John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to be unveiled!

A team of 6 experienced cyclists are travelling from Southport on the west coast of England, to Hornsea on the east in June this year, in aid of the retinitis pigmentosa charity RP Fighting Blindness. The fully self-funded team will follow the Trans Pennine Trail, which is approximately 215 miles long and mainly off-road.

Made up of riders aged between 60 to 69 years old from Doncaster and Huddersfield, the group will pass by many towns and cities along their route including Liverpool, Runcorn, Warrington, Doncaster, Selby and Hull. Supported by a logistical vehicle and a medic, the team will average a travelling distance of just over 40 miles per day.

Ian Lammie, a Rotarian who has the degenerative sight condition retinitis pigmentosa, is part of the trail team and expects to raise in excess of £5,000 for their efforts. "We're very excited to undertake this challenge and have been training hard. As someone with RP myself, I'm very keen to raise awareness of the condition, and assist in the charity's ongoing work."

David Head, Chief Executive at RP Fighting Blindness commented:- "We're always excited to learn about such fundraising activities on our behalf, and wish Ian and his team the very best of luck. RP Fighting Blindness is committed to helping fund research for retinitis pigmentosa, as well as providing ongoing support for those with the condition."  

If you wish to sponsor Ian and his team on their coast to coast cycle challenge, please visit:- justgiving.com and enter Ian Lammie under sponsor a friend and follow the links.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION!

WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for information on the location of Allan Campbell aged 39. Officers are very keen to speak to Allan in relation to a number of canal boat burglaries which have occurred in Wiltshire and other force areas. He is described as white, 6' 2" tall, of proportionate build and has numerous tattoos on his arms, hands, chest and back. A photograph of Allan Campbell is attached. He has no fixed address and is believed to have been in the Warwickshire area recently, but may have moved on. Anyone with information is asked to please contact DC Nick Mackian at Wiltshire Police on:- 101. Or to report information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

BTP appeals for help after inappropriate comments directed towards teenager

THE British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for information after a man made inappropriate comments to a teenager on board a train near to Ainsdale. The incident happened between 8.15pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, 23 April 2013, as a teenage girl travelled between Burscough Bridge and Southport. Whilst on the train the girl was approached by a man who made inappropriate comments towards her. PC Ian Williamson said:- "The girl was upset by the man's comments and was left shaken by the incident. At no stage did the man threaten the girl, but his comments were unwanted and inappropriate." PC Williamson added:- "I am now calling on the public to assist with the investigation and would ask anyone with information about the incident to come forward. If you can assist the investigation please call the BTP on:- 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers you can also call them anonymously on:- 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log:- B14/NWA of 26/4/13."

Road traffic collision witness appeal, Crosby

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witness following a road traffic collision in Crosby on Sunday, 21 April 2013, during which an 79 year old man received injuries.

The collision, between a Nissan Micra and Volvo S60, took place at 12.35pm at the junction of Oxford Road and Wellington Street. Both cars stopped at the scene and police attended. The driver and passenger of the Micra were taken to hospital with what were thought to be minor injuries. However the passenger, a 79 year old local man, was later returned to hospital and his condition is now described as critical.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information is asked to call traffic officers on:- 0151 777 5444 or call Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

RAIL SERVICE INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS - POSSIBLE RMT STRIKE ACTION!

NORTHERN Rail has updated its customers across the north of England following the RMT announcement that it is to ballot its members for strike action.

The RMT is balloting members for strike action over what they have called a 'Breakdown in Industrial Relations'. This refers to seven items, of which 6 are resolved in principle.  The only outstanding issue is the use of contracts for revenue protection work at stations.

Northern contracts this work to 2 organisations, one of which has been undertaking these duties, for 13 years, since before the Northern franchise began, the other was introduced on a trial basis in 2012 with a commitment to review progress with the RMT in May this year. Their staff carry out revenue protection duties at stations, ensuring that passengers have a valid ticket.

Adrian Thompson, HR Director, Northern Rail said:- "The RMT has demanded that Northern either sacks or employs the 260 people employed on these contracts. The RMT is claiming that Northern is gradually replacing employees with 'agency staff' a claim that is completely unfounded and untrue. We do not want to put these people out of work. These contracts carry out a vital role, ensuring that passengers have valid tickets and those fares are fully captured to reinvest into building a better railway. The changes the RMT is demanding we make would also potentially breach the rules governing the last 12 months of our franchise agreement."

Northern has 4,900 employees across the north of England. The RMT represents a number of grade groups which include conductors and station and retail employees.

The RMT ballot opens on Tuesday, 7 May 2013 and closes on Monday, 20 May 2013. If there is a vote for strike action then the earliest possible date a strike could take place would be on Monday, 27 May 2013. Customers are being advised to check northernrail.org or follow @northernrailorg on Twitter for the latest information.