SEFTON Council will continue to support Coronavirus testing, 7 days a week, at locations across the Borough this November, ensuring an easy and straightforward process for those with symptoms to book a test.  Mobile Testing Units, where residents can drive in for their booked tests, and Local Walk Through Test Centres will operate at various locations in Sefton.

Margaret Jones, Sefton's Director of Public Health, said:- “By taking a test as soon as we have any of the Coronavirus symptoms, a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss of our sense of taste or smell, we can reduce the risk of passing Covid19 on to others. We have almost daily mobile testing site facilities and four Walk Through sites in Sefton, and there is now more lab capacity to process test results and speed up responses. I would encourage anyone who needs a test to book 1, by calling:- 119 or visiting:- NHS.UK/Coronavirus and help protect the lives and livelihoods of our families, our friends and our communities.”

Testing is only available for those either with Coronavirus symptoms or those who have been asked to get tested by a doctor, public health professional or by their Local Council. Planned dates and locations for November Mobile Testing Units across Sefton are as follows, but may be subject to change if testing is required in other locations:-

Week 1

►  Sunday, 1 November - Maghull.

►  Monday, 2 November - Aintree.

►  Tuesday, 3 November - Aintree.

►  Wednesday, 4 November - Litherland.

►  Thursday, 5 November - Litherland.

►  Friday, 6 November - Litherland.

►  Saturday, 7 November - Maghull.

Week 2

►  Monday, 9 November - Southport.

►  Tuesday, 10 November - Southport.

►  Wednesday, 11 November - Southport.

►  Thursday, 12 November - Litherland.

►  Friday, 13 November - Litherland.

►  Saturday, 14 November - Maghull.

Week 3

►  Monday, 16 November - Aintree.

►  Tuesday, 17 November - Southport.

►  Wednesday, 18 November - Southport

►  Thursday, 19 November - Southport.

►  Friday, 20 November - Southport.

►  Sunday, 22 November - Maghull.

Week 4

►  Monday, 23 November - Litherland.

►  Tuesday, 24 November - Litherland.

►  Wednesday, 25 November - Southport.

►  Thursday,26 November - Southport.

►  Friday, 27 November - Southport.

►  Sunday, 29 November - Maghull.

Week 5

►  Monday, 30 November - Southport.

The Council has supported the provision of mobile testing since the start of July 2020 and introduced Merseyside's 1st 2 Walk Through Centres in August 2020 and a further 2 new Walk Through centres earlier in October 2020.  The Local Walk Through Test Centres are open every day, from 8am to 8pm, providing easy access to Covid19 tests for people who do not have access to a car and for those who have symptoms and should not travel by public transport.

The 4 local Test Centres are located at:-

►  Bootle Town Hall, L20 7AA

►  Crosby Library Car Park, Haigh Road, L22 OLQ

►  Netherton Activity Centre, Glovers Land, L30 3TL

►  Southport Town Hall, Lord Street, PR81DA

Tests can be booked at one of Sefton's walk through or mobile units online at:- NHS.UK or by calling:- 119.

"WHATEVER the Tier we're still here." As the UK faces a challenging winter Cadent Chief Executive Steve Fraser has a pledge for our 11 million customers... He said:- "As we move into the season of shorter days, darker nights and colder weather, the UK is coming to grips with the complexities of a multi Tier regional lockdown system. During these uncertain and often confusing times, it is my pledge to every one of our 11 million customers that Cadent will continue to be there for them, whatever the weather, whatever the time and whatever the Tier. As Britain's largest gas distribution network, Cadent is recognised by Government, along with other energy networks, as a critical industry which needs to keep operating throughout the Coronavirus emergency. As we have continued to do since the 1st lockdown in March, our gas emergency service will keep on responding to call outs, 24/7. We'll also keep on laying the energy foundations of the future with our gas mains replacement programme as well as taking forward cutting edge research and development in regard to future energy solutions. And people can rest easy in the knowledge that our staff will continue to be equipped with the right PPE and that they will follow all appropriate Government guidelines to ensure everybody's safety, be they in the office or out and about. Unlike other companies we opted not to furlough staff, and this remains our intention. Of course, we've had to adapt the way we do things in line with the current situation. Wherever possible our staff are continuing to work from home with video calls and remote working being the current norm for many of our employees, instead of the office. With unemployment and layoffs rising as a consequence of the economic slowdown, Cadent continues to recruit for all manner of roles. Since the start of April 2020, we've hired 1,235 new people, including 92 apprentices, adapting our joining process to fit in with the new way of working. As the initial lockdown back in March showed what may seem like the worst of times can bring out the best in human nature and in our employees. We're continuing to do what we can to help out our communities with a range of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) related activities. At a time when charities have struggled with falling donations the Cadent Foundation has paid out ₤465,000 in grants to many charities and organisations supporting both the NHS and some of the most vulnerable people living in the communities we serve. We're looking forward to sharing more about our charitable activities in the near future, which should help support the communities we serve during these difficult times. We also continue to support our staff who wish to undertake a variety of voluntary work in our communities. Earlier this year we participated in a scheme to give all our staff the opportunity to take an additional two days of paid leave a month, to help out with national Coronavirus effort. This saw our staff help out with things such as the delivery of much needed food and medicine. I want Cadent to be very much a local business sharing in the good times as well as the tough times with our communities and playing our part in helping to build a brighter future for us all beyond Coronavirus. At a time when good news may seem in short supply, it is my pledge to every 1 of you that Cadent will continue to work, 24/7, to keep every home, business and community facility on our network safe and warm, whilst creating new jobs and investing in the communities we serve. I believe, if we keep working together, we can overcome the challenges the months ahead will bring and progress towards a better future."

Avoid releasing sky lanterns ahead of Bonfire Night, the CLA urges

THE CLA is urging the public not to use sky lanterns ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night due to the damage they cause to the countryside. The CLA has been campaigning for a total ban for a number of years, and will continue to do so for the sake of farming, wildlife, the environment and property owners everywhere. Sky lanterns remain legal to buy. Earlier this year, the CLA wrote to Lord Gardiner, the Rural Affairs Minister at Defra calling on the Government to ban the use of sky lanterns. It is ludicrous that items which pose such a threat to our countryside and our animals is so readily available. Actions speak louder than words and it is time for the Government to recognise the dangers associated with sky lanterns. On a local level, the CLA urges Councils who have not yet introduced bans to give it some serious consideration, and balance the decision in favour of many people who have to deal with the unintended consequences of releasing sky lanterns and balloons. Many Local Authorities have already implemented the ban so far. CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said:- “Put simply, there is no responsible way of using sky lanterns. You have no control over where the flame will land which poses a serious risk to homes and businesses in the countryside; they can also kill animals, cause wildfires and damage the environment. We want people to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night and Halloween, but just as they will be taking safety precautions to prevent the spread of Covid19, we want them to also consider the safety of their wider environment; and this means not releasing sky lanterns under any circumstances.”

4,500 new Work Coaches to join the frontline to help Britain build back better

THOUSANDS of new recruits are now lined up to join Jobcentres across the UK and fuel the nation's Plan for Jobs. 4,500 new Work Coaches for the Jobcentre frontline will be trained up to use their expertise to help jobseekers across the country get the support they need to find a job, retrain or gain vital practical experience. The 4,500 new recruits who have already accepted jobs will be joined by thousands more by March 2021, meeting the Government's pledge to double the number of Work Coaches by the end of the financial year. Boosting these numbers will mean that jobseekers have access to key personal support tailored to them whether they're starting out, at the peak of their career or looking to leave a struggling sector. The next round of Work Coach recruitment will kick off mid-November with thousands of new vacancies available.

Mims Davies MP, Employment Minister said:- "Work Coaches are at the forefront of our national recovery and will be there for jobseekers striving to get back on their feet. From setting young people up with their 1st jobs to helping others retrain and find fresh opportunity in new industries, their support will help drive Britain's recovery.”

Recent recruit and new Work Coach Hasni Pazeer said:- "I know that I am making a really positive difference in people's lives and it's a great feeling to help get people back on their feet. I meet new people every day from all kinds of backgrounds and it's so rewarding to see customers flourish through the support we provide them."

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview chances and job search, Work Coaches also help arrange more structured support including:-

►  The ₤2 billion Kickstart scheme which puts young people receiving benefits 1st in line for new, high quality, 6 month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

►  The ₤238 million JETS programme targeting those out of work for 3 months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

►  Increased support for 40,000 jobseekers of all ages through the Sector based Work Academy Programme, which received a ₤17 million funding boost this summer and will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training.