|
New Pier Head
landing stage open for business
.jpg)
MERSEY Ferries new Pier
Head landing stage has now opened for its first passengers. The £8
million home to the world famous Mersey Ferries was formally opened
this morning, completing the award winning Pier Head Ferry Terminal
development.
£3.8 million of the scheme was funded by European match funding
through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the
landing stage will also boast Merseyside Fire and Rescue’s (MFRS)
river based community fire station. The operation of the facility
will continue the ongoing collaboration between Merseytravel, MFRS
and Peel Ports.
Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel said:- "This has
been a significant project for Merseytravel, and a long time coming.
We are delighted to see the world famous Mersey Ferries calling once
again at the spiritual home in front of the Three Graces. Our
tourism strategy contributes more than £34 million and the
equivalent of 742 full-time jobs to the region’s economy each year."
Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel added:- "We have
made a significant investment in this scheme and now boast a world
class departure point for the ferries. We know our passengers, from
near and far, will appreciate the new facilities, and it
demonstrates our commitment to the regions visitor economy."
Many elements were incorporated to make the landing stage as
eco-friendly as possible. Neil Scales added:- “"t was
important to make sure that as well as providing a comfortable
waiting experience for ferry passengers, the landing stage reflected
the environmental standards displayed in the landside ferry terminal
building, which is recognised nationally for its sustainable
credentials."
Rainwater will be harvested from the Pier Head Terminal building for
recycling. Extensive use of insulation, key to any low energy
design, has been used throughout to retain heat and to keep the
structures cool in warm weather.
Blue tinted glass has been incorporated to minimise both heat and
glare from the sun, whilst river washed pebbles have been used for
the roof finish because their pale grey colour helps to naturally
reflect sunlight and to keep the structures cool.
Sir Howard Bernstein, Deputy Chair of the North West European
Regional Development Fund Local Management Committee said:-
"The new Pier Head landing stage represents an excellent improvement
in facilities which will be felt by both visitors to the region and
regular local users - the local economy, businesses and people will
all benefit." |
 |
Charity
ambassadors for 2012
A national charity is
looking to recruit ambassadors locally in Merseyside to ensure
disabled children and their families get the support they so
desperately need.
Newlife Foundation is appealing for help as an increasing number of
families of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK are
struggling to cope with cuts to services and the rising cost of
living. This is reflected in calls to the charity’s national
helpline, which have more than doubled in the last year.
The role of Newlife ambassadors is two-fold. The first is to raise
the charity’s profile across the county so that more parents are
encouraged to access the range of Newlife services, including its
Nurse Helpline, equipment grants and support for those with
life-limiting conditions.
The second is to initiate and support fundraising opportunities.
Newlife Foundation has provided 124 families in Merseyside with
equipment grants totalling £176,145.35; however, the need is
growing.
The charity is unique in guaranteeing that 100% of donations goes
directly to help children in need, and allows fundraisers to
ring-fence their cash to support families in their own county. So
local ambassadors know that any funds they raise will benefit local
children.
Newlife ambassadors come from all walks of life including builders,
property developers and retired professionals such as teachers,
solicitors, doctors, nurses and social workers; from business people
to mums and dads who are concerned about child healthcare. The
charity provides full support for all Newlife ambassadors, including
presentation packs.
Speaking at the launch of the national ambassadors’ scheme,
Newlife's CEO Sheila Brown said:- “Becoming a volunteer
ambassador is probably the closest you can get to directly
influencing and improving the life of a disabled child in your area.
We don't spend money on sending you pens and junk mail, advertising
on bill boards or paying celebrities. Newlife uses its funds to help
real children in real cities, towns and villages across the UK and
the ambassador programme helps us to reach families so they know
they are not alone.”
Sheila, who was awarded the OBE for services to child health, added:-
"It won't cost you anything to become an ambassador, but the job
will bring its own rewards. If you feel you have something to give
and want to make 2012 a year to remember please contact us by
calling our community fundraising team on freephone on:- 0800 988
4640,
email us or visit our
website."
Man arrested and bailed on
suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence
MERSEYSIDE Police confirm
that a 20 year old was released on Police bail on Sunday, 8 January
2012, pending further enquiries, following a suspected racially
aggravated incident at Anfield on Friday, 6 January 2012. The
incident is reported to be under investigation by officers in the
Force's Liverpool North CID and football unit, with the assistance
and cooperation of Liverpool Football Club. |
