Lib Dems Announce Rob McAllister Bell as Metro Mayor Candidate

THE Liverpool Liberal Democrat Councillor has outlined how he and his party would be a change in direction from the Labour incumbent. His top priorities are:-

Improving public transport across the City Region, connecting key sites like finally delivering a direct connection to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from the new Everton Stadium and beyond, and plugging the gaps left by Merseyrail. The Lib Dems have set the goal of electronic tickets and tap on tap off to be introduced within 2 years. Rob has committed to protecting concessionary passes on Merseytravel access for the over 60s.

Delivering a Liverpool ready for the next 100 years. The Liberal Democrats are pitching to make Liverpool a business friendly City that is looking to grow and develop high quality and well paying jobs in growth sectors. That means Liverpool is primed to be a centre of innovation and industry for the next 100 years tackling the challenges we face like the climate emergency.

Putting powers back into communities by having wider consultation with councillors in the City Region. Rob has committed to attending a meeting of each local authority and taking questions from Councillors and the public about the work the City Region is doing. He would also look to expand the role of current elected representatives in decision making for the City Region.

Cllr McAllister Bell was elected to the old Mossely Hill Ward for the 1st time in 2021 and was returned as the sole Councillor for newly redrawn Mossley Hill Ward, in 2023. Since joining the Council, he's been known for his impassioned speeches, especially on homelessness when he has hit out against Liverpool Labour�s lack of remorse or compassion on the issue. He is also Deputy Leader of Liberal Democrat Group and has spoken openly about his experiences as an openly gay and disabled man in politics.

Cllr Rob McAllisterBell said:- "It's a great honour to have been selected as a candidate in this election. Steve has had the Mayoralty for 7 years now, and like so many people I wonder what was the point? What has he achieved that wouldn't have happened without him? Now, he's asking for 4 more years to really make a difference; that's just not going to wash with voters in the City Region. That's why I want this election to be about the change that the Liberal Democrats can bring to the City Region. When we took over the Liverpool City Council in 1998, we brought Liverpool One, the Capital of Culture and made long lasting changes that have made Liverpool a great place to live. If I'm elected, then I won't be the Mayor of 1 Mann Island. I want to make sure I�m out across the City Region, talking to residents, communities, and local leaders. Even here in Liverpool, the City Region can feel distant because there is no accountability or proper scrutiny. This May, voters have a clear choice that can have Labour's missing Mayor cooped up in his office or back the Lib Dems for a new change of direction."

Former Leader of Liverpool City Council, Lord Mike Storey said:- "Rob is a fantastic candidate for the Mayoralty. He is exactly what we need in the City Region, a breath of fresh air to blow away all the cobwebs that Labour have left with their empty promises and half finished projects. It's time for change and only the Lib Dems can deliver that change."

Dogs Trust Merseyside issues advice ahead of Dog Theft Awareness Day

WITH pet theft reported to be on the increase in the UK, Dogs Trust Merseyside, the UK's leading dog welfare charity, has issued guidance to owners in a bid to prevent much loved dogs from being separated from their families.

On Thursday, 14 March 2024, is Dogs Theft Awareness Day, and according to a recent report by Direct Line, 2,290 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2023, a 6% increase in 2022.

However, despite the very distressing nature of having a dog stolen, pet theft is not a specific crime. Currently, the crime of stealing a dog is treated in the same way as the theft of household items such as phones and bikes, without considering the huge emotional impact losing a pet has on families and individuals.

For many years, Dogs Trust has called for harsher penalties to deter those who profit from the theft of dogs. Earlier this year, a Private Members Bill, that has crossparty support received its second reading in the Houses of Parliament. If successful, this would see Pet Theft become a specific offense.

To help owners reduce the risk of their dog being stolen, Dogs Trust has issued the following advice:-

Ensure your house and property boundaries are secure; keep your dog in and intruders out.
Keep an eye on your dog when they are in the garden and never leave them unsupervised.
Do you post pictures of your dog on social media? If so, regularly review your privacy settings and make sure your address can�t be identified from your posts.
When exercising your dog, always keep them in sight and pay attention to what they are doing. If exercising your dog off lead, make sure they have good recall and come back to you when you call them, regardless of where they are.
Never leave your dog unattended in a public place; even if it's just for a minute.
Likewise, never leave your dog alone in a car. As well as the risk of being stolen, they can also easily overheat, even if the weather is cold or mild.
Make sure your dog is searchable in case the worst should happen. Ensure your dog is wearing a tag with your name, phone number, and address on it, and make sure your dog is microchipped. Let your database provider know if any of your contact details change, and keep up to date, clear photos of your dog, making sure to show any distinctive features.

If the worst does happen and your dog is stolen, you can feel helpless and have no idea where to start looking for them. Dogs Trust suggests the following:-

Report the theft to the police straight away. Make sure you get a crime reference number and insist that your dog is recorded as stolen and not missing.
Report the theft of your dog to your local authority Dog Warden.
Notify your microchip database provider.
Ask local rescue centres, animal charities, and vet practices to keep an eye out for your dog.
Monitor places thieves may try to sell your dog, like pet websites, pet shops and notice boards. Notify the Police immediately if you come across anything.
Use missing and stolen animal websites such as:- 'DogLost' which help to reunite missing pets with their owners by offering free advice and support.

Maria Murray, Associate Director Prevention and Community Engagement at Dogs Trust says:- "Having your beloved pet stolen is an extremely stressful, often heart-breaking experience. For many owners, pets are members of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing where they are, is devastating. It's disappointing to hear that pet theft is on the rise, but by following a few simple tips, you can reduce the chances of this despicable crime happening to you. Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area, and if you are walking them off lead, always keep them in sight. You should also be careful with what details you share online about your canine companions. Not only is it a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped and to wear an ID tag while out in public, but these two simple steps will also help to get your dog home to you as quickly as possible if the worst does happen."

For more information, visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

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Lib Dems Announce Rob McAllister Bell as Metro Mayor Candidate

Dogs Trust Merseyside issues advice ahead of Dog Theft Awareness Day