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£2m makeover
planned for market
A £2 million plan to
modernise Liverpool's St John's Market is being unveiled to traders
and shoppers.
The plans are going on display in the market on
Thursday, 20 March 2014, so that traders, shoppers and potential shoppers
can have their say as consultation over the proposals start.
The move to modernise the market comes after traders complained that
footfall was declining. A separate programme of works has already
started on improving the roof and lighting and will be complete by
Easter.
The new proposals, which would be funded through the Council's
capital programme, will see a modernised entrance on Elliot Street
with the approach to the market being opened up and improved signage
making the market more visible and welcoming visitors into it.
In the market itself it is proposed to have a wide, light central
atrium space; a new seating area; the balcony bought back into use
with additional stalls; a café and new public toilets. It will also
be wi-fi enabled.
Stalls selling similar goods will be grouped together; having
sections for food, clothes, hardware and so on, similar to
department stores' layouts.
The plans include an increase in the number of traders operating
from the market. Currently there are 120 traders and it is envisaged
that this will increase to 140.
To help current businesses keep their regular customers, it is
proposed that the market would continue to trade throughout the
course of the work with market stalls being relocated to other areas
of the market as the work progresses.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration, said:-
"St John's Market has being looking tired and dated. It still
has the feel of the1970s when it was opened and is very much in need
of modernisation to attract present day shoppers. The market traders have been
telling us that footfall has been declining and investment is needed
to halt that decline. Even though there are enormous financial
pressures on the Council we have still been prepared to find capital
funding for this work.
Our proposals will see the market transformed into a much more
up-to-date, brighter and more airy environment in keeping with
current shopping trends.
We also want to make it more attractive from its outside. Currently
people can walk past its entrance in Elliot Street without realising
they are outside a market. We believe the new entrance and signage
will attract many more shoppers.
And, we are proposing that the market will stay open for business
throughout the whole of the building work so that stallholders can
carry on trading.
But I want to stress that at this stage these are only proposals -
we want to hear the views of the traders and shoppers alike. It is
very much the start of a genuine consultation. The intention is to
start work by the end of the year depending on the outcome of the
consultation."
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NORTHERN RAIL
REPORTS REDUCTION IN ASSAULTS ON STAFF
TRAIN operator, Northern
Rail, has released figures showing a large reduction in the number
of assaults on its employees. Physical assaults against staff
were down 38% year on year in 2013, with 95 reported incidents
taking place, half the number they were in 2009 (186).
Gary Stewart, Northern's Safety and Assurance Director, comments:-
"We are very encouraged by the reduction in incidents and this is
due to a number of initiatives we have worked hard on over recent
years. We have implemented a successful 'Stay Safe' conflict
avoidance programme that trains our frontline teams on how to deal
with potentially threatening situations and provides them with the
tools to diffuse them calmly. Our 'Stay Safe' roadshows run
throughout the year to reach as many of our employees as possible
around our network. Alongside our industry partners the
British Transport Police, we have also run operations to resolve
issues on specific lines of routes where alcohol related problems
have been prolific. We want to ensure our employees and customers
feel safe and that others understand we will not tolerate
anti-social behaviour or excessive alcohol consumption on-board our
services."
Northern's specialist 'Rail Response Team‘, patrols the
network to tackle anti-social behaviour, and increased its level of
activity last year, supporting front line employees and customers,
helping to control crowds and keep the peace when required.
Northern installed 23 additional CCTV systems in 2013, bringing the
number of stations covered up to 195, giving customers added peace
of mind and providing a deterrent to would be criminals.
Gary also adds:- "Any assault on a member of our staff is
completely unacceptable and every one of them has the right to feel
safe while they carry out their duties. To see such a large
reduction in incidents is very positive and our employees are
certainly seeing the benefit of the programmes we have in place. We
expect to the see the number continue to decrease as we keep our
focus on making the railway a safe place to work and travel."
The number of staff physical assaults is at a low level of 1 assault
per 1.02 million customer journeys, which is the best it has been
since the franchise began in 2004.
Lord Mayor helps
'super parents' graduate
A GROUP of Liverpool 'Super
Parents' are about to graduate – and Lord Mayor Gary Millar is
handing down the honours. A total of 18 local families whose
children attend Belle Vale Community Primary School have completed
the FAST – Families and Schools Together – programme, which offers
help and support for parents and carers to help them builder
stronger relationships with each other, and with school.
Funded by Save the Children in association with Middlesex
University, the scheme delivers training to school, parent and
community partners who provide an eight week programme where
families work together through games, workshops, exercises and
discussions, to help empower parents as role models.
An important part of the programme is a weekly family meal prepared
by participating families. Parents of children aged from nursery up
to year five have been taking part.
Headteacher Janette Walker said:- "We're delighted that the
Lord Mayor is presenting our parents with their graduation
certificates.
We have been absolutely delighted that so many of our parents and
staff have been able to give up their time to organize and deliver
the project. Without their commitment, it just couldn't have
happened. Being a parent isn't easy and schools are well
placed to provide help, support and guidance and this is why we are
delighted to have delivered this project in partnership with FAST." |
