Councillors across the Region unite with Police Commissioner to focus on building a safer, stronger Merseyside

COUNCILLORS from across the Region gathered today for the 2nd Merseyside Councillors' Conference hosted by the Police Commissioner.

Emily Spurrell 1st held the event in 2023 to bring elected representatives from across the county together with her office and Merseyside Police to discuss how they can work even closer together to build safer, stronger communities.

This 2nd event will continue that work, discussing a range of different topics and initiatives to strengthen the collaborative approach to tackling crime across the Region.

Opened by the Commissioner, the conference was designed to give Councillors an overview of Merseyside Police's work while enabling crucial discussions on key issues including community cohesion, road safety and support for victims of crime.

The event, held at Merseyside Police's Mather Avenue Training Facility, was also attended by members of the local policing teams from each of the Region's five boroughs to enable discussions about work going on a local level to increase safety and prevent crime, as well as the Victim Care Merseyside hub team who act as a single point of contact for all victims across the Region.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "I'm determined to do everything possible to work with our partners to tackle crime and build safer, stronger communities. Local Councillors play a vital role serving people in their wards. They know and understand the issues and the challenges their residents face day in, day out. That's why it's so important we work closely with them to increase the flow of two-way communication and focus on finding solutions to local concerns. Their knowledge and insight can be pivotal in providing intelligence, tackling crime and increasing safety, so I'm pleased that I was able to unite so many Councillors for the second time to discuss the ways in which we can; alongside Merseyside Police; all work closer together to benefit the people we all serve. My thanks go to the Senior Officers, the local policing teams and our Victim Care Merseyside team who all made the event such a success."

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "Coming together with Merseyside Police and neighbouring Councils gives us a real opportunity to focus on crime and community safety issues not just in Liverpool but right across the Region. Sharing information, knowledge and ideas is vital in helping make our area a safer place to live, work and visit."

Councillor Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council said:- "This meeting is really important. As Councillors across the Liverpool City Region, we tackle localised issues. But in areas such as crime and anti-social behaviour, there are a lot of common themes. By coming together, elected members across the Region are able to share knowledge and experience which we can then take back to our communities as best practice to support the work of Merseyside Police and the PCC."

Owner abandoned dog who starved to death in Liverpool property

A Liverpool man who left his property where his dog died of starvation has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

The bull breed dog called Wilson was left without food and water at a property while his owner Aaron Thompson claimed a friend had been going in to look after the canine.

Wilson's bloated body was discovered in Thompson's former home, at:- Grange Street, Tuebrook, in November 2023.

Thompson, (D.o.B 30/07/1986), now of September Road, Liverpool, was convicted of failing to meet the needs of the dog under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, at:- Liverpool Magistrates' Court, on:- 12 February 2025.

RSPCA Inspector Nadine Pengilly tracked Thompson down on:- 26 January 2024. The defendant confirmed in a phone call from the inspector that Wilson was his dog. The inspector said Thompson told her that he worked away from home for:- 3 to 4 months at a time and:- "had a friend looking after Wilson."

Wilson's body was found by a housing association worker when he made a check on the property. The body, which was decomposing and covered in fleas, had been wrapped in a blanket and placed in a box in the lounge.

A vet said in her expert report:- "Wilson's body had slowly shut down and although in the absence of a post-mortem it is impossible to know the cause of death, being abandoned with no access to food or water is likely to have caused or contributed to his death. In this case I can't be sure if water was provided or if food was provided intermittently, but it is likely the dog didn't have any food or water for a minimum of two weeks and probably likely longer."