It was recently announced that Bill Moyes would be stepping down as chair of the UK Gambling Commission, with Marcus Boyle taking on the role for the next five years. The former Deloitte executive was appointed by the UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. He will be tasked with taking the Commission into a new era, in which gambling regulation will be modified to synchronise with the ever-advancing digital age. UKGC Needs Regular Refreshment of Personnel The UKGC leadership is constantly refreshed, mirroring the regularly shifting landscape of the gambling industry. It can’t run the risk of falling behind the evolution…
Author: ots
Businesses should always look to successful peers to help them achieve their goals. However, while the internet has made hitting targets easier, it has also been the death of many brands. Companies, like technologies, come and go in a matter of months. Play’n GO is an operator that has done the opposite. As the iGaming sector has bloomed, Play’n GO has evolved with the times and flourished as a result. The question is: what lessons can entrepreneurs learn from the example it sets? Building a Reputation around Products A feature of Play’n GO’s rapid rise is its willingness to invest in its products and services…
Planned road works in the North West– summary for Monday 24 to Sunday 30 April 2017 The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of Friday 21 April and could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible. Drivers looking for road works information (such as overnight carriageway closures) for individual schemes should now visit www.trafficengland.com. Some of our larger schemes have project pages giving other information. These can now be accessed from a…
Here is an up to date list of events within the gardens this year. May 1st 12-4pm May Day celebration, brass band, magician, morris dancers, various stalls bothy folk club – not forgetting the maypole of course! May 6th – Open air cinema. Star Wars Rogue One. June 16th – Grease. Open air cinema as above. July 15th – Heritage event. Various stalls, inc face painting, crafts, music etc. July 21st – Open air cinema. High School Musical. August 9th – Summer fun day. Music, laughter and fun! Various stalls. September 1st Open air cinema. Petes Dragon. All events are…
Scouts in Merseyside report record number of volunteers but waiting lists at all-time high Over 10,000 people involved in Scouting in Merseyside, including 2700 adult volunteers Yet waiting lists for young people at an all-time high of 700 young people Bear Grylls and Helen Glover call on more adults to sign up to Scouting 11 April 2017: Scouts in Merseyside have reported the highest number of adult volunteers on record in its latest annual membership figures, which were released today. Scouting on Merseyside now has over 2700 volunteers, more than at any point in its history. With the nature of…
Woodlands – Maggie the Maverick a mysterious misunderstood moggy Every so often Woodlands Animal Sanctuary gets the privilege of caring for an extra special character. Maggie is definitely one of these characters – she came to Woodlands Animal Sanctuary on 12th July 2016 when her family had to move to a new home and could not take her with them. This is one of the most common reasons that cats need to be rehomed and it is unfortunately due to no fault of their own. For the last 7 months Maggie has watched all of her neighbours, who came in…
Next Of Kin Appeal – Margaret Betty Clarke From Southport Liverpool Coroner’s Office is appealing for the public’s help in tracing the next of kin of a woman who recently died at her home in Southport, Merseyside. 83-year-old Margaret Betty Clarke passed away on Wednesday, 22 February at her home address in Sefton Street. Her maiden name was Woolcock. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Margaret’s death. Enquiries by the Coroner’s Office have established that Margaret may have relatives in the SW19 (Wimbledon district) and SW7 (South Kensington and Knightsbridge) areas of London. Any family members or persons with information…
Southport’s Marine Lake being marred by graffiti Sefton Council Rapid response team will be removing graffiti from the Marine lake walls later today, Friday 7 April 2017. Resident Bob Jackson, 42 said: “It’s about time we had some security around here during the hours of darkness – Seeing as we have limited numbers of police officers?” The laws on public property are very strict and anyone caught doing graffiti can be arrested and prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Offenders can go to prison for ten years or fined if the damage costs more than ?5,000. If the damage caused…
Meols Cop High School in Southport wins a share of £1.2m funding to help improve quality of teaching in their region. Six schools – including in Southport, Lambeth and Suffolk – will break down barriers between teachers and academics in a bid to boost the quality of teaching in their region as they join a growing network of Research Schools across the country, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the Institute for Effective Education (IEE) announced today. The new Research Schools – which will each receive £200,000 in funding over three years – will become focal points of evidence-based practice…
MATCH PREVIEW | Tonight- Southport v Macclesfield Town At Merseyrail Community Stadium Tonight (Tuesday) Southport take on Wembley bound Buildbase FA Trophy finalists Macclesfield Town. Kick off is 7:45pm. The Silkmen are secure in 9th place in the Vanarama National League with an impressive 10 away victories including last Saturday’s 4-2 win at Boreham Wood. With every week that goes by and with every point dropped, it looks increasingly like Southport need a miracle if they are to pull off a great escape. Any hope that remained following victory against Boreham Wood was extinguished by the disastrous seven days that…
Wirral Festival – Success for Southport entrants Pupils at Lamont Drama School achieved exceptional success at this year’s Wirral Festival of Music, Speech and Drama. Running for more than 50 years, Wirral Festival is one of the most challenging of competitive Arts Festivals in the country. Held at Birkenhead High School, Lamont pupils entered 21 classes, covering verse speaking, prose reading, solo and group acting and were awarded first places in 18 of them. Principal Diane Lamont, said: “All the pupils had worked extremely hard on the performances and their parents had worked equally hard on costuming, so I was…
HESKETH PARK HERITAGE GROUP held a reception recently, at the park café for David Richie, a former Project Manager, who was retiring from Sefton Council. Tom Glover, founding Chairman of the group since its inception almost 20 years ago, for the refurbishment of the Park, welcomed members informing them of Dave’s association with the park. He was the 3rd officer appointed for the park and served in this capacity, as the longest, for many years. He was always accessible and took a real interest in Hesketh Park’s progress, helping the park’s voluntary groups achieve many things in these stringent times.…
Event information Don’t miss your chance to see Britain’s favourite family circus and its spectacular new production! With everything that you would expect from a traditional circus but with a modern twist and spectacular thrilling stunt action! The legendary PLANET CIRCUS is an amazing adrenalin packed family spectacular that will thrill audiences of all ages. Children under 2 go free (the child has to sit on the parents lap). No pushchairs or child travel seats can be taken onto the seating area. For accessible seating inquiries please call 07563-727-206 www.planetcircus.uk Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321…
Formby Point Land Transfer Update Comments in relation to the potential land transfer of land in Formby from Sefton Council and the National Trust have been received. Earlier this month, Sefton Council published a formal notice considering the disposal of land to the northern and southern side of Lifeboat Road (Formby Point). The closing date for comments was March 22 with most correspondence in support of the scheme. This included a petition with 69 names on it in full support of the potential land transfer. Positive conversations have taken place and will continue regarding the transfer of land at Lifeboat…
A have a go hero fought off three would be burglars at his home on Central Avenue, Southport. The unnamed resident was caught almost unaware by the trio of ne’erdowells who attempted to break into his house in the early hours of yesterday morning But it was the bugling would-be thieves instead who got more than they bargained for when the homeowner fought back. Trying to flee the scene one of the burglars topples over a wooden gate while another ris caught on the receiving end of a well deserved hook and kick from the clearly strong homeowner. The entire…
Merseyside police has arrested a second man following fail to stop collision on Hargreaves Street, Southport on Monday 27 March. UPDATE A second male has been arrested in connection with the fail to stop collision on Hargreaves Street, where a police officer was injured. — MerPol Southport (@MerPolSouthport) March 29, 2017 The incident happened at around 7.30pm on Hargreaves Street when a motorbike was reported to have been in collision with a police officer and a parked car. An 18 year-old male has been detained at the scene on suspicion of unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle. He remains in custody for…
Photo: Abandoned –Toyota Corolla A.V.I.S (Abandoned Vehicle In Southport) A Toyota Corolla was abandoned on Rivermeade, Southport, last night Monday 27 March 2017. A local resident told OTSNews.co.uk “It was abandoned late last and by two or three men that left at speed in another vehicle ”. “Merseyside Police has been notified.” Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ 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…
Do you recognise these men? CCTV Appeal following attempted vehicle theft in Southport The incident happened at 3.03am on Saturday 25th March on Tithebarn Road in Southport. The three men gained entry by forcing the back door of the property but were scared off by the house alarm. It is thought that the men were looking for keys a car parked on the driveway. Do you recognise these men? Contact Merseyside Police on 101. Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to…
Southport behind in time It’s time someone at the Atkinson checked their watch and realise their clock hasn’t been changed! Daylight savings time has well and truly kicked in and while everybody else is now an hour ahead, the Atkinson Clock remains 60 minutes behind. This is because of a staffing issue meaning the only person who has control over the timing mechanism is actually on holiday, meaning it won’t be fixed until tomorrow at the earliest. A fantastic advert for a town which many say, is already well behind the times as it is.
High Sheriff’s Young Citizen of the Year winner announced A Skelmersdale teen has been named as the High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen of the Year 2017. Grant Walker, 18, topped a list of more than 65 young and inspiring people from across the county who have made a real difference in their community. The announcement was made during a special award ceremony at Lancashire Police headquarters in Hutton on Thursday, March 23rd. Grant was praised by judges for his work volunteering to help rebuild a community in the depths of Africa and transforming community gardens in Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, despite…
Wayfarers Charity Concert On April 25 2017 Wayfarers Chorus, in conjunction with KGV College, will be hosting a musical variety concert on behalf of Queenscourt Hospice. This promises to be an excellent event, with a good mix of singing styles and instrumental performers. The line-up has now been finalised and tickets are now on sale. Our last concert was a sell-out and we expect this one to be the same, so to avoid disappointment get in touch soon to order your tickets. We are the Wayfarers Chorus from Southport We are an all male group formed in 1986, who sing a variety of Barbershop…
There are 225 projects across the region sharing £4,642,920 in the latest round of grant awards. Today’s funding will support a diverse range of projects that enable people to improve their skills, meet new people and strengthen their communities. All projects are listed below are aware they have been awarded funding. Home-Start Southport and Formby will receive – £8,200 The funding will be used to recruit ten volunteers who will be trained to deliver support to parents with bonding and attachment difficulties with their children. The project aims to strengthen the community by increasing parenting skills and preventing potential development problems.…
Female cyclist hit by a car in Southport The emergency services were called to the junction of Duke street and Cemetery road, Southport (Tuesday 21 March 2017) following reports of a RTC. The woman (29) was struck by a black ford Focus outside the George pub at approximately 4:30pm. Police put local diversions in place whilst the woman was being treated. The injured female cyclist was given oxygen at the scene by paramedics before being transfered to Southport & Formby DGH. Her condition is not thought to be life threatening. Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk…
Photo: Police and paramedics at the scene (8.30pm) Old Ford Popular crashes off the Banks roundabout The emergency services was called to A565 ‘Banks roundabout’ following reports of an RTC at around 8pm last night, Monday 20 March. A witness told our reporter, “The driver of an old Ford Popular had lost control when existing the plough roundabout towards Southport.” “Five police cars attended the scene, two ambulances and one paramedic response car”. “The driver was laying on ground whilst paramedics attended his injuries” The carriageway was closed to traffic and local diversions put in place whilst police were at…
An Egyptian themed restaurant and bar on Lord Street, Southport If approved by Sefton Council, it would actually be the second North African themed eatery – following on from the growing success of the Fig Bistro on Eastbank Street, Southport. The proprietors behind the scheme have yet to be revealed but it is understood they hope to take over the former Tea Rose cafe and Geek Pit comic book store at 645 and 647 Lord Street. Sefton Council are not set to debate the plans, submitted on behalf of the proprietors by Liverpool based architecture firm Condy & Lofthouse Ltd.…
Byng House drop in clinics are back for 2017 The Legion’s Advice and Information Officer, Sarah Abbotson, will be available at Byng House to discuss face to face the Legion’s services with anyone that may need help. This also includes: signposting people to other welfare services, discussing membership with those wanting to join the Legion and discussing any fundraising opportunities people may be interested in. Sarah will be at Byng House on Thursday 23rd March. Drop in if you have any issues you would like to discuss, no appointment necessary. However if you require any advice and support outside of…
Gunfire and grenades have been heard at Pleasureland Southport Gunfire and grenades have been heard at Pleasureland Southport today. But there’s no need to be alarmed as the popular tourist attraction is actually hosting a weekend long Airsoft Civil War style shootout. The park has been transformed into a dystopian land where two teams will fight, camp out and survive over the next two days in a winner takes all shootout. A spokesperson for Pleasureland said: “We’re very excited to be hosting this event, the first of its kind in the area. The organisers have been planning this for many…
Photo: Bikers enjoying Funland Carousel Bikers stay off the pavement – Or? Merseyside Police have issued a warning for bikers to stay off the pavement near to the Funland Carousel during bike meetings. Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ 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.
WATCH | Naked man goes off the rails at Southport station A rail passenger became so frustrated with no trains running from Southport Station today (Monday 13 March 2017) he attempted to strip naked! Although it’s not clean how the bizarre protest would have worked in his favour, the man who was clearly intoxicated, took off his shirt and nearly his pants before quick thinking BTP officers swooped in to arrest him. The argument was over a disputed rail ticket but given the well publicised strikes today, it’s unknown why the male decided to hold his bizarre nude protest He…
Photo: Vaughan road, Birkdale Crime Alert – Birkdale Residents have been urged to take extra care following a number of emails to OTS News regarding suspicious activity in the area of Vaughn road, Birkdale. On Sunday after (12 March) one resident said: “Please warn anyone who lives in the Vaughan road area to be aware of people checking out cars in driveways and scoping out the area.” “They are trying their luck with car doors and seeing who’s around.” Reducing the Payoff Reduce the profit that can be made from the crime, e.g. property marking make items identifiable and therefore less valuable,…