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You light up my life!
BRIGHT SPARKS at Liverpool City Council have won a top national award. The team behind the £1.5m City of Light project, which is illuminating key buildings across the city, has scooped the 2005 Local Government News (LGN) Street Design award in the 'Lighting' category.
The awards recognise the best in street design across the country. Judges gave Liverpool's team a glowing report for its ambitious project to bring 30 of the city's most famous and striking buildings to life by bathing them in light. LGN Editor Laura Sharman will present the award to the city centre projects team at Liverpool Town Hall on Friday 24 June.
Council Leader Mike Storey said:- "This is brilliant! It's a wonderful project, and has given new life to the city's outstanding buildings. Our architecture is among the finest in the country, and we want to give the city a truly European-feel. It means local people and visitors alike can enjoy Liverpool even more at night time. It's all about promoting one of the city's most valuable cultural assets - our buildings. I'm delighted our city centre projects team have won this national recognition. The project's success in helping to bring new vibrancy to Liverpool's architecture means the award is well deserved."
Among the buildings lit up are the neo-classical jewels of Liverpool Museum, Walker Art Gallery, The Picton Library and St George's Hall; and each of the world famous Three Graces at Pier Head. And thanks to the project, the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals, the art deco Philharmonic Hall and Beetham Plaza are all being seen in a new light.
Judges praised 'City of Light' for highlighting and building upon Liverpool's rich architectural heritage, and promoting the city as a world-class tourist and business destination.
In charge of the project is Martin Thompson. He said:- "The aim of City of Light was to design a lighting scheme which would complement, highlight and boost Liverpool's unique and historic buildings - and it's wonderful to see these plans coming to fruition. It's a great honour to win this prestigious award. We are very proud that our plans to enhance Liverpool's beautiful architecture and create an exciting and vibrant night time environment have earned the city national recognition."
Liverpool City Council developed the 'City of Light' scheme in partnership with regeneration company Liverpool Vision. The programme began in Spring 2003 with £1.2m worth of European and government grants.
Liverpool beat off tough competition from Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, and Plymouth City Council to win the award.
And there was more good news for Liverpool in the 'Pedestrian Environment' category. The city centre projects team was highly commended by LGN for their work in creating a vibrant public space in Williamson Square.
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Green-fingered cowboys in hedge con over new height laws
THE green-fingered community of Warrington is being warned, by Trading Standards, to be wary of cowboy gardeners, following the introduction of new laws about hedge heights. Warrington Trading Standards has issued the timely warning that gangs of rogue gardeners may use the new laws to target residents, offering their services to trim the height of hedges to avoid fines.
Unscrupulous gangs often target householders, including vulnerable, elderly people, quoting a low price for a job. The price often rises or additional work is often needed, which results in people handing over unnecessary large amounts of money.
Cllr Pat Wright, Executive Board Member for Community Services, said:- "Residents may be concerned that their hedges are too high and want someone to trim them down to avoid getting into trouble. It is important that they do not feel pressurised by rogue gardeners who may attempt to frighten them into having work done. The practice of offering to carry out work door-to-door is not uncommon. Unfortunately many people end up paying much more than anticipated. The work is often done immediately before people have the chance to change their mind and it is often of a very poor standard. Anyone knocking on a door offering to do work must comply with the law and give householders seven days written cancellation rights."
Top Trading Standards tips:-
- Do not be forced in to making a quick decision on the doorstep.
- Get 3
quotes from reputable companies for any work done
. Remembering
that the best recommendation is a personal one from someone who has had work done.
- Get a fixed price and be specific about what work is to be done.
- Get everything in writing, including the company details, price and work to be done.
- Pay by credit card,
if possible, for all jobs over £100, which ensures extra protection.
If you have agreed to have work carried out by someone who has called at your house and would like to discuss any other issues contact Trading Standards on 01925 442678.
There is a compulsory informal resolution process that any complainant and hedge owner must follow in the event of any disputes.
If you would like more information on the legislation contact Philip Ramsden on 01925 442587.
There will be a fee involved if the Council accepts a complaint and therefore Council involvement should be considered as a last resort.
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