Author: Pat Regan

Fundraiser Emma Graham stated: “We are hoping to raise £500 from this final event of the year. We are holding a Family Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 25th November at St Jeromes Parish Club, Greenloons Drive, Formby, 5.30pm-9.30pm. We have got local businesses attending with their Christmas gifts and ideas- a few examples are Shelley’s Flowers, Green Bubbles Soaps, Gilly’s Jams, Bodyshop at Home, plus many many more. There’s a chance to also get your nails done on the night.” Images below from last years’s event… “We have also got local groups attending to entertain during the evening for example…

The Sovini Group have now applied to Sefton Council for permission to build 17 dwellings plus 4 self-contained apartments and car parking space adjacent to  George Drive and Elizabeth Drive. Residents and other campaigners have already set up an action group and Facebook page to challenge what they see as the proposed wanton destruction of valuable ecological woodlands and a place that their children have played in for generations. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1716095181991040/ Objections to this proposed crime against nature may be sent into the Council and must be received before 3 November 2016. http://pa.sefton.gov.uk/online-applications/ It is a natural wooded area with legally-protected…

Ecological threat to Southport, Liverpool, Blackpool and Cumbrian populations from Fat- Cat Hydrofracking Operation? On 1 April 2011 an earthquake hit Blackpool. Around about that time a few notes were made, as follows… Blackpool has also previously suffered a 5.2 magnitude earthquake and subsequent to this, one happened in 2009 that registered 3.7 on the Richter scale. The BBC previously reported that Shale gas test drilling in Lancashire had been suspended following another earthquake on the Fylde coast. Cuadrilla, the company behind the tests, said drilling had been suspended as a precaution after the latest 1.5 magnitude tremor was…

Following my blog article, which also appeared on OTS News (see below), we have had many contacts with concerned dog owners. A few of these correspondents may have vital details regarding the lost dog in question. Please note that the photo of the dog above is NOT the missing one but for illustration purposes only. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/lost-dog-at-halsall-lancashire-on-canal-tow-path/ Please consider the following data (sent in by a lady called ‘Shan’), which we have just received this morning. Could this be the missing dog? “Teddy was stolen in March from Ramsbottom Lancs and was sold on. Teddy is believed to have been sold…

Lost Dog at Halsall, Lancashire, on canal tow path Have you lost a dog ‘similar’ to this one this afternoon on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, at Halsall? Please note that this dog pictured is ONLY for illustration purposes as no picture of the lost dog is available. It appears to be a Mastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux type. Anglers fishing between the Saracen’s Head pub and the next bridge south (heading towards Liverpool) spotted a dog running wild without any owner at about 6.00 pm this afternoon. Attempts to catch it failed and it ran off in the direction…

OTS News recently ran this story… Marijuana for medical purposes should be legalised, says John Pugh MP The comment from Southport’s MP has come following the findings of a survey produced by the APPG on Drug Policy, which found that 90% on patients using cannabis saw an improvement in their condition, with 86% saying that it had provided ‘great relief’. John Pugh said: “The medical case for marijuana stacks up well. In the past, I have been approached by a number of constituents suffering from, among other things, MS, who wish to see the ban relaxed to help with their…

The decision makers at Sefton Council seem to have gone totally mad. Today, workers started drilling into marked speed bump areas down Ainsdale’s (20 mph – limited) Orchard Lane. This is just one small lane. Many others, that hold NO speed bumps, are just like it all across Southport. Most never had speed bumps and never will but in Orchard Lane the residents are being inflicted with more, widely discredited, bumps just when they thought they had seen the last of them. Councillors and campaigners challenging the absurdity of speed bumps have been totally ignored and the grossly out of…

Is Sefton Council set to waste more of our cash on new speed bumps? Celebrations surrounding the removal of hated speed bumps in Ainsdale’s Orchard Lane may be short-lived, as the council may be planing to construct ‘new’ bumps. Images taken this week revealed that white speed bump shaped markings have been placed on the lane in six places over the newly created surface. Unpopular and dangerous speed bumps were removed earlier this month in Ainsdale’s Orchard Lane. Damage to the bumps, from car exhaust grinding etc, was previously marked as on ongoing problem. Numerous reasons regarding why these defunct…

Once again, the rain stayed away and the pilots put on an amazing display at the Southport Air Show 2016. The incredible Typhoon appeared again, making many spectators wish they had brought ear plugs. https://youtu.be/93QUeC4ayjU Jason with a new friend. Security was paramount at the Air Show with great staff on hand to keep an eye on things. Stunts galore that thrilled the crowds. https://youtu.be/TcBb2T41U2M https://youtu.be/QxpGR8m8XAc The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was as popular as ever. Earlier at RAF Woodvale. AutoGyro: Fancy getting to work in this? https://youtu.be/MpbCtnw7DXQ Nice to see the Kittyhawk and Mustang in action. High over…

The weather was kinder than many expected and the intrepid pilots all put on an amazing show. https://youtu.be/j3nc5tN264k Anyway, pictures often speak more than words so here we go… https://youtu.be/YxB26CFPkfU https://youtu.be/kg5GMT3xa0w https://youtu.be/qBhhovHsBwY The show seemed a little quieter than last year, yet all in all it was successfully performed. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/southport-air-show-2016.html Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://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…

A B-25 Mitchell medium bomber (Sarinah) was seen today at RAF Woodvale. https://youtu.be/xXc8fAozGQM The RAF received almost 900 Mitchells, using them to replace Douglas Bostons, Lockheed Venturas and Vickers Wellington bombers. The Mitchell entered active RAF service on 22 January 1943. Initially, it was used to bomb targets in occupied Europe. Following the Normandy invasion, the RAF and France used Mitchells in support of the Allies in Europe. Southport Air Show 2016 https://www.otsnews.co.uk/southport-air-show-2016/ Pat Regan © Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter  www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the…

Sefton’s food caddie collection extended timing is bringing in maggots and potentially placing public health at risk, according to residents and councillors. In June, the press reported that in Sefton the collection of food waste would move from weekly to every fortnight. This controversial move has created difficulty for some residents, via maggot infestations and smells. Some Southport councillors have already expressed serious concerns about this unacceptable situation. Concerned Southport councillors are seeking a re-assessment of the council’s food caddie collection programme. Churchtown & Crossens Lib Dem Councillor Jo Barton said: “A number of councillors in Southport have been contacted…

Unpopular and dangerous speed bumps were removed this week in Ainsdale’s Orchard Lane. Damage to the bumps, from car exhausts etc grinding, was previous marked as on ongoing problem. Unsightly and dangerous speed bumps, seen here before the Orchard Lane work started. The ugly speed bumps are intrusive, creating noise and vibration in many areas and can badly damage cars as many protrude too high. The 20 mph culture setting ‘20’s Plenty for Us ’ campaign is now in place and this should suffice . They are largely ignored too by many drivers, therefore they are now redundant. Speed bumps…

‘Woodvale Stop the Rot’ petition presented to Sefton Council and clean-up work is underway Ainsdale’s Cllr Lynne Thompson has now presented the ‘Woodvale Stop the Rot’ petition to Sefton’s CEO Margaret Carney. Cllrs Thompson and Haydn Preece have also had several meetings with Planning and Regeneration officers and a number of possibilities are being explored. The obligation to get this long drawn out fiasco properly addressed lies with Sefton Council. It’s high time this council listened carefully to its councillors who are trying their best to sort out this problem area, once and for all. A Sefton contractor was at…

Ahoy there! Have you ever wanted to be able to sail or charter a boat abroad and don’t know where to start? Set a course for Greenbank High School in Hastings Road  Southport this September, where Paul Harrison from Seavoice Training is ready to welcome you on board a 10 week basic theory course in rudimentary RYA Navigation and Seamanship. This foundation course is ideal for anyone new to boating or for skippers who are a little rusty and would like to refresh their seamanship skills. On completion of the course you will receive a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certificate of…

A St John Stones Church activist contacted OTS News with the following information … “Concrete blocks from the residents’ wall have been dislodged by vandals on either Sunday or Monday night and thrown onto the wasteland between St John Stone Church and Sandbrook Road/Way flats.” Did you see any antisocial activity in this area? The Church states that it is holding an “open meeting in the parish hall at 2.00 pm on 1st September.” Pat Regan © More: https://www.otsnews.co.uk/woodvales-eyesore-latest-news-how-wrong-can-one-individual-be/ Merseyside Police https://www.merseyside.police.uk/contact-us/ Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Otsnews-Southport-1575528676012039/ Twitter  www.twitter.com/onthespot_news Breaking local news as it…

Vandalism continues around the Marine Lake. Not a pretty sight for residents or visitors to the resort to be greeted with. The pictures in this article were all taken on 21st August 2016. The lake forms an attractive focal point for many people. The old place deserves better than this. Pat Regan © http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/southports-marine-lake-being-marred-by.html Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://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…

Today’s event was not quite as wet as yesterday’s and blue skies showed at times. Jonathan Marshall with his horses and falcons proved popular once again. The Stunt Monkey team doing their fantastic thing again – thanks to Kyle for this following video clip. https://youtu.be/ZDEWzQe7yzM Always good to see the big horses in action too – thanks to Laura for this charming following shot. Things are mega BIG at the show… Wack’s Wicked Plants win a gold award at the Southport Flower Show. Wack’s Wicked Plants is a North-Yorkshire based carnivorous plant outlet run by Peter Walker (Wack) and his…

Southport Flower Show 2016 – the second day The 19th August 2016 saw a very wet and dull flower show, not at all like yesterday’s sun-filled event. http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/southport-flower-show-2016.html Seats remained empty for much of the time as the crowds stayed away, due to the bad weather. Nevertheless, as they say, ‘The show must go’ on and it certainly did! One on the most amazing highlights of the show was the fantastic Stunt Monkey motorcycle team with their death-defying stunts. Stunt Monkey is a motorcycle stunt team with over 10 years combined experience in show day entertainment. Their display consists of…

The Southport Flower Show was opened by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott yesterday (18 August). https://youtu.be/KXrzpGxclwM Thousands of visitors attended the annual floral event at the resort’s Victoria Park. It’s being promoted as the largest independent flower show in the country. More information: http://www.southportflowershow.co.uk/index.asp TV gardener Carol Klein was also on hand to answer questions. Fantastic displays as usual. Flamenco dancer in action. https://youtu.be/M4v9dsP9yOk Jonathan Marshall with his falcons presented a brilliant display. There are always a few clowns about as well. No show is complete without old Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The weather was kind and everyone seemed to have…

Yesterday evening (16 August 2016) saw a spectacular atmospheric phenomenon known as a sundog. In fact two sundogs briefly appeared, to the left and the right of the solar orb, in a lovely show of heavenly colours over the River Alt’s estuary. 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. These coloured patches of light to the side of the sun may be seen anywhere in the world during any season. In Europe or USA they might be seen once or twice per week…

The Southport press announced in 2015… Southport Salad Company is keeping Marks & Spencer customers healthy ‘As a major grower of tomatoes for M&S, Flavourfresh focuses its crop production systems and investments on energy and water efficiency and employs the latest developments in growing techniques. The grower was last year named the winner of the M&S 2014 Farming for the Future Awards for England & Wales, which recognises outstanding contribution to sustainable farming.’ The Banks-based salad producers, Flavourfresh took home the Lady Pilkington award for the exhibit that best depicted the Brazilian theme at the 2014 Southport Flower Show. However,…

The Birkdale Village 2016 Summer Fayre pleased the crowds and the weather was kind. Vehicle enthusiasts were in their element at this event, with a great selection of classics on hand. Various businesses were on-site to deliver food and wine tasting. The main road was cordoned off to make the event a safe and fun time for the crowds. https://youtu.be/aOPF8Skze4o A great day out for everyone. More: https://www.facebook.com/events/1542567799385820/?active_tab=posts Pat Regan © More images here: http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/birkdale-villages-summer-fayre-6-august.html  Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 Email ots@otsnews.co.uk Facebook https://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…

Community campaigners and councillors are battling to petition Sefton’s lazy council to act against the dangerously derelict Brook eyesore on Sandbrook Way. We are urging Sefton Council to use its compulsory purchase powers to advance the development of Sandbrook Way and prevent further deterioration and anti-social behaviour. It takes seconds to help by signing our petition – will YOU help? https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/woodvale-stop-the-rot It’s hard enough getting this council and distant landlords to act properly ‘without’ such stupidity as follows. A Hidden Agenda – why would anyone ‘object’ to the removal of a crumbling and dangerous eyesore? ‘I’ll huff and I’ll puff…

OTS News recently reported on a man sleeping rough on a Lord Street bench outside the Atkinson on Sunday 24 July 2016. https://www.otsnews.co.uk/rough-sleepers-on-lord-street/ Moreover, a homeless man was found sleeping under a sofa in a town garden! https://www.otsnews.co.uk/homeless-man-sleeps-under-a-sofa-in-my-garden/ Today (3 August 2016) an individual, who may have been the same person seen on Lord Street etc, was sleeping rough on a Marine Lake bench. Help is available to homeless people and others in need If you have nowhere to stay, or if it is dangerous for you to return home, or if you will be homeless within the next 28…

July has, in the UK at least, frequently been a time of squally weather and drizzle with little or no respite. What can we deduce though from the ancient and mysterious mythological background associated with August, the late summer month ahead? With the feast of the great god Lugh, our ancient Celtic ancestors once celebrated the opening of August. Lughnasadh (meaning ‘Commemoration of Lugh’), was one of the four great Celtic annual festivals, the other ones being: Imbolg (February 2nd) Bealtaine/Beltane (30th April) and Samhain (31st October.) In Gaelic mythology Lugh is portrayed as battle leader of the Tuatha De…

Woman’s illogical outburst against the Woodvale community campaign to tackle Woodvale’s eyesore creates disbelief. Whilst campaigners and councillors are battling to petition Sefton’s lazy council to act against the dangerously derelict Brook eyesore on Sandbrook Way, one highly vocal resident has spectacularly got it ALL wrong. The recent Southport Shame article on OTS News prompted one ‘Sandbrook Way’ female to rush into action, shouting all manner of strange things. She has made outrageously meaningless and unfounded allegations ‘against’ hard-working campaigners and Ainsdale Lib Dem councillors who are trying very hard to get Woodvale’s Brook Eyesore removed by the Council. This middle-aged female…

People Power or Public Apathy? We need your support today! The last chance to sign the ‘Woodvale: Stop the Rot’ petition against the derelict and dangerous Brook eyesore is fast approaching. As well as councillors and adult residents, some young people want to send this lethargic council a wake up call now… https://youtu.be/x9txUsvFk4w Our working Ainsdale councillors need YOUR support, via the petition, to push Sefton Council into action. Cllr Haydn Preece stated: “We have been campaigning for too long on getting this area revitalised. We need action now as the situation is both dangerous to passers by with the…

Once again the Southport Visiter has shown  Ainsdale residents that it is unable to control its deliveries. A large amount of newspapers were this week discovered dumped in several piles on Sandbrook Way, in Woodvale. This is NOT the first time this has happened. Previously, Visiter newspapers were thrown away in the Woodvale woodlands as well as on the precinct area of Sandbrook Way. http://woodvalewp.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/wwp-litter-bug-update.html  http://pat-regan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/newspaper-fly-tipping-issue-continues.html  The ‘ongoing’ misplacement of these advertisement-filled newspapers is leading to more littering in this area. This situation helps no one. Why can the Visiter not control this situation? More fly-tipping has recently occurred on…

Councillors (Preece and Thompson) and community campaigners petition Sefton’s sluggish council to take action on Woodvale’s long-standing eyesore fiasco. What are we paying Sefton Council for? This appalling situation has gone on for far too long. The entire place is a health and safety nightmare that shames Southport. Why is this important? A redevelopment of Sandbrook Way in (Woodvale, Southport) has been promised again and again, only to have scheme after scheme flop. We still have a badly lit, down-at-heel, area around the shops, which attracts antisocial behaviour. One sticking point putting developers off is the fact that there are…