Capital of Culture it is NOW official!

EUROPE has officially confirmed Liverpool as Capital of Culture, 2008. 

The Council of Ministers of the European Union met in Brussels today and gave Liverpool approval for the prestigious title. 

The decision comes almost one year to the day when Secretary of State Tessa Jowell, MP, announced that Liverpool was the UK's nomination for the title, at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in London.

Chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, Sir Bob Scott, said:- "Liverpool has gained the confidence of the European Union in its ability to deliver an excellent Capital of Culture programme. We will capture the imagination of the whole of Europe. 

While we were never in any doubt that Liverpool would receive final European approval for the title, it is still a very special day for the city. It brings to a close the first chapter of our Capital of Culture story. It is the culmination of years of hard work to earn the title.

Of course, the real story, and the real hard work, is just beginning. We can now look forward to the on-going preparations for hosting Capital of Culture in 2008, preparations which will change the face of the city forever."

The decision from the Council of Ministers follows a crucial presentation in February, when a Liverpool delegation met with the European Commission in
Brussels to present the city's case. 

The European Commission congratulated Liverpool on what it has achieved so far, and praised the city's commitment to deliver an exciting, inclusive programme for the whole of Europe. They also praised the investment in culture, and the city's vision of using culture as a catalyst for regeneration. 

Attending the Council of Ministers meeting on behalf of the UK was the Right Honourable Lord (Andrew) McIntosh, Minister for Media and Heritage for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

City Council Chief Executive David Henshaw, said:- "This is the formal confirmation from Europe that Liverpool will be Capital of Culture in 2008. It marks the end of a tremendous year for the city since the historic announcement was made.

But this is only the start for Liverpool. In the coming months and years we are going to be working hard to make Britain proud of Europe as a Capital of Culture and to ensure the city's massive regeneration gathers pace."

"FREE THE BEES"

THE Bees plus Special Guests will be performing at the Carling Academy in Liverpool on the 10 June. Tickets are £8.00 in advance. 

Call the box office on:- 0870 771 2000 (24hr) or the customer information line on:- 0905 020 3999

EMAIL US ALL YOUR VIEWS AND NEWS TODAY

United Utilities Apologies For Discolored Water

IF you may have experienced regarding discolored water on the 18 May, United Utilities have issued this apologue for any inconvenience that it may have caused.

"On Tuesday 18 May we encountered problems whilst carrying out operational work on a large water main that supplies water to Cheshire and Merseyside. This resulted in some customers in these areas receiving discolored water.

We have taken samples which confirm that whilst the water may have been discolored in some areas, it was not harmful. The discoloration was caused when naturally occurring sediment which normally lies within the water network was disturbed. We are sorry for any inconvenience that it may have caused" Tony McKenna, Regional Water Network Manager.

LIVERPOOL MAN IN COURT AFTER CUSTOMS SEIZE 75,000 ECSTASY TABLETS

A Liverpool man appeared in court today after Customs officers seized 75,000 ecstasy tablets concealed in a car's fuel tank at the Channel Tunnel.

Plumber Michael Hayes, aged 50, of 62 Stevenson Street, Liverpool was stopped on Saturday 22 May at the UK control zone at Coquelles, France and he was charged with illegally importing approximately 25 kilos of ecstasy.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Dover magistrates on Thursday 27 May.

SERGEANT NICK REDGRIFT RETURNS TO BIRKENHEAD

SERGEANT Nick Redgrift, 32 from Birkenhead has returned to his local Armed Forces Careers Office to advise young people on Army careers. 

Nick serves with The 22nd Cheshire Regiment. He has previously worked as a Recruit Instructor for 2 years, and has represented The Army at athletics and cross country running at which he was the under 23 1500m champion. Since joining The Army Nick has traveled to Cyprus, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Germany, America, Canada, Norway and Jordan.

Nick says:- "I joined The British Army 13 years ago to start a career, since then I haven't looked back! I have traveled the world, and taken part in a variety of sports such as Cross country running, skiing, athletics, orienteering and Golf.

I wanted a job full of challenges and variety, and there's no other career that I know of that offers the same opportunities as the Army. I am keen to speak to the youngsters because I believe that the best way for young people to find out more about Army careers is to meet real soldiers."

Nick will be in the Armed Forces Careers Office in Birkenhead to talk to anyone who might be interested in a career in the Army. Call in and see him, or alternatively for more general information about the broad range of travel, pay and sporting opportunities available in the Army, contact the Armed Forces Careers Office on 0151 6476860 or visit the website at:- www.army.mod.uk 

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