Police wish Merseyside a peaceful, happy Halloween and Bonfire Night

AS we approach Halloween and Bonfire Night, Merseyside Police are now encouraging young people and their families to help keep communities safe while enjoying the festivities.

Officers are asking parents to help keep the region safe by taking responsibility for their children's whereabouts and are asking communities to be mindful of any neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable and who may feel intimidated or frightened.

Extra officers will be out on the streets over Halloween and Bonfire Night to ensure that people can enjoy the festivities in their area safely, while dealing with those minority who are intent on causing trouble.

Officers are working with Merseytravel running Operation Trojan. This aims to tackle the anti-social behaviour across the bus network, with officers patrolling the region on busses, ready to arrest anyone attempting to damage or endanger any bus.

Superintendent Claire Richards said:- "We know that the majority of young people will want to enjoy the next few weeks and will behave well, respecting other people and their property, but those who are prepared to push it beyond good fun need to be aware that their actions have consequences. We have worked closely with schools, using our Schools Officers to talk to young people about good citizenship and help them understand the impact that their behaviour can have on others, particularly elderly and vulnerable residents, as well as highlighting the dangers of fireworks and becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. We can't do this alone though, and I would ask parents to help. Be aware of where your children are and what they are up to in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. I know that no parents would want to open the door to be informed by a police officer informing them that their child had been arrested - or worse, injured during an incident. As has worked well in the past we have continued to work with our partners in the local authorities, the fire service and other partners to provide a range of activities for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy."

The force has been involved in a multi-agency operation to provide a whole range of activities across Merseyside, organise events and provide public reassurance.

A list of all events is available on Merseyside Police's website. Visit:- merseyside.police.uk/autumnfun to find out what is on across the borough.

Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards officers have been cracking down on the illegal sale of fireworks. They have been visiting retail premises to ensure that the firework legislation is understood and followed.

To report the illegal sale of fireworks call Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111 if you see fireworks being sold illegally or being used anti-socially, which includes them being set off after 11pm.

Advice to keep you and your children safe:-

► Ensure your child's safety by either accompanying them or arranging between friends for one of you to take a group of children out. Otherwise, know exactly who they are going out with and agree with your children beforehand where they will be going and set a time for their return.

► Don't allow your children to leave the house with eggs or flour.

► Damage caused by Halloween ‘tricks’, such as throwing eggs and flour, or any objects at windows, doors, cars and people is a criminal offence. Anyone involved in such behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine or a criminal record. If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any fines.

You can help to keep your house or car safe by taking these simple steps to keep your house or car safe during Halloween and bonfire night:-

► Lock away any building materials if you’re having work done.

► If you have a wheelie bin avoid leaving it visible at the front of your home.

► Tidy away anything at the front of your home that could be used for an illegal bonfire.

► Mention this advice to your neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable people.

Energy bills saving of 16% offered to small businesses across the North West!

STUDENTS from Runshaw College’s Chorley Campus recently put themselves through adverse weather conditions and blistered feet to climb the highest mountain in Wales for charity.

1st and 2nd year students on the Foundation Degree in Tourism & Events Management climbed to the summit of Snowdon to support the College’s nominated charity ‘Runshaw Gives a Dam’.

A mountain guide team led the students along the Pyg Track to the mountain summit - which is at an altitude of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level and the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland - and back down the Llanberis Path.

A total of 13 students and two College staff made it to the summit in very cold conditions with course leader Julie Perera commenting:- "It was freezing cold and actually snowing on the top! A few of us suffered from blisters and most of us had aching muscles, but we had a brilliant day."

The group are hoping to raise enough funds to enable them to work in Keyna next year as part of the ‘Runshaw Gives a Dam’ international charity project. During their time in Africa, the students will help build a sand damn which will enable a community to transform their environment sustainably, improve water supplies, food production and health.

Picture Caption Competition!

THIS is your last chance to enter!!!! Thanks to Formby Books, in Derbyshires, we have a sign copy of Buff Macgregor. The book is a colourful paperback, priced £6.00 and is all about a dog called 'Buff Macgregor'. It has 29 illustrations as well as easy to read poetry and anthologies. As we said before, this is your last chance to win a signed copy, signed by both the local author Philip Todd and local illustrator Tracy Bleasdale, by entering this competition. All you have to do is send us your best caption for this picture below. The competition closing date is 11am, 3 November 2011. Only one caption per household is allowed. You must put on the email your FULL address, your full name and your contact phone number, so that we can send the prize to you should you win. We will get both Philip and Tracy to pick the winning caption. Email us to:- news24@southportreporter.com with the subject:- 'Buff Macgregor Comp' clearly marked on it! Good luck!