Sinkhole brings Southport to a grinding halt

THE Formby By Pass (A565) is a major arterial road, both in and out of Southport, but a massive hole opened up on the junction of the A565 and the Coast Road, in Ainsdale, on Thursday afternoon. The result has been massive disruption, even though the AA reported the delay was only around 5 minutes, in fact it was often around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Merseytravel have said that:- "As work takes place to fix Liverpool Road, all Arriva 44, 47 and Stagecoach X2 services will be subject to severe delays and will be diverted via the Coastal Road."

United Utilities has said that the hole was due to a sewer collapse, and engineers have now discovered the problem that has caused the issue. They will be working over the weekend to repair it adding:- "A temporary diversion has been put in place and it will remain in place during this work. We would like to say sorry for any disruption this may cause."

As that hole was being looked into, our Editor was alerted to another problem up the road that has now also been reported, and we are told, is also going to be fixed.

Recently sinkholes seem to be becoming a very common problem, and we would love to hear your views on this topic. Please email our newsroom via:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your thoughts.

Local NHS trust to ignite lives at Walton Gardens

MENTAL health service users will be given the chance to try their hand at something new with an action packed afternoon of music, arts and creativity in Warrington, on Wednesday, 10 July 2019. North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's Ignite Your Life event will take place, from 1pm, at Walton Hall and Gardens and includes an afternoon programme of mental health and wellbeing activities for service users, staff and volunteers from the Trust, along with local third sector and voluntary organisations. Activities on offer include movement and drawing, crafting pet toys as well as shabby chic, song writing and flower arranging. Guests will also be entertained by the Samba Band music group, whose members all have a learning disability and the day will close with a song performance from the song writing workshop.

1 involvement scheme member who attended last year's event said:- "The atmosphere on the day was really positive and uplifting. I can't wait for this year's Ignite Your Life; it's going be a fantastic day!"

In the morning, the Trust will also host its annual involvement event, which begins at 10am and aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Trust volunteers, back in 2018.   The event will formally recognise more than 40 volunteers who have dedicated over 100 hours to the Trust over the past 12 months and will conclude with the Harry Blackman Trophy, which will be awarded to an individual who has gone above and beyond in their volunteering role.  If you would like to attend the involvement event or Ignite Your Life, you can register your place by contacting Bernadette Fitzpatrick, Involvement Scheme Coordinator, by sending an email to:- Bernadette.FitzPatrick@NWBH.NHS.UK or by calling:- 01925 664 057.

Liverpool Member of the Youth Select Committee 2019 to question the experts on knife crime

EWAN Jago, who is aged 16, from Liverpool, a Member of Youth Parliament for the past 2 years will be questioning the experts on knife crime alongside other members of the Youth Select Committee. Just like the UK Parliament Select Committees, the Youth Select Committee will produce a report based on its findings, which will be sent to the Government for comment.

The inquiry comes as a result of a UK wide ballot of 1.1 million young people aged 11 to 18, in which young people declared knife crime their biggest concern.

More than 100,000 people signed a Parliament and Government Petition demanding a debate on knife crime; resulting in Parliament debating the issue in March. Research from the House of Commons Library showed that knife crime, particularly where it affects young people, has been a 'persistent and growing concern' for successive Governments.

Parliament's Youth Select Committee gives young people the opportunity to scrutinise and hold inquiries into topics that matter to them. Following a call for written evidence, the 2019 Youth Select Committee will be hearing from a range of witnesses on 5 July and 12 July 2019 inside the Grimmond Room of the House of Commons, usually used by MP's.

Rachel Ojo, Chair of the Youth Select Committee from Essex said:- "Young people have made it very clear that knife crime continues to be a significant concern. The Youth Select Committee want to hear from a whole range of people on this issue so we can find solutions that will have a demonstrable impact of the lives of young people."

Rt. Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons said:- "Every year the Youth Select Committee play a vital role in raising awareness about the issues affecting young people across the country. This year the Committee's determination to tackle the epidemic of knife crime is something that I wholly support. I will be following this pioneering Committee as they investigate the scourge of knife crime and I eagerly anticipate their report."

Now in its 8th year, the Youth Select Committee is a British Youth Council initiative, supported by the House of Commons. The 11 members of the Youth Select Committee are aged 11 to 18 and include Members of the UK Youth Parliament, Youth Councillors, a Young Mayor and representatives from each of the devolved nations.

The 2 evidence sessions will be open to the public and broadcast live on Parliament TV and UK Parliament YouTube.

SonFest to return to Southport

OVER 1000 people will gather at the free music festival, SonFest Southport, set to take place, on 13 July 2019, in Southport, Merseyside, on King's Gardens. SonFest Southport will feature a range of music artists including Philippa Hanna who is currently touring with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding singers; Kingdom Choir.  In its 6th year running, SonFest Southport remains a free outdoor music festival open to the public offering feel good live music, kids' activities, and food vendors. The objective of welcoming all people with the love and a community spirit through great music, an open and inclusive atmosphere, and fellowship remains at the heart of SonFest's ethos.

Visionaire and founder of SonFest Southport, Tina Powsey, said:- "We know that music has the power to touch people's lives; we believe it has the potential to be "social glue" that brings people together. Every year, working with our partners, we invite a range of great and exciting artists from differing genres such as folk, gospel, jazz and pop. We want to ensure there is something for everyone."

As well as Philippa Hanna, the Southport festival will see other great artists and groups such as the award winning Gospel group:- 'Voices Beyond,' iTunes chart topping indie band:- 'Pyramid Park,' Premier Gospel Award nominated artist:- 'Zion' and renowned Jazz musician:- 'Vernon Fuller.'  Following assemblies in 2 local high schools, the Message Trust bands BrightLine and SoulBox will top the day off with a special extended concert for young people. The bands will perform a number of their songs whilst sharing the message of unity.