Southport Rugby Players 3 Peaks challenge

A group of 8 team mates from Southport Rugby Club have clubbed together to tackle the 3 Peaks challenge, helping to raise £4,000 for cancer research in the Region.  Former team captain Dan Whalen, 28, and friends recently took on the challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in just 24 hours, to raise money for North West Cancer Research. The group encountered various terrain and unpredictable weather when hiking up Ben Nevis, Scalfell Pike and Snowdon consecutively, with some climbing required throughout the night. Dan was inspired to raise money for the cause after his mum, Jeanette, celebrated 5 years of being given the all clear from breast cancer. Dan kicked off his fundraising efforts alongside his Dad in 2019, with an adrenaline fueled 15,000ft skydive. This led to him being awarded the Individual Fundraiser Award at the North West Cancer Research Gala and Awards Ceremony the same year. 
The recent challenge brings the total amount raised by the father and son to over £14,000.

When discussing completing the challenge, Dan said:- "Me and a couple of the guys had been talking about doing the 3 Peaks Challenge for quite a while, and finally got round to doing it this summer.  Initially we hadn't thought of it as a fundraiser, but then I started to think that it would be a good way to try raise some cash for North West Cancer Research. I've done the skydive and Cycle of Hope before in support of them, so wanted to continue doing my bit. The challenge itself was testing both physically and mentally, and extreme weather conditions and injuries made it even more challenging. Getting lost on Scafell Pike at midnight didn't help matters! So far I don't have any future fundraising plans, but I'm sure it won't be long before an idea crops up!" 
 
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research added:- "We cannot thank the boys enough for their hard work and congratulate them on a great achievement. Dan, along with his dad, Mike, have really pushed the boat out with their fundraising efforts and we are extremely grateful. All of the funds raised will help in advancing our work across the Region and are vital in helping to prevent and treat cancer effectively."

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the Region's cancer needs 1st by funding life saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. Donations can be made via Daniel's enthuse page: North West Cancer Research: 3 Peaks Challenge.

Labour MP and Councillors welcome 20mph proposals for Ince Blundell village

BILL Esterson MP and Labour Councillors have welcomed proposals for a 20mph speed limit for Ince Blundell village. Following requests from residents, Mr Esterson and Cllrs Nina Killen and Catie Page made representations to Sefton Council to introduce a 20mph zone. After a review of speed limits across Ince Blundell, and following the recent reduction of the speed limit on the bypass where the A565 meets Lady Green Lane, the Cabinet Member for Highways proposed the new limits.

Mr Esterson said:- "Thank you to residents for raising their concerns with us. There are lots of concerns about the speed of traffic through the village and safety for residents, particularly the elderly and children. We raised these concerns with Sefton Council and were pleased that they have acted on them to propose the new speed limit."

Cllr Nina Killen said:- "I'm so pleased that these new limits have been proposed and it shows the positive outcomes that can result in residents, Councillors and Council Officers working together to improve the environment for everyone."

The traffic regulation order reducing speeds to 20mph is due to be implemented on:-

►  Lady Green Lane, from a point 200m South East of its junction with Scaffold Lane to its junction with the back of Town Lane.

►  Carr House Lane, from its junction with Lady Green Lane to a point 350m in a North Easterly direction.

►  Victoria Road, from its junction with Lady Green Lane to its junction with Lady Green Court.

►  The full length of The Cross.

►  The full length of The Close.

►  Moor Lane, from its junction with Lady Green Lane to a point 240m in a South Westerly direction.

►  Lady Green Lane, from its junction with Scaffold Lane to a point 200m South East of its junction with Scaffold Lane.

As part of a consultation on the scheme, the 1st advert appeared in local press on 24th Aug. A 21 day objection period ends on 14 September 2022. If no objections are received, the traffic regulation order will be made.  If objections are received the decision goes back to the Cabinet member for further consideration. If the order is made, a works order to the Council contractor will be placed and the scheme should be operational by the end of November 2022.