The recorded history of gambling in the UK dates back more than two millennia, to around the time of occupation by the ancient Romans. Archaeology and accounts from the time provide evidence to suggest that our ancestors regularly placed wagers on sporting events or games of chance such as dice more than 2,000 years ago. Following the footsteps of the forefathers, humans are still fulfilling their gambling thrill through online games at platforms such as MEGA888 ORIGINAL using technology aids. While sporting events of the time were more likely to consist of chariot races and gladiators fighting to the death…
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John Pugh is warning that despite all the recent talk about restoring the Burscough Curves, the odds are against it. In a brutally frank short video he has outlined on social media the reason why restoring the Curves may end up in the too-hard-to-do category despite its benefits and despite its relatively modest cost. He gives three major reasons: 1. There simply is not enough money around (£500m) to do all but a few Beeching restorations around the country and many competing priorities -including the massively expensive plan to restore rail links to Skelmersdale and provide a new station 2.…
OTS News had the pleasure to recently be invited to sample the new menu at the Lansdowne Bistro. This family-run gem is nestled away in the heart of Southport town centre on Anchor Street and provides a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming setting to dine in. With restaurants across the country forced to adapt following the coronavirus outbreak, the Lansdowne is no exception. Head Chef and joint owner Patrick Tyndall has now been joined at the Lansdowne by former Firepit manager Jamie Rae, and the menu changes have worked an absolute treat. High on the list of improvements is a more…
Cryptocurrency is becoming more and more mainstream these days and with it, a lot of young people and first-time investors are interested in it. This new wave of handling money and its values are slowly taking over, this is of course caused by the never-stopping evolution of technology. Young people are extremely interested in this way of handling their money, the appeal is pretty simple – who wouldn’t want to be in full control of their finances without the need of third parties or in this case banks. But delving into something as cryptocurrency can be a bit daunting for…
The Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick MP has decided not to exercise his power to “call in” the latest Sainsbury application for an out of town supermarket at Meols Cop despite requests from opponents of the development that he should do so. A previous application by Sainsburys for an even bigger store was called in by the Coalition government leading to a public enquiry. The latest application was referred to the Secretary of State by resolution of the Sefton Planning Committee. Cllr. John Pugh, a long time opponent of the scheme was told by government officials that they “understand there…
The football world has been rocked in recent days by the news that Lionel Messi appears to be done with FC Barcelona. We’re used to rumours of transfer requests or general dissatisfaction chasing star players throughout their careers, and there have been vague suggestions of impending Messi departures in the past. But this time, the news is concrete. According to a Metro report on the recent developments, the Argentinian superstar has “informed Barcelona via fax” that he wants to leave. Messi also cited a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free at the end of any season, which…
Starting a small business is always a risk, and successfully managing one is a tight balancing act. Nothing can prepare business owners for all the challenges they are likely to face. But if you own a business or hope to own one, you can at least avoid some of the most common mistakes made by small businesses, such as not having a business plan, or waiting too long to hire IT professionals. These won’t always make a venture fail — but they will certainly make the life of everyone involved harder on a daily basis. 1 – Not having a…
Merseyside was yesterday been placed on the Government’s Coronavirus Watch List as Southport MP Damien Moore urges people locally to do all they can to halt the spread of the virus. Our region has now come under the Government’s spotlight as an area of concern following recent rises in cases in Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley and St Helens. Liverpool and Wirral are the worst hit areas locally, both with Coronavirus cases above 50 per 100,000. Sefton is the least affected in Merseyside, although cases have nearly doubled in a week from 16.6 per 100,000 (46 cases) to 32.2 (89 cases).…
Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has urged the government to “look again” at plans to end the furlough scheme protecting thousands of jobs in the constituency. The MP said a sudden end to the coronavirus job retention scheme and the self employed income support scheme risked putting millions of people out of work and harming the economic recovery. Mr Esterson voted in favour of a motion calling for targeted income support to businesses and self-employed people in those sectors of the economy that have been hardest hit by the virus and are most in need of continuing assistance. He also welcomed a…
Popular local cricket club The Ainsdale Club yesterday released a statement explaining that they had taken the decision to close their doors with immediate effect after a patron had reported testing positive for COVID 19. The club based on Liverpool Road have cancelled all scheduled cricket matches this weekend and hope to reopen once the premises have been deep cleaned and sanitised. Their statement in full: It has come to our attention tonight that we have had a Positive Covid Test from someone who was in the premises earlier in the week. (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) As such we have closed…
Southport’s own Jake “The Spartan” Barton is in action on Sunday, appearing on the card of Mitchell Sports Promotions “Back to Business” event. The local Light Heavyweight boxer will take to the ring at Hangar 34 in Liverpool to defend his unbeaten 4-0 streak over six rounds. Jake takes on Nottingham’s Olly Newman who himself is undefeated with seven wins to his name. The event, in association with Fightstream TV can be watched live on pay per view HERE with tickets costing £10. First bell is at 3pm and everyone at OTS News wishes Jake good luck and will be…
2020 has seen a lot of people in the UK turn their attention to their homes and interiors. Between lockdowns and quarantines, there’s sometimes not been as much to do come the weekends. Many local Southport businesses have had to adapt with the times. The Woodlands Animal Sanctuary has organised some great outdoor tours and even the local cinema has been making adjustments by setting up a drive-thru movie night! It’s a good time to get around to those small niggly jobs that have needed attention for a while, whether it’s a leaking pipe, a cracked table leg or a broken lamp. These types…
Southport’s anti -leasehold campaigner Councillor Pat Keith has welcomed an official investigation into alleged mis-selling of properties by major house builders. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have announced that they are investigating companies including Barratt Developments, Countryside Properties, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey. And the CMA are threatening the possibility of court action. “This move by the CMA is long, long overdue because the iniquities of leasehold are bedevilling people who bought properties in good faith and find themselves ensnared in a web of charges they had no knowledge off,” said Councillor Keith. “ Residents have been contacting me…
On World Suicide Prevention Day Sefton Council is launching this year’s 30 Days of Sefton in Mind campaign. Now in its fourth year, 30 Days of Sefton in Mind happens during the 30 days that fall between World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day (10 October). During this time, we will be promoting positive mental health across the borough and highlighting the many services available on our My Sefton website and across social media using the hashtag #SeftonInMind. With the added impact of COVID19, our campaign this year asks, ‘Are you okay?’, with the hope that this question…
Cats and their capers are celebrated in rhymes and stories familiar to us from childhood. Whether raising a smile, solving a crime, wreaking magical havoc or even performing in theatre, cats take centre stage in this free exhibition at The Atkinson, Southport. Alison Bailey, Lead Curator of Printed Heritage Collections 1901-2000 at the British Library: By bringing cats we know and love together with new ones from unexpected sources, Cats on the Page showcases the light-hearted side of the British Library’s world-class collections through a selection of just some of the hundreds of paws prowling the pages of its books…
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is calling on local residents to make a contribution to policing by volunteering to become an independent custody visitor. Jane Kennedy is looking to recruit more volunteers to be part of an important scheme through which independent members of the public check on the welfare of people detained in police custody. The Independent Custody Visiting programme was established following the investigation into the Brixton riots in 1981 and is now the responsibility of Police and Crime Commissioners to operate in their respective areas across the country. Under the scheme volunteers undertake random, unannounced visits of police cells…
Southport’s independent hotels, B&B, holiday lets and guest houses are a superb place to enjoy a holiday or a staycation this year. More and more people are looking to enjoy a break in the UK due to travel restrictions on countries abroad being put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. Southport Hoteliers Association (SHA) has now launched a Stay Small Stay Safe campaign informing visitors and holiday makers that the smaller, independent venues are the perfect places to stay for anyone looking to enjoy a top quality break in Covid safe surroundings. Established in 1888 and the oldest hotels association…
Many countries are beginning to reduce restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. With these restrictions gradually drawn back, gyms have once again opened, and it seems life is returning to normal. There is one problem; however: people no longer feel safe in the gym. Gyms are a hotbed of germs and bacteria, with every surface likely teeming with them. While the restrictions are being lifted, the virus itself is still as active as it was before, with hundreds dying every single day, and many fear that by returning to gyms, they will contract the virus, and the…
A gaming den can provide the ideal relaxing space to unwind and escape the pressures of modern life. If you enjoy gaming, then why not dedicate a space in your home to your favorite pastime. If you’re thinking of creating your own gaming room, then here’s a guide to building the ultimate gaming den. Find the ideal spot The first step is to find the perfect spot for your gaming den. If you are fortunate enough to have a spare room, then you can easily use this as your gaming den. If you don’t have the luxury of an extra…
Diversionary youth work carried out by Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership is featured in a new national publication showcasing some of the best initiatives to reduce serious violence across England and Wales. The 42-page digital publication ‘Violence Reduction Units In Focus’ has been produced by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and is the latest in a series of documents produced to showcase the work of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs). The report aims to provide an insight into the work being delivered by Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) across England and Wales, illustrating how they are using a multi-agency,…
Southport FootGolf are offering a 10% discount for all adults and U16’s from Tuesday 2nd to Friday 4th for the last week of the summer holidays. The footgolf course is an exciting outdoor COVID safe activity that is suitable for families and groups of friends. You can arrive on the day and get on the course or you can book online at www.southportfootgolf.com
Following the disappointing news that the highly anticipated pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town had been cancelled, Port hastily arranged a replacement fixture against Longridge Town at the Pure Stadium yesterday afternoon. The behind closed doors match was a 9-2 goal fest, with young striker George Newell securing his second hat-trick for the Yellows in five days. This is the second pre-season victory in a row for Liam Watson’s men, as the squad continues to build confidence and come together ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season. The Sandgrounders are next in action at the Marine Travel Arena in Crosby…
A five-year-old girl was lucky to walk away with only cuts and bruises after falling twelve feet down a drain shaft in Banks. The youngster was playing with older siblings on Aveling Drive when she stepped on the drain cover situated next to the foot path. The cover suddenly gave way, and to horror of her watching brother and sister, she fell straight down the shaft into the water below. Miraculously the cast iron drain cover did not fall onto her and she was rescued from the shaft with minor injuries and suffering from shock. The youngster’s father has now…
Trevor Ford, Breakfast Show host on local community radio station Mighty Radio 107.9FM and his lovely fiancée Jackie took the plunge a few months ago and booked their wedding ceremony at Southport Town Hall. At the time of booking they were advised that only six people including themselves, the official and a photographer would be allowed in the venue on their big day. Ever the optimist, Trevor remained positive that things would improve and booked a reception venue for 30 people. Trevor said “we thought, it will be alright, as you do! You have to have hope and remain positive…
Scheduled works on key routes throughout the town are causing traffic misery for road users. Meols Cop Road is closed between Haig Avenue and Kew roundabout until 17th August whilst sewer repair work is undertaken. Diversions in place are leaving Scarisbrick New Road built up in both directions. Haig Avenue is bearing the brunt of the diversions leaving it at times impassable due to queuing traffic and an increased number of heavy goods vehicles forced to navigate the residential street. The Coastal Road between Weld Road and Woodvale is closed until the 28th August with widening of the existing cycle…
Members of local group Keep Our NHS Public were out in force outside Southport Hospital on Town Lane today, braving the blistering heat to raise awareness of their campaign. The campaigners say that privatisation in the NHS takes many forms and impacts on the NHS and patients in a number of ways. Keep Our NHS Public aim to campaign against the many forms of privatisation of the NHS and raise awareness of a variety of points, from integrated care providers to the NHS being included in trade deals. The group were spurred on by passing motorists who honked their horns and cheered…
Southport’s own Cassie James has been revealed as one of the winners of Merseyside Women of the Year’s special MWOTY Marvels Awards. The MWOTY Marvels awards were launched in June, after the organisation was forced to cancel its 2020 event due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The online awards initiative was designed to recognise the key workers and volunteers who supported our region through the pandemic. Cassie is a volunteer radio presenter at local community radio station Mighty Radio 107.9. During lockdown Cassie demonstrated total dedication and commitment to presenting her show, seven days a week, to connect with her local community at…
In recent times, trading has become the number 1 most demanding profession. People from all over the world are subscribing and many websites are growing up offering life-changing lessons. As people want to make a profit easily by skipping the hard parts, many materials are supposed to cut the time in half. However, many investors complain they need to learn what they have skipped later in their careers. It seems like there is no escape from learning in the CFD market. In this article, we are going to talk about this situation and whether or not investors need to go…
Southport & Ormskirk Hospital’s charity have sent their heartfelt thanks to Southport Rugby Club, after raising over £35,000 in memory of Club President Graham Ellis. Father-of-three Graham, who was married to wife, Anne, and father of Hugh, Megan and Jack, had recently been told that he was not being put forward for the liver transplant he needed and was instead given just a few months left to live. For the last few years Graham, a successful chartered surveyor, has been among figures who have driven forward transformational changes at Southport Rugby Football Club both on and off the pitch. He…
Southport FootGolf hosted their first tournament yesterday boasting a cash prize of £150 on offer for the winner. The participants enjoyed a fantastic experience, making their way through the course in the sunshine and the event was hailed a great success by those who took part. The tournament was won by Ex Everton and Southport FC Striker Delial Brewster. Local boxing organization, Lights Out Boxing, kindly supplied the cash prize. Located next to the Pier, Southport FootGolf has been open for three weeks and has hosted a number of days out for local football, rugby and cricket teams, workplace teambuilding…