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Police Notice to ALL BUSINESSES... BE ALERT NOT ALARMED!
THIS week Merseyside Police wish to point out to all businesses that there is no intelligence to suggest that Liverpool or Merseyside is under any specific threat. However there are precautionary measures that we can all take.
Everyone should be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. The police welcome this support but also ask people to avoid causing unnecessary concerns. If anyone has specific information about the recent events in London, the Anti-Terrorist Hotline is:- 0800 789 321.
All businesses are requested to brief switchboard operators and staff about what to do in case of a bomb warning. A bomb warning incident report can be obtained electronically or in hard copy from Business Crime Direct on 0151 285 1413.
All businesses are requested to ensure all staff are familiar with their emergency / evacuation procedures, and businesses should consider training and rehearsals.
All businesses are asked to inspect their CCTV systems. Ensure cameras are in good working order and tapes are of good quality and replaced if required (no tape should be used more than 12 times). CCTV recordings should be kept until the police state this is no longer necessary. This is particularly true for businesses with external CCTV and all shopping centres, public buildings, commercial buildings and premises with underground parking.
All businesses should ensure good security practices. Plan from the outset. Be extra vigilant about mail handling, building access points, visitor supervision, delivery arrangements and parking.
All business are asked to carry out their own risk assessments, but if anyone feels particularly vulnerable, a full Crime Prevention Survey can be carried out by Business Crime Direct, free of charge:- 0151 285 1413
www.businesscrimedirect.org.uk
It is essential that people do not leave bags or packages unattended!
RIDING TO WORK IS GOOD FOR PEOPLE IN THE NORTH WEST
COMMUTING
on a bike or scooter amount to 66% of all motorcycle journeys and in an age when car is the king and congestion is increasing there has never been a better time for people to take the plunge and use 2-wheels to enhance their journey to work.
Research carried out for National Motorcycle Week revealed that riders and non-riders in the North West think the top 3 benefits of travelling to work on a motorcycle or scooter are:-
Quicker journey times - 66%
Cheaper than car/ public transport - 54%
Avoid congestion - 58.5%
Non-riders, although they don't have personal biking experience, agreed with the riders that these are the 3 factors that make motorcycling to work a realistic alternative transport choice. Scooters are one of the most suitable forms of transport for use in urban areas and in particular where cars clog the roads from morning to night. Journey times in London, for example, can be reduced by between 40-60% when travelling by motorcycle, moped or scooter.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said:- "Sales of new scooters have risen 16 times, from 500 in 1993 to 8,000 in 2004 a substantial increase over the last decade. The fact that people are choosing to buy and the numbers have been growing confirms that they have recognised the benefits of two-wheels as an alternative form of transport. Now, it is time for government, both centrally and locally, to ensure they act accordingly to include motorcycles and scooters in mainstream planning and create an environment which will enable those who choose to, to ride easily and safety."
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BLACK CULTURE CELEBRATES SUCCESS IN LIVERPOOL
POET Levi Tafari and former Liverpool footballer John Barnes are to help celebrate the success of a project, which improves the academic achievements of black youngsters. The Liverpool Black Achievement Project addresses the needs of Liverpool-born black children in the city, raising their aspirations and self-esteem.
The work includes researching personal histories, interviewing relatives about their lives and studying the history of black men and women. Studies show that children involved in the project improve their performance in English, maths and science.
The children also work in their classrooms with high-profile black men and women who talk to them about their lives, and how they have become successful.
Councillor Paul Clein, executive member for children's services, said:- "Liverpool has a proud history as one of the major ports of the world, and as a result people from around the globe passed through here, many of them choosing to settle in the city - including members of my own family. It is vitally important that we encourage youngsters to learn more about how their ancestors came to be in this country. It gives them a greater sense of who they are as well as painting a picture of the history of Liverpool and the influence on making it the city that it is today."
Many of the youngsters involved in the project from primary and secondary schools in the city will come together at the Maritime Museum on Wednesday July 13, for an afternoon of performance and celebration based upon their work. It will include music, dance and poetry.
Barbara Higgins from the project said:- "We are very proud of the hard work and successes of our children on the Black Achievement Project. Schools have been enthusiastic in their support for the Project and the achievements and potential of these children has been evident."
Businesses have no time to waste to meet new legislation
FROM this weekend, businesses could be prosecuted if they fail to comply with new regulations on the production or movement of hazardous waste, says ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
A change in the law means that, from 16 July, many common items, including fluorescent tube lighting and computer monitors, will for the first time fall within the scope of 'hazardous waste'. Many businesses which produce or move hazardous waste will be required to notify the Environment Agency of the premises at which this takes place - this requirement though will not apply to waste which is produced resultant from the normal use of premises as offices or shops.
John Davies, Head of Business Law at ACCA said:- "Many businesses may not yet realise that they could easily be affected by these new regulations, finding themselves classed as producers of hazardous waste for the first time. Businesses that fail to comply with the new requirements could face fines of up to £5,000 if found guilty or in severe cases a prison sentence. The Environment Agency also has power to issue on the spot fines of £300 if it considers that a business is in breach.”
Whenever hazardous waste is removed from premises under the new rules, standard procedures however will apply and records must be kept. Businesses will be required to record exactly what their waste contains and arrange for it to be disposed of in a suitable and responsible manner - most likely through specialist contractors. Any person who tips hazardous waste on landfill sites must again keep a detailed record of where this was done.
Concerned businesses are advised to contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or
enquiries@envionment-agency.gov.uk.
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