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SCHOOL Crossing Patrols in Liverpool are to get a new look from next term to make them more visible to motorists.

The 'lollipop' men and women's traditional yellow uniform is to be replaced by a new bright orange outfit. Councillor Peter Millea said:- "There have been some incidents when people on patrol have been hit by cars and there have been many more near misses, this is why we need change and stop driver confusion." 

Discussions into possible sponsorship to fund the cost of the change of uniform are under way. The 'new-look patrols' will be on duty from September 2.

Rare Plants on Display

THERE will be a chance to see some rare plants from Liverpool's world-renowned botanical collection this week.

The plants, which are not usually on view to the public, will be in a display at Southport Spring Garden Festival which takes place on the Bank Holiday weekend from 1 to 3 May at Meols Hall in Churchtown and includes displays by many top international exhibitors. About 30,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Currently, only a small percentage of the City's botanical collection is displayed at Sefton Park Palm House and the Show House in Calderstones Park.

The majority of plants are maintained at Greenhill Nursery including three accredited National Plant Collections. 

Councillor Richard Oglethorpe, Executive Member for the Environment, said:- "This is an opportunity to see part of our unique collection which is of national importance We are looking at ways in which the botanical collection can go back on permanent public display but in the meantime many thousands of people will enjoy seeing some rare and beautiful plants."

In previous years the Parks and Environment Horticultural Team responsible for the care of the Botanical Collection has staged exhibits at many venues including the Liverpool Show, Tatton Park Flower Show, Southport Flower Show, Liverpool Garden Festival and Hampton Court Flower Show.

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Motoring Agency Warns of Prospective Fines

WITH thousands of Britons taking to the roads for short breaks or shopping trips over the Bank Holiday, the RAC has warned that many will face action from the law if they neglect their vehicles over the holiday period.

Recent research by the motoring agency reveals that over 71% of motorists are confused about how the Bank Holiday affects parking regulations which is hardly surprising given the variation of the regulations over Bank Holiday and festive periods. 

Mark Hodges, spokesman for RAC Legal Services warned:- "There are now over 20,000 traffic wardens1 issuing more than a million fines to Britain's 25 million motorists. Each bank holiday, we see an increase in calls to RAC's Legal Helpline from motorists who have been caught out, despite thinking they had parked legitimately.

Many motorists assume Sunday parking regulations apply on Bank Holidays.

This is often not the case as Local Authorities can treat bank holidays like any other day. We are warning motorists to check signs and road markings to ensure their Bank Holiday breaks or shopping trip doesn't result in hefty fine which could have been avoided."

Public Servants shortlist

DAVID Henshaw, Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, and Sue Trafford, e-business Suite Manager at the Council, have beaten off stiff competition to become finalists in this year's Public Servants of the Year Awards. Both are a step closer to scooping the prestigious overall Public Servant of the Year 2004 award.

The Awards, organised by Public Finance magazine and in their fourth year, honour the exceptional teams and individuals working in the UK's public services. The awards are this year supported by the Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

The awards are unique in recognising and rewarding individual and team achievements of public servants across all sectors of the UK public services.