Walkers raise more than ₤15,500 during the Galloway's Morecambe Bay Walk

AROUND 800 walkers made the epic journey across Morecambe Bay, helping to make a Lancashire sight loss charity's 1st face to face fundraising event since the pandemic began a huge success. The walkers raised more than ₤15,500 as they made the iconic 6 and a half mile journey from Arnside to Kents Bank, led by Guide to the Sands Michael Wilson. Along the way, some walkers tried on simulation glasses with various eye conditions to experience the type of vision people with sight loss may have.

Charlotte Carnell, Events Fundraiser at Galloway's, which supports blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton, said:- "It was a fantastic weekend. We had 858 people register for this year's walk and 800 people join us across both days, helping to raise more than ₤15,500 so far. This was our 1st face to face fundraising event in over 18 months and feedback has been absolutely incredible. It has been so overwhelming to see everybody get together again and show their support for us. We of course want to thank everyone who joined us to make it a special day, as well as those who made a donation to help make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people. We also want to thank Frank Whittle Partnership for once again sponsoring the event."

Michael Wilson, Guide to the Sands, said:- "This is always a popular event and it was a really proud moment when we were finally able to guide Galloway's supporters across the sands after such a tough year for everyone. It was such a good crowd and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back next year."

To find out other ways you can support Galloway's, visit:- Galloways.Org.UK or email:- Fundraising@Galloways.Org.UK.
 

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No BBQs reminder for Sefton beaches after toilets burnt down at Crosby beach

SEFTON Council's Green Sefton officers, alongside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, are reminding beach goers that BBQs and fires are not allowed anywhere on the Sefton Coast. Last week 2 portaloos were burnt down, at Crosby beach. It's thought that a hot BBQ was disposed of in a wheelie bin causing the damage.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:- "It's incredibly disappointing to see the damage that occurred to our facilities at Crosby. Not only does this now reduce the number of toilets available for the public to use on busy days, the Council will also have to meet the costs of repairing the damage caused. Fires and BBQs are not permitted anywhere along the coast, be that at:- Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale or Southport. Not only do they pose a risk of harm to people, but fires can also devastate the rare and protected habitats we are so lucky to have here in Sefton."

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Paul Kay, said:- "We would like to remind people that during periods of hot and dry weather not dissimilar to what we have experienced recently across the Region, the risk of fires in public areas increase. Please ensure that if you are visiting the Sefton coastline, do so safely. Disposable BBQs and campfires at any of our beaches are NOT allowed anywhere on the Sefton coast, the dunes, or the woods. Please take your rubbish home with you, don't drop cigarettes or leave bottles on the ground as these can quickly become the source of a fire. Though some fires are accidental, unfortunately, most are anti-social behaviour fires that are deliberately started, which is arson. If you see fire, report it immediately by calling:- 999, asking for the Fire Service and giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road; this will help crews mobilise and fight fires as quick as possible, without delay."

A number of organisations across Sefton have joined forces once again this summer to ensure local communities, and visitors from across the North West, can enjoy Sefton's coastlines safely. The agencies who make up the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and other key partners like Merseyrail. They are sharing important messages covering many of the issues faced on the Sefton coast throughout the School summer holidays.