Puppies needed for ground-breaking research in the North West

NORTH West residents who have recently bought or adopted a puppy are being asked to sign up to the 1st ever study to follow dogs of all breeds throughout their lives to help us understand contributing factors to dogs' health and behaviour.

Generation Pup, funded and operated by Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, has almost reached the milestone of recruiting 10,000 puppies and is on the hunt for the final few hundred pooches under 16 weeks to join the project.

By collecting information about puppies such as their:- environment, family, health, behaviour and experiences, the charity can build a picture of a whole generation of dogs across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This means that researchers can investigate whether aspects such as:- environment, social interaction, diet, exercise or daily routine may be important in the development of a range of health and behaviour conditions which impact on the welfare of our dogs.

The latest peer-reviewed paper to be published as part of the Generation Pup research is Owner-Perceived Undesirable Behaviours in Young Dogs and Changes with Age, which examined data submitted by owners when their dogs were:- 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months old. The study found that the highest proportion of dogs showing 1 or more undesirable behaviour was for the 12 month old dogs, with barking, recall issues, pulling on the lead and jumping up the most frequently reported behaviours, signalling that this is the:- 'sassy teenager' age.

Jane Murray, Welfare Project and Grants Deputy Head of Research at Dogs Trust said:- "This important research study aims to deepen our understanding of how early life experiences influence the health and behaviour of dogs throughout their lives. Your participation will make a valuable contribution to improving the welfare of dogs now and in the future."

For more information and to sign up please visit:- GenerationPup.AC.UK.

Landmark investment set to transform Liverpool's Fabric District

THE green light is set to be given for a radical makeover of a major Liverpool corridor thanks to a landmark multi-million pound boost.

Liverpool City Council has approved a £3.4m injection; its biggest Section 106 contribution of the century; to help fund a transformational scheme in the heart of the City's emerging Fabric District, between the:- Knowledge Quarter and Lime Street.

And the historic sum could soon be doubled by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) pending approval of the scheme by the Council's Cabinet.

A report to the Cabinet, is seeking to confirm plans for a redesigned Monument Place, introducing dedicated bus-priority lanes and upgraded traffic signals on London Road; boosting service reliability on routes.

And thanks to the Section 106 funding, made up of monies collected from developments in the area and the match funded LCRCA contribution, Monument Place will also be transformed into a high quality district square with new paving, landscaping, rain gardens, seating and an event space; strengthening the Fabric District's identity.

High quality walking and cycling connections into Liverpool's wider active travel network will also be included. The funding and cabinet report comes as a public consultation on the scheme has been completed. Following the consultation, detailed designs will now be developed in collaboration with stakeholders.

The ambitious project combines the Metro network improvements with the Monument Place public realm works, in a partnership between:- the Council and LCRCA.

To enable this joined up delivery, Cabinet is set to approve a:- Section 8 Highways Act 1980, agreement granting LCRCA the powers to carry out highway improvements from Lime Street to Low Hill.

Concept designs, developed jointly by Mott MacDonald and LDA Design, are now at RIBA Stage 2.

They were produced in collaboration with the Fabric District CIC through a series of stakeholder working group sessions.

The design team has also incorporated and built upon previous engagement undertaken by the Fabric District CIC.

Once delivered the scheme would complement plans to upgrade the St George's Gateway which connects to this area of the City centre.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "Monument Place and the Metro upgrades mark a major turning point for one of Liverpool's most vital City-centre corridors. This project will deliver quicker, cleaner bus services alongside a beautifully reimagined public space that works for everyone; residents, visitors and businesses alike. This bold initiative demonstrates how combining smart transport with public realm improvements can fuel growth, cut emissions and create a City that's easier to move around and healthier to live in."

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for Economy and Growth, added:- "I'm delighted that we have been able to make such a substantial Section 106 contribution to such a significant scheme. Thanks to this unprecedented funding injection we'll be able to realise this imaginative and creative project, which will help transform the look and feel of the Fabric District and further improve its appeal to new investors."

Simon O'Brien, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for the Liverpool City Region said:- "These are bold and exciting plans that will transform how people move between:- Liverpool City centre, the vibrant Fabric District, and surrounding areas. Improving walking, cycling, and bus links is about transport and much more; it's about unlocking the full potential of this part of the City Region, making it healthier, more connected, and more accessible for everyone."

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