Future of historic canal ship safeguarded by Peel Ports

THE future of 1 of Liverpool's most significant historic vessels has been safeguarded for the next 3 years, thanks to a ₤75,000 donation from Peel Ports. The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society (DAPS) the volunteer group which led the ₤5m restoration project of the:- 'Daniel Adamson' Steam tug tender; will benefit from an investment from the port operator towards a long term legacy project committed to teaching others about the vessel and its rich ties to the area.

Affectionately known as the 'Danny,' the vessel is the oldest surviving steam powered tug to be built on the Mersey, and was originally designed to tow long strings of barges from the inland towns of Cheshire and convey cargo to and from the Potteries to the Port of Liverpool.

Built in 1903, at the site of the Cammell Laird shipyard, the Danny was acquired by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, in 1921 and used to transport visiting VIPs around Manchester's famous inland docks and along the ship canal.

Mark Whitworth, CEO of Peel Ports said:- "We're committed to playing our part in preserving and promoting the important local maritime heritage that has played such a significant role in shaping the region to what it is today. As we prepare to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Manchester Ship Canal, investing in the legacy of the Daniel Adamson is a fitting way of remembering the ship canal's founding father and the company's 1st chairman."

The vessel was earmarked for scrap in 2004, at which point the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society was formed.

Its chairman Dan Cross said:- "Ensuring the Daniel Adamson becomes a long term legacy project is of the utmost importance to our board of Trustees, myself and all of our volunteers and supporters. We want to guarantee the ship's long term future and continue the education and community outreach work we are so successfully carrying out, so we're absolutely delighted that Peel Ports' donation is allowing us to do that. This assistance, combined with the on going operational support offered by Peel Ports, such as mooring and access, offers huge support and comfort to our team while we concentrate on connecting the Daniel Adamson with as many people as possible."

Highways England helping you get home for Christmas with miles of roadworks lifted

HIGHWAYS England have told us that they are their bit to help people get home for Christmas, as they prepare to lift more than 200 miles of roadworks in time for the festive getaway. To help journeys flow more smoothly and to keep disruption to a minimum, more than 97% of motorways and strategic A-Roads will be roadworks free in time for Christmas, meaning motorists and hauliers alike can get on with last minute shopping and delivery journeys, with as little disruption as possible. Where it is safe to do so, roadworks will be lifted or suspended on England's Motorways and major A Roads by 6am, on Friday, 21 December 2018, until 12.01am, on Wednesday, 2 January 2019.

Highways England's customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said:- "We're doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible for this Christmas getaway and that's why we're keeping more than 97% of our road network free from roadworks. We know that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times on our roads and we'd also like to remind people about the importance of checking their vehicle before setting off on their journeys. Simple things like checking your fuel and oil levels, tyre pressures and that all lights are working properly, can keep you moving and the network flowing."

Highways England traffic officers will be working around the clock, patrolling the network to help those people who do get into difficulty.

Merseyrail dishing out daily advent prizes for commuters in Southport

MERSEYRAIL is bringing some festive cheer to their passengers in Southport this year with an advent calendar competition. Staff have kicked off Christmas offering commuters, at Southport Station, daily prizes worth over ₤2000, including a year's supply of chocolate and a month's free train travel. To be in with a chance of winning, passengers must fill in a postcard and post it in the post box, in any of the Mtogo Shops at:- Southport, Hamilton Square, Hooton, Moorfields, Old Hall Street, Waterloo, Lime Street and Maghull Stations. Customers also have the chance of winning hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers, a year's supply of coffee and a pair of tickets to Strictly Come Dancing, at the Echo Arena, from Merseyrail's giant advent calendar, which is located inside the Mtogo Shop, at Liverpool Central Station. As well as daily chances to win, customers will also be entered into a special draw, on 24 December 2018, to win every single prize from the previous 23 days.  The competition runs daily until 24 December 2018, and winners are chosen at random.