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Merseytravel dig in for winter weather
MERSEYTRAVEL have drawn up
rock solid plans in preparation for a harsh winter. They have
constructed a salt barn capable of holding 200 tons of rock salt at
the Birkenhead entrance to the Queensway Tunnel.
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel said:- "We’re
taking even more precautions following last winter’s harsh
conditions which caused severe disruption on Merseyside. We’ll be
doing everything possible to keep Merseyside moving this winter."
Chief Executive Neil Scales added:- "We’ve never been better
prepared for a harsh winter."
During last winter’s disruptions Merseytravel’s stocks of grit were
used to supplement the districts’ gritting, especially around bus
stations and the two Tunnels.
The new storage facility is seen as a way of further strengthening
Merseystravel’s ability to support operators to provide vital
services during adverse weather conditions.
Merseytravel’s gritter and snow plough was used last winter to help
clear roads leading to bus depots, which are mostly sited off main
roads. In the past, buses have been unable to get out of their
depots due to freezing conditions. The gritter was also crucial in
clearing bus terminal areas such as Liverpool’s Queen Square and
Birkenhead bus station, and approaches to train stations.
MERSEYSIDERS INVITED TO RATE LOCAL
HEARING SERVICES ON CHARITY’S PILOT COMPARISON WEBSITE
ACTION on Hearing Loss – formerly RNID – is
inviting Merseysiders with hearing loss to be the first to rate
their experience of local NHS and private hearing services on the
charity’s pilot online comparison tool.
The charity is urging people to log on to the ground-breaking
website which will help individuals find their local hearing
services and choose those that are best suited to their needs.
Visitors are asked to score and comment on the quality of services
they have experienced during the last three months – including the
clarity of explanation about their hearing test results, the
usefulness of information about communication support services, and
whether the service was easily accessible.
Chief Executive for Action on Hearing Loss, Jackie Ballard, says:-
"People take, on average, 10 years to take action when their
hearing starts to deteriorate therefore it’s vital that Merseysiders
can make quick, informed decisions about accessing local hearing
services best suited to their individual needs. We’ll be launching
our innovative hearing services comparison website in the New Year
and, to ensure we have as the widest possible range of data, we’d be
grateful if residents would take a few minutes to start rating and
commenting on their experiences; whether in the NHS or private;
during the last three months."
To register and rate hearing services in Merseyside click
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Music to take
centre stage at city gem
ONE of Liverpool’s best
loved cultural gems is going back to its musical roots. The
Epstein Theatre (formerly known as The Neptune) will once again
become a lively music venue after 'Liverpool Sound City' was
successful in bidding to become its new operator.
The theatre was originally opened as Crane’s Music Hall in 1911, and
was a popular location for recitals and performances. It was renamed
Crane Theatre in 1938. In July, a £1million refurbishment of
the theatre was completed which saw the Hanover Street venue brought
up to 21st century standards and renamed The Epstein Theatre in
honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who guided the Fab
Four from popular cellar act to global superstardom.
Following the completion of the work, Liverpool City Council
searched for an operator to run the venue and following a
competitive process, Sound City’s plans to rejuvenate the venue with
a strong programme of music came out on top.
During the tender process the company set out their aspirations for
the Epstein, which involve transforming it venue into a location
where entertainment can be accessed by a diverse audience,
contributing to the culture of the city and creating jobs for the
people of Liverpool.
The Sound City team also outlined plans to use the building to
showcase cutting edge art and pop culture ranging from drama
productions to art exhibitions, and also aim to ensure the Epstein
can be utilised by community groups from across the city.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism,
Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "This is an exciting new era in
the long history of this venue. It’s fantastic to see all the hard
work pay off and know that soon it will be brought to life and take
its rightful place once again as a key part of this city’s cultural
scene.
The standard of bids submitted during the procurement process were
exceptionally high and it’s encouraging to know so many established
organisations could see the potential of the Epstein.
Sound City’s vision was inspiring and will make the venue a hub of
excitement and creativity which is sure to be embraced by this
music-loving city. Liverpool is famed worldwide for its musical
offer, and this new venture will provide the perfect platform for
the city’s up and coming artists.
I look forward to seeing the Epstein back in use once again and for
a new generation to experience this beautiful venue."
Dave Pichilingi, Chief Executive of Sound City, said:- "We are
absolutely delighted to be taking on the Epstein Theatre. It is such
an amazing venue and facility.
We plan to turn it into a space that will be a gemstone in the
cultural offer for Liverpool. Such an amazing building needs to be
used and seen by an international and local audience. We believe our
vision for the Epstein will put our city firmly on the map and show
Liverpool as a 21st century pop culture city.
It needs to be added that this is as much to do with Joe Anderson
and a forward looking City Council as it is to do with our cutting
edge ideas. This is public and commercial working together in great
harmony with common vision and purpose."
Details of when the theatre will open its doors will be announced in
the New Year.
The theatre, which has a capacity of 385, was bought by the
Liverpool Corporation in 1967 to be ‘run by the people, for the
people’. The Grade II listed theatre closed its doors in 2005 as it
failed to comply with safety regulations and was in need of major
refurbishment. The £1million investment in the venue consists
of £750,000 funding from the city council and a further £250,000
from Hanover Estate Management Ltd.
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