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Southport Weekender RIP Phil Asher

FOR those of you who remembered the Southport Weekender, or have followed it around the UK since it moved away, you might know the Phil Asher. Sadly the organiser of the Weekender have informed us and their followers the following:- "It's exactly 1 week since we received the dreadful news about the passing of our dear friend Phil Asher. Like so many of you reading this newsletter, we are still in total shock and disbelief that Phil is no longer with us. It's absolutely and utterly heartbreaking, devastating to us all, Phil was no age and we will all miss him so much. Phil was 1 of the nicest people we have ever had the pleasure to work with. He was a huge part of our beloved family, such an integral part of The Southport Weekenders and SunceBeat, but much, much more than that, a true gentleman and great friend to us all. Phlash as he became affectionately known, contributed so much to Southport, SunceBeat and the many other events we know that are proud to have had him grace the decks such as Soul Heaven, Deep into Soul, Vocal Booth, 51st State, Groove Odyssey and much more. It wasn't just his groundbreaking choice of music for which he was undoubtedly a true leader, but that huge welcoming smile we will all miss so much. Who can forget his legendary sets on a Saturday afternoon at Southport, Phil Asher and friends or seeing him at SunceBeat with his proud young son Marvin watching him perform magic. Seeing him here with Paul, another legend that left us so young, makes you realise how fragile life is and we need to cherish every moment. Family and friends have never been so important. In the same way, we have celebrated Paul's life at SunceBeat and we will continue to do so, We will, of course, be celebrating the life of this wonderful man and his music at both SunceBeat and of course the hugely anticipated return of Southport next year. Our thoughts go out to all Phil's family and close family especially Lisa, Marvin and Helen. RIP PHIL Your amazing legacy will live on forever xxx"

₤93m for road upgrades as Transport Secretary pledges to build back better across the country

NEW and improved transport links will boost connections between key economic hubs across the country while making journeys safer and more reliable for motorists. Funding reaffirms Government promise to level up transport infrastructure and build back better from the pandemic, improving access to jobs and opportunities. As part of the Government's commitment to fuel the economic recovery from Covid19, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, on Saturday, 30 January 2021, has pledged ₤93m for major road upgrades across the country.

The Northern Powerhouse is set to receive over half of the funding, with up to ₤56m, for a dramatic overhaul of the Kex Gill section of the A59, in North Yorkshire. This will significantly improve connectivity between the historic Northern Towns of Harrogate and Skipton. The proposed new road will divert traffic away from the landslip prone Kex Gill part of the route, helping to remove traffic from nearby villages and offering more reliable journeys to thousands of people in the region every day.

The West Midlands will benefit from a ₤24m investment, to reduce congestion, at Birchley Island, Oldbury, situated at the intersection of the:- M5, A4123 and A4034; which is expected to boost employment, improve air quality and increase the region's manufacturing output. The proposed scheme will widen the existing carriageway on the roundabout and introduce additional lanes, all of which will improve connectivity between the midlands and the national motorway network. Pedestrians and cyclists will also see improved facilities for greener travel, at the intersection.

Elsewhere, Hampshire is in line for ₤13m worth of crucial upgrades to the Redbridge Causeway bridges over the River Test, which carry roughly 60,000 vehicles a day. The bridges provide important access for local businesses and hauliers to the Port of Southampton, and link the New Forest waterside area to Southampton. Today's funding follows Ministers' agreement to speed up delivery of the proposed maintenance work, which will ensure journeys in the region remain safe and reliable for 10's of thousands of road users while more disruptive works; hampering people's ability to use the vital route; aren't needed in the future.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said:- �I am delighted to announce this significant funding package which will ensure millions of people can continue to travel easily and safely. It's further proof of this Government delivering on its promise to level up the country; putting transport at the heart of our efforts to build back better from Covid19. The projects will help people access work and education, as well as ensuring vital connectivity for local businesses. While everyone will see the benefits of these schemes in time, for now it's important to remember to only travel for the permitted reasons while we continue to prioritise protecting public health and preventing the spread of the virus. Through staying at home you can help stop the virus and save lives.�

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay, said:- �Upgrading the country's roads doesn't just help drivers; it'll mean more jobs, safer journeys and more reliable access to things like education and work. This Government is pressing ahead with our commitment to level up the country; even through this Pandemic; ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to get on in life regardless of where they live.�

The total cost of the 3 schemes is expected to reach ₤107m, with Local Councils providing the remainder of the funding following the Department for Transport's ₤93m investment; pending the completion of all legal processes.

Response to Sefton Schools' Awards

RESPONDING to the news that 2 Sefton Schools have been announced as winners, at the Educate Awards, Cllr. John Joseph Kelly, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding said:- "I am delighted to hear of the success of these Sefton schools in these awards that recognise excellence across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Well done to all the pupils and staff at Litherland High School and Netherton Moss Primary School involved and also to those at Formby High School for their inspiring performance to open the ceremony and for being runners up in the Outstanding Commitment to Arts in Secondary School."

Ormskirk security man convicted for the 2nd time of operating illegally

ON Tuesday, 19 January 2021, Lloyd Irwin from Ormskirk was prosecuted for a 2nd time by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) at Blackburn Magistrates' Court after being found working illegally, at Accrington's The Berkley Club. He pleaded guilty and was fined ₤184, required to pay Court costs of ₤358.20 and a victim surcharge of ₤32.

Irwin, who is a former Director of Hunter Irwin Security Specialists Ltd (HISS Ltd), was prosecuted initially for working without an SIA licence. He was also charged with supplying unlicensed Security Officers, to The Berkley Club, on several occasions during the busy Christmas and New Year period of 2019/2020. His former business was also prosecuted for the supply of unlicensed security. In addition, Irwin altered the evidence he submitted to the SIA, following a request for information. This is a criminal offence. The business pleaded guilty and was fined ₤1,000 and required to pay Court costs of ₤358.20 and a victim surcharge of ₤100.

The case began when an allegation was made that unlicensed Security Officers were working in Accrington. The SIA responded by inspecting The Berkley Club, with the support of Lancashire Police and Hyndburn Council. They found Irwin and Daniel Webb working without a licence.

Having initially pleaded not guilty, Webb pleaded guilty, at Blackburn Magistrates' Court, on 17 December 2020, for working illegally at The Berkley Club, on 18 January 2020. Webb was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge and is required to pay ₤100 Court costs and a ₤21 victim surcharge.

When sentencing Webb, the magistrates expressed a hope that he would take on board the lessons from this case and undertake his own research with the SIA in relation to his licensable status.

Pete Easterbrook, the SIA's Head of Criminal Enforcement, said:- "Irwin has been prosecuted again for working unlicensed himself and supplying other unlicensed security staff. The licensing regime is there to keep the public safe, which is particularly important at a night club. Both Irwin and Webb now have criminal records and will not be able to work legally in the private security industry."

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:- 23,275 cases and the total number now stand at:- 3,796,088 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:- 1,200 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:- 105,571, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 103,602.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 34,783 The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 3,832 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 3,117.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,322,195 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 521,471 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, 43,229 confirmed cases.
223

► Halton, 10,559 confirmed cases.
63

► Knowsley, 15,467 confirmed cases. 90

► Sefton, 21,015 confirmed cases.
133

► St. Helens, 14,437 confirmed cases.
130

► Wirral, 21,813 confirmed cases.

153

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, 15,754 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 8,011 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 21,485 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 14,750 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 17,710 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 18,570 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 83,973 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 45,216 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 19,906 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 11,382 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 18,102 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 19,597 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 17,171 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 15,206 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 14,267 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 15,487 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 24,779 confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

8,378,940 480,432

Jab Stats correct as of 29 January 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 1.1, with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -5% to 0%, as of 29 January 2021.

Previous 24hr Data

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