ADVICE FOR VISITORS TO SOUTHPORT TOWN CENTRE DURING AINTREE FESTIVAL 2009

MERSEYSIDE is set to play host to thousands of national and international visitors who will be coming to the area to enjoy the three days of the Aintree festival very soon.

They will, undoubtedly, also enjoy visiting Southport town centre and taking in the local nightlife once the racing has finished for the day.   Merseyside Police hopes that all visitors will be able to enjoy the area.  Anyone believed to be acting anti-socially will be dealt with to help ensure that people have their night out in safety.

This behaviour includes:-

► Using obscene / profane language in the street
► Throwing litter
► Wilfully obstructing the highway
► Urinating in the street
► Using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour
► Carrying an open glass or vessel or drinking alcohol in the street.

Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke said:- "We will be doing all we can to ensure that visitors to Southport, enjoy our beautiful town.  We're expecting visitors to enjoy an evening out after the racing on each day, but we also feel it's important for both visitors and residents alike to understand that certain standards are adhered to.  Officers will be on hand during the three day Aintree Festival to provide help, advice and reassurance throughout."

Visitors to Southport and the rest of Merseyside are reminded of the following advice to protect themselves and their property:-

► Protect wallets and purses by keeping them out of sight
► Do not leave property, including handbags, unattended
► Do not leave property on show in parked cars
► Immediately report any abandoned property to police
► When using your mobile phone be aware of your surroundings

Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke added:- "During this major international event we hope that members of the public will work with us for the enjoyment of all.  We want to ensure national and international visitors are able to enjoy what our area has to offer in a safe and friendly environment."

A tale of two Stuart’s – Half Marathon superstars

ONE Stuart is a Commonwealth games competitor who won the Liverpool half marathon on Sunday, 29 March 2009, the other a local man who ran in aid of Freshfields Leonard Cheshire Disability home in Formby.  Stuart Parr finished 2746 out of 3496 and raised nearly £250 for local disabled people.

The Liverpool half marathon is regarded as an excellent pre-event to the London Marathon.  But for many this is a big enough challenge in itself.  Stuart Parr said after the race:- "When I finished the feeling was one of fulfillment that I had completed the race and that I had done so much better than I expected – even though I had missed 5 weeks of training due to me straining my ankle ligaments and my calf started to hurt me about 7 miles in.  I ran for Freshfields Leonard Cheshire Disability home because my friend’s brother lives there and they tell me all good things about the home and how happy he is there."

The Leonard Cheshire Disability Freshfield home on College Path provides care for physically disabled people and needs to raise over £8000 this year from local supporters.  It is part of the national charity which also campaigns to change attitudes to disability and provides innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way. 

Leonard Cheshire Disability North West Area Fundraiser Pamela Mulligan said:- “We are so delighted that Stuart and others supported Freshfields in this way.  It is wonderful news that Stuart has raised nearly £250 for us and we hope that others will feel inspired by Stuart and support us in future runs in Merseyside.”

Leonard Cheshire Disability is looking for runners to take part in the Women’s 10k and 5k run in Liverpool on 10 May 2009, the Mersey Tunnel 10k on 31 May 2009 and the Asics Liverpool 10k on 4 October 2009.  Please call Pam Mulligan on:- 07827 995757 or you can email for more details.