Guards' set to strike again on Merseyrail

THE Rail Union RMT have confirmed a new batch of strike dates in a long running guards' and safety dispute on Merseyrail as the company has failed to deliver on the crucial issue of a safe method of train dispatch. As a result, the union's executive believes that at this stage we have no alternative, but to instruct our Merseyrail members not to book on for duty on the following dates:

► Saturday, 24 August 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.

► Tuesday, 3 September 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.

► Thursday, 5 September 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.

► Monday, 30 September 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.

► Wednesday, 2 October 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.

► Friday, 4 October 2019 2019, between:- 00:01am to 11:59pm.
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RMT General Secretary, Mick Cash said:- "After 15 months of difficult negotiations with Merseyrail at ACAS we have reached a point where our members feel so strongly that the proposed method of dispatch for the new trains is a less safe option that they are prepared to go back to the picket lines and demand an operational role that applies to all Merseyrail stations that the new trains call at. Crucially the train drivers take the same view that the Guard should be responsible for the safe dispatch of the train as they are now. It is these very Guards and Drivers that operate the trains day in and day out and if they are saying that they can't accept the proposed method of operation then they must be listened to."

Facing a funding crisis for local Animal Rescue charity Freshfields Animal Rescue... Can you help?

FRESHFIELDS Animal Rescue is facing a funding crisis, which is threatening it's mission to rescue and re-home abused neglected and unwanted animals. Due to the never ending stream of distressed animals who need help, the local charity are always full to capacity, with many more animals waiting to be admitted. Despite the soaring costs and intense financial pressures, this brings, most of the time the Animal Rescue has been surviving and thriving, thanks to your support over the past 40 years. Sadly, at this moment, however, Freshfields is experiencing a serious cash flow crisis through no fault of its own. Like many charities, who rely on Legacies and Gifts in Wills for around 30% of our funding. There is currently a national backlog in dealing with legacies. Solicitors are up to 4 months behind, with over 250,000 probate cases waiting to be processed. There are ever increasing demands on the local charity's resources, as more and more animals are brought the Animal Rescue's doors or, like Millie, literally abandoned on our doorstep every day.

Emma Jensen, Fundraising Manager, said:- "We urgently need your help right now to see us through this critical time. This is a worrying situation for us, and a real shame that this has happened in our 40th anniversary year. The last time we launched an appeal like this was February 2017. You got us through that time. Please, can you make a special donation to get us through this time? We need to be here for the next 40 years to help the hundreds of animals and birds who need Freshfields every day. Many of our supporters will have read about Millie, tied up and abandoned in the road opposite the rescue centre. Millie was in poor health, scared, alone, helpless and vulnerable. Thanks to you, Millie is now warm and safe with us, cared for and cherished whilst we help her to take the next steps towards healing in mind and body. For probably the 1st time in her life, Millie is learning what it feels like to be loved. We need to buy food and medicines for over 600 animals like Millie, who get the care and love they so desperately need. We need to pay our bills and avoid the need to close our doors to new admissions. It's an ongoing battle, and we're currently at crisis point. Please donate what you can, and if possible please consider setting up a regular donation which will help us to avoid this situation happening again. Never think your donation is too small to make an impact; every penny makes a difference. We would be grateful if everyone reading this could share this appeal with friends, family and colleagues and PLEASE, make a direct request for them to donate! You can donate at our special Animal Care Crisis Appeal Page, on Total Giving. You can also donate at our website. If you would prefer to speak to someone and donate by telephone, you can call us on:- 0151 931 1604 for Liverpool or for our Wales Centre on:- 01286 880808. Thank You. We are so very grateful for your support."

Local artists work on sale at Wayfarers Arcade

THE Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street, in Southport, is holding a pop up art display and sale of local artists work.  The sale is being run by the Southport group, Sefton Artists and it runs until 21 August 2019.  The group will then return to the Arcade at Christmas.