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Prizes for path
puzzlers...!
3 literary detectives have
uncovered one of Central Library's hidden secrets… The eagle eyed
visitors spotted some red letters on the literary pavement which
leads into the building, and embarked on a mission to crack the
mysterious code. More than 500 people took part, with 200 solving
the clues which led them to… well, that would be telling, and we're
not going to ruin the answer for future puzzle solvers!
3 of the budding Poirots and Miss Marples were picked at random and
will receive a £50 book token.
The winners are:-
► 6 year old Joel Hardman from St Helens, who had a little help from
his grandmother and 2 brothers.
► Tony Carter, who is 67 and is Liverpool born and bred. He 1st
visited Central Library when he was 11 years old, and it was his
regular haunt for weekly homework sessions. Since the re-opening of
the building Tony has enjoyed many picnics on the brand new roof
terrace.
► Kath McGuire, 36, who lives in Wirral and has been visiting the
library regularly since it opened in May 2013.
The winners will return to Central Library to collect their winnings
at 11am on Friday, 25 October 2013.
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet member responsible for libraries,
Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "Even in very early designs of
the literary pavement, we wanted to have contained within it a
secret puzzle that would pique the interest of our visitors. We knew
the red letters would stand-out and get people questioning why they
were different to the rest of the lettering on the pavement and as
soon as they asked a member of staff they were told they were on the
way to uncovering one of the library treasures. Even though more
than 200 people uncovered the mystery, we're not giving away the
answer, which means visitors can continue to take part in the fun
and get to know more about this beautiful City gem at the same
time."
What the winning detectives said about Central Library:-
► Tony said:- "I love the way Central library has been
modernised. I have fond memories of studying in the Oak Room and I
like the way you have let light pour into the building. There is a
huge range of material and this should hopefully bring more people
into the library. You know you are in Liverpool. I think the whole
experience is stunning, and the people responsible deserve the
highest praise for their wonderful achievement. We have told all our
friends that they must go and visit the marvellous building."
► Pam, Joel's mum, said:- "Joel is very excited to be named
one of the winners! The day Joel visited the library was very
special as he came with me, his two brothers and his grandparents.
It was the first time we had visited, and the purpose was so that I
could go to the records section with my father to research his
family. Joel completed the competition with his grandmother and two
brothers whilst we were otherwise occupied and they were so excited
to hand in their entries. When we reconvened, we all went into the
children's section and the boys thought it was absolutely fabulous.
We agreed that we would bring my brother and his children next time
they visit from London as the new library is visually stunning with
something for everyone and a great venue for children."
► Kath said:- "I love the renovated library - it's a perfect
blend of preserving the old while moving to the future. As a
photographer I admire the architecture of it all and as a library
user I feel the library looks inviting and user friendly. The kids'
library is wonderful!"
The literary pavement is a 22 metre long, 4.5 metre wide granite
walkway which leads from William Brown Street to the entrance of the
beautifully restored and redeveloped library. Engraved on it are
titles from world books, cinema and music; which you can find inside
the Grade II listed building. Members of public were consulted on
the choice of titles. |
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Euro-MP welcomes
safer breast implants
MEP'S have agreed to new
rules for the safety and performance of medical devices and
diagnostic devices. The Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West,
England Area, Chris Davies, has been calling for improvements to
safety laws following the PIP breast implant scandal where EU
authorities seemed powerless to inspect factory facilities.
Davies said:- "The EU was responsible for certifying the
safety of these devices, but there were few safeguards in place to
check manufacturers were playing by the rules."
MEPs endorsed plans for stricter market surveillance including
unannounced inspections of manufacturers and better traceability
rules.
Davies supported the measures as an example of where the EU had a
bigger role to play in ensuring patient safety.
Davies said:- "Women who have implants for any reason should
not have to worry about whether what they are putting in their body
is safe. They have every right to expect that if a product is
certified it has passed safety tests. There is a Europe-wide market
in medical devices and an implant manufactured in France should be
as safe as one made in the UK. Today's vote is one step closer to
safer medicine across the continent."
In the same set of regulations, Lib Dem MEPs objected to proposals
to make some in-vitro diagnostic medical devices such as making HIV
tests subject to medical prescription.
Chris added:- "It is not in the interests of public health to
restrict access to some high risk tests, such as HIV tests. It is
right that in the UK HIV tests are easily available in order to
reach certain high risk groups."
The text adopted by the Parliament will now be negotiated with
national governments in the coming months.
Suspected loan
shark arrested following operation in Birkenhead
A 40 year old man has been
arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending, following a raid in
Birkenhead this morning.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team working in partnership with
Wirral Borough Council Trading Standards, and assisted by Wirral
Council's Anti Social Behaviour Team and Merseyside Police executed
a warrant at a residential address in the centre of Birkenhead.
During the search documentation was found.
The suspect is currently in custody assisting officers from the Team
with their enquiries.
Councillor Brian Kenny, Wirral Council's Cabinet Member for the
Environment said:- "Illegal money lenders prey on the
vulnerable and can cause real misery in communities so I am pleased
that this operation has taken place. The work we are doing in
partnership with the Illegal Money Lending Team aims to protect
communities and prevent more people from becoming trapped in endless
spirals of debt. I would urge anyone who has been the victim of an
illegal money lender to report it in confidence so that we can
continue to crack down on the criminals responsible."
Nationally the Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured 287
prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading
to more than 171 years worth of custodial sentences.
They have written off £40.3
million worth of illegal debt and helped over 22,000 victims.
To report a loan shark:-
► Call the 24/7 confidential hotline:- 0300 555 2222
► Text:- 'loan shark + your message' to:- 60003
► Email:-
reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk. |
