Southport Euro-MP tackles electrical waste mountain

NEW measures to promote the recycling of millions of tonnes of electrical and electronic waste (WEEE) were approved by MEPs in Brussels recently.  Although many items, such as mobile phones, contain valuable rare metals that are in short supply, only 33% of Europe's electronic waste mountain currently reaches professional recyclers.

As part of the legislation Southport Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies persuaded the European Parliament to end a loophole that has led to waste electrical equipment being dismantled by children and the poor working in extremely hazardous conditions.

With criminals often claiming that the electrical equipment is being sent for use abroad, he has secured support from the European Parliament for measures to require every item to be individually certified as in working order.

Without the change rogue traders could dump old computers, televisions and household goods on developing countries as a way of getting round strict EU recycling laws.  Often the toxic waste generated would be dumped in landfill and deadly chemicals could enter the water and food supplies.

Said Davies:- “Green-minded consumers deserve to know that when they pass their old gadgets in for recycling and disposal the components will be reused and dangerous chemicals will be disposed of properly.  When properly recycled our old electrical equipment needs not be considered as rubbish but as a valuable raw material.   If people can export used electronics for reuse elsewhere then more power to them but if they are using it as an excuse to make our laptops into someone else’s toxic sludge then they need to be stopped.  Our waste must not become another person’s poison.”

Southport Shopping Arcade Wraps Up a Tidy Sum for Charity

SOUTHPORT'S Wayfarers Shopping Arcade has helped raise thousands for local charities through its Christmas gift-wrap service.  Despite the terrible weather over the festive season, more than £2,000 was collected for 4 good causes:- KidsCan Children’s Cancer Research Centre, DebRA, Claire House Children’s Hospice and Christ Church, Lord Street.  The Victorian arcade on Lord Street provided the charities with festive gift wrap and the use of a unit free-of-charge, so that all donations received could go directly to where they were needed most.  Wayfarers Shopping Arcade manager, Yvonne Burns, said:- “Christmas is a time for giving and it is very pleasing to see that the snow and ice did not dampen the festive spirit of our shoppers.  The gift wrapping service was very popular with customers and we are pleased that Wayfarers Shopping Arcade was able to make a difference to some worthy causes.”  Wayfarers Shopping Arcade has more than 30 retailers, many of which are the town’s only stockists of exclusive brands and products. It is also the ideal place to stop for a bite to eat or book in for some pampering for your hair, nails and body.

ASTRONOMY EVENING

ON Friday 11 February 2011, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, local  members of the Liverpool Astronomical Society, (founded in 1881), will display several telescopes for viewing the Moon and Jupiter, if clear. 

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.   Also taking place will be an illustrated talk on astronomy inside the Alt Centre on Lower Alt Road, Hightown, Merseyside, L38 0BA.  This event is free and it is open to all members of the public, but booking is required! 

For more information contact:- Sefton Coast and Countryside Service on:- 0151 934 2967 or email them via:- coast.countryside@sefton.gov.uk.  You can also pick use the free online Sefton Events Guide.

Crime fighting cabaret

VICTIMS of crime and other vulnerable people will be attending a special Valentine’s Day cabaret event in Liverpool which will provide tips on staying safe and secure.

The guest of honour at the special event will be Baroness Helen Newlove, the Government’s champion for active, safer communities, who will make the welcome address.

The cabaret has been organised by Liverpool Community Crime Fighters, supported by Citysafe, the community safety partnership, and is the first in a series of crime prevention roadshows for the over 50s.

It will be held on Monday, 14 February 2011, at The Green Room, Duke Street, Liverpool, (1pm to 5pm) and will be opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Williams.

It will give guests the opportunity to pick up tips on how to stay safe and secure in their houses and community.

A number of agencies including Age UK, Liverpool City Council, Citysafe, Merseyside Police, Merseytravel, Victim Support and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on home security and personal safety.

Councillor Ann O’Byrne, cabinet member for community safety, who will also attending, said:- “This is a Valentine’s day event with a difference. It is for those people who are probably feeling unloved because they are victims of crimes or are feeling frightened and vulnerable. It will provide them with some reassurance and practical advice in a very informal and fun atmosphere.”

Entertainment will be provided by comedians Sean Styles and Tony Barton and sixties swing singer Tom Spence.

And at the event there will be an introduction to a series of  “Beat the Bogus Caller” roadshows which will be held across the city to reduce this type of crime and give people the confidence to report it when they become victims.