners to close down these websites and prosecute offenders.”

Director General of FACT, Kieron Sharpe, said:- “FACT is increasingly turning its attention to tackle websites and other internet services which sell and/or distribute counterfeit copies of films and TV programmes.  It is clear that organised criminals are using the internet to generate substantial profits and we are keen to ensure this is tackled by UK law enforcement.”

All of the arrested individuals were males in their 40's and further investigations will now be carried out by Liverpool’s Trading Standards team.  2 of those arrested are also suspected of committing benefit fraud.

Roy Paul, Head of North West Fraud for the DWP, said:- “The DWP Fraud Investigation Service enjoys excellent joint working relationships with trading standards, the police and the music, film and game industry.  We have a long tradition of working together to impact on those involved in intellectual property crime and associated benefit fraud. I am pleased that this latest operation has been successful.”

Dark drama, Pete Postlethwaite and quirky comedy - FACT announces the selection for Liverpool Film Night 2010

9 films have been selected for this year’s Liverpool Film Night programme. The event, which takes place on Thursday, 11 November at 6.30pm, will feature short films ranging from quirky stop motion animation to frank issue-based documentary and High Definition dramas that pack a hard punch.

Some of this year’s highlights include:-

► Sean Crotty’s moving drama Waving at Trains starring Liverpool-born actor Pete Postlethwaite

► Tim Brunsden and John Parker’s lacerating documentary about Liverpool regeneration An Englishman’s Home

► Liverpool Film Night alumnus Mike Forshaw’s Vision+Media-funded drama Uncle Fran

► Adam Pennington’s witty animation Rapture following some very unusual crabs as they return to the sea

The event will be accompanied by a special Q&A with Liverpool-born, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker, Chris Shepherd. Chris will offer a critique of the programme as well as advice for this next generation of filmmakers.  In addition to seeing their work in the big screen, one lucky filmmaker will receive FACT’s Emerging Talent Award, a prize that includes in-kind development support from FACT Films and Hurricane Films.

Omar Kholeif, Programmer at FACT said:- “I have been extremely impressed by the quality of the films and this year’s audience can expect to see one of the most invigorating programmes yet.  The rationale behind Liverpool Film Night has always been to showcase the best of our region’s film-making talent. In today’s economic situation, it’s clear organisations like FACT have an essential role to play in supporting and helping develop moving-image talent in the region.”

GOK’S FASHION FIX IS BACK FOR A NEW SERIES AND COULD BE COMING TO LIVERPOOL!

GOK is taking his catwalk show on the road in a bid to help any style starved women who feel they need and deserve a make-over. "Are you aged 18 or over and urgently want style advice? Are you stuck in a style rut? Are you so busy looking after others that you never spend time on yourself?  IF SO, GET IN TOUCH NOW!  To request an application form email or call:- 0333 577 7771, (Calls will be charged at no more than your network’s standard national rate and will count towards any inclusive minutes in your call package), or send your name and address to Gok’s Team, 5th Floor, Endemol, Shepherd’s Building Central, Charecroft Way, London, W14 0EE. Please note we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be contacted in response to their application."  said the program makers.

Controlled Explosion At Recycling Centre

ON 19 October 2010 a controlled explosion was carried out at a Wirral recycling centre on Wallasey Bridge Road. The site was evacuated and sealed off and specialist bomb disposal police were called after fears an incendiary device had been left there. The suspicious device was found just before midday after workers at the Bidston Recycling Centre. It is reported to the press that after the incident that a illume mortar or illumination mortar round had been disposed of in the controlled explosion. The recycling centre has now re-opened shortly after.