People step out with Walk for Parkinson's at Crosby Beach

PEOPLE in Southport and across Merseyside took part in Parkinson's UK's Walk for Parkinson's at Crosby Beach, that took place on Saturday, 4 September 2021, to help fund vital support for people affected by the condition.  Walkers had the choice of a 2.6 or 5.2 mile route along the Crosby Beach promenade, where they could take in the uninterrupted views of the Irish Sea. Walkers were also able to view Antony Gormley's famous installation:- 'Another Place,' which is made up of 100 iron men along the beach and out to sea. The money raised by the Walk for Parkinson's series will help transform the way the charity provides information and support to people with Parkinson's, and the people in their lives. This year, thanks to the Frank and Evelyn Brake Connect Fund, sponsorship will be matched pound for pound, doubling the impact for people affected by Parkinson's.

Stephanie Potts, Regional Fundraiser for the North West at Parkinson's UK, said:- "Over 90 people came together to Walk for Parkinson's at Crosby Beach on Saturday and we would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all involved in making the event such a great success. It was our 1st year at Crosby Beach and so far the event has raised over ₤8,000, with more funds still to be donated. We had families, solo walkers and even some dogs taking part in this year's event. We couldn't have done this without our amazing volunteers and supporters across Merseyside. After a year off from in person fundraising, it was great to be back at Walk for Parkinson's."

Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. In the UK, there are around 145,000 people already living with Parkinson's, including approximately 15,250 in the North West. If you couldn't attend Walk for Parkinson's at Crosby Beach, there's the option to take part in Walk for Parkinson's Your Way. You choose your own course, when you do it and who you walk with over the weekend of 25 September and 26 September 2021. Participants can choose from 2 distances; 2 or 6 miles; depending on what suits you best. To take part in Walk for Parkinson's, visit:- Parkinsons.Org.UK.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Bill Esterson MP meet NT staff and volunteers on walkabout

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson enjoyed a walkabout at Formby's National Trust, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, discussing:- visitor numbers, traffic and parking issues, antisocial behaviour and crime. They met with NT staff and volunteers and enjoyed a walk in the woods and on the beach. Mr Esterson praised the volunteers on site, and those who attend to do regular litter picks, the Beach Angels. Staff reported that they felt visitor numbers had declined at peak times due to signs on Formby bypass directing visitors to Ainsdale instead, where there is more visitor parking available. Although more visitors were travelling to Ainsdale, Mr Esterson said on road parking near Formby beach was still impacting hugely on residents. He welcomes a tow away zone proposed by Labour led Sefton Council. Mr Esterson has written to Sefton Council's chief executive regarding the Public Space Protection Order for the beach, which bans alcohol and fires. It is thought this is currently being renewed.

Large visitor numbers have resulted in several incidents this summer and over previous years, including a serious stabbing incident, in May, when 3 men were Hospitalised. Police dealt with unofficial raves and parties, as well as parking and traffic issues. Residents regularly report more low level antisocial behaviour, such as visitors relieving themselves in gardens and even parking and picnicking on residents' drives, and throwing litter onto lawns. Mr Esterson said:- "It was a great opportunity to show Emily and Steve our wonderful coastline and speak to NT staff and volunteers. They do great work in conservation and offer fantastic leisure opportunities. They told me about their plans to build a new car park to replace the current provision which is sadly being eroded by the sea. Unfortunately the number of spaces overall will not increase significantly however I am working with them, the Police and Sefton Council to try to address the parking and traffic issues, including a tow away zone, which I think will be very effective. New parking restrictions may also be needed. Thank you to the Police who take a very proactive role now in directing traffic away from the area once the car parks are full. Antisocial behaviour is a huge issue for local residents and is often linked to drinking alcohol, which should be banned at the beach. A meeting with Sefton Council and elected representatives is due to take place this month to discuss all these issues and potential solutions."

Mr Esterson said the Police had done really good work in addressing some of the issues, against a backdrop of a decade of cuts which saw Merseyside Police forced to make ₤110m of savings. The number of Police Officers fell by 1,120, the impact of which was felt in every area of the Force, particularly neighbourhood policing. However, in 2020/21, 500 new Officers were recruited and the new Labour Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell is currently overseeing the recruitment of a further 160 Police officers this year, bringing the total number up to 660. Mr Esterson said:- "Our Labour Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has brought more Police Officers to the area which will help address the impact of a decade of cuts from the Conservative Government."

Emily said:- "I was pleased to join Bill and Steve to do a walkabout of this beautiful part of our Region and speak to ward Councillors, local community groups and residents about the issues affecting their community. The Local Policing Team have been working hard with partners to pro-actively tackle the issues in Formby and the surrounding areas, particularly in relation to ASB and parking. This has included using a whole range of tools at their disposal, including:- high visibility patrols, quad bikes, enforcement action and Public Space Protection Orders to encourage to act people to act responsibly and safely in the area, while having consideration for people living nearby. While the Force is still way short of the Police Officer numbers it had back in 2020, the 660 Officers we are recruiting will make a big difference and enable the Chief Constable to dedicate more resources to tackling local priorities. I'm committed to working with Bill and our colleagues to lobby Government to give Merseyside Police the funding it deserves and I will continue to fight to get more Officers, PCSOs and staff back on to the streets of Merseyside."