Councils urged to fix potholes while roads are empty

IN the news it was revealed that the Department for Transport has ordered Councils to repair potholes around the country whilst the roads are relatively empty. Motoring expert at Confused.Com, Alex Kindred, says:- "Lockdown gives Local Councils both the time and space they really need to get our roads up to scratch. Unfortunately, potholes continue to be a serious issue, especially following the damage left by storms at the start of the year. Our scrolling animation shows just how deep the problem goes across the UK; 1 that cost Councils almost ₤3 million in compensation pay outs for damaged vehicles in just 1 year. More than a quarter of drivers (28%) told us that they'd had an accident or a near miss because of potholes. We also found that 2 in 5 (40%) drivers have had to fork out more than ₤100 to repair damage caused by potholes, on average. Knowing who to get in touch with when you come across a pothole can be confusing. But according to our expert report, you should always report any road defects to your local Council. Hopefully, with Councils taking action while we're under lockdown, the roads will be in a far better state by the time we're out and about driving again. But if, when lockdown ends, you spot a pothole, let your Council know so that they can keep on top of any damages." What are your views on this move? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your thoughts...

LGA responds to an ASH report on smokers quitting due to Coronavirus

RESPONDING to a new report by Action on Smoking and Health about how at least 300,000 people have quit smoking successfully due to growing concerns over Coronavirus, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "Smokers are at particular risk of Covid-19 and it is encouraging that so many have quit the habit for good. We need to continue to support people to give up smoking altogether, both through the current crisis and beyond, if we are to save lives both in the immediate and longer term. This includes reaching out to those most in need, including preventing children from taking up the habit and developing further health problems later in life, relieving pressure on other services such as the NHS, social care and welfare. Councils can help the Government to achieve its ambition of eliminating smoking in England by 2030, through their tobacco control and other public health and support services, but need certainty over their long term funding to help do so."

Napthens offers mental health support to clients

REGIONAL law firm Napthens is offering mental health support to its clients who may need help during the current or future crises. 7 members of the firm's legal teams have already qualified as certified Mental Health 1st Aiders which enables them to help clients who may be suffering various mental health issues during a stressful time, from experiencing of the death of a loved one, caring for incapacitated relatives or divorce.

Simon Ainsworth, Head of Private Client at Napthens, said:- "Some clients may feel a need for emotional support whilst they are going through a legal process for a variety of reasons and the fact that our legal teams have these skills is ever more important especially during the current crisis. The mental health and wellbeing of our clients is as important to us as their legal health. We are a big part of our local communities and this is just another way of assisting clients to ensure they receive the best advice. Our team has been trained in helping clients by signposting them to other specialist agencies who can help them with such issues. We don't pretend to be experts in mental health, but we can help with initial advice and put them in touch with relevant support where needed."

The accreditation through Mental Health 1st Aid England taught attendees the techniques needed to identify and intervene when individuals are showing signs of mental health issues, such as:- anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.

Appeal after swan shot 4 times in Liverpool park

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a swan was found fatally wounded in a Liverpool park. The swan was discovered on Tuesday, 28 April 2020, by members of the public who have known the bird and her mate to live on the pond for several years. Sadly, the swan had to be put to sleep as she could not be saved.

RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering and animal Welfare Officer (AWO) Matt Brown were called to Stadt Moers Park in Liverpool after reports of the injured swan were made to the RSPCA's emergency line. Louise said:- "When Matt and I arrived we could see 2 swans sitting on a nest containing eggs on the banks of the park's lake. We were really concerned because we could see blood on 1 of the swans, so Matt changed into his specialist water rescue kit and made his way into the lake. He was able to get hold of the female easily, so we knew she was badly hurt."

The animal rescuers took the female swan to a local vets where she was assessed, and it was discovered that she had 4 pellets in her head where she had been shot. Sadly, the swan was so severely injured, vets made the tough decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering. Louise and Matt are keen to find out more about who is responsible for fatally injuring the swan. Louise added:- "As we carried the swan away from the lake we could hear her mate calling for her, it was very upsetting, especially as he will now have to protect the eggs, but it is possible he may be successful in raising the young alone. To think someone has done this deliberately is absolutely terrible, I can't imagine why someone would be so cruel to a wild animal. The local people who have watched the birds for some time are also extremely upset. It's an offence to kill or injure a wild bird, not to mention a really cruel and horrible thing to do. We're appealing to anyone who may have any information, no matter how small, to get in touch. They can leave a message for me in complete confidence by calling our inspector appeal line number on:- 0300 123 8018."

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in desperate need of care please visit their website or call their donation line on:- 0300 123 8181.