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Anger over
escalation of antisocial parking in Formby again
IN Formby the traffic
system has come again close to collapse as the weather brought out
day trippers to Freshfield and Formby beach. Residents in the areas
affected are bracing them selves for even more problems as the
summer goes on. Originally the problem of dangerously parked and
illegally parked cars was restricted to around the National Trust
reserve at Freshfield, affecting the roads like Victoria Road, but
since the introduction of the new restricted parking areas, the
problem has moved and escalated to Lifeboat Road area.
On Saturday, 8 June 2013 residents called the Police on a number of
occasions to report cars, on park areas, blocking drives, on
junctions, double parking as well as parking on private property.
The result was that Merseyside Police used the Beach Safe on Sunday,
9 June 2013 to try and help the flow of the traffic in the area and
keep the peace between visitors to the area and residents.
Merseyside Police said when we contacted them that:- "We are
aware of the situation and advice that people heading to Formby and
to other areas of our coastline, as this has affected Ainsdale
Residents as well, that they should use public transport as much as
possible. Sadly, it is a Sefton Council issue and not one that we
can resolve as it is down to lack of parking facilities in that area
and the signs directing traffic to alternative parking in the area!
We have been made aware of the escalation of this issue and we are
monitoring the situation. We appreciate that this is a new issue to
most residents and that some have had abuse when asking motorists to
move when obstructed. For that reason we will be working with the
other members of the 'Beach Safe' campaign, like Sefton Rangers, the
RNLI, Southport Lifeboat and the Fire and Ambulance services over
the next few months over this issue. As the hot weather and the
summer approach, we ask that if residents do have any issues with
illegal parking, that they should not call 999, but call 101
instead. The 999 number should only be used for situations where
life is threatened, people are injured, offenders are nearby or if
immediate action is required. 101 is for low priority situations
like anti social and dangerous parking. Our officers will be issuing
tickets to cars dangerously parked over the summer, so if you are
heading to the beach, remember to park sensibly if you do come by
car!"
One resident said:- "We
try our best to keep the area clean and tidy. We can not
though let our kids out to play on the grass as cars are now parking
on it and damaging it!"
When it comes to parking on greens, we have been told
by a Road Traffic expert that that under Section 34 of the Road
Traffic Act 1988 makes it a 'criminal offence' to
drive over, or park on land (including a green) not forming part of
a road without lawful authority to do so. But other rules do
apply that could lead to prosecution and fines being handed out to
the owner and/or driver of the vehicle in question, like Section 12
of the Inclosure Act 1857 or Section 29 of the Commons Act 1876. So
drivers be aware! On 10 June 2013, in response to the outcry,
Formby's Labour Councillor Nina
Killen
also commented that the weekends parking was anti social. One
of the many Tweets read "On-street parking works as long as
cars don't double park and block driveways. That is unacceptable
nuisance for residents" also saying:- "I've requested
parking restrictions to stop obstructive/dangerous double parking."
Click
here to
see a related news item we ran a few weeks back.
Also if you are affected or you feel that we are being to harsh on
the people parking their cars? Please do email us via our newsroom
email address:-
news24@southportreporter.com. |
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"BAG IT AND
BIN IT" SAYS MP FOR SOUTHPORT AS DOG FOULING ON THE RISE FOR 1ST
TIME IN 10 YEARS
AS the dog population sits
at approximately 8 million and is only set to grow so too is the
problem with dog mess. For the first time in ten years a rise in dog
fouling has been reported and with 64% of people considering it to
be the most offensive litter item, something needs to be done to
tackle the problem. Dr John Pugh, MP for Southport, is this year
lending support to The Big Scoop, an initiative to be launched on 14
June 2013, by Dogs Trust and Keep Britain Tidy with the help of
celebrity campaigner Ben Fogle to urge people to not only collect
their dog's mess but dispose of it properly too. Dogs Trust
approached all MPs asking whether the issue of dog fouling is
affecting their constituents and the overwhelming feedback was a
resounding yes. Says Dr John Pugh, MP for Southport:- "Dog
fouling is a matter which is raised on a fairly regular basis
whether directly in emails, phone calls and letters or when we go
out canvassing the streets. I can point out that it is also a matter
which directly affects our own office! It is clear that fault lies
with a few irresponsible owners; the vast majority of dog owners in
Southport are responsible and always remember to 'bag it and bin it.
I support The Big Scoop as an excellent initiative to highlight the
problems of dog fouling and urge people to take responsibility for
their dogs." The Big Scoop will engage with children,
Councils and park wardens to raise awareness of the importance of
responsible dog ownership. Children will be asked to show their
support and don specially designed capes transforming them into
Scooper Heroes and Councils will be supplied with free poo bags and
literature on the issue. Celebrity supporter Ben Fogle adds:-
"Thousands of pounds are spent each year on ensuring public spaces
are kept clean and this could all be so much easier if dog owners
remembered the simple message to 'Bag it, Bin it.' Sadly it's
becoming a recurring sight to see bags of dog mess hanging from tree
branches, fences, gates, basically anywhere but in a bin. It's a two
step process and one which all dog owners need to be on board with.
After all we all know that the Dog Poo Fairy doesn't exist!"
Activity will start on 14 June 2013 and Scooper Heroes and
Council led activities will be arranged to garner support for The
Big Scoop. To find out more please visit:-
thebigscoop.org.uk.
Law Society
Excellence Awards now open for nomination
THE Law Society is inviting
legal professionals to enter the Excellence Awards 2013. Now in its
seventh year, and bigger than ever before, the event showcases some
of the brightest minds and most innovative firms in England and
Wales. This year, the focus is on individuals and teams across the
legal sector who are setting new precedents in the profession.
Law Society Vice-President Nick Fluck said:- "If you or your
team are breaking new ground, if you have shown great innovation, if
your work has been outstanding, we want to hear from you. Now is not
the time for modesty and playing down your achievements. By entering
the Excellence Awards, you can build your reputation, achieve the
respect of your peers and spend some well-deserved time in the
spotlight in return for your hard work. This year's expanded event
at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster is hoping to see first hand
the kind of innovation and talent that drives the profession
forward."
There are seventeen categories in the 2013 Excellence Awards. New
awards for this year include Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion,
Excellence in Pro Bono, Excellence in Marketing and Communications,
Excellence in Business Development and Innovation, and Excellence in
Exporting Legal Services.
The remaining categories for teams are The Lexcel Award for
Excellence in Practice Management, Legal Sector Alliance Award for
Excellence in Environmental Responsibility; Excellence in Client
Service; Excellence in Learning & Development and the CQS Award for
Excellence in Conveyancing Practice.
Categories for individuals are: The Law Society Gazette Legal
Personality of the Year; Legal Business Woman of the Year; Solicitor
Advocate of the Year; Junior Lawyer of the Year; Solicitor of the
Year (In House and Private Practice) and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominations are now open until August 9 2013. Visit the website for
more details.
The shortlist will be announced on 16 September 2013. The winners
will be announced at a gala awards dinner on 22 October 2013, at the
Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, London.
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