News reports located on this page = 4.

Grenfell U-turn "shameful" says MP

A Merseyside MP has accused the Government of:- "another shameful U-turn" over its refusal to implement the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, voted in favour of an amendment to the Fire Safety Bill, in Parliament, which would have implemented the recommendations in full. On Monday, 7 September 2020, the Government voted down Labour's amendment to the Fire Safety Bill, which would have implemented the recommendations.  A total of 72 people died in the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, when an electrical fault with a fridge freezer sparked a catastrophic blaze. Recommendations from Phase 1 of the inquiry were published in October 2019, calling for action on building owners or managers to share information with local Fire and Rescue Service about the design, and the materials of the external walls, to undertake regular inspections of individual flat entrance doors and lifts, and share evacuation and fire safety instructions with residents of the building. At the time, the Housing Secretary, James Brokenshire MP, promised to implement them "in full" and "without delay." Yet the Conservatives have failed to commit the recommendations to legislation. The recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Phase One Report can be found online.

Labour MP, Bill Esterson, said:- "It is another shameful U-turn from the Government. The Conservatives promised to implement the recommendations from the inquiry but refused to vote in favour of this amendment which would have done just that. Southport's Conservative MP, Damien Moore, stood on a manifesto promising that these measures would be introduced. There seems to be a lot of talk and no action from this Government. The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a stark reminder of how important and ultimately life saving fire safety is. Despite words saying this must never happen again, tens of thousands of people are still living in buildings with flammable cladding in the UK. Labour will continue to press the Government to do the right thing, deliver on their promises and get the cladding ripped off urgently. There should be no backsliding on a commitment that a fire like Grenfell can never happen again."

Labour added that Southport's Conservative MP Damien Moore voted against implementing the recommendations.

Merseyside PCC urges people to share their views on road safety

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is urging people to take 60 seconds to have their say on road safety and help to influence future Government policy. Jane Kennedy is supporting and promoting a national survey being run by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) which aims to better understand public perception of road safety and its enforcement. The results will be fed into a Department for Transport call for evidence and will help to shape the future of roads policing and what traffic law enforcement may look like in the future. In 2018, almost 1,800 people lost their lives on Britain's roads and over 25,000 were seriously injured. The majority of casualties on roads in England and Wales resulted from the 'fatal four' speeding, drink driving, using a mobile phone whilst driving, and not wearing a seat belt. Working with partners to improve road safety has been a policing priority for Merseyside's Police Commissioner since 2017 and the Region has recorded a 10% year on year reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads since then.

Jane said:- "Far too many people still lose their lives or suffer life changing injuries on our roads. These road crashes bring suffering and heartache to those involved, their families and the wider community. I am committed to working with partners and the public to reduce the number of serious accidents on our roads to prevent more families suffering that pain and anguish. As part of this work it is important to understand the public's views around road safety and how our roads should be Policed. This survey will give PCC's the evidence they need to lobby central Government to ensure more emphasis and greater resourcing is allocated to roads policing and I would encourage people to spend just 60 seconds giving us their views. Here on Merseyside, our Roads Safety Partnership and the force's Roads Policing Unit have worked tremendously hard to reduce the number of people who have been killed or suffered life changing injuries over the last three years, while other Police areas have been registering an increase. But it is important to emphasise that while roads policing teams play a crucial role in enforcing the law to improve the safety of the travelling public, making our roads safer is not solely a job for the Police. Better engineering of our roads and greater education of road users are equally important if we are to reduce the danger to the public who use the roads. We need the collective support of all our community safety partners and the public if we are to achieve this and continue to reduce the number of people who are killed or suffer life changing injuries."

This poll follows the recent reports, including the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety's report into Roads Policing, and the HMICFRS Roads Policing - Not Optional report. The survey is open until 5pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2020. You can take part in the survey now, online.

Liverpool Pizza Lovers Served Fresh New Look Pizzeria

THE nation's favourite pizzeria, PizzaExpress, has unveiled its redesigned Kings Waterfront restaurant in Liverpool following an extensive refurbishment. Situated slap bang in the centre of Liverpool's entertainment district, the renovation is the latest in several new look restaurants, boasting a lively and welcoming atmosphere to reflect the buzz of the City. With a 55 year history, each re-design has been developed to reflect the original vision of founder Peter Boizot who wanted to bring people together for good times and great pizza. The open kitchen now takes centre stage at the heart of the restaurant designed to allow our customers to watch our talented pizzaiolos freshly handmade make their pizza to order.

The restaurant's new design incorporates the latest new safety measures that enhance guest and team protection and blend with the lively buzz of the pizzeria. These include:- a more physically distanced layout, hand sanitiser stations, enhanced hygiene procedures and cleaning measures, along with regular health checks of team members. The online booking service makes it easy to reserve a table, and a new digital menu and cashless payment have been introduced to assist and reassure customers.

Zoe Bowley, Managing Director at PizzaExpress commented:- "Our refurbishment programme has been developed following months of extensive research to enhance not only our physical estate but the overall customer experience. Our Kings Waterfront restaurant is embedded in rich culture and our design team have worked tirelessly to reflect its heritage and to capitalise on the area's bright and colourful history. We have been very encouraged by our customers' responses to our recently refurbished pizzerias and we are sure they will be excited by vibrant redesign at our Monarch Quay location in Liverpool."

To book a table, visit:- PizzaExpress.Com or call:- 0151 7071566.  Address:- PizzaExpress, 16 Monarch Quay, Pavilion Building, Liverpool, L3 4BX. Opening times:- 11:3oam to 23:00pm, Monday to Sunday.

7 ways to help someone suffering with depression

CHERYL Lythgoe, Matron, at Benenden Health, shares some useful ways you can help someone who is showing signs of depression, or is already diagnosed with it.  After new data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) this week revealed male suicide rates in the UK have reached an all time high, the discussion around suicide prevention has quite rightly been pushed to the forefront of the national health agenda.  Although many people who have depression do not die through suicide, suffering from major depression does increase suicide risk. This, paired with knowledge that 24% of women and 13% of men in England are diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, highlights a need to consider both preventative, supportive, and reactive measures to help those suffering.  To help, Benenden Health has outlined 7 ways you might be able to support someone suffering from depression, or those showing signs of it:-

1. Gently tell them you are concerned - It can be hard to broach the subject of depression, but if you're worried about someone, tell them you've noticed that they seem to be having a hard time. They may feel relieved to know that someone cares.

2. Avoid belittling their feelings - Instructing someone with depression to:- 'snap out of it,' 'cheer up' or 'look on the bright side' isn't going to help them change their mood. In fact, it may make them push you and others further away. Instead, try to be compassionate, invite them to talk and accept their feelings without judgement.

3. Be available - and let them know - It may be tempting to leave someone with depression to their thoughts and give them space, but that could isolate them further. Text, phone or arrange to meet the person; and stay in touch so that they know you're there for them; 1 conversation is unlikely to be enough. Don't be disheartened that they may not answer immediately. For some it can take days, weeks, or months to be ready to talk; just knowing you are thinking of them can often make all the difference.

4. Offer healthy solutions - Depressed adults may be less inclined to exercise or eat healthily. They may also turn to drink or drugs to get through. Instead of encouraging this, try to suggest healthy activities such as going for a walk or cooking a simple, nutritious meal together.

5. Encourage them to help themselves - If their depression seems long lasting and they are not in touch with their GP or any support services, try to encourage the person to seek help. The GP can either organise a referral or advise on any treatments that could help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Benenden Health members can access the Mental Health Helpline from day 1 of membership, which offers a full assessment from a dedicated medical professional.

6. Let them be heard - Giving someone with depression a chance to talk (if they want to) is very important. Talking therapy is a proven way to tackle mild to moderate depression, so peer support groups could also help. Benenden Health members can also access the 24/7 mental health helpline, to hold a conversation with a trained professional in a time of need.

7. Seek help if you are unsure - Depression can be mild, moderate or severe so if you suspect someone has severe depression; or you have any fears that they may be suicidal; it is recommended you seek help as soon as possible. There are a number of services you can turn to, including:-

► The individual's GP.

► NHS:- 111.

► Samaritans on:- 116 123.

► Mind on:- 0300 123 3393.

► However, if they are in immediate danger, please do call:- 999.

Benenden Health has more than 800,000 members; including 30,000 who have membership as part of an employee benefits package; and provides a range of discretionary healthcare services open to all. Benenden Health has also produced a Covid-19 hub on its website with tips and information about how to support your mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic.