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Exciting
transport plans for the Liverpool City Region to be discussed
AS preparations are well
underway for the second meeting of the Liverpool City Region
Combined Authority, a lot has been progressed in a short space of
time since its formation in April 2014.
Through joint decision making and improved co-ordination of
priorities, the City Region will benefit from far reaching transport
plans which will help to support and grow the City Region economy.
At the meeting on Friday, 13 June 2014, members will be discussing
three key transport workstreams:-
► A draft long term rail strategy to
improve links within the City Region, Merseyside and beyond over the
next 30 years; a set of 12 rail packages have been identified by Merseytravel including enhancements to the Wrexham-Bidston line and
development of the Halton Curve to connect the Liverpool City Region
with Cheshire and North Wales. The strategy also reflects other key
programmes already in development such as electrification of the
lines between Liverpool and Manchester which will allow for faster
journeys.
► Plans for Rail Devolution that
will allow for more local control and influence over rail services
that operate to and from Lime Street across the North to get a
better deal for passengers. Merseytravel, on behalf of the Combined
Authority, is working with other transport authorities in the North
and Department for Transport on the decentralisation of,
specification, letting and management of rail franchises currently
held by Northern and First TransPennine Express.
► Ongoing work to ensure that the
City Region gets the best deal from HS2 - Headline figures from a
draft study demonstrate the economic benefits of a direct high speed
line in to Liverpool City Centre and essential improved freight
linkages. Initial figures suggest a direct high-speed link could
generate an economic benefit of up £8.3bn (£550m a year), creating
around 14,000 jobs, and with wider regeneration linked to the scheme
having the potential to create an additional 12,000. Once complete,
this research, commissioned by Merseytravel and the LEP on behalf of
the Combined Authority, will be used to ask DfT and HS2 Ltd to
instruct further work on the Liverpool City Region HS2 offer.
► Alongside the transport update,
members will also discuss the opportunities around freight and
logistics, progress in building houses and measures to tackle youth
unemployment.
Cllr Phil Davies, Chair of the
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:- "Through the
creation of the Combined Authority, we are bringing together new
ways of working that better benefit businesses and residents in our
City Region. This is the Combined Authority getting down to business
and focussing on those strategic projects that will bring widespread
economic benefit to the whole Liverpool City Region. The Combined
Authority enables us to consider transport from a 'big picture'
perspective to ensure we have in place the powers and priorities
that can be viewed in a connected, transformational way, rather than
in the piecemeal approach of the past. Good transport infrastructure
and services are key to economic growth and regeneration. They are a
way of strengthening not only our City Region but the whole of the
north. Rebalancing economies in the north and south will ultimately
benefit Britain. The Liverpool City Region has the vision, ambition
and commitment to grow and importantly, we have the skills to
deliver it."
The 2nd meeting of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
takes place at No 1 Mann Island, Liverpool on Friday, 13 June 2014,
at 11am. The agenda and papers can be found
online. |
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Hate Crime the
focus at summit
CELEBRATING Lancashire's
diversity and tackling the problems associated with it was the focus
as community leaders gathered for a special Hate Crime Summit on
Tuesday, 10 June 2014.
The summit, at Lancashire Constabulary HQ, focussed on the outcomes
of Dr Paul Iganski's research into religious hate crime in
Lancashire, and looked at victim experiences, perceptions of hate
crime and the issue of under reporting.
Dr Iganski's research was commissioned by Lancashire County Council
who are supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner and
Lancashire Constabulary; and the aim of today's event was to allow
delegates to gain a greater understanding of his work and discuss
ways the County can work together to tackle hate crime and address
issues around under reporting and support for victims.
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:-
"Lancashire is a diverse community made up of people of different
ethnicities, faiths and beliefs. This is something we should all be
proud of... and it is part of what makes the county such a fantastic
place to live. However, unfortunately we know that, as a result,
incidents of hate crime do occur. This is not something we can shy
away from. Lancashire Constabulary has the highest positive outcome
rate in the country when it comes to dealing with incidents of hate
crime, and all front line officers and staff have received training.
But now we need to ensure everyone in Lancashire is working together
to put a stop to this abhorrent crime. Dr Iganski's research and
today's event have started that conversation, and encouraged people
to think about how we can ensure victims feel confident in reporting
incidents either directly or through a 3rd party, and how we can
ensure the necessary support is in place for victims. I want
Lancashire to lead the way when it comes to tackling hate crime, and
the discussions which have taken place today will play a vital role
in that."
County Councillor Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County
Council, said:- "We commissioned this report because we
recognise the importance not only of combating hate crime but doing
everything we can to stop it from happening in the first place. We
are rightly proud of the religious and cultural diversity here in
Lancashire and will continue to work with our partners to promote
and maintain good community relations among people of all faiths
across the county. Representatives from the Lancashire Council of
Mosques and the Hate Crime Hub also addressed today's summit, which
was attended by delegates from across Lancashire including victim
support services, local authorities, faith groups and the Police."
Century 21
Sponsors Cresswell Motorcycle Racing
THE Century 21 UK are now
the proud sponsor of Cresswell Racing. The motorcycle racing team,
based in Derbyshire, competes in the popular British 125/moto3
motostar championship, now with the support of the worldwide estate
and letting agency brand. Century 21's local branch, based in
Woolton Village, Liverpool, attended the race at Oulton Park in May,
to launch the Century 21 bike. Dan Pennington of Century 21 Woolton
said:- "It was a really proud moment to see the Century 21
bike launched in front of such a huge crowd at Oulton Park this bank
holiday weekend. The Cresswell Racing riders did us proud and even
the sun came out for the occasion! We are now very much looking
forward to lending our support to the next race in June. Motorcycle
racing is an exciting sport to watch and with an ever growing
audience it is a fantastic showcase for Century 21, as well as being
a great day out." A crowd of 33,000 spectators attended
Oulton Park on launch day to see the Cresswell Racing riders Daniel
Costilla, Ricky Tarren, Steve Lawton and Bradley Hughes race in the
blazing sunshine. Events were also broadcast live on Eurosport 2.
The Century 21 bike can be seen at Cresswell Racing's next fixture,
at the Knockhill course in Fife, 14 June to 16 June 2014. For a full
list of Cresswell Racing's fixtures visit:-
BritishSuperBike.com.
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