Knowsley Online

Prescot Festival announces 2008 line-up

The Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts has announced Friday 20th to Sunday 29th June for its jam-packed 2008 programme.

Local musician Dr Robert Howard, Head of Music at Deyes High School in Maghull, founded the Festival in 2005 as a way for Prescot to contribute to Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture.

“We’re a hundred percent behind the Capital of Culture, and felt strongly that a town with such a rich history and heritage should be involved,” said Robert. “We’ve grown from being a weekend-long event in 2005 to 10 days in 2007 and 2008. It’s only been onward and upward.”

Wags on parade in Kirkby

Dog owners from throughout Kirkby are invited to a fantastic fun day on August 30.

The Kirkby Wags event will host a variety of activities and entertainment for dog owners and their pets. Highlights include a dog display team, dog show, free/low cost microchipping and free nail clipping for dogs.

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust will be there and there will also be free giveaways, educational activities, competitions and fun and games for all the family.

Brought to you by North Kirkby Partnership Board, the event takes place at the rear of Moorfield Shops, Towerhill, between 12pm and 4pm.

All dogs are welcome at the event, but must be kept on a lead.

Reducing the availability of drugs in Knowsley

The Safer Knowsley Partnership's tough offensive on drug crime is yielding huge successes in Knowsley with more than 200 warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act and over 150 arrests across the Borough in the last 18 months.

The Partnership, which includes Merseyside Police Authority, Merseyside Police, Knowsley Council, Knowsley Primary Care Trust and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, is ensuring a sustained and targeted attack on illegal drugs and is taking criminals off the streets. In addition, young people are being educated on the dangers of drugs and support is provided to individuals, their families and friends who have been affected by drugs.

As well as the warrants and arrests, Police Officers in Knowsley, working with the Safer Knowsley Partnership, has:-

• Seized over £160,000 cash
• Seized drugs with a street value of over £1,200,000
• Assisted Knowsley Housing Trust in the eviction of 6 tenants from addresses across the Borough associated with drug activity
• From April 2007 to date, over 4000 calls to Crimestoppers have been received regarding drugs and other crime related activity
• As of March 2008, over 1300 people accessed drug treatment programmes.  
• As part of the on-going support for drug users, Knowsley has developed the 'test on arrest' provision. If a person is arrested for one of a number of offences, such as burglary or vehicle crime, they will be drug tested. If they test positive, they will be required to engage in treatment services.

Chief Inspector John Holmes commented "We have had tremendous success over the last few years and our continued action is reassuring local people that the Safer Knowsley Partnership is serious about tackling the illegal drugs market and prosecuting offenders. Police have been able to put strong case files together and, with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we have ensured that a substantial number of people have been brought to justice. With the public's help, we aim to build on these successes and put more offenders before the courts."

Councillor Jackie Harris, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion added "Drug activity is an issue which can and does affect individuals, families and blights communities. Community information plays a huge part in our work. It enables us to understand the scale of the problem, target our resources and crack down on street level drug dealing - and it's working."

If you have any information about drug activities in your neighbourhood, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information and support regarding drug services can be obtained from the Drug Intervention Programme on 0151 480 5398.

Challenge and support project launched in Knowsley

Extra support to prevent anti social behaviour is now available in Knowsley.

The borough's Challenge and Support Project has been introduced to work with families and young people involved in anti social behaviour to find out what is most likely to make them stop.

The new team, established with funding from the Youth Task Force, will work within Knowsley Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit. With a number of proven methods available to them, including Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and parenting support, the new team will decide the best way to help offenders change their ways.

Knowsley is one of 52 pilot Challenge and Support areas. It places the focus not only on enforcement action to prevent certain behaviour, but also on support tailored to individuals to tackle the root causes of offending. It ensures that at every stage local services are working together to assess young people's needs, offer appropriate support, and help them change their behaviour.

Help us to make Knowsley more accessible

Knowsley Council is conducting a borough-wide consultation of its Disability Equality Scheme.

The scheme sets out what the Council intends to do for people with disabilities over the next three years and, alongside this, Knowsley is also drawing up action plans to show the work underway to make its services more accessible.

The Council is asking people with disabilities in Knowsley to give their views on how to improve the accessibility of services.

A questionnaire has been produced and if you would like to give your views, it can be completed by: visiting the Knowsley website www.knowsley.gov.uk ; ringing (18001) 0151 443 3773; emailing gwen.forkin@knowsley.gov.uk or texting 07825677135.  The questionnaire is available in large print; BSL; easy read and other languages and formats.

You can call to complete the questionnaire over the phone or you can visit our One Stop Shops where people will be available if you need help.

If you would like a copy of Knowsley’s Disability Equality scheme please visit our website www.knowsley.gov.uk or ring (18001) 0151 443 3773 or email gwen.forkin@knowsley.gov.uk or text 07825677135.

Planning application submitted for Knowsley renewable energy facility

A planning application for a new renewable energy facility at Knowsley Business Park has been submitted to Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council. 

Plans for the facility, which would be a centre of international excellence for green waste management, can be viewed at the council offices. A copy of the non-technical summary is available online at http://www.energ.co.uk/knowsley

The application has been made by Energos, part of the North West based renewable energy company Ener-g plc. The company plans to invest £40 million in the new facility, which would convert non recyclable waste into green electricity for up to 10,000 homes, as well as heat for local industry.

20 long term skilled jobs would be created at the centre, which would be Energos’ international training centre and an advanced environmental technology showcase site.

Putting the breaks on car crime in Kirkby

Vehicle crime in the Southdene area of Kirkby has reduced by a massive 32% over the last six months, thanks to work between the Safer Knowsley Partnership and local community.

After identifying ‘hotspot’ areas and offenders using crime trends in Southdene, the partnership – which includes Knowsley Council and

Merseyside Police - developed a free Vehicle Safety Pack which was delivered to all homes in the neighbourhood.

The pack provides valuable tips on how to avoid becoming the victim of crime and includes:

• A UV Pen with instructions to mark all valuables with your door number and postcode so that they are traceable in the event of them being stolen
• A warning ‘window hanger’ – which will act as a deterrent to thieve.
• A car crime advice leaflet – offers security tips for motorists.
• A Guide to Home Security

Commercial vehicle owners have also been issued with the pack and advised to remove any tools in their vehicles overnight or when vehicles are left for long periods.

The targeted initiative in the area resulted in the arrest of three men from the Southdene area. A 21-year-old man from Kirkby was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison in April for burglary, whilst a 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, both from Kirkby, are currently in custody charged with burglary.

To support the campaign, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and council wardens provided high visibility patrols in the area providing advice and support as well as a visible deterrent and reassuring presence.

Cllr Jackie Harris, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion said: “This targeted campaign has had a tremendous impact in the Southdene area. However, the Safer Knowsley Partnership will not be complacent and we are committed to reducing vehicle crime even further. By following some simple tips, you can make it harder for car thieves.”

This advice includes:

• Don’t leave anything on display. Remove all items of property when you leave your vehicle including Sat Navs, their mounting cradles and ensure you wipe away 'sucker marks' left on windscreens
• Security mark your property and valuables with your postcode using a UV marker pen
• Consider leaving your glove box open to show that it is empty
• Secure your vehicle with an immobiliser, alarm or tracking device and make sure you use them
• Always keep your vehicle locked. This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds
• When you park, if you have a removable stereo, make sure you remove it and take it with you. Don't leave it in the glove compartment.
• Park in busy or well-lit areas near CCTV cameras

If you have information about crime in your area, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Industrial action affecting Knowsley Council

Two national days of industrial action have been called for Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July by public service workers unions.

This will result in disruption to Knowsley Council services although we are keen to reassure residents that emergency and essential services will be maintained.

There will be no domestic or refuse collection on Wednesday and Thursday and Knowsley’s One Stop Shops will be closed as well as all council-run leisure centres and libraries. All council administration buildings will also be closed to the public.

Some of the borough’s schools will be closed and parents are advised to check with their child’s school for latest position.

Emergency phones lines will be available on both days on 0151 489 6000 and, in order to keep disruption to a minimum, we would ask residents only to contact us in an emergency.

We would ask residents to look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours that may need help on this day.

Knowsley Council apologises for any inconvenience caused to our residents and customers.

Diabetes meetings

Countdown to Rainey Day

There are only a few days to go until Rainey Day – a fun day out for all the family in Knowsley.

Now in its third year, the event is Knowsley’s disability awareness day and takes place on Sunday, July 13th at the King George V Leisure Centre, Longview Lane, Huyton.

It aims to promote services and facilities available for people with disabilities living the borough.

Highlights include:

• A balloon launch;
• The Actionaires Multi-sports session;
• Wheelchair basketball exhibition;
• Stalls representing local agencies and organisations which promote and address services for people with disabilities;
• Self defence and judo demonstrations; and
• Local singer Andrew Coleman.

The event is named Rainey Day, in memory of Knowsley’s former Access Officer John Rainey, who sadly died last year.

The venue is accessible but if you have specific access requirements please call Gwen on 0151 443 3773, text phone 07825 677135 or email info@raineyday.org.uk .

For further details about the event, please visit the website www.raineyday.org.uk .

Knowsley's Heritage Brought to Life

The Heritage Marquee will be an exciting new addition at this year's Knowsley Flower Show.

In the Heritage Marquee you can explore and celebrate Knowsley's rich history and learn more about the borough's fantastic, but often unknown past.

You will be able to take part in free, fun packed activities for all the family to enjoy.

There will be fascinating demonstrations of traditional skills such as wattle and daub and tile making and you can discover more about Knowsley's special historic buildings by working with professional artists to create a piece of artwork to take home.

You will see Knowsley's history brought to life by re-enactors, an exhibition by Prescot museum and archive film from as early as the 1920's.

Come along and join us in looking forward to our future by celebrating our past. Everyone is welcome and all activities are free of charge.

For more information about the Heritage Marquee contact Jane Wells on 0151 443 2283 or email jane.wells@knowsley.gov.uk

For more information about the Flower Show see the website www.knowsleyflowershow.com

Garden Gazebo offers couples the chance of an al fresco wedding

Couples in Knowsley now have a fresh new choice of ceremony venue following the opening of a new Garden Gazebo.

The stunning new facility is set in a secluded location in the garden of Knowsley Registration Office and is the only “outdoor” venue in the borough.

To date, Knowsley is the only Council in the North West offering this facility.

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services said:

“We are focused on offering people the best service with as many choices as possible and this venue offers an excellent alternative for people seeking something a little different on their special day.”

Knowsley Registration Office is in a historic area so all the building work had to comply with planning and conservation regulations, as well as meeting strict requirements from the Registrar General and satisfying Knowsley’s Licensing Section

Access for disabled people, fire regulations and the effect on local people also had to be taken into account before work could start.

The British weather has been taken into account too - everyone who books the Garden Gazebo is also automatically booked for the indoor Priestcote Room, in the event of the ceremony having to be moved inside.

The Gazebo can be booked for Civil Marriages, Civil Partnerships, Renewal of Vows, Naming Ceremonies and Citizenship Ceremonies.

Mike Harden, Executive Director of Corporate Resources, added: “The Gazebo is already proving a real success. We have already had several weddings here, a naming ceremony and a Civil Partnership.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer people and to make their day all the more special and we have certainly achieved that with the Gazebo.”

To book or for further details on the Garden Gazebo contact 0151 443 5210 or email registrars@knowsley.gov.uk

Pictured are Mike Harden, Executive Director of Corporate Resources, (far left) and Cllr Ken Keith (far right) with Miriam Refberg and Matt Fletcher-Brown (from Impact Models) who dressed up to launch the Garden Gazebo.

Whiston Public Meeting

Taking guns off our streets in Knowsley

The streets of Knowsley are in safe hands thanks to The Safer Knowsley Partnership which is working to reduce criminal activity in the borough.

Areas including Stockbridge Village and Bakers Green in Huyton are benefiting from dedicated teams of police officers and Community Support & Traffic Officers. Criminals involved in drugs, gangs or weapons are being identified, arrested and taken off our streets.

The tough approach is already reaping rewards - crime fell by 46% in Stockbridge Village and 29% in Bakers Green over the last six months, compared to the same period last year.

The Safer Partnership includes Merseyside Police Authority, Merseyside Police, Knowsley Council, Knowsley Primary Care Trust and Mersey Fire and Rescue. Its approach to tackling gun crime, which commenced in November 2007, includes a number of strands - prevention and diversion, enforcement, intelligence, communication and marketing and offender management.

Can you Help to raise funds for Diabetes UK with a walk in the park

Local volunteers from Diabetes UK are once again organising a sponsored Walk in the Park.

These walks are not only fun, but also encourage people to keep active, provide information on diabetes, and have raised more than £1.3 million nationally for diabetes research!

Last year, the St Helens walk raised over £6000 and 183 people took part.

Help us to raise even more this year, by walking with us in Sherdley Park, St Helens at 1pm on Sunday 14th Sept 08.

The walk is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and you can choose to walk the distance and speed you prefer (1 lap of the walk is approx 1mile).

September seems a long way off, but if you would like to take part please contact Sally Hendry on 01928 714 255, or email sallybel@tesco.net (please write "Walk in the Park" in the subject area).

TV star Debra Stephenson throws Home-Start a lifeline

Home-Start Knowsley will benefit from a BBC Lifeline appeal to be presented by Coronation Street and Bad girls star, Debra Stephenson on the 20th July on BBC1.

Home-Start Knowsley is one of a network of 340 local Home-Starts who will be sharing the proceeds of the appeal. Home-Start Knowsley has supported 157 families in the last year alone. Gillian McKinnon scheme manager for Home Start Knowsley, says “It’s great to get national recognition for our work and the money raised will be greatly appreciated as we are always looking for extra funds.”

Donations are always welcome and there are a number of ways to do this, using our website is just one, secure method www.homestartknowsley.org.uk

Lifeline is the BBC's monthly television charity appeal programme. For more than twenty years, Lifeline has helped raised money for and increased the profile of hundreds of charities across the UK and abroad. There have been over 250 appeals so far and almost £6m has been raised for charities.

Summer security advice for Knowsley residents

With the arrival of the warmer weather, the Safer Knowsley Partnership is advising residents in Knowsley to be extra vigilant about their home security.

During the summer months, burglaries tend to increase as residents leave their doors and windows insecure, particularly whilst the occupant is gardening, leaving their doors unlocked or windows open.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership, which includes Merseyside Police, Merseyside Police Authority, Knowsley Council, Health and Fire Service, is issuing the following advice to combat burglary:-

• Always check your front and back doors are secure even if you are in. Burglaries can often occur via insecure back doors whilst residents are at home watching television or in the garden. A thief can get through the smallest window and may often try to open a door if it appears that there is no one in the premises. Consider fitting a battery operated door alarm.

• Keep your house and car keys out of sight away from windows and doors

• Secure your shed and/or garage properly. Use bicycle chains to lock equipment together, secure your lawnmower to your bike - this makes it very difficult for thieves to carry objects away. Consider fitting a shed alarm.

• Don't leave gardening tools lying around - thieves will use them to break into your house.

Constable Colin Carter, Crime Reduction Officer for Merseyside Police at Knowsley, commented "Most burglaries are opportunist, and very often no force is used to get in. I can't stress strongly enough that you should close and lock all windows and doors and use your alarm if you have one."

"Thieves will take advantage and some residents, who haven't locked up properly, have returned to find handbags, mobile phones, credit cards missing. I would urge neighbours to keep an eye on their neighbour's property and if you see a window or door left open, tell them."
For further information on home security, contact the Knowsley Crime Reduction Officer on 0151 777 6467.

If you have information about crime in your area, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anti-Social behaviour unit in Knowlsey - A year on

The Anti-Social Unit in Knowsley has seen some significant successes since it was launched last year on 12 June.

The Unit was set up to help local residents and businesses feel safer and promote respect within our neighbourhoods.

The specialist Unit consists of staff from Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council and offers a range of services including advice, support, enforcement, parenting support and the drug intervention programme.

In addition, the Unit introduced a dedicated telephone number (0151 443 2000) making it easier for people to report anti-social behaviour issues in their area. Members of the public can speak to dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Officers in complete confidence and receive invaluable help and support. The Unit has received over a thousand calls in the last year.

Utilising a joint agency approach to solving community issues, the Unit has targeted individuals who are prolific in committing anti-social behaviour, bringing them to justice and providing the highest possible care for victims and witnesses of this crime in Knowsley.

Community Messaging launched in Knowsley

As part of National Neighbourhood Watch Week, the Safer Knowsley Partnership has launched its Community Messaging service this week.

The Partnership, which includes Merseyside Police, Merseyside Police Authority, Knowsley Council, Health and Fire Service, is working with local communities to make Knowsley a safer place to live, work or visit.

Community Messaging aims to improve the communication flow between the community and partner agencies in order to make a greater impact in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Many members of our community are already making a difference by joining one of the many Watch Schemes in the area, including Home Watch, Business Watch and Pub Watch.

Joining a Watch Scheme doesn’t suit everyone, and that’s why Community Messaging has been introduced in Knowsley.

Community Messaging is being offered free of charge to anyone living or working in the Knowsley Borough.

By signing up to this service, you will receive information specific to your neighbourhood, including crime issues, crime reduction advice and support, community meetings and events.

You can also choose how to receive the information to suit your needs and lifestyle – choose from email, fax or messages to your mobile or landline.

Councillor Jackie Harris, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion explained “This is an excellent example of where the local community can make a difference and become involved in reducing crime and making their neighbourhood safer. This new service will help the public to access information tailored to their neighbourhood and ensure communities are kept updated on what is happening in their area. Best of all, the service is free and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to this new service.”

To find out more about Watch Schemes in your area, Community Messaging and registration, log on to www.knowsleycommunitymessaging.org or call the Community Messaging Administrator on 0151 777 6205

Two year ASBO issued in Kirkby

A two year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) has been issued by Knowsley Magistrates Court on 16 June 2008 against a 14 year old boy from Kirkby.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, which includes representatives from Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council, gathered the evidence to obtain the ASBO in relation to the teenager.

Steve Agger, Assistant Chief Executive for Crime & Disorder at Knowsley Council “The Safer Knowsley Partnership is committed to reducing anti-social behaviour. Officers from the Unit and the Neighbourhood Team have closely monitored this boy’s behaviour over a period of time. It was evident that his behaviour, including shouting abuse at residents, spitting at people and property and damaging property, was seriously affecting the lives of people from the local community.”

Knowsley children get on their bikes

Promoting Bike Week from 16 June, Head Teacher Julie Peach and children from Malvern Primary School, Huyton who cycle to and from school every day.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development and Governor at Malvern Primary School said:

“Cycling to school is fun and it’s a great way for children to exercise which makes a real difference to their fitness and encourages them to continue with a healthy lifestyle as they grow up. It is also increases their road safety awareness and skills.

If parents walk or cycle their children to school there will be less cars arriving at the school gate which makes the school a more pleasant and safer environment for everyone.”

• As part of Bike Week schools across Knowsley are encouraging parents to leave their cars at home and either walk or cycle their children to school
• A number of Knowsleys schools now have cycle parking thanks to funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
• Malvern Primary School has installed new cycle sheds to encourage more children to cycle to school.
• As part of Bike Week, Year 5 children can enter a competition to win a mountain bike.
• Bike Mechanics Sessions will also take place
• Evelyn Primary School, Prescot is launching its new bi-travel week which combines walking and cycling to school.
• Pupils will be encouraged to walk to school with their parents or use the cycle parking at the school.