Merseyside News.co.uk

The Public Catalogue Foundation (PCF), in partnership with the BBC, today announced that all oil paintings in National Museums Liverpool have been added to the Your Paintings website for the nation to enjoy.

Your Paintings is a project to create a complete online catalogue of every oil painting in the national collection, whether on display or in store, at bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings

Paintings by Old Masters such as Gainsborough, Martini, Rembrandt and Rubens, along with later works by artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Freud, Monet and Spencer are among the 3,000 paintings from National Museums Liverpool that can now be seen on Your Paintings. The National Museums Liverpool collection joins 3,150 other paintings from 35 collections across Merseyside that joined the site in 2011.

The National Museums Liverpool paintings are drawn from seven museum sites in Liverpool. These include the Lady Lever Art Gallery and the Walker Art Gallery which both boast outstanding collections of paintings including Old Masters, Victorian art, notably Pre-Raphaelite works, and post-war British painting.

Important holdings of paintings can also be found at Sudley House and The Museum of Liverpool. Merseyside Maritime Museum’s collection of marine artworks serves to remind us that the sea and shipping are key to Liverpool’s identity, whilst the smaller collection at the UK Border Agency National Museum gives a fascinating glimpse of British social and political history. Together these collections provide a unique insight into the history and artistic heritage Liverpool.

To help the BBC and PCF identify and catalogue what can be seen in each painting, the public is being invited to ‘tag’ the nation’s paintings. Tagging is fun, easy and you don’t need to be an art expert to do it. The results will allow future users of the Your Paintings website to find paintings of subjects that interest them. Your Paintings Tagger is at http://tagger.thepcf.org.uk

Ann Bukantas, Head of Fine Art, National Museums Liverpool, said: “This project means thousands of works can be enjoyed by people all around the globe. We expect that many people will be inspired by these works and will be encouraged to experience the wonder of fantastic art in person through visiting our galleries and museums.”

“The Your Paintings website is a great resource so we hope that it will also stimulate future research into the works in our collection. The Your Paintings website complements our own website at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk which features world-class art of many kinds at all our venues.”

Andrew Ellis, Director, the Public Catalogue Foundation, said: “No country has ever embarked on such a monumental project to showcase its entire painting collection online. Working with collections and individuals all over the UK, this project will reveal to the world the UK’s extraordinary holding of oil paintings.”

Roly Keating, Director of Archive Content, BBC, said: “Our partnership with the PCF encapsulates so many of the BBC's ambitions, both as a public service broadcaster and key supporter of the UK arts sector. Your Paintings will be a hugely valuable learning resource for our audience and demonstrates the power of working with partners to open up the nation's cultural resources.”

The oldest society of chartered accountants in the country - Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants (LSCA) - will receive the city’s highest honour.

On Tuesday 21 February the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants (LSCA) will be added to the Freedom Roll of Association and Institutions of the City of Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast said: “The Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants has, for 142 years, played a key part in helping support the economic success of the city.

“As Liverpool continues to flourish and thrive it is essential that the LSCA members continue to play a vital and proud part in our city’s history. It is a pleasure to be granting them the Freedom of the City of Liverpool to reward them for their contribution to the financial wellbeing of the city.”

Set up in 1870 by 14 gentlemen engaged in accountancy the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants set the standard by which accountant’s world wide practice today.

An exclusive Society, which made its own rules and invited its own members, it took the first vital step towards formation of the sophisticated, national and now international body – the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).

At that time Liverpool was at the very peak of its prosperity, and the growing number of merchant enterprises had led to the parallel growth of accountancy firms involved in looking after their finances. 

Martyn Best, President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “The Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants is the oldest district society of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and we are deeply honoured to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.

“Today’s world is one of continuing change and challenge where trust, integrity and confidence are seen as crucial factors amongst the business and wider community. The Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants strives to uphold these values and play a key role in continuing to support the business and financial community with of our fine city.”

Liverpool is backing the UK’s first ever campaign aimed at recruiting gay adopters and foster carers.

Events are being held in 18 places across the country – including Liverpool – as part of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Adoption and Fostering Week, organised by the New Family Social.

An information session is being held on Tuesday 21 February at Sefton Park Community Centre on Croxteth Drive from 6-8pm, to encourage people from the LGBT community to think about fostering and adoption.

Councillor Jane Corbett, Liverpool’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Every child has a right to a loving, happy and safe family environment.

“And that's why providing a home for a young person who cannot live with their own parents is one of the best things you can do.

"We need to find happy homes for children of all ages, regardless of whether they are in the same sex or mixed sex relationships.”

A recent study, conducted in conjunction with Cambridge University, asked 130 social workers about the lesbian and gay applicants they have worked with showed the lesbian and gay people often have the right mix of skills and experience to raise children who have been in care, and give them a great new start in life.

A total of 72 percent of social workers surveyed saw the “amount of energy and enthusiasm” LGBT adopters bring to the process as a significant strength while 76 percent saw “openness to difference, and supporting a child with a sense of difference” as equally important.

Hugh Thornbery, Strategic Director of Children’s Services at Action for Children, said: "Over the years, our LGBT foster carers and adopters have helped to transform many children’s lives.

“We welcome more applications from LGBT foster carers and adopters; the main thing is that you are able to give children and young people the care and support they need to be happy and fulfilled.”

Andy Leary-May, Director of New Family Social, says: “More and more LGBT people are choosing adoption and fostering as a way to form a family, and we want prospective parents to see just how rewarding it can be, and how much advice and support is on offer from our huge community of families around the UK”.

The free event will include talks from local LGBT adoptive and foster parents about their own experiences and give those interested information on how to start the process.

LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week is from 20th to 26th February 2012.

Liverpool has around 650 young people in foster care.

To find out more about New Family Social visit: www.newfamilysocial.co.uk

First-time buyers in Liverpool are being helped to take their first steps onto the property ladder, thanks to a £3 million city council scheme.

The council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve plans for a new Local Authority Mortgage Scheme tomorrow (Friday, 17 February). If it is given the go-ahead, it could help more than 200 people into their first homes.

The scheme will see the city council working with mortgage lenders to boost the amount made available to house buyers. In the current climate, most lenders are prepared to lend a maximum of 75 to 80 per cent of the value of the property, even if the applicant can afford a 95 per cent mortgage. This means applicants require a substantial initial deposit, which is out of the reach of many first-time buyers.

Liverpool City Council will tackle this problem by underwriting ‘top-ups’ of up to 20 per cent on the loans so that buyers can obtain a 95 per cent mortgage on similar terms to a 75 per cent mortgage, but without the need to provide the large deposit usually required.

It will mean that, for a £100,000 property, buyers would only have to pay a deposit of £5,000, rather than £25,000.

The £3 million pot of cash from the city council will be placed in a high interest account which can be used to cover any defaults in payments. The indemnity would only be called upon if a loss is made by the mortgage lender. Any interest made by the council would be ploughed back into the scheme to help fund further mortgages.

Liverpool City Council Leader, Councillor Joe Anderson, said: “It’s vital, if we are to boost housing in Liverpool and encourage people to live here, that home ownership is not restricted to people with higher incomes. We want to do all we can to help people overcome the difficult economic times and get onto the property ladder.

“We are determined to stimulate the housing market here and to do all we can to support those who wish to buy a home. This scheme is an important part of our plans for achieving that.”

The scheme is part of the city council’s Housing Delivery Plan for 2012 to 2015, which will see a £130 million investment in housing over the next three years, the delivery of an extra 2,000 new homes across the city and a drive to bring empty properties back into use.

Potential buyers will have to meet the strict criteria set out by the mortgage lender in order to qualify for the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme. The city council indemnity - which will be in place for a fixed five-year period for each mortgage granted under the scheme – will only be available for first-time buyers.

The scheme is also specifically targeting older houses in the city and will not be available for new-build properties. The maximum loan value will be £125,000, with the maximum indemnity provided by the council being £27,000. The scheme will also not be available for buy-to-let or right-to-buy purchases.

The city council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said: “This is a fantastic scheme, which will provide a real boost to first-time buyers who are finding it increasingly difficult to become home owners.

“This approach will minimise the cost to the council while taking advantage of the expertise of existing mortgage lenders. It is an imaginative solution to overcoming the problems faced by many first time buyers, and will assist many people to realise their dream of becoming home owners.”

The latest figures show the proportion of first-time buyers under 30 who need assistance from family and friends has more than doubled since 2005. Median house prices now stand at seven times median earnings, compared with three-and-a-half times in the mid nineties.

Almost £2 million is to be spent to help the long term unemployed into employment and training in the Liverpool City Region.

The funding, from the European Social Fund, will contribute towards the cost of ‘Liverpool In Work’ – a new approach to worklessness in which advisors work with residents in community buildings across the city and help get them into a job.

The cash will support the delivery of outreach work and engaging with people; providing advice, information and guidance; support before and after employment and help with transport to and from work.

It will be targeted at priority groups including those in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, Employment Support Allowance and those who have been made redundant or face the prospect of losing their job.

Around 2,500 people are expected to be helped into employment and training between now and 2014.

It comes as the latest unemployment figures for January 2012 - released yesterday - show the city is bucking the national trend, with unemployment rising at a significantly lower rate than elsewhere.

The number of jobseekers in the city rose from 6.8 percent to 7.1 percent of the workforce. It equates to a 3.1 percent rise in the claimant count, considerably below the national increase of 5.1 percent, and lower than the big ‘core’ city average of 3.6 percent.

Over the last year, Liverpool's claimant count increase of 6.3 percent has been considerably lower than all other similar cities, and the national yearly increase of 9.8 percent.

Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills said: “Although the rise in unemployment over the last year in Liverpool has been lower than elsewhere, and many new jobs have been created in the city in the last decade, we still have major issues with long term worklessness.

“Being out of work for a long period of time is soul destroying and damages people’s confidence, so it is vital we do all we can to give those affected a helping hand and the right support to help them into work.

“This will enable us to assist a substantial number of people and help us develop a well trained workforce that is well placed to take advantage of the city’s improving economic fortunes.”

The people targeted will be those who are not eligible for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Work programme.

The council will work closely with Registered Providers (formerly Registered Social Landlords) and the health sector to identify people to take part.

The project forms part of the Liverpool City Region Employment and Skills Strategy, in which local authorities across the area work together to tackle the issue. 

Anticipation is mounting around what will be the UK’s biggest street theatre event in 2012, as April’s large-scale extravaganza sees two HUGE characters (a  30 foot tall Giant Little Girl and her 50ft Uncle) roaming North Liverpool and the city centre.

It's all part of Sea Odyssey which runs from 20 – 22 April - and you could play a vital role in the action.

Culture Liverpool is recruiting Sea Odyssey volunteers for the largest programme the city has seen since 2008. 

Open to anyone over the age of 18, there are more than 200 positions available which cover four areas:

• Giant operators – physically involved with moving the marionettes (operators are also known as ‘Liliputiens’).
• Benevol team – becoming part of the cordon to help move the Giants through the crowds.
• Volunteer support – technical and operational staff including special effects assistants, sound engineers, drivers, welders and production assistants.
• General volunteers – based in the city centre and North Liverpool they will welcome visitors and provide information about the event. 

Some of the roles require specific skills and abilities, and most will be physically demanding, so the team are on the look out for people with a good level of stamina.

Details of all the roles can be found at www.giantspectacular.com and click on ‘Get involved’.  Application forms can be filled in online and must be submitted by 5pm on the 21 February 2012.

For anyone who would like to know more about Sea Odyssey and the volunteer roles, presentations will take place in the Small Concert Room at St George’s Hall today (16 February) at 10am, 2pm and 5.30pm.  The presentation will last for an hour and there will be the opportunity to ask questions to the team involved.

Successful applicants will be invited to take part in informal interview/auditions in March.

The city council has been working with RDL since 2006, and the extravaganza is expected to attract 250,000 people to the city.

Funding is in the final stages, but will be a mixture of public and private investment.  There is already support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the European Regional Development Fund and Sea Odyssey is the final event which will use European legacy funding from the city’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.

Find out the latest by visiting the Sea Odyssey website - www.giantspectacular.com­, and why not ‘Like’ the Giant Spectacular page on Facebook or follow Giant Spectacle on Twitter.

She’s the Royal Navy’s queen of the recent Libyan conflict and she’s now taking a farewell bow in her spiritual home after three decades’ sterling service.

Type 42 destroyer HMS Liverpool will sail into the Mersey on Wednesday February 29 for a six-day visit.

HMS Liverpool was laid down at Cammell Laird’s in 1978 and launched from the famous Birkenhead yard in 1980.

She entered service in 1982, a mere two weeks after the Falklands Conflict came to an end, and she has sailed the world for the Royal Navy in peace time and conflict ever since.

Most recently, off Libya, she became the first Royal Navy ship to be fired upon for 30 years during her seven month deployment to the area.

She is a thoroughly proud Merseyside lass – born and bred – and, fittingly, it is in the Liverpool that she will open her gangway for the final time to the UK public as she comes to the natural end of her working life in the navy later this year.

HMS Liverpool will berth alongside at the Cruise Liner Terminal on the morning of February 29, marking the beginning of a busy, celebratory programme.

As well as holding a reception for invited guests during her stay, the ship’s company is also looking forward to hosting some 20 groups, schools/colleges and organisations on board.

A particular honour is bestowed upon them all on Friday March 2 when the crew will take to the streets of Liverpool to exercise their Freedom of the City for the last time.

HMS Liverpool was awarded this honour in 1982 and has exercised this ancient tradition on numerous occasions during her close affiliation with this great maritime city.

The parade will step off from Our Lady and St Nicholas’ Church at 12 noon, after a celebratory, invitation-only service which will also be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead.

The route takes them east on Chapel Street and then east on Tithebarn Street, before turning south on Moorfields and west on Dale Street.

After turning north onto Exchange Street West, the parade will halt for inspections, and a salute will be taken by the Lord Lieutenant and Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast, before the parade falls out for a civic reception at the Town Hall.

Councillor Prendergast said: ”This is a historic visit for the city and I’m privileged to be Lord Mayor when this famous vessel makes its final journey to its home city.

“HMS Liverpool is a proud symbol of our city and this is the perfect opportunity for us to thank the ship and all its crew, past and present, for the essential work they do.

“As this is the last time she will sail into the city, I hope people will come out in their thousands to celebrate the ship’s return and line the streets to give the crew an unforgettable welcome home.”

But it is on Saturday and Sunday (March 3 and 4) from 12 noon-4pm on both days, that the ship and her crew will have a real opportunity to engage with the public of Merseyside, when she opens her gangway to the public.

Visitors will have the chance to explore this mighty ship, get up close and personal with some of her equipment and speak to brave men and women who have sailed her and fought from her decks her most recently.

This opportunity will never be repeated – don’t miss out.

HMS Liverpool will make her last journey down the Mersey on the morning of March 5, leaving the Cruise Liner Terminal at 11am and delivering a gun salute at Cammell Laird’s at approximately 12 noon; she will then sail past the Royal Liver Building to deliver the ship’s final ever gun salute to the city with which she has been so proudly intertwined over the past 30 years.

Commanding Officer of HMS Liverpool, Commander Colin Williams, said: “This visit is one of celebration and appreciation of the sterling service which this exceptional ship has offered her country during her three decades at sea.

“To be bringing her back home to Liverpool is, without question, not only the absolute pinnacle of this celebration, but also a very poignant and dignified moment in her long and illustrious life.

“We have always enjoyed absolutely exceptional links with Liverpool. I know that my crew is honoured and excited to show off their ship once more to Merseysiders, who have always shown unparalleled hospitality and enthusiasm for this great ship.

“I am extremely proud to have commanded HMS Liverpool and her crew – there is obviously some sadness in bidding farewell to any ship, but, more than anything, this is a time to honour HMS Liverpool and her achievements, the most recent of which was outstanding and key support to the NATO operations off the coast of Libya.

“I sincerely hope that as many Merseysiders as possible will make the journey to the Cruise Liner Terminal to visit the ship on Saturday and Sunday when we open to the public. It allows us in our own small way to return the hospitality and affection shown over more than three decades before bidding our final fond farewell.”

HMS Liverpool sailed at the end of March 2011 to support Operation Unified Protector where her tasks included enforcing the No-Fly Zone and conducting embargo operations to prevent arms from reaching pro-Gaddafi forces by sea.

During this high-tempo mission to protect the Libyan citizens, HMS Liverpool’s ship’s company spent 81 hours at Action Stations on 28 separate occasions, were fired at and returned fire ten times, and launched 211 rounds of illumination and high explosive shells from her 4.5 inch gun. These illumination or star shells were fired to light up pro-Gaddafi positions for NATO aircraft to identify and destroy.

The ship’s company witnessed the siege of Misratah and the fall of Tripoli, Zlitan, Al Khums and Sirte to the rebels and, while enforcing the No-Fly Zone, Liverpool’s Fighter Controllers spent 360 hours controlling 14 different types of aircraft from a number of NATO countries.

During her deployment, HMS Liverpool worked alongside many other Royal Navy assets including minehunters HMS Brocklesby and HMS Bangor. On the occasions that the minehunters had to close the coast to search and destroy any mines that had been laid, HMS Liverpool stood by as protection to allow the ships to successfully complete their missions.

Assault ship HMS Ocean and her embarked Apache helicopters were also on national tasking in the area, with HMS Liverpool able to provide assistance as an air defence platform and to give an intelligence picture from their position.

All the UK assets were supported by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Rosalie which provided vital stores when needed – HMS Liverpool herself conducted 40 Replenishment at Seas with the RFA ship, embarking vital supplies and fuel.

Commander Williams continued: “I am immensely proud of my ship’s company and the way in which they rose to their challenge and reacted to the very real threat posed by pro-Gaddafi forces.

“For seven months HMS Liverpool was at the sharp end of Royal Navy operations, spending 360 hours controlling aircraft, firing hundreds of rounds and spending long periods at action stations.

“We became the first Royal Navy ship to be fired upon in 30 years and my ship’s company responded by putting their training into action, returning fire in self defence and destroying enemy positions ashore.

“In their efforts to protect the Libyan people and enforce the will of the United Nations, the ship’s company proved their grit and determination.”

A health warning has been issued about industrial alcohol being sold in Liverpool as vodka.

The city council’s Alcohol and Tobacco Unit (ATU) were alerted to the problem by a resident in Broadgreen who bought a bottle of vodka from a person they met while shopping in a city market.

They were concerned about its taste and brought it to the Unit’s attention.

Analysis of the “vodka” showed it contained denatured or industrial alcohol and was unfit for human consumption.  It had an incorrect alcohol by volume (ABV) on its label

The vodka was in a one litre bottle and was labelled Revolution. The reverse of its label implied that it was an Aldi product.  Neither the Revolution chain of bars nor Aldi supermarkets have any connection with this product.

“This is not only an illegal trade but potentially a very dangerous one, “ said Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for the environment and climate change. “It could seriously damage the health of any one drinking it,

“There are reports from other parts of the country of people’s eyesight being damaged after they have drunk similar types of alcohol.

“While we do not believe that it is circulating widely in the city  as yet, we are issuing this warning as  we do not want anyone at all to risk their health by buying this product.  Residents  should not buy alcohol from unlicensed sources.”

ATU are working with off licences to ensure that anyone distributing the product in Liverpool is identified.    
 
Residents or traders have been offered quantities of this or similar spirits please call Gary Baskott, Liverpool Alcohol Tobacco Unit on 0151 225 2501 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Want to learn more about one of Liverpool’s most diverse communities?

Liverpool City Council’s libraries team is working in partnership with the University of Liverpool to provide a FREE local history course focusing on the origins of Toxteth.

For six weeks from 22 February, Liverpool University historian Paul Booth will lead informal sessions at Toxteth Library, on Windsor Street, covering the history of the area, from its medieval origins to its development as the vibrant community we know today.

Paul will be sharing fascinating facts including:

• Toxteth appears in the Doomsday book as Stochestede, meaning Stockade, and is first recorded as Tokestat in 1207. The document with the King’s signature is stored at Lancashire Record Office.
• Puritans settled in Toxteth in the 17th century, building Toxteth chapel. It became knows as the ‘Holy Land’ – a phrase still used today.
• King Henry VIII ordered a deer to be sent from Toxteth to the Earl of Devon.
• Parliament Street got its name from an Act of Parliament granted to the Earl of Sefton.
• Alois Hitler Jr, Adolf Hitler’s half-brother lived in Upper Stanhope Street.
• Jean Alexander, best known for paying Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, was born in Toxteth.

The informal sessions are open to anyone, and will run every Wednesday up to and including 28 March, from 2 – 4pm.

The city council’s cabinet member responsible for libraries, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about the history of one of the city’s fascinating communities.

“It’s great that the city council is working in partnership with Liverpool University to provide these free courses which will enable residents to discover lots of things they never knew about their community and this great city.”

Anyone interested in taking part on the course can register by calling 0151 233 5428 or by emailing toxteth.library@liverpool.gov.uk.  Alternatively, residents can register at the first session on the 22 February.

Paul Booth said: “'Toxteth has a most unusual history, beginning nearly a thousand years ago. This informal course will explore the evidence for its uniqueness through maps and documents, as well as Toxteth's present-day landscape'.

There is the possibility of a field trip to see key documents in the archives at Lancashire Record Office, and this may incur a small cost.

The course forms part of Liverpool University’s Continuing Education programme.

The long-awaited multi-million pound transformation of a run-down Liverpool estate is about to become a reality.

Demolition work is underway at the Stonebridge Cross site, off the East Lancs Road. It paves the way for a £200 million regeneration scheme which will revitalise the area.

The Stonebridge Cross scheme will deliver 500 new homes, new retail and commercial development and a new park.

Plans for the site, which was once occupied by the Gillmoss estate, also include the relocation of St John Bosco School and a new health centre.

The start of the demolition work – which is managed on behalf of the council by 2020 Liverpool - is a major milestone for local residents, who have seen a number of proposals for the area fall by the wayside in recent years.

The Stonebridge Cross Stakeholder Group was set up to drive forward the community-led redevelopment of the site. Following extensive consultation, the preferred option for a comprehensive, mixed-use development was endorsed by the group in March 2010.

Stonebridge Cross, at 98-acres, is one of the largest council-owned development sites in the city. The ambitious plans will be delivered by the council’s groundbreaking ‘asset-backed vehicle’, called Inliverpool, which sees the council provide the land and private sector partners paying for and delivering the project.

Council Leader Joe Anderson said: “This investment in Stonebridge Cross is long overdue, and I’m very pleased that we are now making it a reality. It is one of the key regeneration schemes taking place in Liverpool over the next three years and will benefit thousands of people for generations to come.

“We’re absolutely determined to drive forward the regeneration of our communities, and this fantastic development is proof that by working imaginatively with the private sector and local people we can deliver real, significant improvements, despite the difficult economic times.”

Councillor Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, and chair of InLiverpool, said: “I’m delighted work is starting at Stonebridge Cross – it’s fantastic news for local people.

“Improving our housing stock is a major priority for us, but the current economic challenges mean we need to do things differently. This development is a great example of how by taking an innovative approach, through our asset backed vehicle, we can transform communities and deliver the type of good quality, affordable homes people have told us they want.”

The Stonebridge Cross development forms part of the council’s Housing Delivery Plan for 2012 to 2015, which was launched at the end of last year. It includes plans to build 2,000 new homes across the city over the next three years; a major drive to bring empty properties back into use; and the introduction of a mortgage support scheme to help first-time buyers.

The city council hopes to generate a total investment of around half a billion pounds, which will be achieved by releasing council-owned brownfield sites at no cost, making available a £20 million housing fund and working with private builders and Registered Providers to deliver new homes.

Nick Kavanagh, the council’s director for regeneration and employment, said: “The InLiverpool partnership is presenting really exciting opportunities for us to build a better future for our city, and the Stonebridge Cross development is a prime example of the great things we can achieve using this approach.

“We are working effectively with private sector partners to generate huge investment which will transform the area and drive up the quality of people’s lives. Just as importantly, we are working effectively with residents, listening to their views at every step of the way and ensuring this is a true community-led development.”

A planning application for the site is expected to be submitted during the summer of this year.

Liverpool will play host to a wealth of top international athletes, when the Liebherr Men’s World Cup table tennis event heads to Echo Arena Liverpool from Friday 28 –Sunday 30 September 2012.

This will be your chance to see Olympians competing in the North of England and as the first major tournament after the Olympics, the Liebherr Men’s World Cup could see the competitive debut of the new Olympic Champion and is one of the highest profile events on the International Table Tennis Federation’s calendar.

The tournament will consist of an elite group of 19 players, made up from the Olympic and World Champions, four Intercontinental Champions (Africa, Latin America, North America and Oceana), a home nation wild card, an international wild card and the highest ranked international players.

Fighting for pride, honour and a share of the $150,000 dollars prize fund, the Echo Arena Liverpool will host some truly awe inspiring displays of athleticism and skill as the English Table Tennis Association continues to bring top flight competition to these shores.

John Moore, sport and events account manager at Echo Arena Liverpool, said:

 “To host an event of this calibre at Echo Arena is fantastic for the city. There are many sporting contests to look forward to beyond the summer Olympics and outside of London and the Men’s World Cup Table Tennis will be a highlight on the calendar.”

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:

“It’s a real coup for Liverpool to be the host city for this prestigious table tennis event which will see the best players in the world battle it out in what is guaranteed to be a thrilling competition. There is a huge focus on sport this year, and I’m sure the Olympics will result in a huge amount of interest and excitement for this fantastic event.”

Tickets go on sale on general sale on Friday 10 February @ 9am

To book tickets log on to www.echoarena.com or call the Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400.

What's better than one giant exploring Liverpool?  How about two giants…

Anticipation is already mounting around what will be the UK’s biggest street theatre event in 2012, as April’s large-scale extravaganza sees a 30 foot Giant Little Girl roaming North Liverpool and the city centre.

But she won’t be the only one.

Also hitting the streets is her 50 foot tall uncle who will arrive in the city as part of Sea Odyssey which runs from 20 – 22 April.

The stars of the show will explore North Liverpool and the city centre, taking in some key city spaces.

The story around why the two giants are here is secret until a few weeks before the event.  However, French creators Royal de Luxe (RDL) have promised a moving story of love, loss, family and communication which transcends time.  Set to be the biggest and most ambitious event the city has ever held, it will take audiences on an emotional journey through our maritime history – with the city’s streets as the stage.

Sound exciting?  Well why not be part of this memorable show.

Culture Liverpool is recruiting Sea Odyssey volunteers for the largest programme the city has seen since 2008. 

Open to anyone over the age of 18, there are more than 200 positions available which cover four areas:

• Giant operators – physically involved with moving the marionettes (operators are also known as ‘Liliputiens’).
• Benevol team – becoming part of the cordon to help move the Giants through the crowds.
• Volunteer support – technical and operational staff including special effects assistants, sound engineers, drivers, welders and production assistants.
• General volunteers – based in the city centre and North Liverpool they will welcome visitors and provide information about the event.

Some of the roles require specific skills and abilities, and most will be physically demanding, so the team are on the look out for people with a good level of stamina.

Details of all the roles can be found at www.giantspectacular.com and click on ‘Get involved’.  Application forms can be filled in online and must be submitted by 5pm on the 21 February 2012.

For anyone who would like to know more about Sea Odyssey and the volunteer roles, presentations will take place in the Small Concert Room at St George’s Hall on Thursday 16 February at 10am, 2pm and 5.30pm.  The presentation will last for an hour and there will be the opportunity to ask questions to the team involved.

Successful applicants will be invited to take part in informal interview/auditions in March.

Liverpool city council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “This event is growing and the excitement grows with it!

“To have two giants exploring the city, discovering some of our most-loved landmarks, will be a fantastic sight and it gives a new dimension to the whole Sea Odyssey experience. 

“I’m delighted we can give people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the event.  It will be incredible to see the show, but to play a role at the heart of the action – whether it’s operating the giants or welcoming visitors to North Liverpool – is something that will stay with people forever.

“I hope many people put themselves forward to be volunteers and be part of something truly special.”

Matthieu Bony, Directeur des Manoeuvres for RDL, said: “After a long period of research, the show in Liverpool is nearly here and I am looking forward to working with the team to bring this moving story to life.

“The Company were very keen for the show to extend into the North Liverpool suburbs, making this the most challenging route in terms of length and gradient which our Liliputiens will have travelled with the Giant Uncle.

“As Royal de Luxe’s Director of Manoeuvres for the Uncle, myself and the team have worked in many cities, but Liverpool holds a special place in our hearts. We can't wait!”

The city council has been working with RDL since 2006, and the extravaganza is expected to attract 250,000 people to the city.

Funding is in the final stages, but will be a mixture of public and private investment.  There is already support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the European Regional Development Fund and Sea Odyssey is the final event which will use European legacy funding from the city’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.

Find out the latest by visiting the Sea Odyssey website - www.giantspectacular.com­, and why not ‘Like’ the Giant Spectacular page on Facebook or follow Giant Spectacle on Twitter.

Liverpool has been praised by the Government for becoming the first city to agree new powers through the City Deals programme.

A range of transformative powers will be devolved to Liverpool, to give the city what it needs to attract private investment, close skills gaps and create new jobs. 

This landmark deal will create a new enterprise zone near the city centre, provide powers to help get young unemployed people into work and give greater control over land for redevelopment and help build twelve new secondary schools.

The deal will help the city compete in the wider economy, driving growth and creating opportunities that will benefit the wider Merseyside area.   

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: “This first city deal heralds an unprecedented transfer of power from central government to local communities, with new powers and funding for Liverpool to do things its own way.  I congratulate Liverpool on blazing a trail we look forward to seeing others follow.

“I firmly believe one size doesn’t fit all – whether it’s a Mayor or whether it is a Council Leader, what Cities have to show in return for a City Deal is that there is strong clear leadership. This deal puts Liverpool back in the driving seat to create jobs and boost skills with greater economic and political freedom. It empowers Liverpool to go for growth that will benefit everyone who lives there.

“Our cities are Britain’s economic heartbeat and their success is absolutely vital to getting the whole country’s economy growing again. I want to see more cities take us up on our offer and I’m looking forward to announcing more city deals across the country in the coming months.”

Cities Minister, Greg Clark, said: “We’ve said to each City ‘make us an offer’. Tell us how you can drive growth, and I promise that the Government will respond positively.

“Liverpool has risen to the challenge with alacrity.

“It is fantastic to see Liverpool become the first city in Britain to seize the opportunity on offer. This deal will be a major boost to the standing of this great city - both within Britain and on the world stage. Liverpool has seized the chance to attract private investment, create jobs and build a prosperous future.

“This is, I hope, the first of many such deals with our cities. For Britain to prosper our cities must prosper. I am determined to devolve power from Whitehall and give local leaders what they need to take their cities forward into a confident and prosperous future.”

The key elements of Liverpool’s proposals are: 

• A new Enterprise Zone, that will create a ‘City Fringe Buffer Zone’ to the north of the city centre and Central Business District. This means that for the next 25 years increases in Business Rate income, would be invested in regeneration. The Government will also be prepared to support economic development backed by a strong business case by up to £75 million during the spending review period
• Creation of a joint Mayoral Investment Board to oversee the city's economic and housing strategy, pooling local assets including those of the Homes and Communities Agency to drive economic growth
• Launch Welfare Pilots to reduce welfare dependency.  The city will work closely with the Government on local schemes including a ‘youth contract’ to increase the number of claimants moving to work and to reduce fraud and error
• A Secondary School Investment Plan to build 12 new secondary schools including at least six new academies to help support the local skills agenda and the local economy.  The Council will work with the schools, private companies and local universities to develop specialisms to meet local skills shortages. 

Council Leader Joe Anderson said: “This is a new deal for Liverpool. It’s great news. It’s the culmination of four months of tough negotiations with government.

“For the first time in decades, we are being given the chance for power to be returned to the city from Whitehall. It is a huge moment for Liverpool.

“The deal is bespoke to us.  It gives us direct control over our destiny and brings with it new investment in the future of Liverpool and the people of Liverpool.

“The government has made it clear that they want ‘strong, accountable leadership’. I agree with them. That is why I successfully argued for us to change our constitution now, rather than following the referendum route for an elected mayor. The deal and a mayoral model are the right thing for Liverpool. We can’t wait for 12 to 18 months to get started.

“We need to grasp the competitive advantage now to put us ahead of other cities and we need to get on with transforming our city.”

The city council has voted to change its constitution and a vote for a directly elected mayor will take place on 3 May 2012 alongside local government elections. The mayor will take up his or her responsibilities on 7 May.

The city deal is not dependent on the city having a mayor, but central government has given a clear signal that moving to a mayoral model will provide the accountability it needs before the funds and new powers are handed over.

The next step will be the formal notice of election, to be published no later than Tuesday 27 March. Nominations will close at noon on Wednesday, 4th April.

The elected mayor will be in power for a period of four years and will select their cabinet from the city’s 90 councillors.

The council will continue to deliver statutory and frontline services. Its 90 elected members will also fulfil a formal scrutiny role of the mayor’s activities.

Liverpool City Council is warning people not to hand over money to people claiming to be enforcement officers imposing on-the –spot fines.

The warning follows a reported incident when a woman walking a dog in a park in the north of the city was approached by two men, in plain clothes, who claimed she had committed an offence and were fining her.

The council stresses that all such enforcement officers are in uniform and carry identification.

They do not impose on-the spot fines but if an offence is committed, issue a fixed penalty notice which is paid later.

Anybody who is approached by people claiming to be council officials should ask to see their identification and if they cannot do so report the incident to the council or Merseyside Police via their 101 phone number.

THE first weddings to be held in the registrar’s new home at St George’s Hall will take place this weekend.

From 23 January St George’s Hall has been the official home of births, marriages and deaths but this weekend will see the first seven couples married at this stunning new location, which is one of Prince Charles favourite buildings.

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast said: “St George’s Hall is a jewel in Liverpool’s crown and it is fitting that this new location can now be used as the perfect setting to the biggest day of many couples’ lives.”

Pat Dobie, superintendent registrar for Liverpool, said: “We’re really excited by this move and are looking forward to some wonderful times in 2012 beginning this weekend.

“It’s fitting that the first weddings at this fantastic new venue will be held on valentine’s weekend.
 
“It’s only right that, as a council, we can give couples a day to remember in one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the city.”

The change will see a steady flow of extra visitors into one of Liverpool’s best-loved tourist attractions.

With every significant stage of life now to be documented at the Grade I listed structure it represents a complex relocation for the council.

Also, for those previously opting for affordable and simple wedding register office ceremonies at the Cotton Exchange, the alternative is now an altogether grander affair.

Prices vary depending on the time of day and day of the week but the cost will be affordable for most families.

At its cheapest the statutory £43.50 fee plus a £67 notice fee brings the cost of a wedding ceremony to £110.50 At busier times, like Sundays, the price rises to £267.

For more information or to book your big day, log on to http://www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk/organise/weddings/index.asp

Councillors have voted to change Liverpool City Council’s constitution and elect a mayor for the city.

The decision will see elections for a mayor take place on 3 May 2012 alongside local government elections. The mayor will take up his or her responsibilities on 7 May.

The mayor will be a powerful and influential voice for the city, locally, nationally and internationally. He or she will provide leadership, especially by building the confidence of investors and directing new resources to economic priorities.

The vote follows the negotiation of a new “city deal” with central government that will see new powers devolved to the city and the creation of a single investment fund of new and existing public and private money, initially worth £130 million but with the potential to grow to £500m - £1 billion.

The deal is not dependent on the city having a mayor, but central government has given a clear signal that moving to a mayoral model will provide the accountability it needs before the funds and new powers are handed over.

The vote, at an extraordinary council meeting, was passed by 62 votes to three with 14 abstentions.

The next step will be the formal notice of election, to be published no later than Tuesday 27 March. Nominations will close at noon on Wednesday, 4 April.

The elected mayor will be in power for a period of four years and will select their cabinet from the city’s 90 councillors.

The council will continue to deliver statutory and frontline services. Its 90 elected members will also fulfil a formal scrutiny role of the mayor’s activities.

The city deal

• The deal will create a single investment pot of public and private funds, initially worth £130m, but with the potential to grow to £500m - £1bn. The initial pot will include £75 million of new money from government

Among the mayor’s new powers and responsibilities under the deal would be: 

• The establishment of the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside London, supported by a Local Finance for Growth package. This includes:

 - a new Enterprise Zone for North Liverpool and the Central Business District which would offer incentives for companies to set up business         in Liverpool and encourage existing city-based business to grow; and

- the potential to capture the entire benefit of any growth in business rates from the Enterprise Zone for use in five other key economic areas of the city – North Liverpool, the Knowledge Quarter in the city centre, Stonebridge Cross, the Eastern Approaches and Speke-Garston (referred to as Mayoral Development Zones);

• Acting as the chair of a new investment board which would bring together all of the City’s assets such as land, commercial and residential buildings including assets formerly owned by the North West Development Agency (NWDA);
• Developing a new approach to welfare reform in Liverpool which includes investment in specific skills which match the jobs that are available in the city.
• Electing a mayor is an option that has been open to Liverpool City Council since the Local Government Act 2000, but the city deal makes moving to this model a priority for the first time following the negotiation with central government for additional powers and control of resources

Under 17? There's no need to be bored during half term.

There are loads of fun activites taking place at Lifestyles Centre across the city.

Find out more by clicking here.

Or, for more information call 0151 233 5433.

Groups in Liverpool are joining together to make sure April's 'Giant' event is the most successful in the city's history.

Sea Odyssey will be the largest street spectacle Liverpool has ever seen, and for the first time in the city's event history, a mass participation programme has been developed which encourages every resident, organisation, charity and community group to get involved.

Around 70 organisations have already taken up the challenge and are in the process of creating an event which supports the unique theatrical show taking place across the city from 20 - 22 April.

The Isla Gladstone Conservatory is planning a fringe festival with other partners which will celebrate the arrival of the Little Girl Giant in Stanley Park, encouraging families to enjoy a picnic while taking in the unusual sight of a 30 foot girl exploring the area.

Beautiful North, which represents 40 public and private businesses in North Liverpool, will literally be hitting the streets and working in partnership with the city council's street cleaning teams by making sure the roads in the area are clean and tidy.

Cut to the Chase Productions in collaboration with The Aspire Trust are planning 'Treasured' an inspirational, multimedia experience to be staged at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. It is a moving homage to the Titanic focusing on the stories of people from Liverpool.

And it's not just businesses getting involved.

Inspired by Sea Odyssey, every primary and secondary school in the city has incorporated the theme of the Titanic into the curriculum. Pupils are using creative writing, art and drama to recreate the experiences of those onboard the ill-fated vessel.

Older students are also embracing all things Sea Odyssey and Liverpool Community College has dedicated an entire term to the subject.  They are planning to put on a fashion shoot, designing all the clothes themselves which will be showcased on board a Tall Ship.  Arts Costume students are also designing outfits for the West Kirby Light Operatic Society’s production of Titanic which is taking to the stage of the Empire Theatre.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “To say this event is going to be huge for Liverpool is an understatement, and we want to make sure that local people are at the very heart of Sea Odyssey.

“The cultural diversity and creativity of the people of this city are one of its biggest assets and it's only right that they should take centre stage to showcase their vibrant communities during Sea Odyssey, while welcoming visitors with the warmest of welcomes.

“It’s wonderful to know so many diverse businesses are involved and that young people are being given the opportunity to connect with such a tragic but compelling subject as the Titanic in a unique way.

“I look forward to seeing the results of all the hard work which will go towards making Sea Odyssey one of the most memorable events in the city’s history.”

Liverpool Football Club, Everton Football Club, City Central BID and The Reader Organisation are also in talks about how they can be part of the event and the numbers of other businesses who want to be involved is on the up.

Culture Liverpool’s Arts and Participation Manager, Alicia Smith, said: “One of the legacies of 2008 has been the vital role of the community in many of our cultural projects – but the role of participation for Sea Odyssey is on a whole different level. 

“We’ve been holding regular meetings and the excitement and positivity around what is going to take place in this city in April is really overwhelming.  People want to be part of it and the ideas which different groups are bringing to us are fantastic, making the whole project even more exciting!”

Liverpool Primary Care Trust is working with the city council and has given funding for the participation programme.

Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool Primary Care Trust said: “This is shaping up to be a real once-in-a-lifetime event for the city, and I’m delighted that Liverpool Primary Care Trust has been able to help create opportunities for our communities to get actively involved.

“Sea Odyssey will bring people together and provide an opportunity for young people across the city to learn new skills – both things which can help people to follow the five ways to wellbeing and so have an enormously positive effect on personal wellbeing – which makes it a great fit with our Decade of Health and Wellbeing programme.”  

Other organisations already working with Liverpool City Council are:

National Museums Liverpool, Everton FC, Liverpool FC, Liverpool John Moore University (LJMU), Beautiful North, Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Liverpool Irish Festival, Liverpool Lighthouse, Liverpool One, The Reader, Writing on the Wall, 20 Stories High, LIPA, LJMU Art and Design Pod, Rotunda, Liverpool Community College, Blackburne House, Hope University, Cut to the Chase, The Windows Project, Rice Lane City Farm, Collective Encounters, Urbeatz, Open Culture, Liverpool Personal Services Society, Ykids, Liverpool Housing Trust, Riverside Housing, Arena Housing and City Central BID.

Sea Odyssey is being brought to the city by the world’s leading street theatre company, Royal De Luxe (RDL).  They will present a magical story of how the human spirit triumphs over the Titanic tragedy - starring the 30 foot tall Little Girl Giant.

The star of the show will explore North Liverpool and the city centre, taking in some key city spaces.

Funding is in the final stages, but will be a mixture of public and private investment.  There is already support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the European Regional Development Fund and Sea Odyssey is the final event which will use European legacy funding from the city’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.

Get the latest information at the Sea Odyssey website www.giantspectacular.com, and why not ‘Like’ the Giant Spectacular page on Facebook or follow Giant Spectacle on Twitter.

Please note:

All other details relating to the route of the Little Girl Giant and the story surrounding the giant’s visit are currently under wraps and will be revealed nearer to the time. 

The Government has formally offered Liverpool a “City Deal” – giving it substantial new powers such as the control of resources to encourage investment and growth.

It comes as the City Council prepares to vote tonight (Tuesday 7 February) on changing its constitution to have a directly elected mayor.

The change in governance arrangements would offer the government the clear accountability and influence required to justify the devolution of the new powers.

The deal will create a single investment fund of new and existing public and private money, initially worth £130m, but with the potential to grow to £500m - £1bn.

Having a single pot of money, which includes £75million of new government money, gives the City Council direct control over the use of resources and reduces the red tape relating to economic development in the city.

A letter to the City Council from Cities Minister Greg Clark confirms that the mayor’s new powers and responsibilities under the deal would be:

• The establishment of the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside London, supported by a Local Finance for Growth package. This includes:

-  a new Enterprise Zone for North Liverpool and the Central Business District which would offer incentives for companies to set up business in Liverpool and encourage existing city-based business to grow; and

-  the potential to capture the entire benefit of any growth in business rates from the Enterprise Zone for use in five other key economic areas of the city – North Liverpool, the Knowledge Quarter in the city centre, Stonebridge Cross, the Eastern Approaches and Speke-Garston (referred to as Mayoral Development Zones);

• Acting as the chair of a new investment board which would bring together all of the City’s assets such as land, commercial and residential buildings including assets formerly owned by the North West Development Agency (NWDA);
• Developing a new approach to welfare reform in Liverpool which includes investment in specific skills which match the jobs that are available in the city.

Council Leader Joe Anderson said: “This is a new deal for Liverpool. It’s great news. It’s the culmination of four months of tough negotiations with government.

“For the first time in decades, we are being given the chance for power to be returned to the city from Whitehall. It is a huge moment for Liverpool.

“The deal is bespoke to us.  It gives us direct control over our destiny and brings with it new investment in the future of Liverpool and the people of Liverpool. .

“The City will have the first Mayoral Development Corporation outside of London, a new Enterprise Zone, and five Mayoral Development Zones. These have the potential to raise over £500 million to build a new kind of environment for businesses to flourish whatever their size. That’s good news for jobs, and the future prosperity of the people of Liverpool.

“The government has made it clear that they want ‘strong, accountable leadership’. I agree with them. That is why at tonight’s special council meeting I will be arguing for us to change our constitution now, rather than following the referendum route for an elected mayor. The deal and a mayoral model are the right thing for Liverpool. We can’t wait for 12 to 18 months to get started.

“We need to grasp the competitive advantage now to put us ahead of other cities and we need to get on with transforming our city.”

Electing a mayor is an option that has been open to Liverpool City Council since the Local Government Act 2000, but the city deal makes moving to this model a priority for the first time due to the additional powers and control of resources.

Up to eleven of England’s largest cities are holding a referendum on 3 May to decide whether to elect a mayor, following their mandate in the Localism Act. Those that decide to do so will hold elections in November.
          
The Elected Mayor would be in power for a period of four years and would select their Cabinet from the city’s 90 councillors.

The extraordinary council meeting to consider the change is being held at 5pm today, 7 February, at Liverpool Town Hall.

Read the details of the city deal here:

http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=90610   

Watch tonight's meeting being webcast here:

http://liverpool.gov.uk/council/performance-and-spending/budgets-and-finance/budget_consultation_2011/

LIVERPOOL will be feeling the love this Thursday when Merseyside Polonia hosts its annual pre-valentine event. 

‘Love in Every Language’ takes place at Kensington Fire Station. It is a celebration of love poetry from around the world. The evening will include poems read by members of communities living in Liverpool including Polish, Greek, Croatian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Czech as well as English.  

Anybody who would like to share a poem from their country is welcome to come along.  

There will be music from accomplished harpist Stan Ambrose and also an amateur performance of Edith Piaf songs accompanied by accordion.  

Merseyside Polonia was set up in 2008 to strengthen bonds between Polish people and local residents and encourage friendships between people of different cultural backgrounds.  

It has been a huge success giving people the opportunity to get to know Liverpool’s Polish community better and enjoy Polish and international culture, films, food and art.

The evening will be especially poignant for the Polish community as one of their most famous contemporary poets - Wislawa Szymborska - died last week. Wislawa, a Nobel Prize-winning poet, used the imagery of everyday objects to explore dramatic themes of human experience including love, war and death. The event will be dedicated to her memory and will present her life and poetry as part of the evening.  

Gosia McKane from Merseyside Polonia said: “The Kensington area has become increasingly diverse in recent years with people from many different countries making it their home.
 
“This event is a chance for people to come along and meet their neighbours and find out more about the wide range of different cultures in the area.”    

Cupid will be taking aim at Kensington fire station, Beech Street, Liverpool on Thursday 9 February from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Admission is free and there will be refreshments (tea, coffee, juice) and some home made cakes.