Formby Councillors campaign for roundabout safety improvements

FORMBY Labour Councillors are campaigning for safety improvements at roundabouts in the Village. Cllr Nina Killen and Cllr Catie Page said they had been contacted by residents who were concerned about walking and cycling safety. The pair met with the Cabinet Member for Highways Cllr John Faircough to discuss:- "continental style" zebra crossings for the Cross House and Formby Bridge roundabouts.

Cllr Nina Killen said:- "The issue of safety for pedestrians and cyclists is raised with us often. We live here so we have the same concerns particularly with regard to children and young people walking and cycling. Both the Cross House roundabout and roundabout at the bottom of Formby Bridge are really busy with traffic and pedestrians and it can be difficult to cross. Most motorists are very considerate and give way to pedestrians, but we wondered if there was anything that could be done to help pedestrians within the Council's limited budget. We met with the Cabinet member and discussed continental style markings on the road signifying a pedestrian crossing, but without the belisha beacons which can of course attract considerable cost. The Cabinet member and Traffic Services team have committed to assessing whether this is possible as we look forward to the outcome of the surveys."

The Councillors also discussed cycle lanes with the Cabinet member. Cllr Killen said:- "We would be keen to see more cycle lanes in Formby, as we want to encourage more active travel. The width of many roads in the Town make cycle lanes difficult to implement but we support any schemes that make cycling safer and more attractive."

Southport gym owner sets a challenge to local residents

A Southport gym owner and Personal Trainer is encouraging people to put their wellbeing 1st this year, and is promising to give them all the support they need. Lisa Little opened From The Block Fitness, at The Waterfront, part of the Bliss Hotel complex, in Southport in October 2020. Lisa has seen 1st hand the impact that the Covid19 has had on people's health, both in terms of physical fitness and also through mental health and wellbeing. She is now setting people the challenge of getting themselves healthier and fitter through exercise, including:- personal training, group training and circuit training, as well as through support and advice on issues such as nutrition.

Unlike some larger gyms, Lisa doesn't believe in tying people into big lengthy contracts, just operating on a:- 'pay as you go' basis, and also providing people with offers for unlimited group sessions. She said:- "Through Christmas and the last few years we have seen people within our community suffering with viruses and poor mental health. As a gym, we highly recommend setting up new healthy habits to see you on your way to a healthy lifestyle that can help keep these viruses at bay; and even to recover quicker should you unfortunately fall Ill. Back to basics, good old fashioned healthy eating and exercise is what we prescribe and what we truly believe is the key."

Being a small business, From The Block Fitness enables Lisa to ensure that people are given the time, expertise and attention they need to thrive.

Covid safe and socially distanced fitness sessions are held inside From The Block Fitness, with booking required and numbers kept low to ensure people's safety. She added:- "We are a small local independent business, we've worked hard to create a friendly welcoming environment with a safe and private feeling to it. Being small, we can give you the personal attention you need and deserve on your new journey. We are here today to help and guide you in person every step of the way. We offer personal training, group training and circuit training sessions. We provide a safe space where anybody and everybody can come and receive help and support whatever their fitness goal, in welcoming motivating surroundings. We are open to men and women, of all ages, and at all fitness levels. We are here to help."