Squirrel Pox Warning Issued

SADLY, we have been told that reports of sick Red Squirrels within Formby have been received by conservation groups along Merseyside's Sefton Coast. According to the Forestry Commission, in Britain there is only an estimated 140,000 red squirrels left and its future is increasingly uncertain. This is due to the increasing loss of woodland that supports the red squirrels' population and the impact of squirrel pox that is usually fatal to red squirrels. Plus, the remaining habitats are being taken over by the American Grey Squirrel, which was introduced into the UK, in the 1870's. The larger and stronger American Grey Squirrel prefers habitat the same as the Red's; mature woodlands, so they often physically attack the Reds and run them out of the area. But not only are the Greys better placed to win however they are far more adaptive and has spread throughout urban and rural areas as well. The UK is thought to now have over 2.5 million American Grey Squirrel, who have not only developed immunity to squirrel pox, but they can become carriers of the infection, spreading the disease to red squirrels. Sefton's woods are pine and are have considerable distance separating the woodlands from other Urban and Woodland areas making this area less attractive for Grey Squirrels to venture into. So, unlike other areas in the UK, as Sefton's Pinewoods have been largely isolated from the American Grey Squirrel and the small population of red squirrels have been bucking the trends, bouncing back within the area, even stronger since the last devastating squirrel pox epidemic. These latest reports make it even more devastating to hear the reports again of possible squirrel pox after the glimmer of light for our beloved reds. Generally people should avoid touching any wild animals, but Red Squirrels are protected species in the UK and is included in Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so touching them or interfering with them is illegal anyway... So if you see what looks like a sick red squirrel, not attempt to touch them, but instead report the incident to Rachel Cripps, from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT), via calling:- 07590 745 862 or in office hours call:- 0151 920 3769. You can also alert the National Trust, via in office hours via calling:- 01704 878 591. The LWT are also asking that you disinfect any squirrel feeders regularly or stop feeding them that way, if your have any. More information about the Red Squirrels, at Formby Nature Reserve, via visiting the National Trust's website for more information about their:- 'Red Squirrel Project.' Please also alert them, if you spot any Grey squirrels, in the area (Altcar, Hightown, Formby, Crosby, Freshfield and Ainsdale) areas. With your help we hope we can prevent a repeat of the last devastating outbreak, which happened 10 years ago.

Jail for man who threatened to kill boy for his bike - Merseyside

A man who threatened to kill a 12 year old boy, before stealing his bike, has been jailed for 2 years, following a British Transport Police investigation. Kevin Holloway, aged 41, from Litherland, pleaded guilty to robbery at Liverpool Crown Court, on Monday, 12 March 2018. The Court heard how, on Saturday, 18 February 2017, the victim boarded a Merseyrail service from Ormskirk with his mountain bike. Holloway was already on the Train and the boy noticed that he kept glancing over at his bike. When he left the Train at Aughton Park, Holloway followed. Holloway walked ahead of the victim who had met his friend on the platform. When he and his friend came to exit the Station, at the top of the stairs, Holloway ran at them shouting:- "give me your bike or I will kill you" and forcibly snatched the bike, before cycling off, while continuing to shout threats at the 2 boys. Investigating officer DC Scott McCabe said:-  "This was a terrifying experience for Holloway's 12 year old victim and his friend. Both boys were shocked and distressed by what happened. To target 2 young boys and make threats to kill in order for them, to be so afraid that they hand over their property, is a cowardly and disgusting act. Holloway's sentence reflects the severity of this crime and should send out a message to anyone with similar intentions that we will do everything in our power to bring them before the Courts."