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Vol 27• Issue 36
INSIDE THIS WEEK:
Invention is Covid game-changer, says Sefton man
JA M E S L A K E L A N D
22 September 2020 September 2020
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POP UP CYCLE LANE THREAT TO CHURCH Religious leaders say scheme could ‘threaten existence’ of Holy Trinity RELIGIOUS leaders fear the existence of a landmark Southport Church is under threat... from a new pop up cycle lane! Holy Trinity church has stood on its Hoghton Street site for more than one hundred years but a proposed cycleway through the town will put it at risk, claim church members. Ian Howarth, 71, a lay minister at Holy Trinity, and Bob Ball, both members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) believe that plans to create new ‘pop up’ lanes on both sides of Hoghton Street mean that there will be no on-street parking available for parishioners at Holy Trinity Church – including those who are elderly and disabled. They say that there was ‘no consultation’ about the plans and that there is an ‘increased risk of accidents’ as parents will not be able to drop off or collect their children from Holy Trinity Junior School by car. The lanes would also ‘severely restrict’ access for wedding cars and funeral hearses, which would be left unable to park outside the Grade II listed church, which was built in the early 20th century. Southport MP Damien Moore has slammed the new cycle routes as ‘absolutely ridiculous’ amid fears they could have a ‘detrimental effect’ on businesses. The scheme is being paid for by government funds to encourage more cycling and walking, but Mr Moore fears traffic restrictions could put people off ‘venturing back’ at a time when businesses are trying to encourage more trade. Council chiefs refute the criticism saying the
Report by Danielle Thompson scheme will ‘make it easier and safer for people to visit town centre shops, workplaces and other facilities by bike or on foot.’ They point out that owing to a strict timeline to receive the funds there was no opportunity to consult on the proposals. Sefton Council, Liverpool City Region and MetroActive are working together to create the new lanes, remove pay and display parking spaces and prevent through traffic to ‘make it easier’ for cyclists and walkers to navigate the town. But Mr Howarth told the Champion: “Holy Trinity has stood for more than 100 years and Sunday morning congregations usually have 100-120 worshippers with others attending early morning and evening worship. There are daily services in the church and it provides a haven for many others seeking a place for quiet contemplation and meditation. “It is also home to several of Southport’s cultural organisations including the Trinity Arts Festival, the Southport Bach Choir and numerous recitals by nationally famous musicians. Its parish centre is home to a weekly luncheon club and several youth organisations and is regularly used by other organisations such as the Blood Transfusion Service, all of which would be seriously affected by a parking ban. Continued on page 7
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Father Tom Carpenter, vicar of Holy Trinity with Ian Howarth and Bob Ball. Inset: Holy Trinity Church on Hoghton Street.
Do you know a health hero? It has been an extraordinarily demanding year for NHS staff coping with the demands of Covid-19. And now’s your chance to give our health heroes some well deserved recognition. Do you know a member of staff working at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals or in one of the Trust’s services who deserves special recognition? Patients and their families are being invited to nominate a member of staff or team at this year’s People’s Health Hero in the organisation’s 12th annual Time to Shine staff awards. Chief executive TrishArmstrong-Childs said: “I know our community will want to thank them all. But I also know there will be patients who remember the care, kindness or professionalism of a particular member of staff. This is your opportunity to recognise them.” Nominations for the People’s Health Hero Award are open until midnight on October 6, at www.surveymonkey.co. uk/r/TTS20Hero or in writing to the Chief Executive at: Southport and Ormskirk Hospital.
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