Letters to editor:- "Sefton Council Winter Service Consultation"

"YOU will be aware that in the week before Christmas 2010, Sefton experienced some of the most extreme winter weather condition in memory. The Council’s response, despite complying with its’ publ ished ‘Winter Service Policy’ (available by visiting sefton.gov.uk) has been questioned with regard to its adequacy. The policy, which is re-evaluated every summer and risk assessed based on potential worst case scenarios, was unable to deliver the Council’s aim of a free flowing highway network due to the severity of the conditions. Officers, lead by the Chief Executive Margaret Carney, have apologised that despite strenuous efforts, the desired outcomes were not achieved. An interim report on the event has already been presented to both Cabinet Member Technical Services and Cabinet. Initial recommendations have approved the purchase of additional snow plough blades for both carriageway and footway gritters to assist in the response to another snow event. Further recommendations have resolved to consult widely with the whole community about our response and preparedness for winter to seek the views of a wide range of people regarding their opinion on the level and diversity of the Council’s winter policy and plan. It is entirely correct that we seek the views of people with local knowledge. To that end, Officers are seeking the views of the Businesses on a number of issues and would welcome your comments and assistance on the following issues:-

1. Grit Bins - We currently deploy 58 bins across the borough to be used by cleansing operatives.

(a) Do you believe that additional grit bins would assist in extreme weather events?

(b) If so, where would you deploy them for best effect (typically isolated locations, near to shops, businesses
etc.)?

(c) Would you be prepared to assist by clearing snow yourself from the vicinity of your premises and utilising the grit on the footway?

2. Additional Gritting - We currently grit 209 miles of roads every time we grit, these routes are generally based on the key roads within the network.

(a) Are there any roads which perhaps link a small community which should be considered for inclusion in the routes?

Perhaps your business in located in an isolated position

(b) Footways in town centres are also gritted. Are there any additional footways which we should consider (typically isolated locations, near to shops, businesses etc.)?

3. Snow Ploughing - All gritters will soon have a plough blade attachment which will allow for all routes to be ploughed where safe to do so.

(a) Are there any roads which perhaps link a small community or your business (currently not on a gritting route) which should be considered for ploughing?

(b) Do you have any equipment which could be utilised for snow removal in extreme circumstances?

(c) Would you be prepared to make that equipment available to Sefton in extreme weather events?

(d) Could you specify that equipment and any potential charges for its’ use?

4. Communication - One issue that has been raised is the level of communication with the community regarding the actions taken in line with the winter service policy and the general condition of the highway network

(a) Do you have any views on how Sefton should communicate with the community?

5. Other Issues - In addition to the above, we are re-evaluating our policy with regard to the whole service delivery.

(a) Are there any general issues you would like to raise which would lead to an improvement in service delivery?

(b) Would you like to be involved in further communication regarding the re-evaluation of the policy?

We would welcome your views on the above and any other issues you may wish to raise.   It would be beneficial if initial contact could be made by email to network@sefton.gov.uk or in writing to the address above to allow for correlation of all responses. Any information provided will be considered and will form the basis of further progress reports to both Cabinet Member Technical Services and Cabinet.  May I ask that you respond, should you wish to, by 21 June 2011." Jerry McConkey, Network Manager, On behalf of Alan Lunt Director of Built Environment.

WALKERS SUN BITE CRISP AT SEACOMBE FERRY TERMINAL

HENSHAWS Society for Blind people is looking for enthusiastic people to take part in the Great North Swim on its behalf. The charity, based in the North of England, is asking people to take part to raise money to support their vital services. As there are only a few places left to fill and to encourage more people to Swim for Henshaws, they are waiving the usual £37 fee and offering places for free.

The swim, a 1 mile open water outdoor swim in beautiful lake Windermere, takes place on the 18 June 2011 and 19 June 2011. Places from the organisers of the event have now gone, but Henshaws still has places available for both the run and the swim.

For a chance of a place, participants can apply via the Henshaws website, or by contacting their local office, and must commit to raising £150 minimum amount in sponsorship. Entries for the swim are on a first come-first-served basis

Henshaws is always looking for people to fundraise on its behalf, and urge people to get in touch if they already have places for runs or other challenges, or are looking to run their own event and want to fundraise for Henshaws.

Community and Events Fundraiser Hannah Saxon said:- "we are always on the lookout for people to support Henshaws by taking part in challenges and events. The commitment and enthusiasm people show in raising money for us is fantastic, and in return, we try to support them as much as possible in their efforts"

Glen Lockett, Fundraiser said:- “We offer support and encouragement to all of our swimmers, and would love to make this year’s swim the best yet”

Nick Marr, Chief Executive at Henshaws said:- "People who fundraise for us go a long way in helping to provide much needed funds for our services, seeing pictures of participants in their bright orange Henshaws T-shirts really shows the amount of support we have, and we’d love to see more of them at this year’s challenges"

For further information on the Swim contact the Henshaws Fundraising team visit their website.

MERSEYSIDE POLICE & LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME

MERSEYSIDE Police and Liverpool John Moores University have taken a step back in time, to trace the Force's history.

The BA (Hons) History of Art and Museum students, working with the Force's Records Management Team have traced the Force's history back to 1836, looking at themes including, policing during the blitz, the mounted and dog section, women in policing and the general history of Merseyside Police.

The project formed part of the student's coursework and the findings, which include photographs, graphics and documents from policing the different eras, are on display at Merseyside Police HQ and can be viewed by the public on the Merseyside Police website.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Jon Murphy said:- "I joined Merseyside Police in 1975 and I find the history of the Force fascinating. Mr father was a Liverpool City Police Officer having joined in 1949. I have always felt that headquarters, unlike others I have visited, lacked any sense of the Force’s rich history, an important place in the social fabric of Merseyside. I think these social history boards are a great way of sharing this history and they certainly show how policing has progressed over the years. I'd like to thank the students and staff involved in the project, I'm sure their findings will be enjoyed by all."

Dr Emma Roberts, Course Leader said:- "It was wonderful to be presented with the opportunity for my students to work with Merseyside Police. As a result, the students polished their skills in research, writing, information technology, teamwork, project management and design. The students were fascinated by the history of Merseyside Police and to see the important ways in which it has worked for the community. Nothing can replace the benefit of the vibrant learning that occurs when working on a live project with real outcomes, and I am most grateful to Merseyside Police for offering this project."

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