Bishop Tom Williams to receive Freedom of Liverpool

THE Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool is to receive the City's highest civic honour, at a special ceremony, on Thursday, 30 September 2021. The Right Reverend Tom Williams, who has served in the City for almost ˝ a century, is set to receive Freedom of the City of Liverpool, at the Town Hall. He was born off Scotland Road and was ordained priest in the City's Metropolitan Cathedral in 1972, and served at St Francis of Assisi in Garston, Sacred Heart on Hall Lane, Our Lady of Walsingham parish in Netherton, Our Lady Immaculate Parish in St Domingo Road and St Anthony's on Scotland Road. His roles across the years range from early chaplaincy of Bellerive Grammar School through to Governor and Chair of Governors in various archdiocesan Primary and Secondary Schools. During 9 years bridging the late 70s and early 80s, meanwhile, he was chaplain at both the 'old' Liverpool Royal Infirmary and the 'new' Royal Liverpool Hospital. In 1997 he became chair of Project Jennifer, the scheme set up by parishioners and others in the Scotland Road area to work with the City Council and businesses to regenerate the City's North end by delivering a new District Centre. He also worked with Matalan founder John Hargreaves to establish the NSPCC Liverpool Service Centre, on the site of the former Great Homer Street market.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Mary Rasmussen, said:- "Bishop Tom Williams has dedicated his life to serving his parishioners and the wider community in and around Scotland Road and the Freedom honour is truly deserved. He has been a guiding light, a listening ear and a community leader, speaking up for the area and actively helping make a difference to the lives of local people. I'm delighted to be able to bestow Freedom of the City on him as he embodies everything that the honour represents."

Bishop Tom Williams said:- "I am very surprised and humbled at this great honour. 5 generations of my family have been part of this City and it has been a privilege to serve here for 49 years. This is truly home to me and I will always be grateful for the support which I have received."

Have your say on potential changes to firearms licensing

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is supporting a national survey inviting the public to have their say on potential changes to the licensing of firearms and shotguns in England and Wales. Emily Spurrell is encouraging Merseyside residents to take part in a consultation launched on Thursday, 30 September 2021, by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC).

The short online survey asks for your views on issues including the amount of scrutiny of medical records and social media posts that Police should undertake when granting or renewing a license; and whether or not an applicant should pay the full costs of having their request processed.

Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Marc Jones said:- "There has been heightened public concern following the recent shooting of 5 people in Plymouth. I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathies to all those affected by that tragic incident, and indeed to all victims of gun crime. The Home Office is currently reviewing arrangements for the licensing of guns and will shortly be introducing new statutory guidance to be followed by all Police forces. Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to be the public's voice in policing and so we want to hear what the public thinks about these issues, so we can feed those views to the Home Office."

Mr Jones added:- "We want to hear all from sides including people who are, or have previously been, a registered firearms licence or shotgun certificate holder. The public may be surprised to hear that there are more than ˝ a million licence holders in England and Wales, who legally own nearly 2million firearms. We know the overwhelming majority do so safely and responsibly. So, while it is absolutely right that we have a discussion on licensing, we should be careful to ensure any changes to guidance or legislation are proportionate, reflect the public's views, and above all are effective at keeping people safe."

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "The tragic incident in Plymouth has once again brought the sensitive issue of firearms licensing into the public spotlight. People are rightly concerned about how licences are issued and managed. It is important as the Home Office reviews the existing guidance for Police forces that your views are taken into account. As Police Commissioner, it is my job to be your voice on policing issues which is why I would encourage people across Merseyside to take part in this short survey. By having your say today, you can ensure the Home Office have an accurate understanding of your views on this issue."

The survey, which can be completed online, takes just a few minutes and will remain open for responses until Wednesday, 20 October 2021. Please take part at:- SurveyMonkey.Co.UK.