Top marks for learning

MERSEYTRAVEL has won another award in recognition of its education programme for staff - a “GO” excellence award from the Government’s Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Presenting the award at a ceremony in the Plaisterers’ Hall, London, Lord Tony Young, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills and Apprenticeships said:- “In the current economic climate it’s more important than ever to deliver high-quality public services and have skilled workers in place so that we can take advantage when the upturn comes.”

The citation for the award said that Merseytravel has a track record in investing in improving skills for life.  Through its pioneering learning arm Merseylearn, Merseytravel has ensured the development and maintenance of a consistent positive ethos of learning throughout the organisation.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel, said:- “We’re delighted with this further recognition of our efforts in our Skills for Life programme which has been of tremendous benefit to both our staff and our organisation.  Since we introduced our own learning programme 5 years ago there has been a marked increase in motivation and morale, fewer days lost through sickness and a 10% reduction in grievances and complaints.  We’ve also got a lower turnover of staff than any other comparable transport authority in the country with a turnover of only 4%.”

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES - SEXUAL ASSAULT - CALDERSTONES PARK, ALLERTON, LIVERPOOL

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault on a woman in Calderstones Park, Allerton, on the morning of Saturday, 11 April 2009.

At around 8.20am a 58 year old woman was walking her dogs in Calderstone Park when she was approached by a man.

After briefly talking to her he pinned her to the ground, punched her, sexually assaulted her then ran away in the direction of Allerton Road.

The offender is described as white, in his early 30's, around 5ft 6in tall, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a blue bomber jacket and a reddish brown checked shirt.

Detective Inspector Peter Cain said:- "This was a disturbing incident which has left the victim feeling very upset. 

I would like to reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to find this man and patrols have been stepped up in the area. 

I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Queensway tunnel anniversary walks

THIS year the Queensway tunnel, one of the two tunnels that link Liverpool with Wirral under the River Mersey, is getting ready to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The 3.24km tunnel was opened by King George V in July 1934 and is now a major route for the City's traffic. This year already has seen massive interest in the walk through the 2 mile tunnel, in fact so many have asked to do the walk that 5 separate walk through processions will now take place on 19 July 2009. Also the event organisers said the day would be the last chance to walk through the tunnel for years, so that has added to the demand. It is planned that the event will be hosted by Liverpool's TV personality, Keith Chegwin and will include a programme of family entertainment as well as a trip back over the river on a Mersey ferry. not only that but we also plan to have a vintage car rally, carnival rides, musical entertainment and dramatic circus displays.

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, said that:- "This is the legacy of a special event held last year to celebrate European Capital of Culture. This year we are planning something special to celebrate a milestone in the history of the tunnel and all proceeds from the event will be donated our 2009 worthy corporate charity, Claire House. So why not get together with your friends and family and form a team event for charity? You could even wear fancy dress. As this is an historic part of Liverpool's and the Wirral's identity and at its time of being built, it was the largest underwater road tunnel in the world. Seventy five years on it is still an amazing feat of engineering and this will be your chance to see it up close. We hope that we can bringing some of that history back to life."

Walks are timed at 1030, 1115, 1200, 1245 or 1330 BST, with single tickets costing £5 and family tickets at £15.

If you require further information about the event, call the information line on 0151 330 1702.

Please click here to download a registration form.
Please click here to book your tickets online.
 
Special offer for all participants - Make sure that you keep hold of your Under and Over the Mersey wristband as it will give you 2-4-1 entry at Spaceport the U-boat Story and on the Tunnel Tours until 16 August 2009.

2 for 1 entry at Spaceport & U-boat Story on presentation of Under & Over The Mersey Event wristband.

Offer valid until 16 August 2009.

One free admission per wristband.

Offer applies to individual attraction and joint Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise/attraction tickets

If you buy one full priced adult or concession ticket you will get one free admission.

Not to be used with any other offer or promotion including family tickets.