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Publication date:- 2017-14-04

user-generated Headlines and reports on this page = 2 news items. Page - 12.

St. Luke's Road planting coursing worries

IF you go down to the woods today, you will be in for a surprise, well, we are not talking about the Easter bunny, but the sudden appearance of bushes along part of the tree lined St. Luke's Road. This has raised fears from some residents that the old horse chestnut trees, better known as conker trees, which are in wide spread decline, might now be at risk. In October 2016, experts told the media that they predict that 2 million horse chestnut trees will be lost within the next 15 years. The trees for many years have been a massive attraction for local children, wanting to collect conkers from them. The land they are located on is a very small strip of St Luke's Church Road, owned by the Firwood Estate, at the edge of Formby's Pine Woods. This section has been open to the public for over 100 years, we are told. Currently, there a public footpath:- it is part of the Coastal Path; and disputed bridleway on it. The road also acts as access to a section of road that is currently Council owned, servicing a few homes. The worry is also that this is a new move to remove public access. We have tried to email the owners for more information since being alerted to the changes being made. The Formby Civic Society have also commented that:- "We would have no real objection to the new planting of laurels along that part of St. Luke's Road which is now privately owned. It does now look however, as if it is a private driveway and not anything like its original design. This continuation of St. Luke's Road was once an 'Avenue' planted by the Formby Family and a very natural looking country lane." We would love to hear your views on this issue. Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com.

The National Trust is celebrating 50 years caring for the coast at Formby

THE conservation charity The National Trust, have cared for 210 hectares Freshfrilds' coastline, since 12 April 1967, when it was safeguarded through the Neptune Fund, set up specifically to purchase and protect coast around the UK.

The stretch of coast, now better know as Formby National trust Reserve, is an area of great importance for its mobile sand dunes; some of the best in the entire UK; and the wildlife that lives here, including:- rare Natterjack Toads, sand lizards and red squirrels in the pine woods. It is also much loved by locals and visitors with its stunning views that stretch out towards Wales, the Irish Sea and even the Lake District!

Volunteers and staff marked the occasion by blowing out the candles on a 50th birthday cake created by local Formby based cake designer Lisa Lill, who runs Cake Amour by Lisa and featuring sugar models of the iconic dunes, pine woods and wildlife.

Justin Matthews, Ranger for the National Trust at Formby, commented:- "50 years is a fantastic achievement and we are so proud to reach this milestone. We couldn't do it without our dedicated staff and volunteers and the support of our local community who work so hard to help care for the coast, managing it and maintaining it for generations to come. We're looking forward to the next 50 years and hope that everyone will join in the celebrations by coming along to one of our events happening throughout the year or just taking time out to enjoy this special place."

2017 is particularly significant because it marks Sefton Council's Year of the Coast. It was also recently announced that the Trust is in conversations with the Council about the possibility of caring for an additional 204 hectares of land, currently managed by Sefton.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said:- "We know how important the coast is and reaching 50 years in Formby is a significant milestone for the National Trust. With 2017 being the Year of Sefton's Coast and the positive discussions taking place between National Trust and Sefton Council over the potential transfer of land in Formby, there is so much to celebrate. Here's to the next 50 years as well!"

Visit the National Trusts website for a list of events at the National Trust Formby; exploring everything from wildlife to asparagus and what is living on the beach.

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Deceased estates notice - Lilian May Jackam

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of Lilian May Jackam (also known as Lillian May) Jackam (Deceased), late of Birch Abbey Rest Home, 55 Alexandra Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9HD, UK, who died on 04/10/2018, are required to send particulars thereof in writing, to the undersigned Solicitors, on or before 24/05/2019, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests of which they have had notice. Churches Solicitors, 12 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BL, UK. Ref:- 'T553015.'

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