CROSBY & LITHERLAND GREAT DEALS ON BEDS! All Sizes • All Colours • All Fabrics
1 August 2018
www.champnews.com
Vol 25 ● Issue 31
22 Sefton Street · Litherland L21 7LD • 0151 345 6154 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! Open: 10am - 4:30pm CLOSED SUNDAY
Shock after woman’s body found in country park field RESIDENTS have spoken of their shock after a woman's body was discovered in Rimrose Valley Country Park. Locals had started to express concern on social media on Sunday, July 29 after some spotted that police had taped off a section of a playing field near the Brook Vale entrance to the park, in Waterloo. It was later confirmed by police that they are investigating an “unexplained death” after a woman's body was found on the field. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Officers were called to a Brook Vale playing field at around 5.20am following reports of concern for the safety of a woman. “She was pronounced dead at the scene. “At this time the death is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem will be conducted to establish the cause of death. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the woman and inform next of kin.” Meanwhile, social media users have paid their respects to the unidentified woman. One Facebook user commented: “Such a tragedy. I feel sorry for her family”. Another posted: “This is heartbreaking to hear. RIP.” Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 224 of 29/7/18 or @CrimestoppersUK.
INSIDE THIS WEEK...
A group of protesters outside SING Plus Centre.
HOMES COULD BE LOST TO MAKE WAY FOR RIMROSE ROAD
Highways England may issue compulsory purchase orders for houses near planned route Report by Tom Martin
PROTESTS have been held after residents in Seaforth found out they could lose their homes due to the proposed new link road through Rimrose Valley Country Park. Highways England has told the Champion that they are considering Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for a number of houses in the area, meaning
they can take ownership of a property without the consent of whoever lives there. Some locals on Moorhead Close, which is near the proposed route of the link road, have been sent letters by the government-owned company, inviting them to a meeting at the SING Plus Centre, on Cambridge Road, to “discuss our plans and how they may affect you or your property.” News of the letter was shared on social media and soon a large group of campaigners decided to protest outside SING Plus Centre, including on Saturday, July 21 and again on Monday, July 30, with locals holding placards and banners. Campaign group Save Rimrose Valley
CREATE Your Stor y...
has described the possible CPOs as “a first indication that the proposed road will affect our communities in a very real way ”, as Highways England look to press ahead with plans to improve transport links between Switch Island and the dock. Social media users were quick to express their shock. One said: “How can it be acceptable to take away people's homes? This is despicable. “Not only do they want to separate communities but they want to rip people's homes right from under their feet. “It's heartbreaking.” Another posted: “This is the start of the Continued inside
Helicopter beach rescue
Man jailed over smuggle plot CROSSWORD See Page 24
Apply online and start September. It’s time to Create Your Story! 0151 353 4444 hughbaird.ac.uk/apply
THE UK’S LARGEST LETTERBOX CIRCULATION BY AN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER! 164,303
CHAMPION SERIES
JAN-DEC 2017 100% FREE