Author: COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR

Councillors voted to to create nine new 20mph zones across Southport, at the Area Committee at Southport Town Hall, Wednesday 24 September. The areas getting the new limits are: Ainsdale Village; Fleetwood Road area; Avondale Road area; Heathfield Road in Ainsdale area; Kew Estate; Westcliffe Road; area Southbank Road area; Sefton Street area; and the roads around Shoreside School in Ainsdale. — Nine new 20mph zones set for Southport Plans to introduce nine 20mph zones in Southport will be decided on at a Committee Meeting on Wednesday 23rd September. If all nine zones are approved, they would cost around £114,000…

Photo: Sea wall Graffiti removed  The graffiti that was sprayed on the sea wall prior to the Southport Air show was today removed, Wednesday 23 September 2015. Sefton Council aims to remove graffiti from Council property of a racial or obscene nature within 48 hours. All other non-offensive graffiti will be removed from Council property within 72 days. Sefton Council also offer a service to remove graffiti from private properties. There is a charge and a requirement for the owner to sign a disclaimer against any damage. Contact the council for more details. … UPDATE: The name ‘Syców’ that was spray painted on…

Starring:Martin Mor, Joe Bor, Brennan Reece, Tony Carroll, Damion Larkin (MC)  PETER KAY SAYS LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB ‘S HEADLINER IS “EXTREMELY FUNNY” Saturday 3 October 2015 8.00pm Martin Mor comes from Northern Ireland, and after a successful career as a circus performer,  he’s now very much the comedian’s comedian, Martin has been the support act of choice for; Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jasper Carrot, Patrick Kielty, Johnny Vegas, Steve Coogan, and once Tina Turner. Not only that but Peter Kay is a fan describing this affable Irish comedy powerhouse as “extremely funny”. With numerous appearances on radio and television, Martin…

John Pugh speaking in the Assisted Dying debate in the Commons where he spoke and voted against the bill praised Southport’s Queenscourt Hospice for their advice and help. “Like many people I agonise over this subject and the suffering of the small minority of patients who die disturbing deaths even with medical help was foremost in my mind. “I deliberately sought advice from Queenscourt and its director, Dr Karen Groves, as they see death on a daily basis and referred to them in my speech to the Commons. “I was convinced that there were serious social risks in allowing the NHS or…

Cllr Terry Jones: true to his Conservative Party or not? OTS recently highlighted the crude, unprofessional, conduct coming from the Woodvale WACA charity via its new Chair, Alison Marshall. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/waca-charity-still-unapologetic-over-new-chairs-filthy-facebook-post/ Ms Marshall, unapologetic, went on to seek sympathy on her Facebook page, following her self-inflicted and very childlike blunder. This was strangely supported by Ainsdale’s Cllr Terry Jones, who quipped “Those that do are the ones that have lived a failed and miserable existance. And they try their best to pull others down to their own sad pathetic level.” Another poster quickly added, “Like Cameron you mean? “ Rather than defend…

People across Southport are being urged to ensure their chimneys are swept before the autumn. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service advising residents to ensure chimneys are installed by appropriate registered tradespeople and that they are serviced regularly to prevent carbon monoxide emissions. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues can also prevent fires breaking out and most chimney fires are preventable. Residents are also advised to have an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their homes and to test it regularly. Fire appliances in Merseyside have equipment that can detect dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide in buildings and properties where…

A campaign aimed at reducing unnecessary medicines waste has been launched by health commissioners in Sefton. NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG estimate that an incredible £2 million is lost each year through wasted medicines that could have otherwise been spent on health services for local residents. The campaign calls upon patients and carers to: Only order what they need Return their unwanted medicines to their pharmacy for safe disposal Take their medicines with them when they go into hospital Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “One of the biggest problems…

The Atkinson – Theatre, Saturday 24 October 2015 at 7:30 pm. £18 / £16 concessions plus booking fee. Booking fee is £1 per ticket online/phone & 50p over the counter. Every now and then a really unusual band comes around and blows away all your critical senses with music so distinctive it really does leave you wondering how they create such delights. Such are the Peatbog Faeries who conjure such a cross pollination of styles that it is hard to know where to begin with a description. However, in the interests of this preview I’ll have a go. …If a Stax…

The last EVER flypast with the Vulcan and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows! As this is the last display season for the Vulcan, there will never be another chance to see this unique and incredible formation. This is the last EVER flypast with the Vulcan and the Red Arrows and it is happening here, at the Southport Air Show! The Southport Air Show is now entering its 25th year, and the annual two-day event will see dozens of aircraft take to the skies above Southport beach. From Spitfires to Red Arrows, Typhoon to WW2 Replicas, aviation enthusiasts will be…

On 16 September 2015 a very prominent phenomenon called a sun dog appeared in the early morning over Ainsdale A sun dog or sundog (also called a parhelion, plural parhelia, for ‘beside the sun’ or ‘mock sun’)  is a particular type of ice halo. It is a coloured patch of light to the side of the sun. Sundogs can be seen anywhere in the world during any season. In Europe or USA they might be seen 1-2 times per week but not always perceptibly bright. Their forms may vary in appearance as well. They are not rainbows. They are produced…

OTS News recently (and fairly) highlighted the Woodvale Charity and a controversial post on Facebook by the new Chair, Alison Marshall https://www.otsnews.co.uk/waca-are-funders-happy/ Naturally, as a representative of a community charity that receives funding for activities (many including families and young children) a charity chairperson does have a definite obligation to act with a degree of professionalism and care; not only to the community but also to trusting colleagues and partners. Ms Marshall appears to remain wholly unaware of this fact, as no apology has been forthcoming.  In contrast, alleged friends of these women on Facebook (which is publicly available) have…

Photo: Cllr David Barton Cllr David Barton said: “As soon as this was brought to my attention I contacted the relevant department immediately. “I am pleased to say the bins will be emptied today and I have sought assurances that bins will be emptied on the correct day from now on. “If any residents have issues with wastes collection I am always happy to help.” For more information please contact David Barton on 0151 934 2061 or davidbarton.dukesward@outlook.com If you would like to speak to him about this or any other issue he holds surgeries for residents every third Saturday…

Safeguarding text, Southport parents Parents at St. Teresa’s Catholic Infant & Nursery School, Everton Road, Birkdale, Southport have today recieved the above waning text, Monday 14 September 2105. Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk Twitter  www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to instantly comment on news articles – there are so many advantages to OTS (Onthespot) News. If you want your news read locally online then send it to ots@otsnews.co.uk – relying only on the newspaper is to restrict yourself to an ever reducing audience.

Sefton Council are aiming to get over 50s back into sport with the launch of walking football. In partnership with Active Soccer Maghull and the Friends of Alexandra & Coronation Parks the free sessions are held every Friday, 1pm to 2pm. Walking football, in a nutshell, is a slower version of the game. The rules are the same but all players walk and it is a non-contact sport, meaning no potential injuries. The free over 50s sessions start on September 25 at Coronation Park, Crosby. A statement from Sefton Council said: “So if you see yourself as a Bob Latchford or a Jimmy Case…

Southport MP John Pugh has spoken about why he voted against the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons. The Liberal Democrat politician, who spoke and voted against the Bill, praised Southport’s Queenscourt Hospice for their advice and help. Dr Pugh said: “Like many people I agonise over this subject and the suffering of the small minority of patients who die disturbing deaths even with medical help was foremost in my mind. “I deliberately sought advice from Queenscourt and its director, Dr Karen Groves, as they see death on a daily basis and referred to them in my speech…

Missing from home: Samantha Nutt Merseyside Police is renewing its appeal for the public’s help in tracing a 16 year-old girl who has gone missing. Samantha Josephine Nutt, from Precot, was last seen on Monday, September 7 in the Wavertree area of Liverpool. Samantha is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall of medium build with long straight dyed black hair and a sallow complexion. She has her ears pierced and speaks with a slight Birmingham accent. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black crop top, white pumps, and a cream and grey woolen Poncho. She was carrying a…

OTS News boldly highlighted the basic ineptitude of a so-called gardening project that was organised on Sandbrook Way (as a publicity stunt) by  Ainsdale’s, Tory-orientated Woodvale WACA charity. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/wacas-april-publicity-planting-stunt-goes-pear-shaped-due-to-more-misdirection-and-ignorance/ WACA responsible for plant and shrub deaths, ‘not’ local youngsters!  It’s so easy to blame others for stupid mistakes, but the truth is frequently something different altogether. Plants were idiotically planted in toxic woodchip by misled WACA volunteers, which naturally ensured that they died shortly after this embarrassing farce. Moreover, attempts to gain additional news coverage, via unfairly blaming local young people (without any proof) for pulling up shrubs which WACA…

Photo: Charity Car Wash, Southport The car wash is for the national Fire fighters charity. We are the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families. Our vision is to make a positive difference by supporting people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals by providing world-class treatment and support services. It costs over £8 million every year to keep the Charity running, and we are completely reliant upon donations and fundraising, so…

The first 22 Pink-footed geese have arrived at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre after a long flight from Iceland, heralding the start of Autumn. Lancashire, Sefton and the North West can expect to hear the calls of over 100,000 Pink-footed geese over the next few weeks as the migration begins and the geese use the North West as a service station to re-fuel after their migration, before continuing south for the winter.  Reserve Manager, Tom Clare, said: “the geese need perfect weather conditions to make the journey from Iceland and there is a change in the wind direction expected…

British Cadet Fencing Team Selection Date: 11/09/2015 Richard Michell Selected to Fence In Bonn for the British Cadet Team Today, epee fencer Richard Michell, a sixth former at Scarisbrick Hall, was awarded his British Cadet team colours at a presentation by his headmaster. For the last three years, Richard has perused the dream of fencing for the national Cadet team and narrowly missed achieving this in 2014. However, in January he returned to the selection circuit with a renewed determination to succeed and his hard work and perseverance have paid off with this nomination for the Bonn International in November.…

Photo: Roy Ellis Local financial advisor, Roy Ellis, is embarking on his first Great North Run this Sunday 13th September in honour of his Grandad Tom and in memory of his late Nanna Pat.  He is raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society as his Grandad Tom, 90, suffers from Alzheimers.  Tom is cared for by his family and especially his daughter Angela. However Roy is keen to raise money for the charity to help others with the condition who are not so fortunate to having a loving family for support. If you want to sponsor Roy on his run or happy…

Youngsters from Southport and nearby areas who have that extra special star quality are being encouraged to go along to the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre and audition for the Christmas pantomime. Children between the ages of 9 and sixteen are being invited to tread the boards and show off their fancy footwork and audition at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre on Saturday, September 12, at 9:30am for a 10am start. This year will be Imagine Theatre’s second year producing panto in Southport. Steve Boden who is managing director of Imagine Theatre believes their ethos of providing a top…

Oddfellows invite you for a cuppa on Lord Street, Southport Judith Catton said: “If you’re looking to make new friends and improve your social life, pop along to C’Espresso Café on Lord Street this afternoon (Friday 11th September) at any time from 2pm to 4.30pm. The Oddfellows in Southport is a membership organisation which provides a full social programme including coffee mornings, theatre trips, days out, talks and meals etc. All are welcome to come and meet us and have a chat and a cuppa…. Hope to see you there”. Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321…

Update The Southport Knights of St Columba Charity bike ride Sunday 13th September A big ‘Thank you’ to all our riders who enjoyed fantastic weather and an incident free ride along the Cheshire lines route. We hope to have raised a substantial sum to add to the total we have already raised this year and will shortly be presenting to our local, national and international charities at our Annual Presentation Dinner. Thanks for your on going support! Phil Woods Who are the knights of St Columba? The Knights of Saint Columba is a Catholic fraternal service organisation and the largest…

Photo: Mrs Barbara Rodwell Mrs Barbara Rodwell is delighted with the safety rail at her home address that was provided by Bing house. The rail was provided to help Barbara when pottering around her garden which she still enjoys. Barbara has also been offered 2 weeks respite at Byng House located on the promenade Southport. Barbara was over the moon when receiving the news in the post. Barbra was given this great opportunity as she served in the Armed forces. Barbara was in the ATS she served in Scotland in 1944 for 2 years. At Byng House guests are never at…

Following the banning of Loyal volunteers – Woodvale Woodland had extra help on Sunday April 12 2015. 52 additional volunteers from Liverpool University Air Squadron (RAF Woodvale) spent the day despite the rain and the wind clearing rubbish (all rubbish will be collected by Sefton Council) and brambles, path laying, finishing the woodchip path, planting bulbs and creating a tree screen for the future by planting whips from the wood. Approximately 150 hours contributed to this great project! See this link for more data of the real WWP story: http://woodvalewp.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/waca-misdirection-and-ignorance-now.html NB. See this link for the ‘REAL’ sham behind WACA…