To The Editor:- "I would like to tell you about 2 Southport Businesses"

"I would like to tell you about 2 companies that have been so generous to me it's unreal.  At the end of October 2023 I went to the Doctors to ask for some pain killers for back pain. I'd had an operation in the area where the pain is about 6 years ago, so I thought it was something to do with that. This was the first time in years I needed pain killers for my back. After an examination the doctor told me to go to A&E at Wigan. Before I knew it I was in a Hospital bed for 3 weeks to find out that I have FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) and would be leaving Hospital in a wheelchair. This obviously turned me and my families lives upside down overnight. Firstly Alty's Builders Merchants based at Much Hoole, what a company! I've worked there for 15 years as an area Sales Manger. My boss Stephen Gautrey (The MD) came to the hospital to reassure me my job is safe. Then he phoned my wife asking about the height of our door step. The following day he turned up at our house with a ramp he had ordered for my wheelchair to make it more accessible so I could get in and out of the house when I left Hospital. Then he came to the house when I was home with a huge hamper full of goodies, again reassuring me. And just the other day Ste and Anne Price (The Chair Lady of Altys) came bringing chocolates and flowers for Leanne (who is an amazing wife , she has had to cope with this along with the stress of Christmas. I do need to get her the biggest bunch of flowers possible when I can) but Altys are being so supportive to both myself and Leanne. It's a credit something I don't think you would see at a lot of companies. Then when I got home we realised our front door wasn't quite wide enough for my wheelchair and chunks were being taken out of the frame every time I went in and out. I rang Tim from J&k Construction, based in Southport who I've known for a number of years as a customer at another builders merchants before Altys and is now a good customer of Altys. I asked him for a price for a front door and when he realised it was for me at the drop of a hat he said it was sorted. Before I knew it Ade, who is 1 of his employees, who I know well and have a good laugh with, was at my door measuring up! Tuesday, 19 December 2023, just gone J&k was at my house fitting a new front door a small job compared to their new builds and extensions.  But to do it at no cost to me at all is unreal and something you don't see much of these days. Both of these companies have been a massive help and reassurance that there is good in people.  I can't thank Alty's and J&K construction enough. Christmas will be different this year, but these two companies have made it easier. They have taken a lot of stress away from our family and we are truly grateful. And in 2024 I'm determined I will walk again! I can't thank both Alty's, and J&k enough." Chris Hignett.

Northen asks:- "Will 2024 be the year of the recremuter?"

THE rail operator Northern has coined the term:- 'recremuter' for its customers who now only commute to the office when there's a recreational:- 'add on' to their day.

The average commuter now only travels into the office 3 days a week; and those days are increasingly being chosen based on non work, recreational reasons.

Whether it's to nip in the pub after work, meet mates at the cinema, meet a friend for lunch or to indulge in some retail therapy, the office itself isn't reason enough anymore.

Northern is embracing this new trend with its:- 'Barcode Season Tickets,' which offer any 8 days travel in a 28 day window and up to 33% off the regular cost of commuting between 2 Stations.

They are available to adult customers as weekly or monthly options.

Mark Powles, Customer and Commercial Director at Northern said:- "We've seen the profile of our customers change post Pandemic. The traditional 'Monday to Friday, 9 to fiver' still exist, but there are far fewer of them. More people are now commuting when they want and for reasons personal to them. Fortunately, our Barcode Season Tickets are designed for just that flexibility. They're part of our investment in the largest network of digital ticket infrastructure of any train operator in the country. Customers can buy their ticket via our app, website or one of more than 600 ticket machines across the network."

Everyone can compare the cost, travel time and CO₂e impact of their journey against the equivalent trip by road on the Savings Calculator on the Northern website.

Commuters who switch to taking the train can also enjoy additional benefits such as increased productivity, reduced stress, and the ability to avoid traffic jams and parking fees.

On Sunday, 10 December 2023, rail timetables across the North of England changed in line with the rest of the National Rail network. Customers are encouraged to use the:- 'Check My Timetable' feature on the Northern website for more information about their local station.