PAYPHONES ON MERSEYSIDE

BRITISH Telecom has assured people on Merseyside that it will continue to provide a comprehensive payphone service, despite the growth of mobile phone's meaning fewer payphones on our streets. 

The company intends to maintain 1,519 kiosks on Merseyside, including 18 loss making phone boxes, to ensure that the community has access to essential payphones. Across Great Britain, of the 75,000 BT phone boxes on the streets, only 29,000 are profitable, 19,000 just break even and 27,000 lose money. 

Getting the balance right between commercial pressures and providing a public service is vital and the company has pledged its commitment to the service particularly for those people who depend on payphones. 

A nationwide review of phone boxes began in April 2002 and will be completed by the end of 2005. The company is consulting with district, parish, town and community councils about plans to remove a number of payphones which it believes are no longer needed. It is also placing notices in those kiosks. BT would like to reduce the number of phone boxes on Merseyside by 89. 

Paul Hendron, director of BT Payphones, said:- “We recognise that people have concerns about our plans to reduce the number of payphones, but I would like to reassure them that BT is still committed to the service, particularly for the communities who need us most. We will manage the changes sensitively through extensive consultation with local representatives.

The increase in mobile phone ownership in particular has led to a complete culture change in communication. The number of calls made from BT payphones has almost halved in the last three years and revenue dropped by more than 40%. 

Only one per cent of UK homes do not have access to either a fixed line or a mobile phone. Ninety three per cent have a fixed line, 79% a fixed and mobile phone and six per cent have a mobile phone only."

Bigley to put policies first

THE election battle for June’s European Parliamentary elections have begun with the publication by Conservatives of their election manifesto. Mark Bigley, Parliamentary Spokesman for Southport Conservatives welcomed the manifesto pledges of cutting red-tape on businesses in Southport, restoring national control of Britain’s fisheries, and guaranteeing local voters a say via a referendum on any future laws which would transfer power away from Britain.

Mark Bigley explained:- “The election gun has been fired in the race for the European elections in June. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say on the way they are governed rather than letting apathy rule. I want a new deal to create a flexible, competitive Europe.

By contrast, other parties want to sign up to a European Constitution and scrap the Pound.”

THE SEARCH STARTS FOR NEW STARS

SHOWBIZ hopefuls looking to take part in the countries longest running and most respected talent competition are reminded that the deadline for registration is looming.

Wednesday, 12 May is the cut off for anyone wishing to audition for the 28th Search for a Star competition. The auditions will take place at Southport Arts Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, 18 and 19 May.

All kinds of artists are welcome to apply to audition including singers, bands, comedians, dancers and speciality acts. The best acts will then compete in heats later in the year.

Contestants will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of singer Chris Lafferty who won the North West Regional Final and then went on to represent Southport and to finish first in the Grand National Final in Kings Lynn last year. The previous year Southport teenager Bethany Greenwood also won the regional final.

The event is organised by Sefton Council’s Tourism Department and Scarisbrick entertainment agency ABD Productions. Magic radio is set to once again sponsor the North West competition and will promote the event from its stations across the region in Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

Approximately 12 performers will go through to each heat which will take place at the Arts Centre on 5, 12, 19 and 26 August and 2 September. Each heat has £100 prize money and sends at least two acts through to the North West Area Final at the Southport Theatre where £1,200 is up for grabs. 

The national competition will see 15 entertainers representing resorts throughout the country competing for £4,000 in prize money and the prestigious title in front of some of the country’s top talent spotters and agents.

Sefton tourism officers are delighted that this year Southport Theatre will be staging the British Resort’s Association’s Grand Final of the Search for a Star competition on 20 November. The final was last held in the resort 12 years ago.

Murder on New Chester Road, Birkenhead

MERSEYSIDE Police have released a 42 year old woman on police bail. The local woman was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 33 year old from stab wounds after an incident at a house on New Chester Road, Birkenhead, at around 4pm on Tuesday 4 May. The man was treated at hospital, but despite the efforts of hospital staff, his injuries proved fatal. The man, Peter Waring was from the local area.

Police have undertaken door to door inquiries and have already taken a number of statements as part of their investigation into the incident, which officers believe is domestic in nature. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.