Liverpool to mark Remembrance Sunday

A series of events will take place in Liverpool to mark Remembrance Sunday this year. The main focus is the Remembrance Service, on 13 November 2022, which is returning to St George's Plateau for the 1st time in 3 years. Thousands of people will gather as the City falls silent to remember those who have lost their lives during 2 world wars and conflicts around the world since. This year's event will also reflect the important role personnel from Commonwealth countries play in the UK armed forces. According to the Royal British Legion, over 6,000 personnel from foreign and Commonwealth countries are currently serving in the UK armed forces, with more recruited each year to fill technical and specialist roles.

The service will begin at 10.40am, accompanied by The Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association. At 11am the traditional firing of the gun will signify the start of the two-minute silence, with another firing to mark its conclusion.

Following the silence, the traditional wreath laying and service by key civic, Military and religious leaders, the parade will then march from St George's Plateau to salute the Cenotaph and poppy petals will fall from the roof of St George's Hall.

To mark the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War, former Royal Marine Chris Caroe, who served during the conflict, will speak during the service. The former Royal Marine Chris Caroe, who served in the Falklands, said:- "40 years on from the Falklands conflict, it only seems like yesterday that as a young 21 year old Junior Officer in the Royal Marines that I had the privilege to lead 32 men, 8,000 miles away and bring them all back, having accomplished all the tasks laid before us. They were outstanding, quick thinking, dedicated immensely fit with a wry sense of humour that carried them through those long dark wet nights in the field. To a man they were invincible and it was an honour to lead such men into battle."


In addition, On Friday, 11 November and Sunday, 13 November 2022, the Hall of Remembrance at Liverpool Town Hall will be open from 9am to 4pm, displaying letters and birthday cards written by Liverpool mothers to their sons who were serving during the Battle of the Atlantic. It includes the poignant 'voices' of ordinary Merseyside families caught up in the upheaval, grief, and uncertainty of World War II. The letters have been loaned by the Royal Navy and Western Approaches Museum.

St George's Hall, Liverpool Town Hall and the Cunard Building, will be lit up red, from Friday, 11 November to Sunday, 13 November 2022, to mark the Remembrance weekend.

Lord Mayor and Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Roy Gladden, said:- "Events in Ukraine this year show why it is really important to pay tribute to those who have served to protect and uphold the freedom we have in this country today. It is not just the 2 World Wars that have cost lives, but other conflicts as well. This year I wanted us to focus on the contribution that personnel from Commonwealth countries make to our armed forces, and we are working to make sure their role is reflected during the service. 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, which saw the loss of 12 lives on board the Liverpool registered Atlantic Conveyor. Earlier this year we held a service at the Pier Head to remember the crew who died. We must remember that at this very moment there are armed forces personnel from Liverpool stationed around the world, serving our nation, who could be called into action at any time. Ultimately we must make sure that the sacrifices made by those who serve are never forgotten and as we have seen in many previous years, Liverpool does its very best to honour them."

The following road closures will be in place on Sunday, 13 November 2022:-

► William Brown Street from Byrom Street, from:- 7am to 1pm.

► London Road between Seymour Street and Lime Street, from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► Commutation Row between Islington and Lime Street, from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► Islington between Fraser Street and Commutation Row, from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► Lime Street between London Road and Copperas Hill, from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► St. Johns Lane and St. George's Place between Old Haymarket and Lime Street, from:- 9.30am to 1pm.

► Skelhorne Street between Bolton Street and Lime Street, from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► Queens Square Bus Station will be closed from:- 9:30am to 1pm.

► Access for the Holiday Inn Hotel and St John's car park will be facilitated from Elliot Street / Lime Street junction.

All closures will be signed and stewarded and will remain in force only for as long as is necessary.

Merseyside Police leading light in reducing drug driving

MERSEYSIDE Police will be the focus of a national weeklong campaign in October to reduce road deaths in the UK. Project Edward has also taken place, running from 17 October to 21 October 2022. That project has the long term objective of a road traffic system free from death and serious injury. A week of action to highlight the issues, including a road trip across the UK, will culminate in a House of Commons reception at Westminster.

Drug related road crashes cause too many deaths and serious, life changing injuries every year. And for everyone killed or seriously injured, there are far reaching consequences for families, relationships and communities.

Merseyside Police is at the forefront of drug driving arrests and for the past 3 years has arrested over 2,000 drivers every year. It wants to highlight the significant work it does in protecting the roads from drug-drivers whilst spreading the message of road safety to the Merseyside public.

Merseyside Police Inspector Susan Stribling, a strong advocate for drug drive screening, said:- "We are a leading force in addressing the growing problem of drug driving. With the support of Project ADDER, Merseyside Police is a proactive leader in removing offenders from our roads. Project ADDER is funding drug wipes for drug drive policing and is 1 of the main forces using them."

Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery) Government funding is supporting an increase in targeted drug supply disruption and a reduction in drug-related harm and offending.

Drug-driving is a growing problem on Merseyside. In the 8 months to September 2022, 1,606 drivers were arrested for drug driving, 165 more than at the same point in 2021. The long term trend of increasing cases looks set to continue.

Merseyside Police is committed to tackling this threat. Since 2015, Officers have tested for the presence of drugs in saliva at the roadside. The tests only take minutes, with a 'positive' result leading to a person's arrest and requirement to provide an evidential blood sample. There are several different constituents in cannabis and the Police can test for the element that causes drivers to become impaired. Officers are specially trained to spot the signs and symptoms of drug use and to conduct impairment tests. Drugs can affect a person's ability to drive.

Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Sergeant Tim Pottle said:- "The legal limits that apply to drugs like THC cannabis and cocaine are very low, meaning that any recent use of either is likely to result in a failed drug test and arrest. It can take several hours for drugs to be eliminated from the body and they may still be detected by a workplace drug test."

Protect yourself and those you love by following these simple, but potentially life saving tips:-

► Taking illegal drugs can have life changing consequences for you, your loved ones and others. How would imprisonment, a driving ban or the loss of a job affect you and others? What can seem to be harmless recreation can change the course of your life and the future of you and your family.

► Taking drugs, even some medicines, can affect your ability to drive. Use public transport or keep a note of local taxi firms if you need to get out or home.

► If you're concerned about someone's ability to drive through drug use you can report the concerns to the DVLA who can open an investigation and potentially remove their licence using:- DVLA.Gov.UK ad following the links to:- Drivers Medical.

► Please note how much more at risk you become if you mix drug taking with drinking alcohol.

► Don't travel in a car driven by someone you suspect has taken drugs.

► If you use drugs - the only safe option is not to drive at all.