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Euro MEP's approve new
study programme
MEPs have approved an
extension of a scheme that has seen a North West University send
thousands of students abroad to study. The new Erasmus+ programme
will provide over £12 billion for young people, staff and teachers
to study or train abroad over the next 7 years, an increase of 40%
compared to the current budget.
The programme also includes a
new Masters Loan Guarantee, backed by the European Investment Bank,
which will enable students to take out low interest loans of up to
18,000 Euros to undertake post graduate studies across the EU.
Since
2007, almost 60,000 British students have studied or done a work
placement in another European country through the Erasmus programme.
The University of Manchester has been one of the Top 5 UK
universities for sending students abroad and the University of
Salford has been 1 of the top 5 for sending staff abroad for 2 of
the last 3 years. Both universities are popular destinations for
students from across the North West.
The North West Lib. Dem. MEP
Chris Davies said:- "This is the EU at its best, helping
students from the North West to learn new languages and a new way of
life. Tomorrow's stronger economy will be built on the success of
our young people today in getting a high quality education that also
prepares them for the global world of work. 3 million people have
received grants to study or do vocational training since the Erasmus
programme was formed in 1987. Thanks to this huge increase in
funding, another 4 million are set to benefit by 2020."
WANTED - LUKE
ASHLEY O'CONNOR
MERSEYSIDE Police are
appealing to the public for help to trace 28 year old Luke Ashley
O'Connor following a robbery in Sefton. The incident took place at a
jewellers on King Street, Southport in February 2013. O'Connor is
described as being white, 5ft 10 in tall and medium build. He has
short ginger / strawberry blonde hair and speaks with a scouse
accent. O'Connor is from the Bootle area but is known to have links
in the Kirkby, Huyton, Precot and Liverpool North areas. Officers
are appealing to anyone who may know of his whereabouts to contact
Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 3811 or Crimestoppers anonymously:-
0800 555 111.
MEP's back end
to 'travelling circus'
MEP's meeting in Strasbourg
have voted overwhelmingly in favour of never going back to the
French City ever again.
While Brussels is the main place of work for
Euro-MPs, an international treaty requires the European Parliament
to meet in Strasbourg for twelve sessions a year.
A fleet of lorries
packed with paperwork and office equipment makes the journey every
month as part of a move said to cost EU taxpayers more than €200
million each year.
Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies said:-
"Travelling to Strasbourg every month is bonkers when most of the
EU's work gets done in Brussels. Strasbourg is a beautiful City, and
its history is a reminder of the partnership between France and
Germany after so many years of war, but the arrangements are not
practical or relevant in a Europe of 28 nations. When MPs at
Westminster criticise the waste of money involved I remind them that
the House of Commons, along with other national parliaments, voted
to ratify the treaty that put these arrangements in place."
A change to the EU treaty requires the consent of every parliament
in Europe. With France expected to oppose the measure MEPs want
governments to consider the steps necessary to promote an
alternative.
Davies said:- "Putting cards on the table, we are
going to have to bribe the French with something to get them to
accept the idea that the European Parliament will no longer meet in
their country."
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An action packed
weekend for Galloway's
THE Galloway's Society for
the Blind had a fun filled weekend aimed at promoting their services
within the community and raising vital funds for the centre in
Southport.
On the Saturday, 16 November 2013, the public were welcomed into the
centre for mince pies, mulled wine and a chance to purchase a wide
range of items, hand crafted by blind and visually impaired members
of the local community. The day saw over 100 people pass through the
centre and a massive £610 was raised from the event.
drian and Carl from the Southport centre told us:- "The amount
of support we got on the day from members of the public was
overwhelming; it was fantastic to see the centre so full. We want to
thank everyone who came along on the day and all our volunteers who
helped make the day a success."
On the Sunday evening, Galloway's
supporters, armed with Santa hats, reindeer antlers and glowsticks
lined up to take their place in the Southport parade. Emma Wilson,
fundraiser for Galloway's stated. "The parade was a lot of
fun, the weather stayed nice and it was brilliant to see so many
people come to watch and cheer. I want to thank the girls from King
George V College who came along to help us in the parade, their
enthusiasm was fantastic"
Galloway's are currently looking for volunteers to help with future
events. If you are interested or would like more information please
contact Emma on:- 01704 809109 or
email them.
For more information on activities or help with sight loss please
contact Adrian or Carl on:- 01704 534555 or via email
email.
Letters to the
Editor:- "Iceland Car Park, Formby - Wrong Way!"
"I am writing this letter to
complain about the poor standard of driving in Formby. I
cannot see how the 20mph idea will improve safety when drivers in
the local village car parks can't drive. I have nearly had
several accidents as of late in the car park behind Iceland, in the
centre of the village. You continually see cars driving the wrong
way around and then complaining at the motorist, driving the correct
way, that they cannot pass. Often this creates near misses and also
I have seen a few bumps. I work locally and do not want to be
identified, as these drivers can get very abusive when tackled.
Please can you take a look at it and see if you can get it
highlighted to the relevant authorities as well as publishing my
letter. One way spikes might stop this from happening!"
A Formby Resident.
Editors note:- "I have been
in the car park quite a few times as well and nearly came a cropper
to these drivers. I agree that something has to be done.
I spoke to one this week, who nearly hit my car, and then tried
shoving through a small gap to beat the car behind me to the car
park as space I had just left. She clearly knew she was in the
wrong and said she knew she was going the wrong way. She also
said we are very rude and how dear we block her. We will be
passing this on to the council for them to see what they can do."
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