“Everyday must be Safer Internet Day” says Merseyside Labour Euro MP

TUESDAY, 10 February was Safer Internet Day. Over 50 countries in Europe and the rest of the world took part in activities to make internet usage safer for children and young people.

Arlene said:- “I have introduced new laws at European level to protect our children and young people online. But raising awareness about how to be safe on the internet is also key to protecting young people online.

In Britain we are taking this issue very seriously, The Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre in the UK has already educated 1 million children in safer internet usage and by June 2009 every primary and secondary school in the UK will have internet safety resources for staff, parents and children.”

Arlene praised Merseyside School for taking part in activities:- “I am delighted that a number of local schools are taking part in Safer Internet Day. This is an important and ongoing campaign which we must support. For young people everyday must be Safer Internet Day.”

DRIVERS NOW NEED GRIT - NOT JUST SALT - FOR BAD WEATHER

THE Institute of Advanced Motorists has put together an at a glance guide to driving and riding in adverse weather, to help the estimated six million drivers who are now facing the worst driving conditions in a generation.

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger, one of the UK's most qualified drivers, said:- "Blame for some of the problems may focus on the lack of salt, but a lack of grit on the part of many drivers also led to difficulties, especially on side roads up and down the UK. "In the last week, poorly prepared drivers and vehicles have ended up stranded by driving conditions that for which they had little or no experience. Blizzards and strong side winds are predicted, with more snow and ice, plus the inevitable local flooding that follows. These would challenge even experienced drivers." 

Drivers in different parts of the UK will be combating a range of treacherous driving conditions for days to come. Mr Rodger echoed police warnings that even though the first snow has gone, it doesn't mean that the roads are safe again.

The IAM said that five main things drivers should be aware of are when facing the full range of the British winter are:-

	FRESH SNOW - get your speed right (not too fast to lose control, and not too slow to risk losing momentum); create lots of room around you and do everything smoothly - braking, steering, accelerating. Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs.
	HEAVY RAIN - watch for the shiny patches that are lying water; give yourself a longer gap to other traffic, and be ready to slow down when you need to; keep the demister working; don't soak pedestrians by running through puddles.
	FLOODING - lower your speed right down and choose the most shallow route available , using the middle of the road if that's where it is and you can do so. Use a low gear to keep revs high but control speed by slipping the clutch (and beware that water could enter the exhaust, so keep the revs up).
	FOG - the lead vehicle in a queue will clear pockets of fog, potentially deceiving vehicles following that the conditions are clearer than they are. Don't use full beam. Use wipers on the outside and the demister inside to keep your visibility as clear as possible.
	HIGH WINDS - give yourself more space, with plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front; take particular care when passing large vehicles and motorcycles, and be ready for side winds at gaps in buildings or as you come out of a cutting. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to side winds.

Mini movie maestros’ 08 gift

NINE and ten year old filmmakers from St Michael in the Hamlet Primary School have put together their own DVD celebrating Liverpool’s historic year.

In the film, produced at the end of ’08, the children stumble across a mini-Superlambanana in a shoe box. They befriend the colourful mascot before taking it on a guided tour of the city, to give it a taste of the cultural celebrations.

The youngsters travelled all over the city to make the film, from Speke Hall to Liverpool John Lennon Airport; and from Anfield and Goodison to St George’s Hall.

Their imaginative take on ’08 is the school’s gift to Capital of Culture, portraying the year though the eyes of young people.

Now, they are welcoming a very special guest to their school, as the Culture Company’s chief executive, Kris Donaldson visits to give the DVD the seal of approval. He will also be interviewed by youngsters, with the footage being added to their film.

Teacher Laura Moreton, who worked with the young people to create the film, said:- “We are really proud of our film. Our talented pupils worked really hard to capture the magic of 08, and their enthusiasm really shines through.

The end result is a fascinating film which celebrates the culture of our wonderful city and looks back on a truly momentous year.”

The young people hope to share their DVD with other schools across the city, as well as entering it into a city-wide Schools’ Dragon’s Den competition later this month, which encourages youngsters to use their entrepreneurial skills to develop marketable products.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - ROBBERY - BRIDGEWATER STREET

MERSEYSIDE Police have appealed for witnesses following the robbery of a car on Bridgewater Street in Liverpool city centre on Monday, 9 February 2009.

At about 4.55pm the victim and a friend were getting into his car (a light grey Audi RS4 convertible with a black soft-top roof) when they were approached by four men who got out of a dark grey or silver saloon car.

The men, who are believed to have been armed with a wheel brace and handgun, assaulted the victim with the wheel brace before escaping in both cars towards Upper Parliament Street.

The cars were then seen being driven erratically by members of the public on Aigburth Road and Queens Drive, Mossley Hill. The Audi was reported in a collision with another vehicle outside Bargain Booze on Aigburth Road and drove away in the direction of Parkfield Road. At this stage the car has not been recovered.

Officers attended at the scene of the robbery and fortunately the driver of the car did not require hospital treatment.

The offenders are described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall, were wearing dark clothing, balaclavas and hoods and had Liverpool accents.

Crime Scene Investigators have carried out forensic examinations and officers are visiting local business premises.

Detective Inspector Rob Hill said:- "Robbery is a very personal crime and it is often a very traumatic experience for the victim. We are absolutely determined to catch those responsible for this crime and to bring them to justice.

We take this type of crime very seriously and recently two men were arrested in connection with similar offences in the city centre. One has been charged and remanded in custody, the other has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

In relation to this particular offence we have identified some positive lines of inquiry and are confident that we will bring the offenders to justice. However, I would urge people to be vigilant, particularly in car parks and whilst stationery at traffic lights. Do not confront the individuals, but report anything suspicious to the police immediately."

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the car, or who knows of its whereabouts, to call 0151 777 4808 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.