Green Machine heads for Knowsley

A unique initiative to encourage and support schools, community groups and other organisations across Merseyside to improve and protect their local environment is being piloted in Knowsley.

The ŒGreen Machine environmental project launched this month by the Community Foundation for Merseyside as part of its on-going campaign to Œbring Merseyside together is operating as a partnership between the Community Foundation, businesses and community groups throughout the region. 

"Merseyside's environment remains a key issue for many major communities across the region," said the Community Foundation Director of Fundraising and Development, Emma Leaman.

"The Community Foundation has already played a leading role in supporting hundreds of local groups in many areas to make environmental improvements in their neighbourhoods, providing financial support for a range of projects including the refurbishment of local buildings and the reclamation of derelict land."

The Community Foundation is negotiating for Government funding for the project and is currently in discussion with several major Merseyside-based organisations.

Projects may involve recycling, putting an end to fly tipping, or cleaning up disused areas. The Fund piloted this month in Knowsley and will be rolled out across Merseyside later this year. 

Council vows clamp down on 'Crack Houses'

LIVERPOOL city council has vowed to clamp down on 'crack houses' after police successfully served a closure order on a flat - the first of its kind in the city.

Neighbourhood Officers and Liverpool City Council's Anti Social Behaviour Team have been gathering evidence about the activities surrounding the flat in Southwell Place, Dingle, L8 and its occupants, a man and a woman, over recent months. 

As a result, a closure notice had been issued in connection with the unlawful use, production and supply of Class A drugs associated with disorder or serious nuisance under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Following the closure notice Liverpool city council has begun possession proceedings through the County Court in order to seek the eviction of the tenants.

Councillor Flo Clucas, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Housing, said:- "The council made a vow that if people gave us evidence of people mis-using a property in this way we would act. And people can see the result of those actions. 

We are determined to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour. Now we will begin a clean up of this property, re-let the house to new tenants and restore order and safety to this community.

The public have played a crucial part in this particular case. With their co-operation this criminal activity has ceased. If people give us the evidence we'll take action."

Police officers had observed the flat and the activities surrounding it. They noted a large number of people were calling at the house at all hours of the day and night. This resulted in a great deal of noise and associated disorder while at the premises.

Merseyside Police's Acting Neighbourhood Inspector for Dingle and St Michael's, Neil Ruddick, said:- "The closure order is the result of a long running and complex operation between police and the local authority which came about as a result of concerns expressed to us by members of the public."