Proud of Our Past New Ways to Enjoy St Helens’ Rich Industrial Heritage

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Summer 2017 MEET WINDLE OUR NEW ISLAND MAYOR REVISED PAGE 10 PAGE 4

SUMMER EVENTS GUIDE PAGE 26-27

PROUD OF OUR PAST NEW WAYS TO ENJOY ST HELENS’ RICH INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

PAGE 6 AND 11

St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First 1 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First St Helens Council’s community magazine Welcome Summer elcome to the summer by 2020 since 2010, we continue 2017 edition of St Helens to invest in the borough and attract First. As the magazine exciting developments to drive growth. went to print, big things While we are looking forward, we’ve Wwere going on behind the scenes also been looking back. Earlier this CONTACT US as we look to redevelop the town year we relaunched the Newton-le- Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk centre. We’re listening to residents Willows Heritage Trail and Health Email: and businesses, and you tell us that Walk amid glorious sunshine (page [email protected] the town centre is tired and lacking 6), and we’ve also been doing some Telephone: 01744 676789 investment. That’s about to change! great work with a local volunteer Minicom: 01744 671671 While we couldn’t share anything here, group to revive forgotten sections we can’t wait to tell you all about it, so of the historic Sankey Canal for the Download the free, handy app look out for some big announcements enjoyment of all (page 11). These two – search St Helens Council in the coming weeks. initiatives celebrate the best of our on your app store. Or visit our Meanwhile, West Point is slowly rich industrial heritage. Why not get Contact Centre, Wesley House, but surely developing into a top class outdoors see what all the fuss is about Corporation Street, St Helens, facility (page 5), with Chiquitos and this summer? WA10 1HF. now a bowling alley set for the site, Elsewhere, there are some exciting which comes as a huge boost for the events ahead, including St Helens’ Please contact us to request St Helens town centre’s leisure offer. first ever gin festival (page 7) and translation of council information To think what the site looked like comic book convention (page 12), into Braille, audio transcription or Council only a few years ago and how it will both held right here in the town hall. a foreign language. look once complete is very exciting If they don’t appeal, as ever there’s a Leader’s column indeed and all part of our plan to whole host of fantastic goings-on in St Follow us on Twitter: deliver a town centre that the people Helens over the next few months, so @sthelenscouncil Councillor of St Helens can be proud of. Despite be sure to check out our What’s On Like us on Facebook: Barrie Grunewald losing £90 million from our budget listings (pages 26-27). sthelenscouncil

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 Windle Island revised description or statement, and does not endorse any product 10 Meet our new Mayor or service contained in any commercial advertisement 26-27 Summer events guide featured in this publication. 7 9 environmentally-friendly paper. News COVER IMAGE 5 Town centre gets skate park The Sankey Valley Cycle Track, near the Nine Arches Sankey 7 Ruskin Health & Fitness Viaduct (page 11). celebrates completion 10 26 9 Saints prop men’s wellbeing

t Helens Council’s Cabinet has approved Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “As for St Helens Town Centre via Rainford Road revised plans for a major improvement well as benefiting local people, improvements (including Tesco and Starbucks access), and S scheme which will see improved safety, to Windle Island are essential for regional the right hand lane for Eccleston and Prescot smoother traffic flow, and better access in growth as they will help journey times to new via Bleak Hill Road. and out of St Helens, implemented at one of developments like SuperPort, Mersey Gateway • A new left turn deceleration lane from A580 Merseyside’s busiest road junctions. and the proposed Parkside development, all of westbound onto A570 southbound to reduce Previously given the nod by Cabinet in which will create thousands of jobs. queue lengths and improve safety. November 2015, the Windle Island Junction “With a large number of developments • Two dedicated right turn lanes from the Improvement Scheme was approved by planned, the Windle Island Junction A580 westbound (towards Liverpool) onto the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Improvement Scheme will play a huge role in the A570 northbound (towards Rainford). Authority following a successful business case enabling these high profile developments to This will reduce queue lengths. submission to address key issues in St Helens, reach their full potential.” • A new 40 mph speed limit around the and to support economic growth in the wider junction to improve safety. City Region. Other improvements include the installation Costing £7,247,000 – over half of which Central to the of a controlled crossing for pedestrians and will be funded by the Liverpool City Region improvements will be: cyclists - and the introduction of linked traffic Growth Fund and the rest from capital receipts, signals at the junction of the A570 Rainford prudential borrowing and highways capital • A new four lane southbound approach Bypass with the B5201 Crank Road to control programme – the revised scheme will improve to Windle Island Junction, providing movement of vehicles into and out of Crank access to St Helens and the wider Liverpool a dedicated left turning lane to A580 Road. City Region, while minimising delays, improving eastbound towards Manchester and a If approved by full council, highway works public safety, and supporting economic growth dedicated right turning lane to A580 will begin in autumn 2017, with the scheme through improved access to key sites such as westbound towards Liverpool. expected to be completed by early 2019. Haydock Industrial Estate and SuperPort. • The reintroduction of two lanes southbound For more information on the scheme, visit: Commenting on the scheme, St Helens through the junction, with the left hand lane www.sthelens.gov.uk/windleisland

4 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First News Flipping brilliant – skate park gets approval ext year St Helens will inspiration, such as Stoke Plaza, have a new public artwork Projekts Manchester and Preston’s N in the form of an urban Moor Park. skate park and public space The project is led by a after the plan was approved. The committee including Merseyside installation will be an area for the Police, St Helens Council, Heart skating community to develop and of Glass – which works with showcase their skills, as well as a communities and artists, town unique and beautiful space for the centre store 51st Skate and people of St Helens. the local skate community. The Artists Heather and Ivan Morison project successfully gained have been commissioned to £65,000 from Merseyside Police’s develop the design. Experts in POCA (Proceeds of Crime public art and public space they Act) fund. Heart of Glass has have been working with local secured further backing from the skaters and skateboard experts to Creative European Union funding research what’s possible. Studio programme and through access Morison and the skaters have to Arts Council England’s Creative recently visited well-established People and Places programme. Local skaters visited Stoke Plaza skate park with Studio Morison artists. skate parks further afield for Photo by Stephen King. City Region backs Newton Lea Green scheme housing eveloper Network Space has successfully secured boost D £1.85 million of funding to t Helens Council’s Planning further develop the Mere Grange Committee has given mixed employment and residential S the green light for the site in Lea Green. development of 142 houses in The Liverpool City Region Newton-le-Willows. Combined Authority approved the The development by Taylor £1.85 million bid mid-June, as part Wimpey will include a mixture of funding available through the of detached and semi-detached Single Investment Fund (SIF). properties, on a 4.87 hectare site Mere Grange is a 21-acre to the west of Common Road strategic employment site, located that is allocated for residential close to the M62. The site already development in the St Helens benefits from a first phase of Unitary Development Plan. stylish office workspace, but phase Located approximately 1km from two will now see the development Earlestown town centre, work on of 149,250 sq ft of light industrial the dwellings is expected to start space, creating around 60 new soon. jobs and bringing £13.9 million in The well-timed approval is a investment to the area. The site boost for St Helens’ housing could also see the addition of supply after an assessment carried up to 120 new homes in a future Artist impression of the development’s second phase. out by independent assessors phase. this type of project which will and associated industries and found a requirement for more Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, especially support light industrial investment such as this goes to housing in all the key settlements Chair of the Combined Authority manufacturing businesses. The show how the Combined Authority within the borough, in order to said: City Region, and indeed St Helens, can contribute to a more modern create a wider choice and greater “There is a clear market continues to be a national centre industrial strategy in the City affordability for locals and those demand in the City Region for of excellence for manufacturing Region.” moving to the area. Welcoming the decision, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor John Fulham said: “Granting approval St Helens gets bowling alley for new houses helps families he town centre’s leisure offer announcement that Superbowl UK along with a stylish diner and get on the housing ladder while will soon bowl over residents will bring their ten-pin bowling and boutique sports bar. helping build the local economy, T and visitors to the area, with family entertainment complex to Superbowl UK plans to invest so I am delighted that this exciting additions to the West Point the site on Linkway West. more than £1.8 million on the St application has been approved. development. Superbowl UK St Helens will Helens facility between now and This is a small step in the right Progress at West Point has been provide a dozen state-of-the-art its planned opening in spring next direction to securing a wide firm, with the opening of Costa ten-pin bowling lanes, a soft play year, using local tradespeople and selection of housing stock, from Coffee in spring, popular Tex- centre, a formidable ‘Ninja Warrior’ creating up to 35 new jobs. starter homes to specialist homes Mex restaurant Chiquitos to be style trampoline assault course such as bungalows and lifetime completed later this year, and the and an amusement arcade area, homes.”

Stepping through history arlier this year the new and locations around town which give improved Newton-le-Willows details of the area’s rich industrial EHeritage Trail and Health heritage and information about Walk was relaunched in glorious many different interesting local sunshine. landmarks, including Randall’s Over a hundred residents turned Arch and Newton-le-Willows train out to see the ribbon cutting station. ceremony in Earlestown’s Market There are also a range of Square and take part in the first six resources available for schools mile circular walk, which celebrates to use to access the information and remembers the town’s rich along the trail, and a leaflet heritage. promoting the health benefits of TOP: The heritage trail takes in such iconic landmarks as the Nine Arches Sankey The Heritage Trail was formally walking, running, or cycling the Viaduct. ABOVE: Cllr Gomez-Aspron addresses the crowd at the relaunch. opened by the former Mayor and route. Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Angela Haymonds, CETB Dave and Jeanette Banks, and Trust Secretary, said: “The addition to the town when it was heritage.” MP for St Helens North, Conor CETB Trustees are delighted to first conceived almost 20 years Phil Round, chairman of McGinn. have helped such a worthwhile ago. This modern revival shows Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club’s After securing grants from Cory community project which provides what can be achieved when community services committee, Environmental Trust in Britain information to both locals and community groups and the council added: “The Rotary Club of (CETB), St Helens Council, visitors about the heritage of the work together to secure funding. Newton-le-Willows is pleased to Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club local area. We hope the project “I’d like to commend the hard support this project which has the and Newton and Earlestown encourages people to invest time work of Debbie Fackey and Andy potential to benefit our community Community Group (NECG) – into finding out more about the Hargreaves from the NECG who in many ways through heritage, along with with local history history of Newton-le-Willows.” have donated hours of their time to health and education initiatives.” groups, schools, doctors, and Newton ward Councillor Seve compile the boards for this project, other community organisations Gomez-Aspron who is also vice and would encourage residents to More details about the trail can be – have designed and installed chair of the NECG, said: “The go out and enjoy our public open found at www.newtonheritagetrail. interpretation boards at key heritage trail was a fantastic space and learn about our proud com

6 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First News Redeveloped Ruskin is a sight to behold s St Helens First went to print, compensation when their City Road St Helens Council marked the home was developed for housing. A reopening of the Ruskin Drive Ruskin has already been in the sports complex by hosting one of the media spotlight earlier this year after region’s biggest multi-sports events Pilkington Rec’s Challenge Cup with many of the clubs who use the fixture against Siddal was televised site. and streamed online by the BBC – The annual St Helens Sports and was the saviour of the British Festival – attended by a number Army Rugby League squad who of special guests including the wouldn’t have been able to train for Mayor and Mayoress Joe and Sylvia their own Challenge Cup game, had Pearson, and the borough’s MPs it not been for Ruskin’s RFL certified Conor McGinn and Marie Rimmer artificial turf rugby pitch, designed to – saw sports teams from across accommodate grass route sports and the North West compete in various higher level performers in all weather. activities on the site’s new and Ruskin is also providing a new improved 3G floodlit artificial rugby home for St. Helens Town FC, who and football pitches, cricket and rounders field, bowling green, and all had not been based in the borough weather tennis courts. for almost a decade. Other improvements to the site Commenting on the redeveloped include the installation of six new complex, Councillor Sue Murphy, changing rooms and two new portfolio holder for leisure services, carparks, taking the capacity of onsite said: “It’s wonderful to finally see this car parking to nearly 500 vehicles. colossal sports complex open to the The redevelopment totalled £3.6 public. For many years, Ruskin Drive million – two thirds of which has been was the envy of many a sports team provided by non-council sources visiting from outside the borough – so including Sport England, the Football we’re extremely proud to have this Foundation, Lawn Tennis Association, new and improved state of the art the Rugby Football League and facility on our doorstep which will Council Leader Barrie Grunewald visited the complex with Cllr Sue Murphy. Pilkington Recs ARLFC, who received benefit thousands of people.” Newton Town Show almost here rganisers are putting the and thrilling helicopter tours of the finishing touches to a town, alongside all the wonderful O packed programme of food and craft stalls you’d expect, events for this year’s Newton and the traditional tug o’ war – a Town Show, which looks to be the hard-fought and hotly-contested biggest and best yet! event every year. There’s also a Held annually in Newton-le- bit of a military theme, with firing Willows’ Mesnes Park, the family- displays by Royal Artillery 103 friendly show attracts hundreds of Regiment and a First World War people from across the borough battle re-enactment. and beyond. Proceeds from the show – Taking place on Saturday 5 organised by the Newton and August, highlights of this year’s Earlestown Community Group event include classic cars, a – go towards future community motorbike display team, ferret events. racing, acoustic music from the For more information, visit Davies Sisters, Morris dancing newtontownshow.weebly.com Organisers and guests of last year’s show. Let the festival be gin! bsolutely Fabulous Gin Festival (for £50) which entitle guests to five gin has proved popular among gin and tonics served with Fever-Tree Tonic A lovers across Merseyside, and and Garnish, a dedicated seat, balcony will debut at St Helens Town Hall, 18-19 access to view the entertainment – August. and Indian cuisine courtesy of Mayur With 50 gins to choose from, entry restaurant. is just £10 which includes a welcome drink, an Absolutely Fabulous gin copa At the time of writing tickets were glass worth £5 to keep, a bag and gin selling fast, so book soon to avoid guide – and live entertainment. disappointment; go to www.skiddle.com Limited VIP tickets are also available and search ‘St Helens gin’.

Roam around, around St Helens t Helens is blessed with lots of wide open green spaces, Scheduled walks are: Sbut many of us don’t take full 21 JULY 11 AUGUST 1 SEPTEMBER advantage of them. That’s why the Billinge Lump trail, meet at Dream trail, meet at King Griffin Wood trail, meet at council’s leisure service Go Active has Beacon Road, WN5 7HF. George V Playing Field, Jubits Gorsey Lane, WA9 4XB. set up a regular walking group that 5-6 miles, strenuous. Lane, WA9 4RS. 6 miles, moderate. residents can join for free, helping us 28 JULY 5 miles, moderate. 8 SEPTEMBER to live healthier lives and see some of Newton Race Course trail, meet 18 AUGUST Sidings Lane Nature Reserve, the borough’s best bits. at Old Engine Pub, Newton Parr Greenways trail, meet Rainford, WA11 7SR. The trails have been plotted to avoid Road, WA9 2JR. 6 miles. at Parr Swimming & Fitness 6 miles, flat. the bustle of the highway, sticking to Centre, Ashcroft Street, WA9 footpaths and dirt tracks, and taking in 4 AUGUST 15 SEPTEMBER 1BQ. 6 miles, gentle. some great locations including Dream, Crank Caverns trail, meet at Billinge trail, meet at Roby Well Billinge Lump, Crank Caverns and Waterside Toby Carvery, Carr 25 AUGUST Way, WN5 7PP. Sankey Canal. Mill, WA11 7LX. Bold Country Park trail, meet at 6 miles, strenuous. The walking group meets every 5 miles, slightly strenuous. Gorsey Lane, WA5 4HP. Friday at 8:15am, so why not get 6 miles, gentle. involved with family or friends over the For more information call Go Active’s Andrew Brown at Parr Swimming and Fitness Centre on 01744 summer months? 677236, or Selwyn Jones Sports Centre 677970, or email [email protected]. Walks are around 5 to 6 miles in length and vary in difficulty depending on the location, with some strenuous sections, particularly on the Billinge Looking for something less intensive? Lump trails. Go Active’s qualified The Healthy Living Team’s Get Yourself To find out more call 0300 300 0103 or visit instructors lead the way, making the Outdoors programme provides highly accessible www.healthysthelens.co.uk. walks safe and enjoyable for all. walks designed for those looking to be more Prospective ramblers are advised active or who are recovering from injury or to wear suitable footwear and bring illness. The walks usually last between 30 waterproof clothing, and some food minutes and 1 hour. and drink.

Saints’ Night In saw players and partners come together to promote men’s health and wellbeing. What a great Saints’ Night In! o promote men’s health advice and support through market huge success and it was great reach out to those who may not and wellbeing, Saints stalls on issues such as mental to see the interactions and necessarily be engaging with T Community Development health and wellbeing, drugs and conversations going on with our services, but might just want a Foundation, alongside St Helens alcohol, stopping smoking, getting players and the men who attended. bit of support or even just an Public Health and partners came active, and employment. We hope that we can continue opportunity to socialise and together to host a ‘Saints’ Night In’, Those who attended were invited these events and engage and interact with others. I would just signposting attendees to a number back to the stadium for a tour and support more people.” like to thank everyone involved and of health services. a health check provided by health Interim Director of Public Health say well done for making it a great Held at the Totally Wicked trainers from the council’s Healthy For St Helens Council, Sue Forster, success.” Stadium, the event saw past and Living Team. added: “Improving mental health Want to find out more or book present Saints players give talks Saints’ Community Development and wellbeing, in particular for a free health check? Contact the about their time at the club, as Foundation Manager Steve men, is a big priority for us, and Healthy Living Team on 0300 300 organisations provided information, Leonard said: “The night was a events like these allow us to 0103 or email [email protected] Summer sun safety Smokers butt out habit shades or reflective material outside the windows. service staff reached out to over • Keep hydrated with water or 100 smokers, while dozens visited sugar-free cordial, and avoid the Smokefree St Helens Hub in excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, the Hardshaw Centre. coffee and cola) and high New laws, which came into force sugar drinks. in May, make it illegal to sell • Wear loose, breathable cigarettes in branded packets clothing, and a hat and and in packets of 10. Instead, sunglasses if you go packaging needs to be a drab outdoors. green colour bearing health • Apply high factor sun cream warnings and graphic images, hen you’re heading out (SPF30 or above, the higher and packets now need to have to make the most of the the better) one hour before o mark World No Tobacco a minimum of 20 cigarettes. The Wsummer weather, it’s vital you go outside, and reapply it Day 2017 at the end of May, new laws also bring changes for to remember the importance of every couple of hours. T Smokefree St Helens and menthol cigarettes, vaping and staying safe in the sun. • Check up on friends, relatives the ‘Wagtail’ unit were in Church rolling tobacco. Warm weather can cause and neighbours who may Square to offer stop smoking If you’re looking to stop smoking, problems for older people, young be less able to look after support and tobacco education to visit the Smokefree St Helens children and those with chronic themselves. residents. Hub, open Monday to Friday from conditions. • Get informed about the risks With help from Alfie the sniffer dog 9:00am – 5:00pm, or Saturdays, Follow these top tips to keep cool of sun exposure and sunbed – who helps Trading Standards to 10:00am – 2:00pm. Alternatively, this summer: use, such as skin cancer, at detect illicit cigarettes and tobacco call 01744 586247 or text QUIT to • Keep rooms cool by using www.skcin.org. in shops – Smokefree St Helens 61825.

St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First 9 News Meet our new Mayor illinge and Seneley Green ward councillor Joe Pearson has B been announced as the new Mayor of St Helens for 2017-18. Born and bred in Wrexham, North Wales, qualified social worker and former regional manager for the National Care Standards Commission, Councillor Pearson moved to St Helens in 1968 to begin work as a social worker for Liverpool City Council. His career in social work, spanning over a 35 year period, saw Councillor Pearson work for a number of other local authorities before joining the National Care Standards Commission in year 2002. He retired from work in 2004. Councillor Pearson’s wife Sylvia will be at his side throughout his civic year as she takes on the role as Mayoress. The couple have two children, Rachel and Christopher. Elected to the council in 2007, Councillor Pearson sits on the governing committees at both Garswood Primary School and Billinge Chapel End Primary School – and given his vast experience in the field, has chaired the council’s Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel. Looking ahead to his year in office, Councillor Pearson said: “It’s a great honour to be named Mayor of St Helens and to represent the fine people of the borough. “Sylvia and I are thoroughly looking forward to the next 12 months as we look to get out into the community to witness first-hand the fantastic work that goes on in our town for the benefit of others.” For his Mayoral Charity in the year ahead, Councillor Pearson has chosen St Helens Mind – an independent, user-focused service for local people who are experiencing isolation and distress due to mental ill health. Commenting on his time as Mayor for 2016-17, outgoing Mayor, Councillor Dave Banks – who attended over 350 civic events over the past year, and has raised over £10,000 for St Helens-based bereavement charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars – said: “All good things must come to an end, and that includes my year as Mayor of St Helens. “The past 12 months have been the busiest, but best I’ve ever known – and the memories will live with me and my wife Jeanette for the rest of our lives.” This year’s Mayor Making ceremony also saw Councillor Pat Ireland Above: New Mayor Councillor Joe Pearson and wife Sylvia. named Deputy Mayor for 2017-18. Right: Councillor Pat ireland was named Deputy Mayor for 2017-18.

Unlocking our industrial past

Left: Sankey Valley Engine Lock before renovation. Above: After the renovation in 2017

n last summer’s edition of Newton-le-Willows. Another in-filled the magazine we covered the section of the canal network, I ongoing work by St Helens Common Lock makes a great Council and the Sankey Canal feature, as well as the Sankey Restorations Society (SCARS) Canal Overflow at Common to reveal and revive sections of Road, exposed and refurbished to the historic waterway – a key enhance the cycle track. part of St Helens industrial past Completed earlier this year, the – for the further development of cycle track follows the Sankey our cycle path network. Canal towpath from St Helens town At the time, the missing ‘Engine centre to Widnes via Haydock, Lock’ had been uncovered during Newton-le-Willows and Warrington. drainage work near Wagon Lane Along the way it takes in, Haydock in Haydock, lost for decades after Industrial Estate, Sankey Valley the section of canal it served was Trading Estate, Earlestown town closed and in-filled in the 1930s. centre, Parkside, Omega, and Now the Engine Lock has been Gemini – providing great access fully excavated it provides safe to employment areas, heritage and flood storage for the area, and leisure opportunities. is gradually returning to wetland Targeted tree clearance has – a haven for all sorts of animal also opened up spectacular views and plant life – creating beautiful of George Stephenson’s famous scenery along the new section of Sankey Viaduct. The Grade I listed the Sankey Valley cycle path for structure was built around 1828 residents and visitors to enjoy. and is described as the earliest Since then, the Common Lock major railway viaduct in the world. has also been discovered and partly excavated near Wharf Road, Go out and enjoy the track today! Above: Common Lock during and after excavation

Winter is coming to St Helens’ first Comic Con

olunteers from Lucem “Although our film screenings House Community Cinema are well-attended, we do receive V Plus+ are looking to raise a lot of interest from individuals £25,000 in crowdfunding to make and groups that require wheelchair the building wheelchair accessible access, or who find the steps inside and out – allowing disabled difficult to manage,” Ann said. film lovers to enjoy the unique “At present, sadly, we don’t experience of the community have wheelchair access or the cinema. necessary funds to have a lift or Ross Mullan’s White Walker in HBO’s Game of Throne Based in the former Unitarian ramp installed. We have explored et ready for St Helens’ first hunter Bossk. Church on Corporation Street, all grant options but there seems ever Comic Con, which Also on the guest list are Harry Lucem House has recently to be little support for this kind of G brings a host of popular Potter actor Josh Herdman, who benefitted from a revamp which essential work that’s needed to film, television and comic book played Gregory Goyle; Jon Davey, saw the installation of 50 theatre bring the town’s old buildings into attractions to the Town Hall on 15 who played a Cyberman in Doctor style seats obtained from the use for all residents.” July, including actor appearances, Who and starred in the Sarah Jane World of Glass in a mutually Ann added: “We’ve been very artists, cosplay, more merchandise Adventures; and graphic designer beneficial seat swap exercise; a fortunate in securing grants and than you can shake a lightsabre at, Tim Perkins, who has over 30 £10,000 grant from Awards for All donations to get us to where and much more! years’ experience with big names for a restyled kitchen and café-bar, we are, and in getting a team of Ross Mullan was confirmed as like Marvel UK, 2000AD, Marvel and updated film projection and wonderful volunteers behind the the magazine went to print. The US, DC Comics and Defiant, screen equipment donated by the project, but in order to make us Canadian actor plays Game of amongst others. British Film Institute. complete, we desperately need Thrones’ terrifying White Walker, Meanwhile, a prop of the popular In allowing the building to be wheelchair access fitted.” among other equally scary time-travelling Dolorean car from used for the Community Cinema “As a volunteer-run enterprise, monsters like Doctor Who’s The the Back to the Future films will Plus+, the YMCA also provides we’d be eternally grateful if the Silence and The Teller. also be available on Victoria much appreciated support for the public could help up us to reach And it’s sure to be a real treat Square for fans to have their project. out to the people who want to for fans of the original Star Wars pictures taken with. However, the real Hollywood experience our unique offer.” trilogy. Among confirmed guests Doors will be open from ending for Director, Ann Shacklady is Ken Colley, best known for his 10:30am to 5pm on the day with Smith (pictured above, second For more information on what portrayal of Admiral Firmus Piett, early bird access from 9.30am. from left with volunteers) would be Lucem House Community Cinema a villain in the Star Wars films The to see the cinema – which screens Plus+ offers, to see film listings, Empire Strikes Back and Return For further announcements a range of genres to different film and to donate through their of the Jedi; and Alan Harris who and tickets, visit facebook.com/ programmers, societies and clubs crowdfunding page, visit played the monstrous bounty sthelenscomiccon. – made accessible to everyone. www. lucemhouse.co.uk.

96km for the 96 ver 170 cyclists saddled Murray, among those in attendance up at the end of May to to see the group off. O take part in a 96km bike Cyclists covered nearly 60 ride in memory of the 96 Liverpool miles as they peddled their way Football Club supporters who around the borough and through lost their lives in the Hillsborough the countryside onto Ormskirk, stadium disaster. raising money through entrance Organised in conjunction with fees and sponsorships which was British Cycling, the annual event split equally between Alder Hey started and finished at Sutton Children’s charity and ex-Liverpool Leisure Centre, with St Helens’ FC star Jamie Carragher’s 23 boxing world title chaser, Martin Foundation.

wo close friends have towards helping a close friend who teamed up in a bid to is undergoing treatment for a brain T get cancer on its bike by tumour. launching a non-profit organisation Discussing their goals for the to help people diagnosed with years ahead, Angelica, 39, who various forms of cancer. was diagnosed with breast cancer Karen Jarvis and Angelica at the age of 17 and has also has Fenney first met three years ago also battled cervical cancer and at a spinning class where they skin cancer, said: discovered that they shared “Cancer Research UK says that something more than just a love of one in two people will, at some spinning in common… They have point in the lives, develop cancer. both battled breast cancer. Despite the name, Bike for Boobs Classic car With this in mind, the pair isn’t just about raising awareness thought of a way of helping local to breast cancer, as not all cancer people who may find it difficult is pink. to get to and from hospital “It’s about raising public club’s drive for appointments outside of the area, awareness and running campaigns while incorporating their passion on all forms of cancer. In April this for biking. year, we ran a successful ‘Not all And so, Bike for Boobs was Cancer is Pink’ campaign, with a new members created. Ambassadors to date focus on testicular cancer which include pro cyclist Jonathan claims the life of one male every local car club is calling on as their own show at Clock Face McEvoy; 1990 Commonwealth day, but has a 99 per cent survival classic car owners interested Hotel every September. Games silver medallist, Ann rate if detected early. Ain showing off their motors Interested in entering your own Williams; St Helens Triathlon “Our hope is to become a at organised events around vehicle at one of their shows? Standards Dust winner, Mark registered charity so that we can Merseyside to get in touch. The group meets on the second Glynn; new kid on the TLI cycling continue to financially assist those Founded in 2009, the Phoenix Wednesday of every month at the circuits, Chris Humphries, and diagnosed with cancer who can’t Clock Face Classic Car Club is Clock Face Hotel, Clock Face World Championships qualifier, afford to travel outside of the the driving force behind delivering Road, 7:45pm. Eddie Hurst. borough to seek treatment.” successful shows held in the For more information, contact Since launching in October For more information visit www. town centre, Earlestown and the treasurer David Jones by last year, Bike for Boobs has bikeforboobs.org.uk. Mansion House, with each show calling 01744 637052, or email raised several thousand pounds For regular updates, check out attracting hundreds of people [email protected]. by running a number of events, Bike for Boobs on social media, every year. including a 150 hour ‘spinathon’ www.facebook.com/bikeforboobs The club also runs and marshals For upcoming shows, check our which raised £3000 that went and Twitter @Bikeforboobs. a show on the Albert Dock, as well ‘What’s On’ feature (pages 26-27).

St Helens charity has donated a specialised changing table to a local A nursery to cater for two young children with additional needs. The Helen Marie Friends charity – founded in 1985 by Arthur and Marjorie Hurst in memory of their daughter Helen Marie – donated the ‘mobi changer’ to General Day Nursery on Sherdley Road following an application from Michelle Bamford, an Advanced Practitioner for Autistic Spectrum Disorder at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Costing £2,000 the mobi changer can be easily manoeuvred from room-to-room making it an extremely cost-effective option for a multi- user environment. Michelle said: “I wanted to find a way to enable two of the children I work with, Benjamin and Eva, to be able to stay in nursery and have their toileting needs met safely. I recommended the mobi changer, obtained a quote and submitted an application to the Helen Marie Friends charity and was delighted when I heard back from them agreeing to fund it as it will make such a positive difference.” Parents Laura Waterhouse (second on the left) and Wendy Ebberll (second on the right) pictured with their children A presentation ceremony, attended by the Benjamin and Eva, Councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks and Marjorie and Arthur Hurst. former Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, children and young people in the borough with Councillor Dave Banks added: “Helen Marie Councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks, was held illnesses and disabilities and as a charity, we Friends is a wonderful small charity doing at the nursery earlier this year as Arthur and will continue her good work so that her name marvellous things for children with illness and Marjorie handed over the table to staff. lives on, while enhancing the wellbeing of disabilities in St Helens, and the gift of the mobi Speaking after the presentation, Marjorie children and young people in St Helens with changer will make life that little bit easier for the said: “In life, Helen Marie enjoyed supporting disabilities.” hard working staff at the nursery.” The Queen’s representative visits Millennium Centre er Majesty The Queen’s representative a range of support that helps individuals and in Merseyside, Lord Lieutenant Dame carers cope with the practical and emotional H Lorna Muirhead recently paid a visit to St impact resulting from sight loss. Helens’ Millennium Centre to see the great work Practical support is targeted at safely done by its resident services. maximising people’s mobility inside and away The Lord-Lieutenant and her husband, Mr from the home, maintaining independent living Ronald Muirhead, were joined by trustees and skills and enabling people to effectively use Millennium Centre executive chairman Tony their remaining sight with specialist aids and Richards for a tour of the services. equipment. This included a visit to the NHS Clinic Suite, Team manager Mark Burgess said: “I’m Citizens Advice and Housing Options, as well pleased that Dame Lorna had the opportunity as information on the other services the facility to visit our resource centre and see first-hand provides and plans for the future. the valuable support services we provide. Her Dame Lorna said: “We so enjoyed our visit visit coincided with our Living with Sight Loss to the Millennium Centre. It was one of the course, which helps local people who have best mornings we have had. What a wonderful recently experienced the debilitating effects of resource the centre is to the people of St sight loss to live well.” Helens in terms of its location right in the town Executive chairman Tony Richards added: and the facilities it offers.” “I am really pleased with the comments that (left-right) Tony Richards, Executive Chairman Millennium Centre; Mr Ronald Muirhead; Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside; Mark Among the services is the council’s Dame Lorna has given today. I am very happy Burgess, Team Manager Visual Impairment Service; Michelle Atherton Rehabilitation Service and Resource Centre that she has realised how unique our service is Administration Officer; Anne Taggart Rehabilitation Officer (front) and Morris for Visually Impaired People, which provides and that it’s got the recognition it deserves.” the guide dog.

t Helens Council has been approved following rigorous date with its safety checks. taxis are legally allowed to take introduced a new licence testing by St Helens Council. They’re also much easier to jobs from their operator if a local S plate system for local taxis The council insists on the see now, vibrantly coloured and driver is not available but are not to improve public safety. The word highest standards of vehicle care positioned on the rear of the taxi allowed to work permanently within ‘taxi’ is often used interchangeably and maintenance and carries out and also the top corner of the the borough. to describe ‘hackney carriage’ checks twice a year – double the vehicle’s windscreen, making them St Helens Council’s Cabinet vehicles (often referred to as ‘black frequency of our neighbouring visible to other drivers in the rear- Member for Green, Smart and cabs’) that can be ‘flagged’ in the boroughs. view mirror. Sustainable Borough, Councillor street and ‘private hire’ vehicles, The new plates, which were When you use a taxi with St Terry Shields said: “The new which must be booked through a introduced in April this year, Helens plates, you’ll know that plates are a great idea and will licensed operator. are also fully recyclable. When you’re supporting local drivers. Not certainly contribute to public safety. Now when you see the new a vehicle passes a check, new unusually these days you may see A well-informed customer can yellow private hire or red hackney plates are issued and the old private hire vehicles in the borough make smarter choices and a well- carriage plates – unique to taxis ones are recycled in a completely displaying licence plates issued regulated fleet can deliver a safer licensed in the borough – you can eco-friendly way. Passengers can by other councils, which have not service. They’ll also support our rest assured that the cab you’re therefore be reassured that every passed through St Helens Council’s local licensed vehicle trade to keep in and the driver you’re with, have taxi bearing the new plates is up-to- rigorous licensing process. These the work within our borough.”

Local taxi driver Paul Brimelow shows off the new plates, with Jane Molyneux, Licensing and Land Charges Officer. TAXI TIPS When making a booking either by web, telephone or mobile app with a private hire operator, please remember that they should request your name, address and where you are travelling to. This is a really important part of their conditions of licence and help us and them to deal with any complaints or issues that may arise.

Private hire vehicles (not black cabs) cannot be ‘flagged’ in the street and must be booked through a licensed operator. If they do stop and accept a fare they are breaking the law and can face a fine of up to £2,500.

Should you have concerns about any licensed driver or vehicle in St Helens you can log this via our website at www.sthelens.gov.uk/contact-us or call the Contact Centre on 01744 676789, ensuring the vehicle is from St Helens (yellow or red plates) and taking note of the license plate number.

Putting St Helens on the map

usinesses, organisations have priority reservations on key substantial investment growth and and key individuals from the events; have access to marketing momentum is already building in B public, private and voluntary materials and the Ambassador St Helens. The decade ahead will sectors, are working together on logo and help with raising their witness an era of much improved an initiative to deliver a consistent business profile. economic growth for the town as message about St Helens so that Similar schemes have been it exploits its natural strategic the rest of the country and the established successfully in position as the Axis of the world starts to see and hear about places like Burnley, Coventry and Liverpool Manchester what a special place St Helens is. Warwickshire, to name a few. Corridor.” St Helens Ambassadors is a Some of the businesses who “The St scheme that brings together the have pledged their support and Helens knowledge, networks, passion and commitment to the scheme Place determination of local businesses, include: and and uses these to attract • The Emerson Group investment and jobs to boost the • The Hardshaw Centre local economy. Ambassadors will • Haydock Park Race Course act as proactive advocates for • Luxor Estates the borough, both nationally and • Network Space internationally, with the power to • OD’s influence how the area is marketed • Pilkington and portrayed in the media and at • Vigour Kitchen & Juice events, in order to promote it as Bar the educated choice for the people • Vinyline Graphics that matter. Eamonn McManus, For their part, businesses who Chairman of St Helens become Ambassadors will have Rugby Club and Chair access to a powerful network of of the St Helens influencers in the area; will be the Economy Board first to hear of latest developments; said: “Real and

16 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First LEFT: Key figures from local businesses and organisa tions at the St Helens Ambassadors event, Haydock Park Race Course RIGHT: Eamonn McManus BELOW: St Putting St Helens on the map Helens Place branding

Ambassador programmes together form a natural and of the St Helens Ambassadors will will provide its members with effective marketing and sales unite the knowledge, networks and an unparalleled networking force to promote the St Helens desire of businesses, organisations environment and will raise their of the future, as a town of choice and individuals, from both the own business profiles to invest in, work in and live in. public and private sectors, to regionally, nationally We have a great opportunity to positively change perceptions of and internationally. significantly improve the profile St Helens and raise the profile of More and prosperity of the town for the area. importantly, the benefit of all. This will be “Ambassadors will be a dynamic they will much more rapidly and effectively force to put St Helens on the map, delivered by binding our existing to attract investors, to spread the businesses and business people word, to show what is special into the process through the tailor about St Helens and to create a made Ambassador programme.” buzz about the place. Haydock Since the programme’s launch Park Racecourse is delighted and in spring, economic growth has proud to become a St Helens increased in the borough with Ambassador.” new developments taking place within the industrial, If you are a business based in leisure and housing St Helens and would like to know sectors. Some of these more about becoming a St Helens are featured on page Ambassador, contact Stefanie 5. Frazer on 01744 676215 Jason Fildes, or email ambassadors@ General Manager investinsthelens.com. at Haydock Park For further information on Racecourse investment, business growth said: and development visit “Membership www.investinsthelens.com.

t Helens Council has appropriate been awarded for its manner. S effective CCTV service by The council the Government’s Surveillance currently operates over 100 public Camera Commissioner. open space cameras and these Receiving a five-year help to tackle crime and disorder Certificate of Compliance in the borough. from the Surveillance Camera Councillor Lisa Preston, Commissioner provides Cabinet Member for Community tangible evidence that a CCTV Safety, said: “I am delighted we monitoring operation complies have received this certificate of with the national code of compliance. This sets the standard practice. for public space surveillance Certification also provides and demonstrates to the public reassurance to the community of St Helens that the system is that the council’s public run efficiently, effectively and open space CCTV scheme is transparently. It also proves how managed effectively and the hard the team of operators works to information gathered from Cllr Preston with Rod Jones, formerly of the council’s provide an effective CCTV operation the cameras is used in an Safer Communities team. for the borough.”

Advice and advocacy services for vulnerable residents wo new services organisations, and enable designed to assist and individuals to make informed T support vulnerable choices about their health and residents were launched earlier social care. this year, commissioned by St Call 01744 758034, visit Helens Council. www.informationsthelens.org.uk The St Helens Information or drop in at Millennium House, and Advice Service and Bickerstaffe Street, WA10 1DH. the St Helens Advocacy The St Helens Advocacy Hub Hub have been set up to offers a single point of contact support vulnerable people, for all advocacy enquiries in including older people and the borough. The Hub will those with mental health provide information, signposting problems; physical or sensory and one-to-one independent impairments; and learning advocacy support for all health disabilities. and social care related issues. The Information and Advice Advocates will support people Service will assist local people to explore their options, defend with a wide range of issues and promote their rights, speak including benefits advice; out about issues that matter accessing care and support; to them and ultimately, be homelessness; and housing involved in decisions about issues. The service will also their lives. signpost people to statutory, Call 0300 303 0202 or visit voluntary and community www.sthelensadvocacyhub.net.

18 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First News Live well with Limelight for Willowbrook’s Living Well Theatre illowbrook Hospice is a well-known name in W St Helens – a beloved Royal charity that garners a lot of support locally. But many residents remain unaware of one of the charity’s greatest community assets, the veteran Living Well. St Helens First paid a visit. Located just outside the town centre, the Borough Road building’s office-like exterior belies the warm and friendly welcome you’ll receive inside. The Living Well boasts a bustling café and a well-stocked shop, full of quality donated items and handcrafted goods, including soft furnishings, gifts, jewellery and homeware, with all proceeds going directly to the hospice. The café leads out to a cool terrace – very inviting on a nid Pennington, a long- warm day – and there’s ample serving veteran of St Helens parking and disabled access. The E Theatre Royal, has been building itself was once part of awarded a British Empire Medal the Pilkington offices at Alexandra for her services to the theatre and Park, but has since been performing arts in the North West. repurposed and refurbished. The 92-year-old from Eccleston As you’d expect with its link Park was joined by friends and to the Hospice, the Living Well family, as well as the former is also suitably equipped, with Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens a suite of comfortable rooms to Councillors Dave and Jeanette provide support to the community Banks, and Theatre Manager by working in partnership with Chantelle Nolan, as she was other organisations to deliver customers. They’re the public Living Well will host a number of presented with the esteemed services. The Living Well’s Holistic face of the charity, and if they Willowbrook’s fantastic events award by Dame Lorna Muirhead Support Service opens up Creative sound like a bunch you could get as the charity celebrates its 20th Merseyside Lord Lieutenant at Therapy, Complementary Therapy on with, they’re always looking birthday, including the annual Liverpool’s prestigious Athenaeum and Wellness For You sessions on for more helpers. Contact Ian summer Sunflower Festival, 10am, Club. Tuesdays to residents and carers. Turnbull, Volunteer Co-ordinator Saturday 8 July. An avid thespian, she has The charity’s core values on 0151 430 8736 or email help@ acted in, produced and directed really shine through at the Living willowbrookhospice.org.uk for For more information, call the countless plays and musicals Well. Their passionate staff of more information, and to arrange a Fundraising Office on 01744 at the Theatre Royal spanning volunteers place service first, taster session. 453798, visit www.willowbrook.org. almost 70 years and is an active and like to build positive and If you’re still stuck for a uk or drop in at Borough Road, St member of many of the theatre’s supportive relationships with reason to visit, fear not. The Helens, WA10 3RN. organisations. Theatre Royal wins Best Small Business Award t Helens’ Theatre Royal is Liverpool. having another fantastic year, Chantelle said: “We had an S as the entertainment venue in amazing night and were thrilled to Corporation Street took home the win the Best Small Business Lifestyle Best Small Business Award at the Award! I am so proud of all my team Liverpool Lifestyle Awards 2017. and everyone that supports St Helens Theatre manager Chantelle Nolan Theatre Royal – thank you from the and company director Jane Joseph, bottom of my heart!” who is Chantelle’s mother, were For more information, please among 300 influential people who visit: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com shape the lifestyle of the region to or check out the Theatre Royal on attend a sparkling black tie and Facebook www.facebook.com/St- three course dinner event at The Helens-Theatre-Royal and Liner Hotel, in the presence of the Twitter @TheatreRoyalStH Chantelle (left) and Jane with their Best Small Business Award. Photo: Dave Evans. Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of

COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR BARRIE GRUNEWALD ANTHONY JOHNSON JOHN FULHAM TERRY SHIELDS MARLENE QUINN Council Leader with Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for responsibility for: Corporate Services, Growth (including Green, Smart and Adult Social Care • Audit and Governance with responsibility for: Planning), with Sustainable Borough, and Health, with Committee; Budget Strategy; • Corporate Governance; responsibility for: with responsibility for: responsibility for: • LCR Combined Authority; • Budget Implementation; • Economic Development; • Engineering; • Adult Safeguarding; • European Initiatives; • Finance Services, Local • Town Centre; • Environmental Health; • Care Management; • Communications; Partnerships Taxation and Benefits; • Asset Management; Planning • Trading Standards; • Services for Physical, Sensory, • Human Resources; and Building Control; • The Environment; Learning Disability, Mental • Legal Services; • Corporate Events; • Parking; Health, Memory and Cognitive • ICT; • Tourism; • Licensing and Land charges; Support; • Customer Services; • Housing and Transport Policy; • Trading Services. • Health Service Liaison. • Civic Events; • Liaison with College/Chamber. • Grants.

COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR COUNCILLOR JEANETTE BANKS GILL NEAL LISA PRESTON DEREK LONG SUE MURPHY Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Child, Families, Young for Public Health Community Safety Liverpool City Region Leisure Services People and Education, and Wellbeing, with (including Housing Engagement, with and Libraries, with with responsibility for: responsibility for: Services), with responsibility for: responsibility for: • Children’s Safeguarding; • Accidental Injury Protection; responsibility for: • Council Response to the LCR • Leisure Services; • Children’s Social Care; • Illness Prevention Services; • Community Safety; Agenda; • Libraries. • Early Years Development; • Health Inequalities; • Housing Services. • City Region Liaison. • Family Support; • Healthy Child and • Education. Immunisation Programmes; • Art and Culture. OTHER APPOINTMENTS INCLUDE:

CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY COMBINED AUTHORITY MERSEYSIDE POLICE MERSEYSIDE COMBINED AUTHORITY: EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING AND SPATIAL AND CRIME PANEL: RECYCLING AND WASTE Cllr B Grunewald, SKILLS BOARD: PLANNING BOARD: Cllr P Jackson AUTHORITY: Cllr D Long (Substitute) Cllr J Banks, Cllr B Grunewald Cllr J Fulham Cllr L Preston Cllr C Preston

COMBINED AUTHORITY COMBINED AUTHORITY LOCAL ENTERPRISE MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND OVERVIEW AND TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP: RESCUE AUTHORITY: SCRUTINY PANEL: COMMITTEE: Cllr B Grunewald Cllr J De’Asha, Cllr D Baines, Cllr A Burns, Cllr K Roberts, Cllr A Jones, Cllr K Cllr L Clarke Cllr D Long Deakin, Cllr G Cross

20 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First News Make your house a home with handy help t Helens Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA) S specialises in ensuring their customer’s homes meet their needs. With a wealth of knowledge, advice and home improvement services, its particular focus is helping elderly and vulnerable residents live independently in their own home for longer, but it also offers a comprehensive range of services to all St Helens residents. Just some of the products and Hoping to position itself as your services available include: ‘go-to’ for home improvements, • Ramps, stair and grab rails. the service offers high quality • Small repairs: fixing taps, home modifications, handyperson unblocking sinks and services, home safety and security changing lightbulbs. checks and assistive technology • Level access showers, wet equipment, which are available to rooms, shower over bath, customers via phone, email and door entry systems. the agency has also launched a brand new website! • Lifeline Emergency Units, As well as offering these which are linked directly to services at competitive prices to Julie Stuchbury, Home for longer! We pride ourselves in a control centre, staffed 24 all residents, the HIA will provide Improvement Agency Operations being an approachable, effective hours a day, 7 days a week. small repair jobs to elderly Manager says: “We have been and efficient service. No job is too • Lifeline Unit add-ons, and disabled residents; advise helping St Helens residents with small; in fact, it can be the smallest including pendants and customers on available funding their home improvements for over of jobs, such as changing a light sensors to detect carbon from Disabled Facilities Grants and 10 years and we don’t just provide bulb, which can make a huge monoxide, smoke, fire, registered charities; and assist with assistance to elderly and disabled difference to our customers!” flooding and unhealthy heating, insulation improvement residents - sometimes people just Whether it’s for you, a relative, or indoor temperatures. and maximising income. need that extra reassurance when a friend, contact us for free advice • Management of home The agency contracts a team of it comes to home improvements! or a competitive quote: maintenance projects trusted traders, and has access to “We also want to help residents Call: 01744 676555 – obtaining quotes, specialist Occupational Therapy to ‘future proof’ their homes, to Email: appointing jobs, monitoring professionals. They also assist with avoid falls and mobility issues homeimprovementagency@ progress, quality getting homes ready for hospital which may occur in later life– sthelens.gov.uk assurance. discharge across the borough. helping residents to stay at home Visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/hia Paying too much for energy? oney Saving Expert, check), you can get the meter Martin Lewis says energy switched for free. M prepayment meters are likely For those in private rented to cost customers nearly £140 per property, please note that you will year more than the cheapest billed need the landlord’s permission to tariff on the same usage. change the meter (this does not While prepayment meters can help apply to smart meters). you to budget, their tariffs are some If your current supplier charges to of the most expensive on the market, change from a prepayment to a credit and there are fewer tariffs to choose meter, you’re not stuck – you can from. still switch to a cheaper prepayment Prepayment customers can make plan from another supplier. Your new huge savings by changing from a supplier may even be able to swap prepayment meter to a standard your meter free. credit meter, though some suppliers For further advice or support do charge to change to a credit switching your standard or meter. If your current supplier is one prepayment energy meter or tariff of the big six, and you are eligible please contact St Helens Council’s for a credit meter (i.e. your account Affordable Warmth Unit on 01744 is debt free, and you pass a credit 671638.

The Sutton Academy Together Students Achieve careers available, with sessions delivered by Stage above their current level. Inspiring the next guest professionals of all backgrounds, from The Sutton Academy students completed medical doctors to zookeepers. a 2000 word essay on stem cells, pitched at generation The academy encourages the visitors to degree level. Special mention must go to Kyle discuss their job paths from the beginning to Redfern, Brandon Reade and Bradley Houltram aving seen many changes as an present – the subjects they studied at school, who all achieved a 1st, with Bradley achieving a academy over the years, the arrival of college and university; the grades they needed remarkable 94 per cent! H Principal Alison Sherman in 2015 has and the grades they achieved; the experience heralded a new exciting chapter in the history that helped them get the job they wanted; of The Sutton Academy, with a key focus on and the good and bad aspects of their role. high expectations of students, and preparing It is a candid conversation, and it is proving “Year 10 students can apply them to be the next generation of aspiring beneficial, with students vocally more focused to be Student Leaders and leaders. Ofsted clearly agree, as they stated on achieving higher goals. we have been able to act as at their recent inspection that, “The Sutton Academy is an academy in which students Young scholars academic and peer mentors feel safe to flourish personally, emotionally and to help younger students. I academically.” imilarly, a group of Year 9 students took have enjoyed being able to part in an aspirational access initiative give something back to the Young leaders S called The Scholars Programme, ran by academy.” educational charity The Brilliant Club. he academy’s drive to inspire the next The Brilliant Club works to increase the – Year 11 student generation of leaders is evident in a number of students from under-represented T number of exciting initiatives. backgrounds that progress to highly selective For the role of Head Boy and Head Girl, universities by training PhD researchers to there is a rigorous application and selection share their academic expertise with students, process, with the Year 10 candidates expected with university visits and four in-school tutorial “Teachers ask for our opinion to demonstrate how they would improve life sessions. and act on our advice – at the academy for their younger peers. The The tutorials are designed to develop in “Together Students Achieve”, two heads and their deputies then lead the students the academic skills they will need to the academy’s motto, was my Student Voice group, feeding back to academy secure places at highly selective universities. idea.” management on a range of aspects of student These are designed to incorporate the PhD life at the academy. tutor’s area of research. Students mark the – Year 8 student The Aspire to Be lunchtime programme end of the course by producing an assignment gives students a wider insight into the types of which is assessed using criteria from the Key

“Leaders and staff at all “The extensive range of “The behaviour of students is levels are committed to the extra-curricular activities good, they are courteous, polite, academy’s vision of high provides students with many well-mannered and considerate. expectations and aspirations opportunities.” These positive attributes for all students.” – Ofsted February 2017 support their learning.” – Ofsted February 2017 – Ofsted February 2017

Voting matters the opportunity to visit Westminster to see s the magazine went to print, The democracy in action. Want to Sutton Academy was wrapped up in the election excitement. 80 students Sixth Form Leaders learn more? A The academy also places strong emphasis volunteered to take part in a mock election, to on promoting leadership qualities and be run concurrently with the General Election. The academy has recently held its experiences with the older students, including Students were split into four parties – Future, ensuring they have the opportunity to complete summer open day, but Principal Vision, Progress and Transform – and had to a relevant work placement during their time Alison Sherman would gladly create their own manifestos for the academy, in the Sixth Form, and recruiting a Student welcome parents and carers for a before campaigning and advertising to secure President to support the staff leadership team personal visit. votes from their peers. Students learnt about in representing the academy at key events. Please contact the academy to the democratic process, the value of every Students have the chance to participate in vote, and the importance of registering – with the Raising Opportunities programme with the make an appointment. non-registered students turned away from the University of Liverpool, and are encouraged to Twitter: @TheSuttonAC mock polling stations on 8 June. The academy complete an Extended Project Qualification, Facebook: /TheSuttonAC welcomed local MP Marie Rimmer to share a type of mini-dissertation which develops Website: her experience of Parliament, and all students independent research and extended writing www.thesuttonacademy.org.uk taking part in the mock election will have skills on a topic of their choice. Phone: 01744 678859

epresentatives from organisations that work R with older and vulnerable residents gathered at Ruskin Drive in May, as St Helens Council Trading Standards Service hosted a national scams awareness event. Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to take a stand against them. The event saw St Helens Council, Merseyside Police, Helena Housing, Pilkington Welfare and voluntary sector representatives come together to find out how a scam victim can be spotted; how to signpost victims to other sources of support; promote the Friends Against Scams initiative in the community and workplace; and to find out more detail about the types of scams currently being used. Statistics from the National Trading Standards Scams Team have revealed that only 5 per cent of scam offences in importance of partnership “With increased knowledge ABOVE: : Left to right: Principal Trading Standards Officer for St Helens Council, Collette Rai; Sgt the UK are reported, which is education and action, and awareness, people can Kath Rackham, Community Policing; Teri Cooper, often down to the victim – the Collette Rai, Principal Trading make scams part of everyday National Trading Standards Scams Team; Dianne average age being 75 – feeling Standards Officer for St Helens conversation with their family, Lightfoot, council’s Service Manager for Safeguarding too ashamed to come forward. Council, said: friends and neighbours, which Adults; DCI Craig Sumner, Economic Interventions, Figures also show that 53 per “The intention of this event will enable them to protect Merseyside Police. cent of people over the age was to get as many eyes and themselves and others.” of 65 have been targeted by ears out in the community, to Visit the website at www. scams, which affect the lives of spot who is being scammed friendsagainstscams.org.uk millions of people across the – either by rogue tradesmen, To report a scam, please UK, and cost the UK economy scam mail, or phone calls – contact Trading Standards between £5-10 billion every so that we can then arrange by calling 01744 676299, or year. appropriate interventions and emailing tradingstandards@ Commenting on the support. sthelens.gov.uk. Conman prosecuted by Trading Standards Earlier this year, St Helens Council’s Trading £105,000 for work to his home which was later Standards led a successful prosecution at valued by a construction expert to be worth no Liverpool Crown Court against a man who more than £25,000. What’s more, the quality TRADER conned an elderly St Helens resident out of over of much of the work undertaken at the semi- £100,000. detached house was so poor it cost thousands REGISTER The man was sentenced to 12 months of pounds to put it back into the condition it was For reputable local imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud in before rogue trader and his team started the offences. work. tradesmen check out Over a period of several months beginning in It’s an unfortunate reminder of why people the council’s Trader February 2014, the 39 year-old of Romley Street, should never agree to work by anyone who Register scheme Liverpool befriended and then conned his victim knocks on their door. You should never feel by going online to out of tens of thousands of pounds for building pressured or intimated into purchasing a service www.sthelens.gov. work which was either not completed or was of a by a trader – ask your friends or family to help uk/traderregister or very poor standard. research a reliable trader wherever possible, or calling 01744 676304. Overall the elderly male victim paid around consult our Trader Register.

Dive into an exciting new pursuit

he Northern Union Sub-Aqua and prepares for daring dives into club’s own rigid-inflatable boats. cheap starter sessions for those Club has surfaced just long open water, where they’ll explore Some members have swum that want to try the sport (£10 T enough to share its exciting underwater shipwrecks and meet a with Basking sharks at the Isle with equipment provided), and pursuit with St. Helens First variety of marine wildlife up close. of Man, Bull sharks in Cuba, competitive annual membership readers. The local club has 30 This year alone Northern Union Hammerheads and Oceanic White costs with training included if you years’ experience scuba diving in are preparing to embark on three Tips in the Red Sea and some catch the diving bug. locations domestic and exotic, and UK trips to Oban, Scapa Flow and have even had their fins nibbled by The club meets at Parr Swimming is keen to attract new members. the Isle of Man, and they have seals (see ‘Tales from the deep’). & Fitness on Tuesday nights, Week-to-week the mixed club of their sights set on warmer waters Half the group prefer the wildlife 9pm-10pm, with an optional follow- roughly 40 members trains in the in Cuba and the Red Sea (with while others enjoy the wreck up meeting in the Talbot Inn to pool at Parr Swimming & Fitness. non-diving partners welcome too), diving, although the two often go socialise and discuss future trips. Here the group of 14 to 80 year as well as weekend visits to other together. For more information, visit www. olds works towards BSAC (British locations like the Farne Isles, North The club accommodates northern-union.co.uk or email Sub-Aqua Club) qualifications, Wales and Anglesey, with the divers of all skill levels, offering [email protected]. Tales from the deep

“Off the Isle of Man coast we were diving the wreck of The Afton; a beautiful wreck sitting about 25 metres underwater in the Irish Sea. The wreck itself is abundant with wildlife, with conger eel, lobsters, tompot blenny, cod and pollock. “We decided to take a picture of the ship’s boilers and got one of our divers to pose in front. What we didn’t realise was that someone else wanted in on the action – see the hole in the boiler? She decided to come out to play after the picture was taken!”

FAMILY FUN DAY July August Saturday 19 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm ST HELENS COMIC CON EARLESTOWN FAMILY FUN DAY St. Mary’s Market Saturday 15 July Friday 4 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm 01744 677156 St Helens Town Hall Market Street SILCOCKS FUNFAIR Tickets: www.sthelenscomiccon.co.uk 01744 677156 26 - 28 August Sherdley Park ST HELENS VS CATALAN DRAGONS NEWTON TOWN SHOW Sunday 16 July - 3pm Saturday 5 August VICTORIA PARK FREE FUN DAY Totally Wicked Stadium Mesnes Park Tuesday 29 August - 12pm to 4pm Tickets: www.saintsrlfc.com/tickets/match- 01744 678073 tickets FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 5 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm ST HELENS YOUTH BRASS BAND St. Mary’s Market September CONCERT 01744 677156 Sunday 16 July - 2pm to 4pm TABLE TOP SALE Victoria Park Bandstand TABLE TOP SALE Sunday 3 September - 12pm to 4pm Sunday 6 August - 12pm to 4pm Mansion House WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE – RIDE 45 Mansion House Call: 01744 752 644 Sunday 16 July Call: 01744 752 644 45 and 18 mile bike ride starting and finishing HERITAGE OPEN DAYS at Rainford High School AN EVENING AT THE RACES 7 - 10 September Call: 01744 453798 WITH OLLY MURS Mansion House Friday 11 August SUMMER BEACH LAUNCH THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE Haydock Park Racecourse Friday 8 September Saturday 22 July - 12pm to 3pm Tickets: http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk Church Square St Helens Theatre Royal Tickets: 01744 756 000 Willowbrook Hospice - Ride 45 PARANORMAL NIGHT Friday 11 August CLASSIC CAR SHOW AN EVENING AT THE RACES Mansion House Saturday 9 September - 10am WITH CULTURE CLUB Church Square Saturday 22 July EARLESTOWN FAMILY FUN DAY Haydock Park Racecourse Friday 11 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm 32RED SPRINT CUP DAY Tickets: http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk Market Street Saturday 9 September 01744 677156 Haydock Park Racecourse WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE Tickets: http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ - 10 HOUR TRAIL FAMILY FUN DAY Sunday 23 July - 8am Saturday 12 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm JIMMY CARR Sponsored relay walk from Willowbrook St. Mary’s Market Saturday 9 September Hospice to East Cheshire Hospice 01744 677156 St Helens Theatre Royal Tickets: 01744 756 000 Email: [email protected] SUMMER STREETS CITADEL SINGOUT CHOIR CONCERT Saturday 12 August - 11am to 4pm REMINISCE FESTIVAL Sunday 23 July - 2pm to 4pm Church Square/Church Street Saturday 9 September Victoria Park Bandstand Sherdley Park WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE OPEN GARDENS Tickets: www.reminiscefestival.com VALLEY BRASS BAND CONCERT 12 - 13 August – 11am to 4pm Sunday 23 July Willowbrook Hospice FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL St Helens Town Hall For more information, call 01744 453798 or Saturday 9 September www.valleybrassband.co.uk email [email protected] Mansion House FAMILY FUNFAIR GIN FESTIVAL RAINHILL 10K Sunday 10 September Sunday 23 July 18 - 19 August Sherdley Park St Helens Town Hall THE HANDEPAY ST HELENS TRIATHLON 2017 BAT WALK WITH THE JOE PASQUALE – DEVIL IN DISGUISE Sunday 10 September ST HELENS RANGER SERVICE Saturday 12 August Start: Eccleston Mere Friday 28 July - 9.30pm St Helens Theatre Royal Visit: www.sthelenstriathlon.com St Helens Cemetery - 9.30pm start Tickets: 01744 756 000 01744 677772. WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE EARLESTOWN FAMILY FUN DAY 20TH ANNIVERSARY AFTERNOON TEA ADHD FAMILY FUN DAY Friday 18 August - 11.30am to 2.30pm Wednesday 13 September Saturday 29 July Market Street The Living Well Centre, Borough Road Victoria Park 01744 677156 For more information, call 01744 453798.

26 St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First CAPTAIN TUCK’S SUMMER TIME FUN DAYS 1 August - 1pm to 3pm 15 August - 1pm to 3pm For more information, call Mesnes Park Taylor Park the Healthy Living Team on 0300 300 0130 or visit www. 3 August - 1pm to 3pm 17 August - 1pm to 3pm healthysthelens.co.uk Taylor Park Mesnes Park

8 August - 1pm to 3pm 24 August - 1pm to 2.30pm Victoria Park Victoria Park

THE SMITHS LTD THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW 2017 Saturday 16 September Thursday 5 October November The Citadel St Helens Theatre Royal FAITH – THE GEORGE MICHAEL LEGACY Tickets: 01744 735436 Tickets: 01744 756 000 Friday 3 November WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE ALE FESTIVAL St Helens Theatre Royal CAR BOOT SALE Saturday 7 October Tickets: 01744 756 000 Saturday 16 September - 9am to 1pm Mansion House SPARK IN THE PARK The Living Well Centre, Borough Road HAYDOCK MALE VOICE CHOIR AND Sunday 5 November Pitches cost £10 Sherdley Park To book your place, call 01744 453798 or FOUR LANES MALE VOICE CHOIR JOINT email [email protected] CONCERT THE MAGIC OF THE BEATLES Saturday 14 October - 7:30pm Thursday 9 November FAMILY FUNFAIR St Helens Town Hall St Helens Theatre Royal 16 - 17 September Tickets: 01744 734176 - or pay on the door Tickets: 01744 756 000 Victoria Park (tickets may be limited) PAWS IN THE PARK FAMILY FUN DAY WEDDING FAYRE Sunday 17 September Sunday 15 October Sherdley Park Mansion House www.frasersevents.org.uk RACING WELFARE CHARITY DAY CULTURAL HUBS FAMILY FUN DAY Friday 20 October ARTS IN LIBRARIES Sunday 17 September Haydock Park Racecourse Transport Museum Tickets: http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ PROJECT www.nwmort.co.uk SLEEPING BEAUTY ZEST THEATRE PRESENTS: HONEYROSE FOUNDATION 21 - 29 October FIRST PERSON – 80S THEMED CHARITY BALL St Helens Theatre Royal Saturday 15 July - 11:00am Friday 22 September - 7pm until late Tickets: 01744 756 000 Newton-le-Willows Library Three course meal, disco and auction with FREE entertainment from Robert Taylor and a George WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE’S 20 YEAR Michael tribute act. ANNIVERSARY DINNER OPEN ATTIC COMPANY PRESENTS: Location: Radiant House, 2-4 Cotham Street, Friday 27 October – 7pm MUCH ADO ABOUT PUFFIN WA10 1SA St Helens Town Hall Saturday 22 July - 1:30pm and 3:30pm Call: 01744 45199 / 07638 238309 £35 Contact 01744 453798 Chester Lane Library or email [email protected] CHILLI FESTIVAL Saturday 23 September PARANORMAL NIGHT LIZZIE NUNNERY Church Square/Church Street Friday 27 October AND VIDAR NORHEIM PRESENT: 01744 676360 Mansion House HORNY HANDED TONS OF SOIL Thursday 27 July SINFONIETTA CONCERTS HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT Peter Street Library - 2pm Saturday 23 September Saturday 28 October Rainhill Library - 7pm St Helens Town Hall Mansion House www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk AN EVENING WITH SUNDAY TIMES SPOOKY WELLY WALK BEST SELLING AUTHOR, CAROL KITE FESTIVAL Saturday 28 October DRINKWATER Sunday 24 September Sherdley Park Friday 28 July - 7pm Taylor Park AUTUMN BUS RUNNING DAY Chester Lane Library FAMILY FUNFAIR Sunday 29 October JUST SOPH PRESENTS: RUDYARD 24 - 25 September Transport Museum KIPLING’S - THE JUST SO STORIES Taylor Park www.nwmort.co.uk Saturday 29 July Newton-le-Willows Library - 11.30am October For more events and details, Thatto Heath Library - 2.30pm RAINFORD 10K and regular updates, like our Sunday 1 October www.rainford.co.uk facebook.com/ Tickets for these events can be whatsoninsthelens page, booked in any St Helens library or TABLE TOP SALE and follow us on Twitter @ online: Sunday 1 October – 12pm to 4pm www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk Mansion House whatsonsthelens Call: 01744 752 644

Council’s Road Safety team continue to lead on the Merseyside Senior Road Users events

ver the last few months, Standards teams, there were many tips about improving their road users. over 160 people many agencies contributing health and encouraging a more Further such events are to be O attended two events at towards the event, namely active lifestyle. held over the next 12 months the Mansion House in Victoria Merseyside Police, Arriva, St Helens Council’s Head across Merseyside and the Park, as St Helens Council’s Merseyside Fire and Rescue of Traffic Engineering, George next one in St Helens is due to Road Safety team, along with Service, Age UK, Senior Voice, Houghton, said: “Driving is take place in September, so for a range of other agencies, Home Improvement Agency, harder now with the volume those aged 60 and over who continue to hold Merseyside Alzheimer’s Society, Citizens of traffic increasing from have not yet attended any of Senior Road User’s events, Advice, SpecSavers Opticians, 12 million vehicles in 1970 these events over the last three funded by the Merseyside Road Deafness Resource Centre to 35 million today. This years, here is an opportunity Safety Partnership. and the Institute of Advanced problem does not only affect not to be missed. These road safety events Motorists. drivers, as there is also an ouncillor Terry Shield, are some of the many being erseyside Police increase across Merseyside in Cabinet Member for held all over Merseyside in an outlined a number of casualties involving other road C Green, Smart and attempt to reduce the rising M relevant safety and users aged 60 and over.” Sustainable Borough, said number of casualties, resulting legal issues, including the new George continued, “Being the Lead Authority from road traffic collisions on drug and driving laws, which “Generally, with better living on Merseyside for the Senior Merseyside, involving those surprised many of the audience conditions and advances in Road Users thematic group, St aged 60 and over. and made many think twice. medical science, we are all Helens Council has continually Those who attended enjoyed Merseyside Fire and Rescue living longer and healthier than led the rest by holding such a number of presentations Service stunned the audience our parents, but many are now public events, as well as from the different stakeholders with the fact that they now deal relying on more medication, being in the forefront of who were tasked to assist in with more casualties resulting which could affect their promoting other Senior Road this endeavour by providing from road traffic collisions than judgements and reactions, so Users initiatives, including the key facts and messages in from fires, indeed 80 per cent care needs to be taken.” free Drive Safely for Longer the pursuit of removing the more, and posed a number of ut it’s not only drivers refresher course, which I perception that someone who searching questions about their that are causing concern, would definitely recommend to has been driving for some 40 driving ability. B as there is also a high anyone aged 60 and over.” years, without being involved in The option of using the free proportion of pedestrians aged If you would like any further an accident, won’t be involved travel passes that are available over 60, who are now being information, please contact St in one in the future. for those aged 60 and over involved in an increasing trend Helens Council’s Road Safety As well as St Helens was highlighted by Arriva, while in casualties on Merseyside Team by calling 01744 673237, Council’s Road Safety, the Public Health team, Age and more attention will now be or emailing roadsafety@ Public Health and Trading UK and Senior Voice provided given to this particular group of sthelens.gov.uk

St.Helens Council, Merseyside Police and other local agencies which form the Community Safety Partnership Ethnicity, please select one: (CSP) want to know what you think about crime and anti-social behaviour where you live. Simply fill in this q White British q African quick survey and send it back to us freepost at the following address. q White Irish q Other Black Background Safer Communities, q Other White Background q White & Black Caribbean St.Helens Council, Freepost, NAT 22039, q Indian q White & Black African Wesley House, q Chinese q White & Asian St.Helens WA10 1HF Your views are important to us, and will be used to q Pakistani q Other Mixed Background determine policies and actions to help fight crime and q Bangladeshi q Other Ethnic Group keep St.Helens a safe place to live, work and visit for everyone! q Other Asian Background q Not Stated

Your Details...... q Caribbean

Name:......

Address:...... Do you consider yourself disabled? q Yes q No ...... About You - Your Gender: q Female q Male ......

...... Your Age: q 16-24 q 25-34 q 35-44 q 45-54

Postcode:...... q 55-64 q 65-74 q 75+

Have your say 1. How important do you think it is Very important q (additional comments) for us to reduce crime and anti- Fairly important q ...... social behaviour where you live? Fairly unimportant q (Please tick one) Very unimportant q ......

Neither important nor q ...... unimportant ...... 2. How well do you think St.Helens Very well q Council and its partners are doing Fairly well q ...... in tackling crime and anti-social Very poorly q ...... behaviour in your neighbourhood? Neither well nor poorly q ...... (Please tick one) ...... 3. How well-informed do you feel Very well-informed q ...... about the work that St.Helens Fairly well-informed q Council and its partners are doing Fairly poorly informed q ...... to reduce crime and anti-social Very poorly informed q ...... behaviour where you live? Neither well nor q ...... (Please tick one) poorly informed ...... 4. How safe do you feel in the Very safe q areawhere you live? Fairly safe q ...... (Please tick one) Fairly unsafe q ...... Very unsafe q ...... Neither safe nor unsafe q

St Helens First | Summer 2017 | www.sthelens.gov.uk sthelenscouncil | @sthelenscouncil | Summer 2017 | St Helens First 29 ! Survey 5. How much of a problem are the following types of antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood? (Please tick one box for each type) Very big Fairly big Not very bigNot at all Don’t know

Nuisance neighbours or loud parties...... q q q q q Teenagers hanging around on the streets...... q q q q q Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage...... q q q q q People using or dealing drugs...... q q q q q People being drunk or rowdy in public places...... q q q q q Rubbish and litter lying around...... q q q q q Abandoned or burnt out cars...... q q q q q Street prostitution...... q q q q q Begging/rough sleeping...... q q q q q Nuisance vehicles in public spaces (off-road motor bikes etc.)...... q q q q q Dog Fouling...... q q q q q People being abused because of their skin colour...... q q q q q People being abused because of their sexuality...... q q q q q People being abused because of their disability...... q q q q q People being abused because of their age...... q q q q q

6. We take all crime and disorder Anti-Social Behaviour q Drugs q issues seriously, but we would Business Crime q Hate Crime q like to know what you think we should be prioritising? Child Sexual Exploitation q Shop Lifting q (Please tick three in total) Domestic Burglary q Vehicle Crime q Domestic Violence & Abuse q Violent Crime q

7. St.Helens Council should use CCTV CCTV cameras to openly Strongly Agree q The Council’s CCTV service makes an monitor Agree q important contribution towards delivering activity in public places for Neither Agree or Disagree q Community Safety Partnerships’ Strategy by the helping the Council and Police to prevent Disagree q purpose of reducing, and tackle priority issues such as anti-social Strongly Disagree q behaviour, violence and burglary and by deterring making a significant impact on residents’ and detecting crime. Don’t Know q perceptions of safety. Public responses helps to ensure that we Strongly Agree q continue to operate an effective CCTV system whilst taking into account the Agree q 8. Clear visible CCTV monitoring right of privacy of our residents. There Neither Agree or Disagree q are more than 100 CCTV cameras in public places reduces across St.Helens which are constantly crime. Disagree q monitored 24 hours a day. Please tell us Strongly Disagree q whether you agree or disagree with the following: Don’t Know q

Strongly Agree q Information provided on this form will be processed Agree q in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. It will be treated as confidential and used only for the 9. Clear visible CCTV in public Neither Agree or Disagree q reduction of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. By completing and submitting this form you are places makes me feel safer. Disagree q consenting to your details being used to let you know about future community safety surveys or news, Strongly Disagree q unless you have indicated an objection by ticking the box here. Don’t Know q q

St Helens Council’s community magazine What’s your

Summer 2017 problem?

We do all we can to fix problems quickly and efficiently. But sometimes you’ll become aware of an issue before we do – so we depend on our residents to tell us what needs fixing, moving, inspecting or clearing. If we don’t know about it – we can’t help. BY PHONE - 01744 676789 BY EMAIL - [email protected] USING THE COUNCIL APP - search ‘St Helens Council’ in your app store BY MINICOM - 01744 671671 VIA OUR WEBSITE - www.sthelens.gov.uk/self-service A big thank you to everyone who flagged up local issues to us over the last few weeks. Here are just a few of the problems we’ve helped people with.

Your Problem Our Action

A pothole on Meadowcroft, Sutton was causing motorists We filled the pothole. distress.

A new street light on Birchley We dimmed it and installed a light Street, Billinge was a little too shield to limit the glare on her house bright for one resident. at night.

Flytipped waste was reported All waste was cleared away at an entry by Bramwell Street, promptly. Parr.

One resident had trouble with the high kerb and the downspout We lowered the kerb and altered gully on Hope Close, Town the gully, making it much easier to Centre, when using her mobility traverse. scooter.

One resident of Heswall Avenue, Our helpful crews kindly advised the Bold was a bit worried about resident about what waste should go what goes in which recycling in each container. container.

An entry on Napier Street, Town Our team gave the entry a thorough Centre had become an unsightly clear out and clean. mess.