YOU can get daily major and interesting news updates for the Liverpool City Region on our free email news service, via signing up on:- Formby Reporter. If you have any updates to send in or any views on the posts on here, please email us to:-News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

80th Anniversary of Brittan's Best Kept Secret Bunker

WE had the honour of attending the opening night of Western Approaches successful re-launch, by Big Heritage, on Thursday, 26 October 2017. If you do not know about this bunker, which is now a Museum, it was once 1 of the 5 of the most important allied forces locations of World War 2. It housed a department that became known as Western Approaches Command. It monitored the Western Approaches from the Atlantic, Irish Sea and North Sea. It was purpose built and well hidden, and remained so for many years after the end of the 2nd World War, so secret was the work that went on beneath an innocent looking building behind Liverpool's Town Hall. This highly classified military installation was built below Derby House, Liverpool, and was the first ever purpose built, bomb proof, strategic command building of its type. Its role in World War 2 and its the ground breaking design kept it out of the history books until the late 1990's. This was because, the design of this bunker would form a blue print for other bunkers throughout the Cold War. Over World War 2, those working within the Command Centre kept an eye on all allied and enemy shipping, keeping both Britain and Russia supplied and defended throughout the War in Europe and later the Pacific.

Today they celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Command Centre. Sadly, the planned events could not take place to honour all those who worked within it and those at sea, under its Command, but the day was however marked with messages from The Queen, as well as the First Sea Lord, along with the Royal Navy, along with messages from the American continent. Read more here.

When things are safe again for Western Approaches to open, please do head over and take a look at this very hidden bit of history. Well done to Big Heritage for keeping the memories of those who work within this amazing location alive and also for preserving it for future generations. Below is video footage of the re-opening, in October 2017...

For more information on the venue and its long forgotten secrets, go to:- WesternApproaches.Org.UK. Also, to see the photos from tre-opening, please visit:- SouthportReporter.com/835/.

A new persistent cough isn't always Covid19

DOCTORS in Sefton are concerned that people who develop a persistent cough automatically assume it is Covid19 related and are not seeking advice from their GP, when in fact it could be a sign of lung cancer. Sefton health professionals are urging residents with any signs or symptoms of cancer to contact their GPs to discuss concerns. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can save lives.

Dr Debbie Harvey, Macmillan GP and Cancer Clinical Lead, at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:- "There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages, but early detection saves lives. So, if you have a new persistent cough (for 3 weeks or more), have noticed a change in a cough you have had for a long time, are coughing up blood, have new breathlessness, unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, or weight loss, or an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder when breathing or coughing, you should speak to your GP, as soon as possible, as these could be a sign of lung cancer especially if you have a history of smoking, If you have any of the Coronavirus symptoms:- a new, persistent cough, a high temperature, or a change or loss in your sense of taste or smell; you should book a test online or by calling:- 119 and self isolate. If you still have a persistent cough after receiving a negative Coronavirus test result or after recovering from Coronavirus, please contact your GP to be assessed."

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and Cancer Clinical Lead, at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "If you notice something that isn�t normal for you or you have any concerns about potential signs or symptoms of lung cancer, your GP should be your 1st port of call. We want people to know that the NHS is here to see you safely. During the Pandemic, GPs are working very differently, they are using more telephone consultations and emails to help support patients. If you are asked to go into your GP Practice, it is really important that you attend. Your GP Surgery will be using all necessary precautions to reduce COVID risk and will only invite patients to attend if it is safe to do so. The NHS is still there for you if you need it. If you need medical help from your GP Practice, contact them online, by an app or by phone. If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS:- 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call:- 111. If it is a serious or life threatening emergency, call:- 999.�

Information about signs and symptoms of lung cancer:-

► NHS information about lung cancer signs and symptoms.

► Cancer Research UK information about lung cancer.

► Macmillan Cancer Support information about lung cancer.

► Roy Castle Lung Foundation.

"Government should follow Liverpool City Region�s example and support ALL Covid hit small businesses in the Budget" says FSB Merseyside and Cheshire

RECENTLY announced EU transition fund gives hope more will follow, with cross party support for Company Directors and sole traders mounting. In the wake of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority�s announcement of a ₤10 million Local Business Support Grant for SMEs unable to access other support, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire is calling in the Government to follow suit and introduce support for Company Directors and sole traders in the Budget, on 3 March 2021.

Many businesses, including the newly self employed, those in supply chains and Company Directors paid in dividends rather than salary, have to date received no direct support funding at all from Minsters despite being ravaged by Covid19 restrictions imposed on trading, compounded by issues resulting from the UK leaving the EU.

The FSB has long pushed for an EU Transition Fund to help ease the pain of Brexit. Last week, the Government announced ₤20 million to help small businesses negotiate EU Transition, including:- ₤2k grants for training / advice on VAT, Rules of Origin and customs declarations.

Throughout the Pandemic, FSB has also called for a Directors Income Support Scheme, mirroring the Self Employed Support Scheme, in the form of a taxable grant for Directors of limited companies calculated at 80% of 3 months average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment and capped at ₤7,500.

On Monday, the Treasury Select Committee�s latest Economic Impact of Coronavirus inquiry update backed this call, reiterating the need for support for all key businesses in the economy, with cross party support for the FSB�s proposal. The FSB is urging the Government to include support for company Director�s as part of an action plan and roadmap to recovery in next month�s budget.

FSB Merseyside and Cheshire Area Leader (Liverpool City Region), Michael Sandys said:- �The Treasury Select Committee is again reiterating what we have been saying throughout this Pandemic: that new start ups, sole traders, freelancers and Directors of limited companies play a vital role in our economy and need support too. The Chancellor should start by introducing a Directors Income Support Scheme in what must be a pro-business budget next month, as part of a real plan and road map for recovery. The Government should use this Budget to install new measures to help all those within the business community who are overlooked. That includes thousands of suppliers which sell to retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, but cannot access the rates relief or cash grants designed for these industries. Building support initiatives according to assessment of lost revenue, rather than property or sector, marks the way forward. Last year saw the biggest drop in UK GDP in modern history. We now need the most pro-business Budget in modern history to overcome the damage done. The Government�s plan for jobs will only succeed with the right plan for the small business owners, sole traders and Directors who will spur our recovery.�

Free advice, information sessions and publications for EU citizens and family members

THE EU Delegation launches legal advice surgeries to assist charitable organisations, Local Authorities and local communities in the UK help EU citizens. These complement a range of other free services and products, including information sessions and a range of target group specific leaflets available, in all EU languages.

EU citizens, who arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020 and intend to stay, only have until 30 June 2021 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). UK central and Local Authorities, as well as civil society organisations, have already put huge efforts into supporting EU residents in their communities, but this has been made more difficult by the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

As of 31 January 2021, over five million EU citizens and family members have successfully applied to the EU Settlement Scheme. However, application rates remain lower in particular areas and among certain groups of people, especially the most vulnerable who are hardest to reach and may have difficulties applying.

Free advice surgeries are now here to help, offering 1 on 1 individual support. They can help make applications to the EU Settlement Scheme and indicate additional support organisations if further assistance is required. Charitable organisations, local Councils and local community groups that commit to scheduling a surgery for at least 10 vulnerable or complex case citizens can make a request to host surgeries. During the ongoing health Pandemic, support can be delivered by:- phone, WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or any other platform of choice.

FREE 90 minute information sessions for groups of citizens, providing a short presentation on the EU Settlement Scheme and an extended Q&A session, continue to be available. These can also be delivered through online platforms and can accommodate a general or target a specific audience.

Complementing these services, the EU Delegation can deliver free print publications on the EU Settlement Scheme and citizens� rights in all EU languages anywhere in the UK. Target group specific leaflets for senior citizens, parents, non EU-family members and for joining family members are also available free of charge.

For more information, please visit:- EURights.UK.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 12,718 cases and the total number now stand at:- 4,071,185 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:-738 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 118,933, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 129,498.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 20,944. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 2,708 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,415.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,566,965 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 560,658 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 46,266 confirmed cases.
136

► Halton, 11,361 confirmed cases.
32

► Knowsley, 16,647 confirmed cases. 28

► Sefton, 22,679 confirmed cases.
67

► St. Helens, 15,919 confirmed cases.
46

► Wirral, 23,221 confirmed cases.

66

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 16,778 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 8,653 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 23,421 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 15,764 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 19,186 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 20,059 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 90,343 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 48,574 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 21,101 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 12,440 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 19,279 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 21,146 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 18,820 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 16,368 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 15,219 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 16,645 confirmed cases.

► Wigan, 26,514 confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

15,940,972 558,577

Jab Stats correct as of 16 February 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both vaccines are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.7 to 0.9 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -5% to -2%, as of 12 February 2021.

Previous 24hr Data

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