Vision of the Future PLANNING for a TOWN CENTRE to BE PROUD OF

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Winter 2017

LOCAL WAR PLAN HERO UPDATE HONOURED PAGE 13 PAGE 14 Vision of the future PLANNING FOR A TOWN CENTRE TO BE PROUD OF

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St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First 1 St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First St Helens Council’s community magazine Welcome Winter sum to achieve all of our Thanks to good financial and employment needs. 2017 proposals – at a time when management, the council is Get the full details on page the council, like many in a stronger position than 13. others across the country, other councils, and is more With that to look forward must make difficult choices capable than most to act to, we’re also looking CONTACT US about its services in light of and seize opportunities to ahead to the festive period, reduced budgets. invest, earn and grow. This with a great range of events Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk But we must invest some is what enables us to plan taking place across the Email: of the money we do have for the regeneration of the borough to warm up your [email protected] in order to best serve local town centre that we all want winter. Check them out, Telephone: 01744 676789 people and the borough. to see. Read more about along with a whole host of Minicom: 01744 671671 Plans of a similar scale our ambition on pages happenings in the coming are being put forward by 8-11, and discover how months, on pages 29-31. Download the free, handy app other councils in the North other entrepreneurs are Winter is a great time West like Warrington. We supporting our vision for a – search St Helens Council of year for many of us, St Helens must match them with rejuvenated town centre on but for some of the more on your app store. Or visit our our own or fall behind. I page 6. vulnerable members of Contact Centre, Wesley House, Council strongly believe everything Elsewhere in the Corporation Street, St Helens, Leader’s column we do is investing in our magazine, we’ve an update our community, it can be WA10 1HF. Councillor collective future and we on St Helens’ Local Plan, a struggle, and is fraught Barrie Grunewald must succeed or wither on detailing the next steps in with health risks. Find out Please contact us to request the vine. its preparation. In short, more about staying well this winter on page 25, and translation of council information elcome to the A little known fact that we we’ve deferred the next winter edition please make time to check into Braille, audio transcription or don’t shout about enough version until early summer of St Helens is that St Helens Council 2018 due to a number in on older relatives, friends a foreign language. W First. As you know, we really is a well-managed of factors outside our and neighbours when the recently revealed our and effective local authority control, but the decision temperature drops. Follow us on Twitter: master plan for the future that is in a better position will benefit the Local Plan I’d like to take this @sthelenscouncil of the town centre. It’s than many other North in the long run, allowing us opportunity to wish you all Like us on Facebook: bold and ambitious, and West councils and public to take advantage of further a happy Christmas and a sthelenscouncil would cost a substantial sector services. research on local housing healthy New Year.

CONTACT ST HELENS FIRST MAGAZINE Email: [email protected] Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk/news Telephone: 01744 676164

TALKING PAGES St Helens First is now available in talking book form for visually 4 5 impaired people, contact us for information.

ADVERTISING Features St Helens Council does not warrant the accuracy of any 4 Bold Forest Park plans description or statement, and does not endorse any product 16-17 Budget update or service contained in any commercial advertisement 29-31 Christmas events guide featured in this publication. 16 18 environmentally-friendly paper. News COVER IMAGE 5 Junction car park Artist’s impression of how expansion the town centre could look 18 Borough gets arts status 21 29 21 How we’re managing floods

unique regeneration plan to promote shape the plan’s proposals. infrastructure will also offer local employment outdoor recreation to stimulate economic Key proposals involve the development of opportunities. Agrowth has now been formally adopted several linked ‘recreation hubs’ across the St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for by St Helens Council. forest park area, providing visitor facilities and Growth, Councillor John Fulham, said: “This Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan a base for activities including walking, mountain vision for Bold Forest Park has been in the encourages inward investment via rural biking, horse riding, boating, canoeing, fishing pipeline for some time now, so I’m delighted entrepreneurship in the visitor economy, and children’s play facilities. to hear of this adoption which takes our dream while providing leisure and healthy living The plan supports the potential future one step closer to becoming reality. opportunities for the community. provision of a dedicated visitor centre at Sutton “Once complete, this once derelict site will Produced in partnership with The Mersey Manor, building on the popularity of The Dream be a key asset for the borough which is sure Forest and Bold Parish Council, the plan builds sculpture to provide a café, car parking and to attract visitors from across the borough and on the environmental improvements already toilet facilities with the potential for events beyond. made in the area which have seen large space. “With Government funding coming to an end swathes of derelict colliery land transformed Other aspects focus on recognising the after 2020, the council will have to stand on into accessible woodland. area’s rich heritage and nature conservation its own two feet, so exciting plans like this will Several stages of preparation and public with potential for guided activities. The help contribute to the future of the borough and consultation were undertaken with the feedback establishment of land based training schemes attract investment, letting the rest of the country given by residents and other groups helping to help create and maintain the Forest Park’s know that St Helens is open for business.”

ABOVE: Merseytravel Chair Cllr Liam Robinson with MP Marie Rimmer and local cllrs, including John Fulham and Keith Roberts. Major parking expansion at St Helens Junction on track ork on a new car park at lighting and CCTV coverage. – and Councillor Keith Roberts who have campaigned consistently St Helens Junction Station The £820K scheme – which who has sat on the Combined for this scheme and our partners Wis underway which will is scheduled to be completed Authority Transport Committee for at the City Region Combined significantly increase the number by March 2018 – has been the past two years. Authority for the funding. I of parking spaces from 66 to 242. financed through the Government Speaking at a recent site visit, know local residents and rail The improved facility will include Sustainable Transport Councillor John Fulham, St Helens users will welcome this overdue an increased number of blue Enhancement Package (STEP) Council’s Cabinet Member for development which will really badge spaces, better walking after lengthy campaigns from Growth, said: “I’d like to thank relieve congestion and benefit the routes within the site and upgraded residents, Sutton ward councillors residents and fellow councillors community at large.” Ways Linkway set for to work re you aged 16 or over, currently unemployed Aand looking for work? St Helens Council’s Ways to Work team can help. improvements Designed to improve personal resilience and progression to sustainable employment, St lanning for improvements to issues concerning poor pedestrian facilities will also be introduced Helens Ways to Work aims to the A570 St Helens Linkway and cyclist facilities have onto all arms of the junction that support local people into work Pis well underway, with work developed. link to existing pedestrian routes though paid work experience, on a safer and more efficient To begin solving these problems, and speed limits modified on the skills development, help junction at Elton Head Road set to the current roundabout by Mere approaches, further improving with CV writing, interview start in early 2018. Grange and the Cooperative Food safety for all road users. preparation – and much more. The A570 St Helens Linkway Distribution Centre will be replaced The project has benefitted from Interested? Contact the team came into operation in 1994 but with a signal controlled cross funding from the £232 million by calling 01744 676131 or more recently, the Linkway has roads with full pedestrian crossing Liverpool City Region (LCR) email waystowork@sthelens. become a severely congested facilities, creating a more balanced Growth Deal, secured from gov.uk corridor, particularly at Elton and controlled traffic flow, and Government in 2014 by the LCR More information is available Head Road and Sherdley Road reducing peak time queues. LEP. Work is expected to take online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ roundabouts at peak times, and Pedestrian and cycle crossing around eight months. waystowork

New investments show faith in town centre he town centre has received quality of the products on offer. a huge boost after the “Meeting the council has T opening of an independent underlined my faith in what I am designer children’s wear store, doing and that there is massive and the purchase of Barrow House potential in the town. Hopefully – to be transformed into a thriving other businesses can see that hub, helping fledgling businesses too.” to soar. Meanwhile, Merseyside-based OD’s Juniors, tipped to be one luxury property developer, Luxor of the biggest stores of its kind in Estates continues to show great the UK, was opened in September faith in the town centre after the by a number of special guests purchase of Barrow House retail including the Mayor and Mayoress units. TOP: OD opening Above: Paul Nicholson outside Barrow House of St Helens, Saints star James Luxor – which is also working Roby, and boxers Martin Murray on converting the former Tyrers great time for businesses to benefit Welcoming the investments, and Anthony Crolla. department store into a £1m from the changing landscape of St Helens Council Leader Barrie Located at the junction of mixed-use scheme, and Claughton the town centre and get going with Grunewald said: “It’s great to see Cotham Street and Claughton House into 18 residential units – a business idea they have always a local business and developer Street, it is the latest investment by plans to transform the 10,000 sq ft dreamed about. show so much confidence in St Chris O’Dea, who owns the nearby retail parade into a thriving ‘Luxor “We want to hear from new Helens town centre by choosing to OD’s menswear, womenswear, Plaza’ hub to entice potential businesses or existing small expand their offer here. and jewellery stores – and is tenants to the units with massive businesses that are looking to “With the recent town centre celebrating 25 years of business savings and offers to help get their expand to be a part of Luxor transformation announcement, in St Helens this year. new ventures afloat. Plaza. With our investment these investments are obviously Chris, who is signed up to the “The acquisition of Barrow across the road at Luxor House, very welcome and pave the way to St Helens Ambassadors scheme House is a great addition to formerly Claughton House and the a very exciting future as we look to attract more investment in the our portfolio in St Helens,” said expansion of designer clothing to provide the people of St Helens borough, said: “We hope this will Managing Director, Paul Nicholson. retailer ODs this area of town with a town centre they can be draw more shoppers into the town “With massive regeneration promises to be an exciting area proud of.” as they will be driven here by the plans afoot in St Helens, now is a with solid levels of footfall.”

e all want our town to be proposals and suggestions which great – somewhere easy will help the town to thrive and Wto get to, attractive, with prosper. good entertainment, shops, cafes, If the proposals suggested within bars and restaurants. Somewhere our strategy were to be delivered, we want to hang out, and spend it would cost in the region of £300 time with family and friends. million to transform the town. Somewhere that we may want to That’s the scale of our ambitions. live. This money would be realised We think that St Helens can be through a combination of both that town, and we’ve developed a public and private funding streams. strategy for St Helens Town Centre, There can be no denying that together with partners, to ensure this is a substantial amount of our town grows and develops into money, and comes at a time one that can rival the best and when the council, like many others instil pride among local people. across the country, has to make That idea has now taken one step changes to services, in light of nearer to realisation the significant with the purchase in “Investment cuts made to the last few weeks the council’s of Church Square will be a key budget by the Shopping Centre Government. from Mars Pension driver for However, we feel Fund. Ownership of that in order to the centre will give change in our best serve local us a greater say over town centre.” people and the the type of retail and town, we need to leisure facilities that we would want invest some of the money we do to feature in our town. Previously have, as well as working together St Helens Council owned very little with private investors to bring in retail space within the town centre the funds to develop and transform and had little or no control over the town centre. what development occurred. Now We need to be ambitious for the council has directly intervened, our town and forge ahead with it is believed that the investment our strategy to deliver on our will be a key driver for change in proposals to regenerate St Helens our town centre. Town Centre, but it’s important to In recent years our town centre, remember that these plans will not like many others, has declined. happen overnight, or even over a Cultural changes in people’s few months, and although some shopping habits and the rise of activities could be delivered over online shopping are major reasons, the next 1-2 years, most of these but another is the lack of quality proposals will gradually roll out shops and places to eat and over the next 10 years. drink in the town centre. We know We want to engage with local that the regeneration of our town people on our strategy for St centre is top of most residents’ Helens Town Centre and welcome wish lists, as well as being one your comments and feedback on of the council’s biggest priorities. our plans. You can tell us by: That is why we have developed Emailing us at hello@ an ambitious strategy which sets investinsthelens.com out the direction and vision for Writing to us at, Freepost: the town centre, bringing together YOUR VIEWS

A new shopping mix. With the purchase of 1Church Square Shopping Centre by St Helens Council, we now have greater control over the type of retail and leisure facilities that are developed in the future. This Creating a better would see independent shops entertainment offer. The appearing alongside well know 4proposals would see more high street brands, and there family-focused restaurants and would be a greater focus on An Arts and Culture cafés in addition to the existing more mixed leisure and retail Canal-side regeneration. Centre. Opportunities cinema and new leisure facilities facilities. Shopping alone is Part of the town centre 3exist to further enrich the on the Linkway West complex. no longer enough to bring 2vision is a plan to redevelop borough’s already strong and The canal-side area would be people in to the town centre. the area around a section of the nationally recognised arts and the centre of a vibrant night- People often want to make an Sankey Canal, into a modern culture offer, with the potential time economy with waterside afternoon and evening out of a waterfront area, complete with for a dedicated arts and culture restaurants and bars, aimed at visit, by perhaps doing a spot restaurants, cafes and bars to the centre, which would ideally sit attracting couples back into the of shopping, before going for lower levels and desirable canal- at the heart of the town centre town for shopping followed by drinks and a meal. side apartments above. alongside the regenerated canal. drinks and a meal.

10 St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First Improving public spaces. It is important to create Better connectivity. In Taking pride in heritage. 8a visually attractive town 2018 new rail franchise The Sankey Canal, the centre where people will want 6arrangements will see 7oldest industrial canal in the to spend time, especially within St Helens Central gain direct world, is an under-utilised asset. public open spaces. These connectivity to destinations such To address this, the strategy sets are successfully used in many as Glasgow, as well as faster out plans for an area around a towns and cities and can create routes into Liverpool. Stations section of it to be regenerated, a relaxing environment for across the borough will also placing it at the heart of the residents, town centre workers have faster journey times to redevelopment of the town and visitors to enjoy. The focus Modern town centre Manchester too, and the council centre. Using the town’s glass would be on developing a living. Town centre living will continue to push for its heritage to improve its visual network of interesting and fun 5is becoming increasingly priority to have a direct route to identity is also part of the plan. connected spaces and places. appealing to young professionals, Manchester from St Helens Town This can be achieved through In line with the celebration of with easy access to leisure and Centre. This is no easy task, glass canopies under which food the town’s rich heritage – new culture. Housing developers but with rail investment being a markets, pop-up music venues or materials and light will feature are already looking to invest in national priority, it is hoped that street theatre could be held, as strongly in paving, seating, the town centre and redevelop St Helens will benefit from any well as through signage, street lighting and foliage within these vacant office and retail spaces. investments made. furniture and lighting. spaces.

Working together for adoption

doption services have recently partnered The aim of the new service is to increase the “Working together on adoption helps us to up across the region, making it easier for number of children being adopted and improve recruit new families more effectively across the Aadopters and children to find their forever the experience of adopters. region and ensure every child is placed with the families. Based in Warrington, the joined-up service right family. It allows us to share best practice, ‘Together for Adoption’ is the new is one of the first of its kind in the country and pool our resources and make our services organisation that supports families interested in will bring a wealth of expertise to help anyone even better, which means families will get taking the first steps towards adoption. who is thinking of adopting and support them the support they need at every stage of their It brings together the adoption services throughout the process. adoption journey.” for five local authorities – Cheshire West Councillor Jeanette Banks, St Helens and Chester, Halton and WWiSH, which Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Learn more at www.togetherforadoption.co.uk incorporates Warrington, Wigan and St Helens. Families, Young People and Education, said: or call 01942 478272. ‘P’ Pod presented by caring charity

local charity, formed over 30 of disabled children and young years ago to care for those people in the borough since its Awhose lives are hampered establishment in 1985. by illness, has continued its good As a thank you for their generosity, work after purchasing another Marjorie and Arthur, as well as a piece of specialised equipment number of charity representatives, for a severely disabled child in the were invited into the Mayor’s borough. Parlour in St Helens Town Hall Following a request from St Helens where the ‘P’ Pod – which cost ABOVE Marjorie (second from right) and Arthur Hurst joined the Mayor and Mayoress for the P Pod presentation. Council’s Paediatric Specialist £1,067 - was officially handed over them agreeing to fund it, as it will Marjorie said: “As a charity, there Occupational Therapist, to Cathryn to pass onto the family. make a positive difference to this is no greater feeling for us Cathryn Livingstone, the Helen Cathryn said: “In addition child’s life. than knowing we are contributing Marie Friends Charity has kindly to specialist seating already “I have had involvements with the so positively to the needs and donated a ‘P’ Pod postural purchased by the council, the ‘P’ Helen Marie Charity for a number wellbeing of local children. support seat which can be Pod was identified as an alternative of years and they have been very “In life, Helen Marie enjoyed easily used around the home piece of equipment to meet this generous. I’d like to personally supporting children and young environment. particular child’s needs, and thank Arthur and Marjorie for their people in the borough with Founded by Arthur and Marjorie so I obtained a quote and unique piece of charity work which illnesses and disabilities, and as a Hurst in memory of their daughter submitted an application to the helps support so many disabled charity; we will continue her good Helen Marie – the Helen charity. children in borough.” work so that her name lives on.” Marie Charity has helped hundreds “I was delighted to hear back from Speaking after the presentation,

Council announces next steps of Local Plan

t Helens Council has announced Government’s announcement of a review work with Highways England on any the next steps in preparation of of technical planning methodologies we impact of traffic on the highway network as S the Local Plan, which will set out will need to consider the implications for although we want to see growth we do not how much new development for housing St Helens.” want to see an increase in congestion as and employment there should be in the Local Plans submitted to the Government that will simply work to strangle growth.” borough up to 2033 and beyond, where for examination after 31 March 2018 will “Although the Local Plan sets the this development should take place, and be expected to use the new approach to framework of what we want for our the policies for protecting the environment. calculating objectively assessed needs, communities, any actual planning Council approval for the next version of meaning that St Helens’ Local Plan must applications must always be considered the Local Plan – known as the proposed take this into account. on their own individual merits and if submission version – is now expected Cllr Fulham added: “Looking at the they do not live up to the standards and in early summer 2018. This will be the Government’s review we are confident requirements of the Local Plan then the version of the plan that the council wants that our planning for growth will meet the council will find it easier to reject sub- to see adopted, subject to inspection by Government’s proposed new standardised standard applications.” the independent Planning Inspectorate in method for calculating housing need, and In the plan’s Preferred Options Bristol. we’re confident that St Helens will achieve consultation, the regeneration of brownfield Depending on the outcome of the growth.” land was a key priority for the council, but inspection the council hopes to adopt the Government has also requested that all this would be supplemented by release Local Plan in 2019 and take the borough councils publish a register of brownfield of a number of sites from the green belt through to 2049. land suitable for housing before the end to meet the needs for new homes and Public consultation on the Local Plan of the year. This has involved council staff employment up to and beyond 2033. Preferred Options was held over an eight- conducting lengthy technical assessments, The proposals at that stage included week period between 5 December 2016 whereas in the past developers have done releasing 1,187 hectares of land from the and 30 January 2017 which saw a total it at their own expense. green belt, but keeping 56 per cent of the of 5,695 responses from local residents, Cllr Fulham continued: “We hope to borough’s land area protected as green businesses and land-owners. progress to the next stage by summer belt – still the highest across Merseyside. Councillor John Fulham, St Helens 2018, giving us plenty of time to consider The proposed submission version of Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, all of the considerable evidence that has the Local Plan will confirm the Council’s said: “I would like to thank all of those who been submitted, to prepare a transport and approach to this. submitted their views and evidence to the infrastructure plan, and allow feedback on council earlier in the year, which planning the second draft.” For more information visit www. officers have been examining. Following “In particular, we are undertaking further sthelens.gov.uk/localplan

ABOVE Members of John Molyneux’s family, with representatives from the council and Armed Forces after the ceremony. Victoria Cross hero honoured 100 years on commemorative paving representatives – gathered at recognition of Company stone has been laid a special ceremony on Victoria Sergeant Major Frederick A beside St Helens Square where the Mayor of William Hall, once of Ormskirk Cenotaph in honour of a local St Helens, Councillor Joe Street, who was killed in action serviceman on the centenary of Pearson, lifted the Union flag in Belgium during the Second his earning the Victoria Cross to uncover a commemorative Battle of Ypres. medal. stone in John’s memory. Meanwhile, the Newton and Sutton-born soldier, Sergeant Speaking afterwards, Earlestown Community Group John ‘Jack’ Molyneux was Councillor Pearson said: is also raising funds to erect a awarded the highest military “It’s a great privilege to be statue in 2018 to commemorate award available for his brave asked here today to unveil Newton-born Private Norman actions on the front near a commemorative stone in Harvey, who received his Langemarck, Belgium on 9 honour of Sergeant John Victoria Cross for actions in October 1917 when a British Molyneux. battle at Ingoyhem, Belgium attack was held up by machine “Sergeant Molyneux’s story in October 1918. Norman’s gun fire from a German trench. is one of great bravery and battalion was stopped by Aged 26 at the time, John loyalty to his brothers in arms machine gun fire and suffering – known locally as Jack – in the face of peril, but as John casualties when he ran forward organised a bombing party himself humbly says, it’s a and engaged the enemy single- which captured the gun and story shared by so many young handed, killing two, wounding killed the crew. He then jumped men – around the world – who one and capturing 12 men and from the trench, calling for went to war, with many never two guns. A Newton street has his comrades to follow him, to return. Let us celebrate his already been named in his running to a nearby house that valour and remember all those honour. was occupied by the enemy. who fought for their country.” The final VC recipient is Before any help could arrive, The commemorative stone Corporal John Thomas Davies, John became engaged in hand- is part of a programme of who, on 24 March 1918, leapt to-hand combat. The enemy work by St Helens Council to defend his comrades as they quickly surrendered and 20-30 and partners to honour the retreated, firing his Lewis gun prisoners were taken. borough’s four VC recipients into the enemy and stalling John was presented with the on the centenaries of their their advance. Captured and Victoria Cross on his return to presentations. later released, John spent the Britain by King George V, and In July this year, Sergeant majority of his life in St Helens, was given a hero’s welcome Molyneux was also honoured and was buried in St Helens when he finally came home to by St Helens Council when Cemetery upon his death in St Helens. a new street in Sutton was 1955. Plans to commemorate 100 years on, dozens of named John Molyneux V.C. John will be revealed next year his descendants and their Close – while an honorary on the centenary of his VC families – as well as a paving stone was laid in presentation. number of military and council Victoria Square in 2015 in

14 St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First News Mayor’s fundraisers boost bereavement charity St Helens charity has received a huge financial boost after receiving a cheque A for £10,853.00 from last year’s Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens. Kelly Wellens, founder of recently registered family bereavement charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars, and her partner Gary Larkin were welcomed into St Helens Town Hall where they received the cheque from councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks who raised the impressive sum through a number of successful fundraisers. During his time as Mayor in 2016-17, Councillor Banks, who represents the Earlestown ward, chose Jenson’s Twinkle Stars – a cause close to both councillors’ hearts – as his ABOVE Members of John Molyneux’s family, with representatives from the council and Armed Forces after the ceremony. Mayoral charity, which was set up by Kelly in 2011 following the loss of her son, Jenson Rigby, who passed away in the womb shortly before birth. Speaking of her delight on receiving the ABOVE Kelly and Gary (tshirts), with cllrs Dave and Jeanette Banks (centre and left), and Barry and Carol Tither who helped organise the fundraising events. cheque, Kelly said: “As a local charity, we’re overcome loss by bringing some happiness into me, and when the opportunity came to represent deeply moved by Dave and Jeanette’s generous their lives through fun days out and respite. St Helens as Mayor, I knew I had to spread actions which have helped raise our profile “We hope to one day open our own the good word of its work as far and wide as considerably. bereavement centre to reach out to even more possible.” “This incredible amount of money will help families and this donation is a massive boost in us out like you wouldn’t believe it; providing helping us achieve this.” For more information on Jenson’s Twinkle support to bereaved families through sessions Councillor Dave Banks added: “Jenson’s Stars, visit www.jensonstwinklestars.co.uk at the Tunza Centre, and helping young children Twinkle Stars means a great deal to my wife and Young bookworms complete national reading challenge ver a thousand young bookworms in St Helens have been commended O for completing a national reading challenge. Organised by the Reading Agency, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, titled ‘Animal Agents’ saw a total of 1631 children complete the task by reading six books from their local library over the summer. As part of the exciting local library offer, children met a host of animals and curious creatures at library events. Bert the ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog helped children to relax with their reading at volunteers and resulted in 354 young to see so many young people express an Chester Lane Library, while young readers people joining the library service. interest in reading by joining their local at Eccleston Library encountered and Those to complete the challenge were library and taking part in such a proactive learned about some slightly less cute, but automatically entered into a fantastic task like the Summer Reading Challenge. no less wonderful creatures, including prize draw that included a VIP experience “Reading is such a wonderful gift which snakes, scorpions, spiders, rats and giant package to Knowsley Safari Park and should be encouraged from an early age, snails provided by ‘ZooLab’, with stories a copy of Mr Stink, signed by the ever for it can have only positive effects on a told about each animal. popular David Walliams. young person’s development.” The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, A ceremony was then held at Chester Councillor Joe and Sylvia Pearson, were Lane Library where Councillor Sue Murphy, If you’re aged 12-19 and would like to on hand at Haydock Library to hand out Cabinet Member for Leisure Services and volunteer at your local library, please certificates and medals to the children Libraries, presented the eight lucky winners contact Kathryn Boothroyd on 01744 who completed the challenge, which was with their prizes. 677486, or by email: kathrynboothroyd@ delivered with the help of 17 new young Speaking afterwards, Sue said: “It’s great sthelens.gov.uk

A budget under pressure…

our council provides a wide range of services to a hard by Government cuts. Since 2010 we’ve had our central growing population of more than 177,600 people in funding reduced by 58 per cent – meaning we’ve had to find 82,000 households. Each year St Helens Council savings of £74 million. This has led to big changes in the way delivers hundreds of services to each and every one our services have been delivered. Yof them. You probably know that your council does things like Over the next three years we will have to face further funding empty your bins, fix potholes, maintain the parks and keep the cuts totalling £15.6m. With inflation and other cost factors streets clean, but most importantly we also provide life changing added on this will mean we will need to find a further £20.6m of support for older people, people with disabilities and children savings by 2020. who are in need of care, among other services. We legally have That’s £90 million of funding cuts over the ten-year period to deliver these services, and balance the budget each year. which equates to £507 less per person to spend on your Like many other councils across the country, we’ve been hit services, than we did in 2010.

e are legally required to provide well as a rise in the number of children standard. under pressure… a number of statutory services with disabilities or experiencing severe There’s no doubt that people will be W including adult and children’s learning difficulties. St Helens is the losing some of the discretionary services social care. There are also services 36th most deprived local authority that they’ve come to expect. If we are not which we legally have to provide but it is area in England with unemployment legally required to carry out a service, not specified how we deliver them, such rates significantly above national and then it is possible that it may no longer be as waste collection, road maintenance North West averages, resulting in a available. and library services. Some services are greater impact from welfare reforms and We have had to start charging for discretionary, meaning the council can inequalities across wards. services that only some people require choose to provide them but does not have The simple truth is we can no longer such as garden waste, as other councils to, like leisure services. continue to pay for all the services we St Helens has an aging population, have traditionally provided. We must do. As of September 2018 a three-weekly causing pressure on health and social prioritise resources towards those services brown bin collection will begin in an effort care services such as home carers, respite which we are legally required to provide to save 100,000 and other services such provision and support to people with long and review how we offer them. as street sweeping may be reduced. We term health conditions like dementia. We will continue to care for vulnerable are also continuing to review how we Demand and risk is also increasing within adults in need, protect children, and provide services such as libraries, parks children and young people’s services with maintain the roads, pavements and street and leisure centres, in order to meet the an increase in looked after children, as lighting – but this may be to a more basic £20.6 million savings. Your Council Tax contribution

hen you pay your street may need protecting. Council Tax you are Your Council Tax is what allows W contributing towards that to happen. funding local services such The transformation of St as social care for vulnerable Helens Town Centre is a people, and support for priority for the council, and its children and the elderly. It also purchase of Church Square pays for waste and recycling, Shopping Centre is crucial street cleaning, parks and in order to take control of much more. the type of retail and leisure Therefore, Council Tax is facilities that we want to feature not a direct payment for a in our town. direct service, like a meal at a This may seem to be an restaurant, or a haircut. Your inappropriate decision, at a Council Tax is a contribution to time of reducing budgets and the cost of services that your cuts to services, however the council has to legally provide. right retail and leisure offer This is why you can’t “opt- can totally revive the fortunes out” of paying Council Tax – put simply if you don’t of the borough – bringing contribute your share, local people in to the town centre children can’t be kept safe, to shop, and spend time and the vulnerable can’t be cared money in the bars, restaurants, for and the roads can’t be cinema and arts attractions maintained. Increasingly as which are planned for the town. budget cuts bite, almost Investment in the town centre all of the funds available will provide much-needed go to the services we must job opportunities for local legally provide – and what people, and more businesses we must legally offer may not will mean more business be services you personally rates – especially important in access. However, one day a future years when Government family member of yours might funding will cease and councils need care, or a child in your must raise their own revenue.

PHOTO: Members of the Arts Service and Music Service teams attended a cultural celebration at The Citadel. St Helens recognised as the first ‘Artsmark Town’ in the region

he borough’s arts and culture St Helens Council Arts and Music Services Arts Council England’s National Portfolio scene continues to ride on the crest and Curious Minds – a charity which Organisation status, which came with of a wave after St Helens became champions creative and cultural education £440,000 worth of funding over the next the first town in the North West to for children and young people across the four years. Tbe awarded Artsmark status. North West region. Commenting on the achievement, St Accredited by Arts Council England, Artsmark registered schools in the Helens Council’s portfolio holder for arts Artsmark is the creative quality standard town, supported by the Local Cultural and culture, Councillor Gill Neal said: “We for schools, helping them to evaluate, Education Partnership, will be encouraged are elated to receive Artsmark Town status celebrate and strengthen their arts to build and strengthen new and existing which is a great testimony to the hundreds provision through actively championing partnerships as they continue their of talented young people in the borough high quality arts and cultural education developmental journey. who are socially engaged in the arts. within their curriculum. The latest accolade tops off an excellent “The council has a stated ambition to Over 50 per cent of schools in the year for St Helens Council’s Arts and become a national centre of excellence borough have achieved or are working Culture Service after its Cultural Hubs – for arts and cultural practice – and this towards the Artsmark Award by Arts in Libraries programme was crowned recognition is yet another feather in our incorporating art and culture into every the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded arts cap and string to our bow as we look to student’s life and learning. project in August 2016. This recently led achieve this.” It is the result of a pilot project, led by to the council’s library service securing

Haydock ward councillor has spoken of his delight A at securing pieces of local history, after a 130-year- old foundation stone, entrance arch and a time capsule, were given back to St Helens Council. Councillor Martin Bond held successful discussions with the land owner of the former Haydock Cottage Hospital in Clipsley Lane to claim possession of an entrance arch, a foundation stone, and a glass bottle time capsule from the opening day of the hospital – which contains hospital documents and copies of local newspapers. Opened on 7 August, 1886, Haydock Cottage Hospital was built on land donated by Lord Newton. The colliers of Haydock raised the princely sum of £290 by a halfpenny a week from their wages and in consideration, the committee decided that the miners of Haydock, Parr and Pewfall approval. current owner, who, after gone, the time capsule and could be treated free of charge. Following several local discussions with Councillor decorative masonry from the Official records state that colliery closures – coupled with Bond, agreed to donate them Cottage Hospital will take pride Florence Nightingale – widely new safety measures imposed to St Helens Council to be of place in Haydock, so that considered the founder of on colliery owners by the Coal permanently displayed in future generations can learn modern nursing – requested Mines Act which reduced Haydock. the story of how and why the copies of the hospital plan on accidents – the hospital was Councillor Bond said: “I hospital came into being.” which to give feedback. In a eventually opened up to all come from a mining family and The time capsule will remain letter dated 10 June, 1885 she citizens from Haydock and am profoundly conscious of on display at Haydock Library made observations on every surrounding areas in 1930 until what we owe to our forebears, – while the foundation stone detail and also suggested a its closure in 1975. who put life and limb at risk and entrance arch will soon number of improvements to the The artefacts were included every day of their working lives. be installed on Clipsley Lane, hospital, which got her overall in the sale of the land to the “Now that the pit heads have Haydock for posterity. Historic turnpike milestones preserved wo historic local milestones have been moved to at Balker Drive, but they have now been donated to new homes in the borough’s parks thanks to a the council after a successful request by the local Tpartnership between the NHS, St Helens Council branch of the Milestone Society to keep them in public and a local history group. ownership – and on public display. The 1.22m (4 feet) high sandstone posts, which The milestones have permanent new homes in have flanked the entrance to the former Cowley Hill Victoria Park and Taylor Park, which are as close as is health facility on Balker Drive for many years, have practically possible to their original locations. been relocated to two local parks by the council – With the 150th anniversary of St Helens as a which is funding the project. borough next year, the recovery and preservation The milestones are made from sandstone extracted of the milestones is a timely reminder of the town’s from one of the many former quarries around St industrial past. Helens. The turnpike road where they were originally The inscriptions on the milestones, which are placed is one of the oldest in the country, dating from unusually well-preserved and still legible today, would 1753 – now the A58. have told travelers and traders the way and the It is not known how the milestones came to be distance to St Helens, Ashton, Prescot and Liverpool.

Register Office to relocate t Helens’ Register Office will soon move make an appointment to see the Superintendent your love with a Renewal of Vows? from its premises off College Street to Registrar for St Helens regardless of where the The register office also offers a Naming S the Town Hall, bringing some important ceremony is taking place, with the exception of Ceremony which is a non-legal way of giving changes. Church of England weddings. your child a name and celebrating their life with The service will officially open its doors at all your family and friends. the Town Hall on Thursday 14 December 2017 Ceremonies at the Town Hall Both types of ceremony celebration can be to register births, deaths and marriages. The held in the newly refurbished ceremony room at service will not be interrupted by the transition. The newly refurbished ceremony room the Town Hall. It’ll be more accessible, in a central location can hold up to 60 guests and is available in the town centre, and we’re refurbishing the Monday to Saturday. For larger parties the Certificate Services town hall’s ceremony rooms to offer improved Council Chamber, with its historic décor, will facilities for those looking for elegant weddings. comfortably accommodate up to 100, available Did you know you can obtain certificates from Read on to find out more about each service on Fridays and Saturdays up to 5:30pm. the register office within the Town Hall or on- the register office provides. For those couples who just want to keep line? All successful applications will be posted things low key, there is also the statutory out to the customer within five working days, or Registering births and deaths register office ceremony room suitable for four there’s a fast-track priority service. people, which is available Monday to Thursday It’s a great way of exploring your ancestry, In England and Wales all births must be at 9:30am. with family history records at the register office registered within 42 days, and deaths within 5 Considering the Town Hall as your ceremony dating back from the present day to 1837. days. St Helens’ Register Office can register venue? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a births and deaths that occur in the borough, viewing on 01744 676789. British Citizenship and offer advice for those that occur elsewhere. Registering of births and deaths is done by Renewal of Vows St Helens Town Hall hosts monthly Citizenship appointment by calling the council’s Contact and naming Ceremonies Ceremonies for candidates who are obtaining Centre on 01744 676789. British Nationality we also offer a Private You can also use the Town Hall to celebrate a Citizenship Ceremony for those who do not Notice of marriage milestone in your life. Perhaps you’ve reached wish to attend a group ceremony. or civil partnership your Silver Wedding Anniversary, or your marriage has come through a tough time, or For more information on our services Couples who wish to marry or form a civil maybe you married abroad and now wish all and what is available to book on-line partnership, and who live in St Helens must your family and friends to see you celebrate please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk.

HIGH

TOP: Automatic flood barriers at Peasley Cross ABOVE LEFT: Opening up part of the infilled Sankey Canal to and dry slow and store flood water (before) ABOVE RIGHT: Sankey Canal naturalised (after)

ince local authorities have are ready if the warning comes. become responsible for Find out the risks of flooding Smanaging flood risk, St in your area, and what to do in Slowing the flow Helens Council has over the last the event of a flood, by searching five years been working to reduce “flooding” at www.gov.uk. Key areas addressed include: flooding and the devastating Councillor Shields added: “Given • Peasley Cross Lane at the railway bridge adjacent to St Helens impact it can have on homes and that flood defences in urban areas RFC Stadium is a notorious flood hazard. Indeed there have businesses. have been provided in a piecemeal been several incidents of vehicles becoming trapped in water, Within the Environment Agency’s way as our budget and grant despite the presence of warning signs. Unfortunately the road (EA) ‘Mersey sub-catchment’, St funding allows (see ‘Slowing the level is below that of the flood level of the adjacent Hardshaw Helens generally has a low flood flow’), a key challenge is to work Brook, making it impossible to prevent flooding in certain risk rating, but there are some with partners to improve standards conditions. Automatic flood barriers have now been installed on well-known local hotspots that where failures are occurring, both sides of the bridge, complementing the new and improved the council has been working to together with complementary automatic warning signs, to prevent road users from driving address, with support from grant flood warning arrangements. In through in severe flood conditions. funding partners the EA and rural areas the emphasis is on • Beech Gardens, Rainford was the scene of extensive flooding Department for Communities and harnessing natural processes, on Boxing Day 2015. Here, a public footbridge has been Local Government. promoting biodiversity and working removed and replaced in a raised position and utility pipes have Cabinet Member for Green, with the agricultural sector.” been diverted to prevent rubbish blocking the flow of Rainford Smart and Sustainable Borough, Nevertheless, there remains Brook. Councillor Terry Shields, said: an element of unpredictability in “The council takes a risk-based flood risk due to climate change; • Natural “debris dams” have been created in the rural Stanley approach to flood management to with increased rainfall filling Bank Valley to reduce flood flows and remove phosphates from flood water, creating a more hospitable environment for wildlife. achieve the best results possible watercourses to bursting point, and using the budget and resources increasing the likelihood of surface • Several locks on the historic Sankey Canal – previously filled in available. water flooding. decades ago – have been opened up for water and reed beds “Flooding is a part of nature, “Severe rainfall has caused along the watercourse have been improved for natural flood and it’s neither technically widespread flooding in the UK in storage (see photos above). feasible nor economically viable recent years; notably in North West • 18 properties have received Property Level Protection Grants to prevent all flooding, but we will England in the winter of 2015-16 to improve the flood resilience of their properties. These continue working to reduce both and in the south east in 2013- measures range from specialised flood doors, air brick the likelihood of flooding and 14, and we’ve not been immune modifications, internal remodelling and external drainage pipes. the impacts of a flood when it to that,” said Councillor Shields. happens.” “Flooding has increased in the • We have partnered with our long-standing environmental allies, Informing residents and borough in recent years; storms Mersey Forest, on their “Slow the Flow” project. Landowners businesses about potential are more frequent and more across the Sankey Valley catchment are being encouraged flooding is vital, as it gives them torrential, so we are committed to introduce mass tree planting, with case studies across time to prepare. The council to reducing flood risk here in St the country demonstrating the important role forestry has in encourages those in at-risk areas Helens.” reducing flooding. to make a flood plan, so that they

New era dawns at De La Salle eptember saw the beginning of a new high standards, where staff and students feel technology and maths offer beyond the era at De La Salle, as new head teacher challenged, valued, confident and happy. classroom and, as a Lasallian school, giving S Andy Rannard took the reins, tasked with Where personal ambition is high and people students meaningful opportunities to put their improving and growing the school. are seen as individuals, with their own hopes faith into action. Andy’s excitement for his new role as De and dreams. And of course all of this wrapped The improvements at De La Salle have been La Salle’s leader is evident. “De La Salle is within the Lasallian values that underpin our a team effort, with the school receiving support one of those great schools that everybody work and help make the school such a close from St Helens Council and the Archdiocese of has either attended or had a family member and caring community.” Liverpool. attend,” Andy said. “I have been overwhelmed “My experience so far has taught me the Andy added: “To have such strong and by the dedication and commitment from staff, importance of getting the basics right. In other effective support has really been a shot in the students and parents. There have been so words, getting well behaved students into well arm for the school and something the whole many changes and improvements made over planned, resourced and delivered lessons with community is grateful for. However, the school the past year and the school is now ready valued and motivated teachers.” is now ready to take the lead on its journey to to make its journey to being an outstanding His ambitions go much further than this becoming an outstanding school.” school.” though, with the former acting head teacher Recently the school welcomed a full of Liverpool’s Notre Dame Catholic College inspection by Ofsted that brought De La wanting to build on the wonderful experiences Salle out of special measures to requires Clear vision that the students already have, to ensure that improvement, recognising the hard work De La Salle has a world-class extra-curricular done to drive up standards of teaching, r Rannard, who has 21 years’ offer. behaviour and leadership across the school experience in education, is clear in his This involves celebrating art and sport, which over the past two years. The report also gave Mambitions for the Eccleston school, are already strong, but also building up the particular mention to the very good levels of stating: “I want it to be a school with very performing arts, strengthening the science, student behaviour across the school and the

Autism New era dawns at De La Salle matters outstanding use of assessment to drive student strong, the school’s commitment to the arts progress. has also been reflected by excellent results e La Salle is home to St Helens’ in subjects such as art, dance, music and Autism Spectrum Disorder photography. D(ASD) Support Centre. This Strong Students who had a particularly good results provides places for up to 20 students day included Sadie O’Hanlon (3 grade 8s and with ASD combining access to a performance 8 A/A*), Edward Hodgson (2 grade 9s and 8 mainstream education alongside A/A*) , Tom Gill (1 grade 9, 1 grade 7 and 6 specialist teachers, teaching his year De La Salle pupils achieved their A*) and Chloe McGrath (1 grade 8, 2 grade 7 assistants and resources including a highest grades ever with eight students and 6 A/A*). sensory room, reflection garden and T achieving the highest possible Grade The results are testimony to the hard work of its own kitchen where students are 9 score under the new GCSE system. And De La Salle students, staff and parents – and taught basic household skills. this success was not limited to the highest underline the school’s determination to help Mr Rannard believes the ASD performing students, as the school has also every student achieve the highest possible Support Centre is a great addition to reduced the performance gap between standards. Many will now progress on to their the school. “It allows students with disadvantaged students, SEN students, looked career choices, or go on to further education. ASD to have a ‘normal’ education after children and their peers. whilst still receiving specialist “It was very pleasing to see so many students support. This not only helps the hit such heights of academic achievement,” Want to learn more? Call the school to students in the centre but raises said Mr Rannard, “but for us as a school, it arrange a meeting and a tour with the awareness of autism amongst the is the progress of all students that matters, head teacher. rest of the school who are very regardless of their starting point.” Call 01744 20511 or visit www. accepting and supportive.” While performance in the core subjects was delasalle.st-helens.sch.uk

Making young voices heard Students expound the great opportunities open to them through the St Helens Youth Council wo local college students have spoken of yet we have already been involved in some that relate to agenda objectives, and have been their pride in being involved with the St fantastic projects and are already looking invited on more than one occasion to offer input THelens Youth Council – and are calling on towards the future in terms of publishing a and advice to senior St Helens councillors, a others to join in to ensure young voices in the manifesto and attending conferences.” moment Sam described as an “experience in borough continue to be heard. Edward added: “We have learned an itself.” For just under two years, Edward Hodgson incredible amount about the immense value of “We would definitely encourage any young and Sam McQuiggan have sat on the St Helens the voices of all young people in St Helens, and person in the borough to join the Youth Council, Youth Council, acting as Chair and Deputy now truly appreciate just how powerful all of our concluded Edward. “It gives young people Chair respectively, which has seen them take voices have the potential to be. the chance to experience and be involved in part in projects such as the Make Your Mark “Both of us have been involved with the Youth democracy far earlier than usual. national youth vote – and more recently, a Council for just under two years now, and have “Ultimately, if a young person wishes to live art movement where a piece of creative thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!” writing to begin the development of a children’s The pair, who both attend Carmel College engage in democracy and have their say while charter in St Helens was presented to St Helens have been involved with the Youth Council meeting new people, the St Helens Youth Council. since it was first introduced by St Helens Council will provide them with an experience “The connections and experiences that Council In March 2016 as a way of getting unlike any other.” being Deputy Chair of the Youth Council have young people to work alongside council provided me with have been nothing short members and officers on matters important to For more information or to get involved with of extraordinary,” said 17-year-old Sam from them. the St Helens Youth Council, email Eccleston. The Youth Council regularly participates in [email protected] or “Our council is still in its development stages, discussions and debates surrounding topics [email protected]

24 St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First Feature Stay warm and well this winter inter is upon us and while for most people it’s just a matter of turning the up the heating, for some it can be Wfar more dangerous. Elderly, infirm, young children and vulnerable people are at risk when the temperature starts to drop. Being too cold can cause serious problems for your breathing if you have a bad chest. Sitting for long periods in a cold home can put pressure on your heart and blood circulation too – leading to very serious problems such heart attacks and strokes.

BRITISH GAS Winter Warmer packs TOP TIPS: St Helens Council and Age UK Mid Mersey don’t want to see anyone CUSTOMER • Get your flu vaccination. struggle this winter and are once again distributing free Winter If you’re eligible, it’s free! Warmer packs to vulnerable people across the borough. Head down NOTICE • Keep an eye on friends, to a local library in November to collect your pack, which includes Warm Home relatives and neighbours some handy winter essentials and a 2018 calendar. who may be vulnerable to • Thursday 16 November, • Friday 24 November, Discount the cold. 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – • Check whether you meet Rainford Library Eccleston Library At the beginning of September the criteria and register • Friday 17 November, • Monday 27 November, there was an error with the British for priority service with 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – Gas online application process for your energy and water Billinge Library Haydock Library the Warm Home Discount Scheme. suppliers. • Monday 20 November, • Wednesday 29 November, Qualifying customers may have • Have regular hot meals 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – been advised they did not qualify. and drinks throughout Newton-le-Willows Library Thatto Heath Library If this has happened to you and the day and keep active. • Tuesday 21 November, • Thursday 30 November, you think you qualify please • Get financial support to 1:30pm-3:30pm – 1:30pm-3:30pm - contact the Save Energy Advice make your home more Peter Street Library Moss Bank Library energy efficient, improve Line on 0800 043 0151 who will • Thursday 23 November, • Friday 1 December, your heating or help with advise you if you qualify and help 1:30pm-3.30pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – bill you apply for the discount. Garswood Library Rainhill Library • Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly. • Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one Your go-to for Home Improvements! thick layer and when you St Helens Council’s Home Improvement but it also offers a comprehensive range of go outside wear shoes Agency specialises in ensuring your home services to all St Helens residents. with good grip and slip meet your needs. Whether it’s for you, a relative, or a friend, resistant soles. With a wealth of knowledge, advice and home contact the team for free advice or a • Call the St Helens Cold improvement services, its particular focus is competitive quote. Call 01744 676555, email Weather Advice Line on helping elderly and vulnerable residents live [email protected] or 08000 355 878 for further independently in their own home for longer, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/hia help with keeping warm.

ABOVE: The events were supported by St Helens Mayor and Mayoress, as well as members of the Wargrave Big Local community group Talk (pictured), which funded the Men vs. Mood project in Wargrave. Two mental health awareness raising events and a chat, and access a number of council For more information on mental health and held in the town centre over the last few services and external partners, including wellbeing support available in St Helens, months have proved highly successful, with the council’s Ways to Work programme, and please email [email protected] over a thousand conversations recorded local drug and alcohol treatment service, St Helens Mind urgently needs volunteers about mental health and wellbeing. Change, Grow, Live (CGL). aged 18 and above to help support people Between them, a Suicide Prevention Day The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Joe as befrienders for a couple of hours a week event – held in September – and a World Pearson and wife Sylvia, who for their and to help the social groups run smoothly. Mental Health Day event last month achieved mayoral year are supporting local mental Contact the St Helens Mind team on 01744 around 1,300 conversations. health charity St Helens Mind, showed their 647089 or by email at admin@sthelensmind. Residents were able to have a cup of tea support at both events. org.uk for details. Tamsin speaks out about mental health St Helens resident has all aspects of mental health that Wednesday morning from 10am number of services available in shared her own personal are often invisible to the eye. to 12pm at the United Reformed the borough to help you achieve a Astory with St Helens First “It took a lot of emotion and Church in Ormskirk Street, hopes healthier frame of mind – believe about her battle with mental health. heartache to type my feelings up to get #NoFilter published to me.” For over 10 years, 34-year-old on a keyboard,” Tamsin admitted, support others in dealing with Tamsin Mckie from Thatto Health “but once you’ve hit rock bottom, mental health. You can read #NoFilter by has suffered from anxiety and your only option is to reach for Tamsin said: “I still have good visiting Tasmin’s Wordpress page: depression which resulted in her the stars that you can see in the days and bad days, so I’m by www.tamsinmckie.wordpress.com becoming housebound for several distance. Thanks to a number of no means one hundred percent, weeks – and more distressingly, local charities and projects in St but the message I would like to For information on mental health has led to a number of suicide Helens, including St Helens Mind get out to anyone in a dark place and wellbeing support available attempts. and Creative Alternatives, I’m emotionally is that they don’t have in St Helens, please email In a very personal piece of pleased to say that I’m a success to go through their problems [email protected] writing produced at a St Helens story.” alone. and for details on adult learning, Adult and Community Learning Tamsin, who runs a fortnightly “There is light at the end of even email adultlearning@sthelens. class, her story #NoFilter covers creative writing workshop on a the darkest tunnels through a gov.uk

n Eccleston ward councillor has been campaigning Awith local people to install defibrillators in the area’s community hubs. Councillor Michael Haw set up the charitable ‘HeartBeat’ campaign after losing his cousin Chris Haw, aged 25, to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2006 – a rare condition that affects the heart. With the support of many local people and community groups like Rainhill Rotary Club, Eccleston Maths Centre and Lester Drive Centre, the life-saving equipment has been installed in key places in and around Eccleston, including Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston Park Tennis Club, Tunza Pride Charity Centre and One Stop store on Walmesley Road. Michael said: “This is something that I feel passionately about and I am absolutely delighted that ABOVE: Cllr Haw (third from left) with Eccleston residents. defibrillators have been installed at North West Ambulance Service Foundation, 60,000 people die Anyone wishing to donate to the various locations across the local has carried out CPR and every year in the UK from cardiac purchase of a defibrillator as part area. Over the next few months I defibrillation training with people arrest and survival chances for of the ‘HeartBeat’ campaign can will be working hard to ensure that living nearby, and those who staff cardiac arrest victims reduce by contact Michael at cllrmhaw@ more life-saving defibrillators are and use the centres. 10 per cent every minute without sthelens.gov.uk or 07837 759 installed.” According to the British Heart CPR and defibrillation. 432. Protect yourself Clampdown on and loved ones littered drug against flu paraphernalia

Health leaders in St Helens are be offered the nasal spray at You may have read in the local not aware – so you too can play an encouraging those at risk of school. press recently about sightings of important role in the rapid removal becoming seriously unwell if St Helens Council’s Cabinet drug paraphernalia across the of drug paraphernalia by bringing they catch flu to get themselves Member for Public Health and borough, particularly in the town any incidents to our attention. protected by getting their free Wellbeing, Councillor Gill Neal centre. If you come across drug flu jab. added: “Flu symptoms can come St Helens Council has set a paraphernalia – which can be Those at greatest risk include on suddenly and sometimes high priority on the safe and swift discarded syringes and any people aged 65 and over, those severely. The most effective way removal of hazardous items found materials associated with drugs – who have a long term health to help protect yourself and your on public land, with beat sweepers do not touch it and make a report condition, those with a weakened loved ones against flu is to get equipped with needle boxes to straight away by calling our contact immune system, residents of vaccinated. For most children it ensure the safe and speedy removal centre on 01744 676789, or via our long-stay care homes, carers and is not even an injection, it’s just of any littered paraphernalia. website at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ pregnant women. a quick, easy and painless nasal Checks at known hotspots are report-a-problem Building on the success of last spray.” also carried out by members of our Alternatively this can be done year, children aged 2-3 are being Community Safety team, who report through our free mobile app offered a free nasal spray from For more information, any findings immediately via the which has a dedicated function for their GP to protect them against speak to your GP or local council’s free mobile app for quick reporting littered drug equipment. flu and children in reception and pharmacist, or visit www.nhs. removal. Simply search ‘St Helens’ in your school years 1, 2, 3 and 4 will uk/flu However, we cannot act if we are respective app store to download.

St Helens First | Winter 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First 27 News Travel smart and safe over festive season t Helens Council is fare with friends! Go to or call urging residents to travel a licensed taxi operator, or go S smart and safe when to a designated taxi rank where using taxis over the festive only black cabs are allowed season. to wait. Never walk home When it’s cold and dark or alone, and be careful how it’s the end of that big night much you drink – some people out, it can be easy to think tend to drink more alcohol in more about getting home celebration at this time of year, quickly or cheaply than staying but you should always be able safe while doing so. But to make clear decisions about remembering these simple tips your safety. can help get you home safely before you know it, and without To avoid disappointment or breaking the bank. waiting in the cold, it’s best Always get a licensed to pre-book your taxi when vehicle home. There are over travelling during busy operating 500 licensed vehicles in St hours, particularly over the Helens and they aren’t as festive season when extra expensive as you might think demands are placed on the – especially if you share the service. Fancy a drink? Know the law t Helens Council is supporting Cheshire and Chester in an effort to enforcing these laws across the region a regional awareness campaign reduce people’s drinking levels before and in St Helens, where bar staff Sthis winter about the alcohol laws and while visiting town and city centres. have been engaged in the awareness some people forget. DrinkLessEnjoyMore What does this mean for you? If you campaign, and cautionary posters, beer reminds people that it is illegal to serve are drunk, you could be refused service mats and bar runners are being display someone who is drunk and it is illegal to at a bar or club, and if you buy a drink Reduce the chances of your night buy a drink for someone who is drunk. for someone who is drunk you personally getting cut short. The campaign is running in nine local could be fined £1,000. For more information visit authority areas across Merseyside, Merseyside Police are actively www.drinklessenjoymore.co.uk

5ive will make you get down to St Helens t Helens Council has with some of the town’s most November for a sing and a dance, commence with an annual lights announced the acts for influential and inspirational and celebrate the countdown to switch on event. Sthis year’s Christmas figures, including members of Christmas in style!” Then on Sunday 17 December lights switch on event which are the St Helens RFC team; young Visitors are being urged to between 12noon and 4pm, Santa sure to ‘make you get down’ to George Mathias from Eccleston, arrive at the event in plenty of himself will be in Church Square Victoria Square on Saturday 18 named Pride of Britain’s Young time before it gets underway at accompanied by his reindeer November. Fundraiser of the Year; and 4pm. – and Elvis the Elf will be telling Nineties boyband 5ive will Rainford’s Chris Lamb, founder Meanwhile, even more events stories from within a giant snow headline this year’s show which of the nationally-recognised have been planned in the town globe. is once again expected to attract Chocolate Orange Challenge centre during the run up to For public transport enquiries, thousands of visitors to the town Gary Maddock, St Helens Christmas. contact the Merseytravel Traveline centre. Council’s Town Centre Manager On Saturday 2 December, on 0151 236 7676 or visit www. The ‘Keep on Movin’ stars said: “This year’s Christmas Star Wars fans will have the merseytravel.gov.uk will be joined by a host of local lights switch on promises to be chance to meet their favourite For regular events updates, talent including Over the Rainbow an absolute cracker, featuring characters when they land in ‘like’ www. facebook.com/ competition winners Broad Oak the very best local and regional Church Square from a galaxy far, whatsoninsthelens - or follow @ Primary School Choir; up-and- talent, plus amazing national acts. far away –while on the following whatsoninsthelens on Twitter. coming acoustic guitarist, Matty “We’ve managed to put Saturday, Phoenix Apparel’s Lamb; charity choir, the Choir together an excellent night of popular Christmas Vintage Fair With No Name - plus lots more. entertainment for all the family to returns to St Helens Town Hall. You can also find out what’s The event, compered by Radio enjoy - so why not come along to Over at St Mary’s Market that day, happening in St Helens over the City 96.7, will also see interviews Victoria Square on Saturday 18 the countdown to Christmas will coming months on pages 30-31.

CULT CLASSICS: ON HER MAJESTY’S November December SECRET SERVICE Wednesday 6 December – 7:30pm CULTURAL HUBS: NO PETTICOATS HERE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Lucem House Community Cinema+ Friday 17 November – 5pm & 7:30pm Every Tuesday in December – 3:30pm to www.lucemhouse.co.uk Eccleston Library 4:30pm www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk Thatto Heath Library

LUCEM HOUSE MEMBERS’ CHOICE: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS GIN FESTIVAL MANCHESTER BY THE SEA Friday 1 – 2 December Friday 17 November – 7:30pm St Helens Town Hall Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.skiddle.com www.lucemhouse.co.uk TAKE2FILMSINTERNATIONAL THE SALON PROGRAMME: IN MY FATHER’S DEN Tuesday 21 November Friday 1 December – 7:30pm St Helens Theatre Royal Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com www.lucemhouse.co.uk

HONEYROSE FOUNDATION’S TEA DANCE RAINFORD CHRISTMAS FAYRE Friday 24 November – 2pm to 4pm Saturday 2 December – 11am to 3pm Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham Church Road Street, WA10 1SA A special birthday celebration of Len Tickets £4 CULTURAL HUBS: “Banana” Saunders’ life will be held on ANOTHER WINTERY TALE 7 December at Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ For more information or to book tickets, call Saturday 2 December – 11am & 1pm Newton-le-Willows Library the office on 01744 451919 or Lynn Duffy on www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk LEN BANANA DAY 07838238309 Thursday 7 December WILLOWBROOK’S MAGIC MARKET Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ ST HELENS BEER FESTIVAL Saturday 2 December www.lucemhouse.co.uk Friday 24 – 25 November Living Well, Borough Road, WA10 3PN St Helens Town Hall END OF SEASON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL STAR WARS CHARACTER VISIT SCREENING: SCROOGE BETFAIR CHASE DAY Saturday 2 December – 11am to 3pm Thursday December – 7:30pm Saturday 25 November Church Square Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ Haydock Park Racecourse www.lucemhouse.co.uk http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ HONEYROSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH KIERA WEATHERS JIMMY CARR CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING Saturday 2 December – 7:30pm to midnight Thursday 7 December WITH THE RANGERS Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham St Helens Theatre Royal Sunday 26 November – 10am Street, WA10 1SA www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com St Helens Crematorium Tickets £25 For more information or to book tickets, call SANTA’S GROTTO CRAFTY CHRISTMAS FAYRE the office on 01744 451919 or Lynn Duffy on Thursday 7 – 14 December Sunday 26 November – 10:30am to 3pm 07838238309 Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham Mansion House Street, WA10 1SA www.ageukmidmersey.org.uk SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES £10 a child Saturday 2 December – 7 January CHILL & CHAT – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS St Helens Theatre Royal CHRISTMAS VINTAGE FAIR Wednesday 29 November – 2pm to 3pm www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com Saturday 9 December – 10am to 4pm Garswood Library St Helens Town Hall MEMORY LANE MOVIES: CASABLANCA ADULT CRAFTS SESSION Wednesday 6 December – 2:30pm LIGHT UP A LIFE Thursday 30 November – 10:30am to 12pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ Wednesday 13 December Billinge Library www.lucemhouse.co.uk St Mary’s Lowe House Church

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FRIDAY Friday 15 December - 9am to 12pm February A coming together of local charities. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS St Helens Town Hall TAKE2FILMS INTERNATIONAL SWITCH ON EVENTS PROGRAMME: EL OLIVIO ST HELENS TOWN CENTRE (THE OLIVE TREE) ST HELENS YOUTH BRASS BAND Saturday 18 November CHRISTMAS SHOW Friday 2 February – 7:30pm – 4:30pm to 7pm Victoria Square Friday 15 December Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ St Helens Town Hall www.lucemhouse.co.uk EARLESTOWN Sunday 19 November FAMILY FUN DAY MEMORY LANE MOVIES: – 12:00pm to 6pm (switch on at 5pm) AN INSPECTOR CALLS Saturday 16 December PEASLEY CROSS St Mary’s Market Wednesday 7 February – 2:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ Tuesday 21 November – 3:30pm to 4pm SANTA WEEKEND www.lucemhouse.co.uk FINGERPOST Saturday 16 – 17 December Thursday 23 November North West Museum of Road Transport CULT CLASSICS: – 3:30pm to 4pm DEATH RIDES A HORSE www.nwmort.co.uk RAINHILL Wednesday 7 February – 7:30pm Friday 24 November – 4pm to 4:30pm SANTA & REINDEERS Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ Sunday 17 December – 11am to 3pm www.lucemhouse.co.uk HAYDOCK Church Square Friday 24 November – 5pm to 7pm ROY G HEMMINGS – HITS OF MOTOWN NEW BOLD CHRISTMAS PARTY Friday 9 February Saturday 25 November St Helens Theatre Royal Saturday 23 December – 2pm – 2pm to 6pm (switch on at 5pm) Chester Lane Library www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com WINDLE/DENTON’S GREEN TOMMY WHITTLE CHASE DAY REFLECTIONS ON WAR: Friday 1 December – 4:30pm to 5pm Saturday 23 December JACOB’S LADDER RAINFORD Haydock Park Racecourse Saturday 10 February – 2:30pm Saturday 2 December http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ – 10am to 4pm (switch on at 11am) www.lucemhouse.co.uk FAMILY FUN DAY VICTORIA PARK CHRISTMAS TREE Saturday 23 December THE WIZARD OF OZ SWITCH ON St Mary’s Market Tuesday 13 February Saturday 2 December St Helens Theatre Royal – 1pm to 4pm (switch on at 4pm) THE LAST FLING www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com NEWTON/WARGRAVE Saturday 30 December Sunday 3 December LUCEM HOUSE MEMBERS’ CHOICE: Haydock Park Racecourse – 12pm to 6pm (switch on at 6pm) http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ LA HAINE Friday 16 February – 7:30pm ECCLESTON/ECCLESTON PARK January Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ Thursday 7 December – 11am www.lucemhouse.co.uk THATTO HEATH REFLECTION ON WAR: DAS BOOT Friday 8 December – 3:30pm to 4pm THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS 13 January – 2:30pm Saturday 17 February BILLINGE Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ The Citadel Friday 8 December – 6pm to 6:30pm www.lucemhouse.co.uk www.citadel.org.uk ST MARY’S MARKET ALLADINSANE Saturday 9 December MILTON JONES IS OUT THERE Saturday 27 January – 11am to 4pm (switch on at 12pm) The Citadel Thursday 22 February www.citadel.org.uk St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com For more events and details, and regular DANCE TO THE MUSIC updates, like our Wednesday 31 January TELETUBBIES LIVE facebook.com/whatsoninsthelens page, and follow us on Twitter @ St Helens Theatre Royal Sunday 24 February whatsonsthelens www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com St Helens Theatre Royal

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