Bellerive and SFX schools to be refurbished

2 Liverpool schools are to be refurbished and partly rebuilt at a cost of around £13 million as part of Mayor Joe Anderson's Schools Investment Programme. The Cabinet has approved the awarding of contracts for work on Bellerive FCJ College in Princes Park and St Francis Xavier's (SFX) in Woolton. At Bellerive, construction will start on a new £5.6 million teaching and 6th form building on Aigburth Drive in February 2015, to be completed in early 2016. The work, which will be carried out by Morgan Sindall, will see a remodeling of the school campus and the main entrance moved from Windermere Terrace to the new building. At SFX boys school, £7.6 million will be spent on a brand new science block to replace the existing temporary accommodation. There will also be a new sports hall, and the music department moved to the main building. The main entrance will also be moved from Woolton Hill Road to Beaconsfield Road. The work will be carried out by Kier Construction and completed by November 2015.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:- “This is a much needed investment in 2 of our schools and is part of my commitment to deliver at least 12 new schools for pupils in the City. The work which is being carried out will be a big boost for present and future generations of school children and ensure they get the most out of their learning. We are working with construction firms to make sure as much of the money is spent locally as possible and benefits the workforce in the City.”

At Bellerive, 70% of the subcontracting work is expected to be by Liverpool firms, with another 15% from across the City Region. 8 apprenticeships will be created. Bellerive headteacher, Sister Brigid Halligan, said:- "We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Mayor Anderson and his team, the contractors and architects and our trustees for helping us get to this stage. We are now determined to make sure the finished project results in the facilities our students deserve."

A target has been set for 85% of the subcontracting work at SFX to be carried out by Liverpool firms, with another 10% from across the City Region. 9 apprentices will be hired.

SFX headteacher, Les Rippon said:- "This is really good news for all at the College and the end result will be a tremendous improvement for everyone. All staff and pupils are really excited about the development and appreciate the support of Liverpool City Council."

The work forms part of the £169 million Liverpool Schools Investment Programme, devised as a rescue package following the scrapping of Wave 6 of Liverpool's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project, and one of the Mayor's key pledges.

On the 2nd Anniversary of the Murder of Jamie Starkey, Police again ask for help!

MERSEYSIDE Police are repealing for information on the 2nd Anniversary of the murder of 21 year old Jamie Starkey, in Fazakerley, Liverpool, on 2 December 2012. Jamie Starkey was shot on Higher Lane by a lone male, in dark clothing, shortly before 8pm, on Sunday, 2 December 2012. The gunman approached Jamie as he was stood by his car outside his home address. He then shot Jamie and ran off towards the playing fields. A post mortem established Mr Starkey died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. Since the murder a total of 5 men have been arrested and questioned as part of this investigation and the weapon used to kill Mr Starkey has been recovered. Detective Chief Inspector Alyson O'Donnell, said:- "It has now been 2 years since Jamie was murdered and I am taking this opportunity to appeal once again to the community for their help with the investigation. Jamie's family have been deeply affected by his loss and are trying to face up to another Christmas without their son and brother. The message is clear, we are determined to find the person, or people, responsible for this. Someone out there knows who did this and can help them find some closure. It's not too late to search your conscience and come forward now. We firmly believe that the answers lie within the local community. I would hope that the passing of time will enable people to search their consciences and find the courage to come forward to tell us what they know. 2 years on, people may have moved from the area or may be in a different situation from then and now feel in a position to talk to the Police. If this is you, I would urge you to come forward, you could provide vital answers that we want give to Mr Starkey's family. Anyone with information can speak to us anonymously and in the strictest confidence if need be. We will ensure that any new evidence or information is closely investigated by officers and could help us make significant progress and help us find justice for Jamie's friends and family. An extensive and thorough investigation is being carried out by the Force Major Incident Team and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area in the hours prior to the shooting to come forward. You may not think that what you saw is important but it could be a vital piece of the jigsaw for our investigation. We remain committed to finding those responsible for Jamie's death and anyone who thinks they can help should contact Merseyside Police on:- 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111."