St Helens First magazine Summer 2016

St Helens Council’s community magazine

LEADER’S VISION PAGE 5

YOUR NEW COUNCIL PAGE 16-17

Summer 2016

BIKE FRIENDLY PAGE 12-13

WHEELS OF FORTUNE

LOGISTICS COULD BE BOROUGH’S ROAD TO RICHES SEE PAGE 4 01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 1

2 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

Contents

News

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Leader’s ‘Year of Ambition’

P5

Fab phonics at Longton Lane P9 New smokefree hub

P14

Work underway at Vulcan

P21

Features Windle Island boost

P6

Cycling special

P12-13

EDITOR: Nick Cook

New look council

P16-17

St. Helens Council, Press and Public Relations Office, Town Hall, St. Helens WA10 1HP. To contact your news team with suggestions for articles about you or your organisation.

T: 01744 676164/5/6 E: danielwebster@sthelens.gov.uk St. Helens First is printed on environmentally-friendly paper.

CONTACT

TALKING PAGES St. Helens First is now available in talking book form for visually impaired people.

For details contact the Press and Public Relations office on T: 01744 676164/5/6

Hate Crime

Any form of hate crime should not be tolerated. If you or someone you know is being victimised or targeted because of age, disability, gender, sexuality, race or religion this can be reported confidentially to the following numbers: l St. Helens Council

01744 676789

l Crimestoppers

0800 555 111

l Merseyside Police

0151 709 6010

l Emergencies only:

999

Summer 2016

St Helens Council

Leader’s column

St Helens Council Whether it’s finding out how to recycle your household waste, check what’s on, pay your Council Tax or to request a specific service, the way you contact the council is up to you!

Contact Centre

Wesley House Corporation Street St.Helens WA10 1HF Tel: 01744 676789 Minicom: 01744 671671 Fax: 01744 676895 Email: contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk Please contact us to request translation of council information into Braille, audio tape or a foreign language.

Libraries Council tax payments can be made using chip and pin cards at any library in St Helens.

Welcome to the summer issue of St Helens First. It’s a time of year when we all start to feel slightly better about things – and a good time to start feeling optimistic about the future.

And really that’s what it’s all about. As a council it’s our job to help create a future that’s positive, one that offers more than just hope - one that actually sets out to establish a brighter future for our residents.

On page 5 of the magazine you’ll see how I want to re-kindle the ambition that made this borough a pioneer in so many ways. We celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2018, and what better way to mark that milestone than rediscovering that ambition – starting now – and encouraging everyone to aim high at every opportunity.

We’ll play our part by creating the right conditions and doing all we can to make this borough a great place to live and work.

It goes without saying that our young people have a key role in all this. The work we’ve done with our schools is paying clear dividends – with most of our primary and secondary schools, now judged to be good or outstanding.

It’s a clear endorsement of local authority involvement in schools – and a reminder that forced academisation is not always the solution.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 3

Feature

All roads lead to…

St Helens (at the heart of the UK economy)

ABOVE: St Helens is ideally placed to take advantage of regional logistics opportunities. RIGHT: Council Leader Barrie Grunewald (left) has made jobs a priority. BELOW RIGHT: Logistics – the borough’s new destination.

We’ve known it for a long time of course, but now more and more big retailers and distributors are coming to appreciate that St Helens really is great place to be.

Our prime position on the motorway network and national rail network, our links to exciting regional projects like the new deep water berth at the Port of Liverpool in Sefton, and the fact that we’re within four hours’ drive of 35 million people, give the borough premier league status in transport terms.

And that’s good news for our residents.

Council Leader Barrie Grunewald has made jobs a priority. And over the next five years we could see more than 5,000 new roles open up for the borough’s residents as major new developments start to move off the drawing board.

The borough already has a strong track record in logistics. Major operators like Wincanton, Sainsbury’s and Bookers have been based here for some time, while the recent arrival of Jaguar Land Rover supply chain company Syncreon has boosted job opportunities at Haydock’s Boston Park Trading Estate.

However the potential development of the Parkside site will take things to a whole new level.

It could create up to 4,000 new jobs, replacing

2,000 former mining jobs on the site – lost in the 1980s - and bringing a range of training and employment opportunities to the local community.

Councillor Grunewald said: “Parkside represents an extremely attractive proposition for logistics and warehousing companies looking for a prime location on the motorway network. As this and other sites come forward we want to work with St Helens Chamber and St Helens College to make sure local people can access the opportunities as they come on-stream.”

The scheme is being driven by Parkside Regeneration - a joint venture between St Helens Council and developers Langtree. A huge amount of preparation work has already been carried out and a formal planning application is expected later in the year with consultation with stakeholders due in the autumn. If successful, it’s anticipated that the first units could be open for business in 201718.

Our logistics ambitions have been further strengthened by the launch of new Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) qualifications at St Helens College (see page 19) – helping to ensure a supply of trained, qualified staff for the industry.

4 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

News

Leader’s ‘Year of ambition’ St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald has taken the wraps off a four point blueprint designed to energise local talent and ambition – and rekindle some of the borough’s past glories.

With 2018 marking the borough’s 150th anniversary, Councillor Grunewald used his speech to annual council to remind councillors and guests of the debt owed by the world to local industrial pioneers.

“I want to re-capture that ambition again – starting today,” said

Councillor Grunewald. “We were a centre for industry, for innovation and for art and culture. We were at the forefront of modern technologies and our people aimed high. We were a place people wanted to be and where things got done.

“St Helens gave the world the modern railway, canals, and powered the industrial revolution with our coal. We were the first Northern Powerhouse. In short, this town led the way in new industries and technological change – and we need to have

the ambition to do so again.”

Councillor Grunewald outlined his four key goals which involved: • Raising ambition, • Growing the local economy, • Delivering a sustainable health and social care system, • Ensuring people and communities are better connected – in digital, transport and service access terms.

He also unveiled a series of new policy measures including a new

cultural partnership with the Arts Council, a new youth zone, a £2 million improvement fund to rid the borough of ‘grot spots’, a new People’s Board - to put people at the centre of health and care service re-design and an inspirational Ambassador Programme linking school students with high achievers.

There are also plans to create a housing company that will deliver more homes for people in the borough and a new, local energy supplier – offering fairly priced energy to local residents.

Time to plan for winter bills

ABOVE: Councillors Jeanie Bell (sixth from left) and Seve Gomez-Aspron (third from right) recently visited Earlestown Athletic’s new site on Harrison Way to view progress on the new facilities.

Club sows the seeds of success Local football club Earlestown Athletic JFC has big plans for the future.

The club, supported by Cory Environmental Trust, Sport England, St Helens Council and the Lancashire FA, has secured £250,000 of funding to convert the former St. Aelred’s school field into a high quality football facility complete with car parking, toilets and several junior pitches.

Ready for the start of the 2017/18 season, the pitches will allow Earlestown Athletic JFC, which currently has 18 teams from their academy for 4-6 year olds through to adult teams – including

an open age ladies team - to continue its growth.

By 2020, the club’s FA development plan aims to have a maximum of 28 teams which will ensure the club is able to accommodate every team with the facilities at Harrison Way and the adjoining Mesnes Park.

Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jeanie Bell, said: “The project is a shining example of how the council can support clubs to develop their own facilities and bring previously unused land back into use, which, in doing so, helps hundreds of people keep active.”

St Helens residents are being urged to start thinking about how to cut their winter energy bills.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHDS) offers eligible customers a one-off refund on their electricity bill. This winter’s discount (2016/17) is yet to be finalised, but should amount to around £140.

However the discount is offered on a first come first served basis – and with most energy companies opening their applications in summer, the time to apply is now.

Customers in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit should automatically qualify. But many larger suppliers also offer the discount to customers struggling with their energy costs.

Each supplier has their own rules about who qualifies. Examples include: • Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit Savings Credit only.

• Customers in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (income based).

• Customers in receipt of Income Support or incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance (subject to additional conditions).

• Households with a gross annual income of less than £16,190.

To find out how to apply go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/ warmhomediscount.

END OF THE ROAD: Police with two of the seized scrambler bikes.

Agencies spring into action

St Helens Council’s efforts in clamping down on anti-social behaviour during the lighter evenings have proved successful with Merseyside Police confirming a number of illegal off-road bikes have been seized as part of the SpringWatch campaign.

The campaign sees St Helens Council, Merseyside Police and other partners team up to target issues which often become real problems when the clocks go forward - one of them being offroad vehicle nuisance.

Bikes were seized from various locations around the borough including Bold Moss, Clock Face, Parr and Thatto Heath.

To report an off-road bike, please call the police via the 101 number, or dial 999 in the event of an emergency or if there is a crime in progress. Alternatively, people can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers, 24 hours a day, on 0800 555 111.

For more information about the SpringWatch campaign visit www. safersthelens.org.uk

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 5

Feature

Jambuster!

A major improvement scheme gets underway at Windle Island later this year.

The £4.2 million project – funded by the Liverpool City Region Local Growth Deal and St Helens Council - will smooth traffic flow, boost the local and regional economies and improve safety at one of Merseyside’s busiest road junctions.

Anyone who drives regularly through Windle Island at peak times will be only too aware of how busy it gets and the conflicts that can occur.

Drivers approaching from both directions on the East Lancashire Road, the Rainford by-pass and Rainford Road often face delays as the existing junction struggles to cope with up to 45,000 vehicles a day passing through.

But all that’s set to change next year when St Helens Council unveils a major new project to speed up traffic flow.

Work gets underway later this year and will take a year to complete. During that time there will, of course, be periods of disruption. But St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald believes the long term gain will be worth the short term pain “As well as benefiting local people, the improvements at Windle Island are essential for regional growth,” he said, “helping to speed traffic to new developments like SuperPort, Mersey Gateway and the proposed Parkside development, all of which will create thousands of jobs.”

Safety too will be enhanced by the planned work. Better traffic management – using hightech signaling and pedestrian crossing systems

– will ensure vehicle flow is controlled more effectively, while bigger pedestrian refuges will make it easier to cross on foot and by cycle.

Central to the improvements will be the easing of traffic flow for vehicles heading to and from St Helens using the Rainford by-pass.

Carriageway widening will allow an additional left turn lane for vehicles coming from Rainford and heading towards Manchester, while there will be increased capacity for those turning right towards Liverpool.

The removal of ‘conflict points’ has been a key goal for engineers – particularly at the Crank Road junction. Vehicles approaching the junction from St Helens, along Rainford Road, will also benefit – with a new ‘segregated’ right turn towards Manchester.

Junction safety will also be boosted with a wider central reservation and vehicle restraint barrier along the East Lancs Road.

6 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

DELAYS LIKELY The scale of the Windle Island project – and its key strategic location – mean that delays will be inevitable at certain times.

However the council and its partner agencies will be doing all they can to minimise disruption and advise motorists in advance which traffic flows will be affected and when.

As well as through the local media, up to date information on delays at the junction will be available at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ windleislandupdates

News

Work underway at Ruskin

WORK UNDERWAY: Council Leader Barrie Grunewald checks on progress at Ruskin Drive

Work is well underway at the new £2.5m Ruskin Drive sports complex - £1.9m of which is being provided by Sport England Lottery, Lawn Tennis Association and the Football Foundation grant funding.

The first phase saw the removal of poor quality

trees along the Swinburne Road boundary of the site – and their replacement by better quality specimens and shrubs planted by the council’s Grounds Maintenance team.

Since then, existing facilities have been replaced with an upgraded 3G floodlit artificial pitch for rugby, and all-weather tennis courts, while work on the 3G football pitch, which will be used by St Helens Town after a long absence from the borough, is underway.

Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “This marvellous facility will be a huge boost for sport and the development of St Helens which will enable even more people to become active.

“The council is committed to improving people’s lives, creating better places and delivering effectively together. Ruskin Drive will be a symbol of that commitment.”

Construction work - which also includes improvements to bowls, cricket and rounders facilities, as well as six additional changing rooms and a significant increase to the amount of on-site parking – is expected to be completed later this year.

Can you make things happen?

Healthwatch St Helens, the consumer champion for local health and social care, is looking for new committee members.

The organisation aims to help people get the best out of their local health and social care services – giving them a powerful voice and making sure their views and experiences are heard by those who run, plan and regulate health and social care services.

If you can give three hours a week, see the ‘bigger picture’, know the area and can attend monthly meetings, Healthwatch would like to hear from you. Out-of-pocket expenses are paid and training is available.

For more information contact Debbie East on 0300 111 0007 or e-mail: deast@ healthwatchsthelens.co.uk

Weekly session is a sporting success The former Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillors Steve and Lynn Glover were on hand to cut a cake for a service which has recently celebrated a year of holding activity sessions for young people with additional needs.

Held in the 4F Centre, Old Lane, Rainhill, every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm – the sessions,

run by Anita Hoey and supported by St Helens Sports Development and a volunteer, have been enjoyed by over 30 young people from care centres across the borough who have been introduced to sporting activities.

To find out what the 4F Centre has to offer, call 07544824160 or email anita.4fcentre@ hotmail.co.uk

ABOVE: Saints stars Joe Greenwood and Dom Peyroux joined Murial McCreadie and Karen Bennett from Enterprise at the opening.

End of Life charter launched Credit where LEFT: Pictured with the new Healthwatch booklet (left to right) at the launch are: Janet Roberts, Healthwatch St Helens); Marie Rimmer, MP for St Helens South and Whiston; Alan Chick, Chairman of Willowbrook Hospice Board of Trustees and former Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillors Steve and Lynn Glover.

The St Helens and Knowsley End of Life Care Citizens Charter has been officially launched at Willowbrook Hospice’s new Living Well building.

Developed for people with an advanced, progressive, incurable illness or frailty, the charter represents the commitment of local health organisations to delivering the best possible end of life care.

It consists of 12 statements which outline what patients should expect when receiving care. At its heart are four key principles which focus on: • keeping the patient and their family informed and supported • information sharing with other organisations

• promoting choice and control • ensuring the care is personal to the person Dr Paula Powell, Community Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Willowbrook Hospice Clinical Lead said: “This charter is designed to help professionals achieve best practice. It is also designed to give reassurance to those needing end of life care.”

Several organisations have worked together to develop the charter, including St Helens and Knowsley Clinical Commissioning Groups; The 5 Borough Partnership; Bridgewater Community Trust; Willowbrook Hospice; St Helens and Knowsley Councils; St Helens and Whiston Hospitals; Healthwatch St Helens and Healthwatch Knowsley.

The event also saw the launch of a new booklet developed by Healthwatch St Helens. ‘Plan, prepare and End of Life Care’ aims to support people and their loved ones in St Helens ensuring people are supported to live well before dying with peace and dignity in the place of their choice.

credit’s due

Following overwhelming demand from local residents, Enterprise Credit Union has opened a new branch in St Helens town centre following an investment of over £200,000.

Enterprise Credit Union is one of the largest community credit unions in the UK and has assets of over £11 million. The new branch is now open on Hardshaw Street, allowing the people of St. Helens to access savings accounts, hassle-free loans and free advice on managing money.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Anthony Johnson, said: “We at St Helens Council recognise the importance of the services that credit unions, like Enterprise, provide to our residents and communities. They are a vital part of the council’s overall approach to promoting financial inclusion.

“We are delighted that Enterprise Credit Union has chosen to open their new branch in St Helens. It is encouraging to see them on our high street and I hope it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

To find out more, visit www.enterprisecreditunion.org

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 7

Feature

Time to brush up on those road skills?

A new two hour course for older drivers has been launched to help them brush up on their road skills.

St Helens Council has the lead role in a Merseyside-wide initiative to address the growing problem of more drivers aged 65 and over being involved in road traffic collisions.

One in seven collisions in Merseyside now involve a driver aged 65 and over. With that in mind, the Drive Safely for Longer campaign was launched earlier this year to help cut the number of accidents involving senior road users and is already proving to be a success – with

over 200 applicants so far.

The free, two-hour course aims to help: •

Enhance drivers’ practical skills

•

Brush up observation skills

•

Learn how to cope with the unforeseen actions of other road users

•

Address any concerns

The awareness courses are being delivered in St Helens and across Merseyside by experienced approved driving instructors, who will discuss requirements such as eyesight and insurance with the drivers, before setting off on a drive in the driver’s own vehicle,

providing advice and tips to enhance their driving skills along the way.

The driving instructor will look at the way you deal with various traffic situations on familiar roads and make recommendations to help ensure continual safety.

These sessions are taking place across Merseyside and can be arranged at a time and place convenient to you and you may well prefer to use your own vehicle.

This is an informal and confidential course which simply aims to enhance current skills.

It is not a driving test, so there is no pass or fail.

8 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

The course is currently being administered for the whole of Merseyside by our Road Safety partners at Wirral Council. If you wish to take advantage of this new initiative, you need to contact them, via: Tel. No: 0151 606 2134 Email: freecourses@noexcuses.org.uk Website: www.no-excuses.org. uk/topic-interest/car-safety Alternatively, for an informal discussion about the course, you may contact St Helens Council’s Road Safety Team, via Tel. No: 01744 673237

News

First aid is a class act The British Red Cross is delivering free first aid workshops for schools in St Helens.

Their tailored workshops provide young people aged 10-19 with the essential skills and confidence to help in a first aid required emergency.

Longton Lane pupils with (left to right): Sue Bagshaw, Colette Barrow (Reception teacher & Reading Learner), Paula Mitchell (Learning Support Assistant), Ann Marie Rutter and Linda Speed.

Sound practice Longton Lane Community Primary School in Rainhill was one of just ten primary schools selected nationally to hold a workshop showcasing the best practice in teaching phonics and reading at an early age.

In conjunction with the Department for Education and Ruth Miskin Training, the roadshow was open exclusively to schools that achieved above the national average in the 2015 phonics screening check, with Longton Lane scoring an impressive 85 per cent.

The day involved a talk from

headteacher Linda Speed who explained key literacy decisions, followed by a learning walk to observe phonics teaching in action.

Sue Bagshaw from Garswood Primary and Ruth Miskin consultant Ann Marie Rutter then delivered presentations on how to get children reading by the age of six, and the letters and sound programme.

The event was then rounded off with a question and answer session.

“When I learned that we’d been chosen to take part in this event, it

made me so proud of all my staff and pupils,” said Linda.

“By taking part, it will enable us to further spread our good practice so that more pupils can be introduced to the wonderful world of reading from a young age.”

St Helens Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Andy Bowden said: “We’re delighted that local good practice has been recognised at a national level. It’s a real tribute to the work put in by Linda and her team at Longton Lane.”

Do you have a child with ADHD?

PHOTO: Former Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens Councillors Steve and Lynn Glover present youngsters with their new equipment.

A new support group has been formed for the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The St Helens Parents Meeting Parents ADHD Support Group meets at the Millennium Centre in Corporation Street once a month.

Guest speakers keep parents and carers up to date with new

developments, and give those present the chance to share skills, tips and advice.

Several children have already benefited from new equipment – purchased through fundraising activities. The former Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillors Steve and Lynn Glover, recently presented four of them – Nathan

Hodgson, Emma Withers, Harrison Garton-Moules and Abigail and Jerome Isaacs with kit that included LED bath lights, colour changing pillow and a vibration pillow.

Organiser Clair Hodgson said: “The group is run for parents but we all wanted to give something back to the children as well. These items of equipment help to relax them and calm them down.”

In the future the group hope to organise outings for group members and their families.

To find out more, call 07391 579034 (kindly donated by DARK) or email parentsmeetingparentsadhd41 @gmail.com

Young people learn valuable life skills – ranging from helping someone who is unresponsive and not breathing to dealing with incidents related to drug and alcohol misuse.

Pat Barnes, Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, said: “The children got so much out of the session and particularly liked the role play. All the children had stories to tell about how they had assisted someone with first aid skills.”

For more information about the workshops or what else they can offer, email youtheducation@ redcross.org.uk or call 03444 122734

Band call The St Helens Youth Brass Band is inviting the next generation of musicians - aged 7-19 - to pick up an instrument and join the six times National Youth Brass Band Champions of Great Britain.

Being a part of the band is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills, show responsibility and gain a sense of achievement and confidence from the performances they give.

At the same time they’ll be learning from the very best Musical Director Gareth Brindle and his dedicated team, who take children from complete beginners to accomplished young musicians.

Rehearsals take place for beginners on Saturday mornings at 9:20am at the United Reformed Church , Ormskirk Street, St Helens – or at 10:20am for those with more experience.

For more information call band secretary Sheila Hibberd on 07971 825287.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 9

Feature

Holly, the 11 year old Golden Retriever is microchipped by Kieran Berry, Dog Welfare Officer, with owner Mrs Adams of West Park.

New Laws for

BETH TWEDDLE drops in at a Sainsbuy’s School Games gymnastics event

Mans Best Friend

Is your dog microchipped? If not, then take heed, because new legislation requires that all dogs from eight weeks of age must be.

Within the new laws – which took effect on 6 April 2016 – it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure their dog is microchipped from eight weeks of age, and that the contact and address details contained on the chip are up-to-date.

Breaching the laws can result in a 21 day compliance notice, with continuing breaches dealt with as a criminal offence, carrying a maximum fine of £500. Ultimately the police and local authority would have the power to take possession of the dog and microchip it.

The new laws also apply to any dog owner whose dog delivers a litter of puppies. They must microchip all dogs with their details before making them available to new homes.

It is then the responsibility of the new owner to update the microchip database with their details.

The sterile microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under the dog’s skin between its shoulder blades.

Owners are reminded that microchipping does not replace the legal requirement for a collar and tag. When in public spaces, all dogs must wear a tag with the owner’s name and address inscribed upon it. Failure to comply could lead to an unlimited fine.

Pauline Stone, the council’s Dog Welfare and Enforcement Supervisor, said: “Microchipping is a great method of protecting our dogs. If a dog is lost, left or stolen, a warden will be able to scan the chip and find the owner’s details immediately. It means that pets can be traced much more easily to their owners if found, resulting in many more happy reunions.”

Dogs can be microchipped at the Dogs Trust, any veterinary practice or by the council’s Dog Welfare Officers at a cost of £15. To arrange an appointment call 01744 676299.

WHAT WE’RE DOING •

•

•

10 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

St Helens Council is committed to providing free dog bags, but we are looking at ways to make them more widely available – 24/7 – using selfserve stations at key locations.

Dog fouling remains a problem for many residents, one that the council is tackling in a variety of ways. Our Environmental Wardens are undertaking patrols from dawn to dusk and have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £80 to irresponsible dog owners.

Community Protection Notices – introduced in 2015 – have been used to great effect when dealing with the owners who repeatedly allow their dogs to roam unattended. Dogs left roaming can be a danger and a hazard, and they may also be responsible for dog fouling.

Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 can be issued under this legislation.

News

Join the Big Friendly Read July sees the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge’s Big Friendly Read across St Helens’ libraries, which this year is themed around Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s tales.

As in previous years, the Big Friendly Read challenges children to read six books over the summer holidays – a time when children’s reading can dip – with certificates and medals to be presented in October after the challenge ends.

From the archives...a class picture from 1985.

St Julie’s looks back at 50

On 12 September 1966, the bell at St Julie Catholic Primary rang for the first time and the doors opened to receive the Eccleston school’s first pupils.

Now, 50 years on, the school is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, and is looking for former staff and pupils – thousands of which have spent many happy years at the school – to get in touch with their memories of those times.

Perhaps you were among the first intake, and remember the building and opening of the school? St Julie’s opened as Blessed Julie’s Primary – its namesake, Julie Billiart, would be canonised in 1969.

Take up the challenge at your local library today! The Big Friendly Read launched on 13 July at Central Library and you have until 10 September to get involved.

Tasty ideas for health

They’d love to hear from anyone with a connection to the school’s history, and to see old photographs and keepsakes.

Your stories and mementos could be used in the school’s Golden Jubilee celebration event, to be held on 21 September. Following the event, there are plans to create a Prayer Garden within the grounds, as a lasting memorial of the school’s 50th birthday. If you have any landscape gardening expertise and are willing to get involved, get in touch!

Share your memories, or your suggestions for the celebration event via www.st-julie.sthelens.sch.uk or email stjulies. jubilee2016@sthelens.org.uk.

Registered childminders are being encouraged to sign up to St Helens Council’s Childminders’ Healthy Eating Awards - which recognise the excellent work they do to encourage healthy eating with the children they work with.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jeanie Bell, said: “We have some amazing childminders in this borough who are showing great commitment to healthy eating.

Award winners who share good practice will receive a certificate as well as a ‘box of tricks,’ containing kitchen utensils and other useful items to ensure a real recipe for success when serving up healthy meals to children

“We believe that if children learn healthy habits from an early age, then they will make healthier choices as they get older.

Childminders are a vital part of this jigsaw in allowing this to happen.”

A website was recently launched which allows childminders and parents to plan menus and download ‘proud cards’ by visiting www.sthelens.gov.uk/ childminderawards

Shelf Help for young people St Helens Library Service is helping local young people to deal with anxiety, depression, self-harm, body image and other difficult feelings, with a collection of ‘shelf help’ books.

Chosen by young people, for young people, the collection of 35 books is available across local libraries through the Reading Well Shelf Help scheme, and features a range of expert-endorsed non-fiction and popular fiction books, each instilled with positive and relatable mental health advice.

Books can be used on their own, although self-help reading often works best with help from a health professional. Your doctor can advise you on the support that’s available.

Young people from Reading Hack group launched Shelf Help at a Well Being event in Central Library earlier this year.

Reading Hackers (left to right) Tom, Sarah and Matthew.

Every year, the national Summer Reading Challenge enhances and supports school and library missions to inspire a love of reading in children and young people, and promote further parental engagement.

Read more and share reviews at www. reading-well.org.uk/shelfhelp or visit your local library.

If you would like to sign up to the Childminders’ Healthy Eating Award, call Teresa Mercer on 01744676333 or email teresamercer@sthelens.gov.uk

Support young people in care The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is looking for volunteers to become Independent Visitors, to support some of the 400 St Helens children and young people in care.

Children and young people tell us they’re looking for enthusiastic and committed Independent Visitors who are fun, good listeners, non-judgmental and who will be able to see them once a month.

Expenses are reimbursed and NYAS offers full training and support. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Visit www.nyas.net for details or contact Di Watmough at diane.watmough@nyas.net or 07899 96153.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 11

Feature

Family fun...cycling appeals to all ages.

Reinventing the wheel How St Helens Council is creating a culture of cycling!

There’s never been a better time to get into cycling. Over the last year, St Helens Council and partners have been opening up cycling to more and more people, in a number of ways. Read on to learn more!

Community Bike Hubs:

Download the St Helens cycle map to your phone.

There are six of these great community resources dotted across the borough from which free, regular bike rides take place. Developed in partnership with Sustrans – the sustainable transport charity – the hubs each have a stock of bicycles, helmets and hi-vis gear available for public use at coordinated events. There are adapted bikes for those with special physical or learning needs accessible at the Victoria Park Hub. It’s all aimed at helping people to get active, learn about bike maintenance, build confidence and have fun.

Hubs are located at Taylor Park, Victoria Park, Sherdley Park, Bold Miners Neighbourhood Centre, Sankey Valley Visitor Centre and Four Acre Health Centre.

12 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

New cycle infrastructure:

Councillor Seve Gomez Aspron, Cabinet Member for Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough, said: “We’re committed to improving the borough’s cycling infrastructure – on and off road – to make cycling safer and easier to access for leisure, work and school.”

The council has developed cycle parking at key locations and enhanced cycle paths around Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows and Haydock, granting better access to rail stations and Haydock Industrial Estate. We’ve also completed upgrades to the network along East Lancs Road, Rainford Linear Park, Bold Forest Park and Sankey Valley (see page 25). And we’re looking to develop better links to neighbouring areas, including Widnes, with the conversion of the disused Runcorn Gap Railway (Minerals Line) in Sutton Manor to a scenic cycling route.

We’ve done so thanks to a Local Sustainable Transport Fund from Department for Transport of £2.96m from 2012-2015, and are continuing that work with funds from the Liverpool City Region Local Growth Deal.

St Helens has six community bike hubs

The council is making cycling safer and easier to access

Advice is always available

St Helens Cycle Map:

This handy, free map produced

by Merseytravel, is available in physical format or for download to your phone, making it easy to plan – and navigate during – your next ride. It shows all the on and off road routes and even marks points of interest. There are maps for the whole Merseyside area if you plan on going further afield. Go to www. merseytravel.gov.uk and search ‘Merseyside Cycle Maps’.

Opportunities:

We can offer flexible and tailored cycling activities to local groups and businesses. We’re also looking for volunteers aged 16 and above to help out with bike rides, skills sessions, bike maintenance and local events. There are also training courses and qualifications available which would complement any CV. Councillor Gomez-Aspron added: “Make this summer the one you finally dust off your old bicycle!

Explore the borough, feel the health benefits and adopt a cheaper, greener commute.”

To find out more, contact the team at cycling@sthelens.gov.uk or on 01744 676 174.

Opportunities for all.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 13

News

Carmel welcomes new Principal Staff and students at Carmel College will be saying a fond farewell to Principal Rob Peacock who retires this August after 14 years at the helm.

Rob, who has worked at Carmel since it opened in 1987, will be handing over to new man Mike Hill.

Mike Hill, currently Deputy Principal at Stoke on Trent Sixth Form said: “I feel extremely privileged to lead such a nationally renowned college. Rob has set the bar very high. My task is to sustain and develop the outstanding work Carmel does.”

Rob said, “It’s been a real privilege to be part of Carmel College. The staff and students here are simply outstanding and have made my job a real pleasure. I know Mike and I’m confident that under his leadership Carmel will continue to flourish. I wish him every success.”

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Andy Bowden said: “Thanks to Rob’s efforts, Carmel has become an outstanding college and I’m sure Mike will maintain the high standards that parents and carers have come to expect.”

OVER TO YOU: Rob Peacock (right) prepares to hand over to new Principal Mike Hill.

Shop window for better health SUE’S A ‘QUIT HERO’

SMOKEFREE LAUNCH: Pictured at the new hub are (left to right) San Johnson Smokefree advisor; Andrew Burnell, City Health Care Partnership CIC Group Chief Executive; Councillor Jeanie Bell; Julie Tipton, Smokefree Service Manager; Dympna Edwards, Assistant Director, Public Health and Maureen Baines, Smokefree Advisor.

Town centre visitors can now pick up support and advice on quitting smoking - with the launch of the new Smokefree St Helens Hub in the Hardshaw Centre The hub will be open for help and advice on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 9am to 12noon and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

The Smokefree St Helens service is commissioned by St Helens Council, whose Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing,

Councillor Jeanie Bell said: “It’s great that we now have the Smokefree St Helens Service in the heart of the town - providing a central access point for stop smoking support.

“Having a central hub will help the service reach out to more people and will hopefully encourage passers-by who are considering quitting smoking to drop in and ask for help.”

The Smokefree St Helens service is provided by City Health Care

No Place for Hate!

St.Helens Council and Community Safety partners are working together to raise awareness of hate crime in St.Helens and to encourage victims of such crimes to report them.

The campaign message is simple, that ‘St.Helens is No Place for Hate!’ The aim is to tackle hate crime issues by raising awareness of what hate crime is and how to report it, with residents encouraged to sign an online pledge to never tolerate hate crime at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ hatecrime.

Although hate crime reporting

in the borough remains low, it is still believed to be vastly underreported, largely due to a fear of repeat attacks. Victims are urged to come forward and report it, to bring those responsible to justice.

Hate crime is defined as any offence or incident that targets individuals, groups and communities because of who they are, motivated by prejudice.

To report hate crime call Stop Hate UK 0800 138 1625, www.stophateuk.org/talk or Merseyside Police on 101, www. merseyside.police.uk

Partnership CIC (CHCP CIC).

Chief Executive Andrew Burnell said: “We’re very excited about providing this. I think it’s brilliant that we can provide this brand new hub and it will really help us to reach out to the public of St Helens and help to support them in quitting smoking.”

To find the service that suits you best, call 01744 586247, text QUIT to 61825 or go to www. readytostopsmoking.co.uk.

Sue Hewitt (pictured left), 57, a Thatto Heath ‘quit hero’ who accessed the service before it moved to its new central location, said: “I came to Smokefree St Helens because smoking was making me ill.

“But I’ve been smokefree for two years now and it’s all down to the support I got from the team. I’m still in touch with them for regular support, but I’m feeling much healthier these days, and I’d recommend anyone thinking of quitting to come to the Hub and see what you can achieve.”

Honey Rose Foundation blossoms

Despite being told it was never going to go anywhere, St Helens based charity the Honey Rose Foundation has come a long way since it was established in a back room 12 years ago.

Founded by Lynn Duffy from Sutton, who earlier this year was honoured by her Majesty the Queen with an MBE, the charity now operates in the Radiant House building in Cotham Street and has raised over £1.5m

14 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

to grant over 7,500 wishes to terminally ill people.

To celebrate 12 years of making dreams come true, the charity recently held a 1920s themed charity ball in the building’s fully licensed ‘Wishes’ function room which is available to hire for parties, meetings and gatherings of up to 120 guests.

For more information call 01744 451919

News

Leader unveils new cabinet St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald has unveiled his new cabinet

COUNCILLOR BARRIE GRUNEWALD Leader of the Council – and with responsibility for: Audit and Governance Committee Budget and Policy Framework LCR Combined Authority European Initiatives Press and Public Relations Partnerships

COUNCILLOR ANDY BOWDEN Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Young People & Education with responsibility for: Children’s Safeguarding Children’s Social Care Early Years Development Family Support Education

COUNCILLOR ANTHONY JOHNSON Cabinet Member for Corporate Services with responsibility for: Corporate Governance Budget Implementation Finance Services, Local Taxation and Benefits Human Resources Legal Services ICT and Customer Services Civic Events Grants

COUNCILLOR JOHN FULHAM Cabinet Member for Growth (including Planning) with responsibility for: Asset Management Planning and Building Control Corporate Events Tourism Housing and Transport Policy

COUNCILLOR SEVE GOMEZ-ASPRON Cabinet Member for Green, Smart & Sustainable Borough with responsibility for: Engineering Environmental Health Trading Standards The Environment Parking Sport and Recreation Licencing and Land Charges Trading Services

COUNCILLOR MARLENE QUINN Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health with responsibility for: Adult Safeguarding Care Management Services for Physical, Sensory, Learning Disability, Mental Health, Memory and Cognitive Support Health Service Liaison

COUNCILLOR JEANIE BELL Cabinet Member for Public Health & Wellbeing with responsibility for: Accidental Injury Protection Illness Prevention Strategy and Services Health Inequalities Healthy Child and Immunisation Programmes Libraries, Arts and Culture Youth and Play

COUNCILLOR LISA PRESTON Cabinet Member for Community Safety with responsibility for: Community Safety Housing Services

COUNCILLOR ANTHONY BURNS Cabinet Member for Liverpool City Region Engagement with responsibility for: Council Response to the LCR Agenda City Region Liaison

COUNCILLOR RICHARD MCCAULEY Cabinet Member for Change & Transition with responsibility for: 2020 Vision Change Management Project Co-Ordination

OTHER APPOINTMENTS INCLUDE: CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY: Cllr B Grunewald, Cllr A Bowden (Substitute)

COMBINED AUTHORITY SCRUTINY PANEL: Cllr D Baines, Cllr J Jackson

COMBINED AUTHORITY EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS BOARD: Cllr J Fulham, Cllr R McCauley (Substitute)

MERSEYSIDE POLICE & CRIME PANEL: Cllr P Ireland, Cllr N Charlton

COMBINED AUTHORITY MERSEYTRAVEL COMMITTEE: Cllr K Roberts, Cllr T Shields

COMBINED AUTHORITY HOUSING AND SPATIAL PLANNING BOARD: Cllr J Fulham

MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY: Cllr J De’Asha, Cllr L Maloney

MERSEYSIDE RECYCLING AND WASTE AUTHORITY: Cllr A Cunliffe

LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP: Cllr B Grunewald

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 15

COUNCILLORS

16 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

2016 - 2018

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 17

Feature

ABOVE: A recent winter warmth event at St Helens Town Hall

ABOVE: NEW MAYOR: Councillor David Banks TOP RIGHT: MAYOR AND MAYORESS: Councillor David Banks and Councillor Jeanette Banks ABOVE: FAMILY MAN: Councillor Banks with members of his family

Meet our new Mayor

Earlestown Councillor David Banks is the new Mayor of St Helens for 2016-17.

Born and bred in Haydock, Councillor Banks moved to Newton-le-Willows in 1973. He attended Blackbrook Primary School and then moved on to St Anselm’s School (now St Augustine’s of Canterbury). He married Jeanette in 1973 and has two children, Catherine and Michael.

A qualified engineer, Councillor Banks has held various positions in engineering unions and is also a full member of the Chartered Management Institute.

He became a Councillor in 2004,

while Jeanette, who will be his Mayoress, was also elected to the council in 2011.

Looking forward to his year in office, Councillor Banks (64) said: “It’s a tremendous honour to represent the people of this borough. Jeanette and I know it will be a busy year, but the events, meetings and presentations that we will be attending will all be valuable opportunities to highlight the tremendous efforts that so many people make on behalf of so many others. We’re really looking forward to the next 12 months.”

For his Mayoral Charity in the year ahead Councillor Banks has chosen Jenson’s Twinkle Stars - a St Helens based organisation that

provides bereavement services to children and families throughout the North West.

It was set up in memory of stillborn baby Jenson Rigby who passed away in 2011. Jenson’s older brother, Jayden, struggled to understand where his baby brother had gone - and why his family was so sad.

Jenson’s Twinkle Stars aims to make a difference to families suffering with similar bereavements - and help them rebuild their lives while remembering their loved one.

This year’s Mayor Making ceremony also saw Billinge Ward Councillor Joe Pearson named as Deputy Mayor for 2016-17

18 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

NEW DEPUTY MAYOR: Councillor Joe Pearson

Business News

Town centre boost St Helens town centre’s retail scene has been given a major boost with several high profile new arrivals and the expansion of existing businesses.

TJ Hughes reopened its doors in June, joining womenswear chain Lavitta in the Hardshaw Centre, and bringing in a combined total of 67 new jobs. Meanwhile sportswear giant JD Sports and Scotts menswear both moved into bigger units in Church Square.

The launch of Millie’s Cookies in Church Square Shopping Centre back in May also went down a treat with shoppers, while Vigour Kitchen & Health Bar on Bridge Street, which offers customers healthy food and drinks for on the go, is set to open this month (July).

bowling alley.

Meanwhile over on the once derelict West Point site, the Aldi Supermarket will soon be joined by new leisure facilities that include Costa Coffee, Bella Italia and a

“The town centre has had a difficult time in recent years, but the signs are there that both big name and independent businesses are confident in investing here.”

St Helens Council Leader, Barrie Grunewald said: “It is encouraging to see so many retail units being filled in such a short period of time and this puts us in good shape of for the future.

Learning about logistics St Helens College officially launched its Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) qualifications as part of European Supply Chain Day 2016, in April.

Jette Burford, Principal at St Helens College commented: “The £1 billion investment in Liverpool Superport means there are many opportunities for careers locally within logistics, transport and warehousing. We are aware of

The Local Growth Hub, a new platform making it easier for businesses in the City Region to discover the best commercial advice and support to help them grow, has officially been launched.

Developed by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in consultation with business, government, local authorities and support organisations, the Local Growth Hub is designed to provide a single access point for businesses across the across the six city region local authority areas, to discover the right advice and support they need to flourish.

The new Local Growth Hub web portal localgrowthhub.com, aims to create a joined up approach to business support by actively engaging small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and growth businesses. By connecting them with over 300 specialist advisors from a wide range of key professional and commercial disciplines, it will help to drive economic growth in the city region.

Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Council’s former Cabinet Member for Transport, Housing and Community Safety, joined college staff and students, staff from the Wincanton logistics company and representatives from CILT for the event.

European Supply Chain Day aims to raise awareness of the value of logistics and supply chain activities in everyday life.

Hub helps business growth

ABOVE: Business Students with (left to right) Jimmy Riley, Wincanton Driver Training & Development Manager; Councillor Richard McCauley, Jette Burford, Neil Caldwell, and Tracey Boardman, college lecturer.

several skills gaps and this is part of our drive to plug this gap.”

Neil Caldwell, CILT Regional Officer for the North West said: “We are delighted to be working in conjunction with the college to deliver CILT

accredited qualifications. We offer a progressive range of nationally recognised, professional qualifications offering opportunities to develop and enhance careers in logistics, supply chain management and transport.”

The new service is supported by St Helens Council and St Helens Chamber - which has been chosen as a Local Growth Hub regional broker. As such it will play a strategic role in signposting and co-ordinating local and national support, making it easier for St Helens businesses to access the face to face advice they need.

Driving up standards The policy - which aims to support and develop the local taxi trade, maintain high service standards and protect the public – is the result of partnership work that began early last year and included extensive consultation.

As well as setting clear boundaries on what’s expected from license holders, the policy reflects the fact that Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles have a specific role to play in an integrated transport system.

ABOVE: Taxi drivers joined former Mayor and Mayoress Councillors Steve and Lynn Glover and council officials to launch the new policy.

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, Cabinet Member for Green,

Smart and Sustainable Borough, and member of the Licensing Committee, said: “We have viewed the production of this policy as a method to engage the licensed vehicle trade in proactive and productive discussions not just around the policy, but as to how we may begin to further grow this important sector within the borough.

“Going forward, we’ll be looking to further develop the policy, adding provision for electric cars and looking at new ways of operating.”

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 19

Feature

Affordable Dignity & Care TOP: PARTNERS - St Helens Council’s Bereavement Services Manager Sonia Neighbour (centre) with (left to right) Margaret Bate (Kanes Funeral Service), Louise Horn (Houghtons Funeral Service), Karl Thompson (Co-operative Funeral Care) and Tim Jones (Assistant Director). ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: DIGNITY All funeral are arranged to a high standard. IMPOSING: The entrance to Newton-le-Willows Cemetery. PEACEFUL: The St Helens Crematorium Chapel.

The cost of life’s final – and sadly unavoidable – journey continues to increase. The average price of a funeral now stands at over £3,500.

But in St Helens, hard pressed families can take advantage of an option that retains all the care and dignity of a traditional funeral – at less than half the cost.

St Helens Council’s Partnership Funeral Service was set up in 1989, but has recently been overhauled to provide an even higher standard of service.

Working with four well-established and reputable local funeral directors, the Partnership Funeral Service can provide funerals that start at around £1,413 for cremation up to around £1,777 for burial in an existing grave.

The competitive costs are not related to income and are available to all who live within the borough.

The funeral directors who have joined the scheme are Houghtons Funeral Service, Co-operative

Funeral Care, Haydock Funeral Service Ltd and Kane Funeral Service. In each case they will provide a cremation at St Helens Crematorium or burials at St Helens or Newton Cemeteries.

All funerals are arranged to the same high standard as those you’d expect from any other funeral director and include the collection of the deceased (within the borough’s boundaries), provision of the chapel of rest during business hours and all the arrangements you’d expect as part of a dignified funeral at the crematorium or cemetery.

Burials and Services in a private churchyard or additional services are also available, although additional fees will apply.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, said: “It’s great to see so many well respected funeral directors supporting the Partnership Funeral Service and giving residents of

the borough, regardless of their financial situation, the funeral they deserve.”

WHAT’S INCLUDED

“We’ve produced a really helpful leaflet that can be picked up from both cemeteries and most public buildings to help people make arrangements in difficult times.”

• Suitable coffin with appropriate fittings.

To find out more, call one of the funeral directors below quoting the Partnership Funeral Service.

• Houghtons Funeral Service, 01925 729998 or 01925 245555 • Co-operative Funeral Care 01744 23675 or 01925 226257 • Haydock Funeral Service Ltd 01744 606200 • Kane Funeral Service 01744 302858 For all other information please contact a member of the Bereavement Services Team on 01744 677406/7 or go to www. sthelens.gov.uk/births-deaths-andmarriages

20 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

• Chapel of rest.

• Motor-hearse and one following limousine.

• Local crematorium/ cemetery charges.

• Medical referee fee.

• Clergy/officiate and all medical fees.

• All arrangements for a dignified funeral at the Crematorium or Cemetery.

• Collection of the deceased within the borough’s boundaries (during business hours).

News

Vulcan set to prosper

ABOVE: (Left holding bricks) Steven Knowles, Senior Regional Director St. Modwen; (Front holding bricks) Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North; (Far right) George Marsh, Vulcan Bowling Club with local ward councillors Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron and Cllr Jeanie Bell and club members.

Recycling brings rewards Hundreds of pounds worth of shopping vouchers have been shared by the latest batch of winners in the council’s exciting Recycling Rewards scheme!

They include Margaret from Blackbrook, Joan from Billinge and Malcolm from Parr who all won £50 M&S vouchers, Laura in the town centre who picked up a £50 B&Q voucher, Michelle of Bold who collected a £50 B&Q voucher and Chelsea from Earlestown who received a £50 Cineworld voucher.

To get involved go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/ recyclingrewards and click on ‘Activate my Account’. You can also call 0207 326 5055 (Mon Fri, 9am - 5.30pm) to request a freepost activation form.

Alternatively, activate using our free council app. To download, search ‘St Helens’ in your app store.

The new Vulcan Sports Club is rapidly taking shape in Newton-le-Willows.

MP for St Helens North Conor McGinn, councillors and sports club representatives were recently given a sneak preview of the new facilities - being developed by St Helens Council in conjunction with developers St Modwen.

Due to be completed later this summer the new home for the Vulcan bowling, rifle and football clubs, previously located at the Old Vulcan Works sports ground nearby, will provide a bowling green, indoor rifle range and a multiuse games area and sports pitch.

Working alongside St Helens Council, St Modwen agreed to build in a new home for the sports clubs in their overall development plans for the area – which include new homes and amenities including an 18,000 sq

Make a Connection Do you know about Connect? It’s a charitable organisation set up in St Helens that enables local parents and carers to run various groups in support of the wider community specifically for families with children and young people who have disabilities.

One of the many affiliated groups set up under the

Give back with Girlguiding

Girl Guides are searching for new adult volunteers to help lead groups across St Helens.

If you’re over 18 you could get involved in organising a range of fun activities from crafts and cooking, to camping and learning about other cultures – joining a 100,000 strong team of volunteers nationwide.

Volunteering with Girlguiding

ft Aldi food store, public green space and a children’s play area.

Conor said: “Once completed these facilities will be a great asset for the entire community, and I look forward to the next stage of development and seeing sports played in this top-class environment at the Vulcan.”

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green Smart & Sustainable Borough, added: “We’ve worked very closely with the constituent clubs and St Modwen to ensure the Vulcan Club will back up and running as soon as possible with the sports ground it deserves.”

George Marsh from Vulcan Bowling Club said: “We can’t wait to settle into our new home. It will be brilliant to have brand new bowling greens to use for training and matches.”

is about more than simply giving back to your community. Their volunteers certainly do that, but whether it’s for just a few hours every year, or every week, they feel truly rewarded. Volunteering opens up the chance to learn new skills or dust off old ones, meet new people and share new adventures.

Anyone can become a volunteer with the global charity organisation if they have the compassion and understanding to work with children and young people.

Email sthelensse@gmail.com for details. Applicants will need a DBS check and two references.

Connect umbrella is the Asperger’s Social Group, for young people aged 11 and above in mainstream school with Asperger’s and autism.

The group is a source of comfort for many local families, and has recently been granted funding to expand its toy and leisure library. The group holds free, friendly and non-judgemental social gatherings every other Sunday at the 4F Centre,

Rainhill, with planned activities like bowling, laser-tag and trampolining to name a few. Email aspergerssthelens@ hotmail.co.uk. Working in partnership with St Helens Council, Connect’s services are ever-expanding, with a number of bids underway to fund future projects. Find out how Connect could support you by calling 07531 887758 or emailing ruth@connectparents. org.uk.

A monument to our heritage A prominent St Helens sculpture – brought to the borough by the council in 1998 – has been awarded Grade II Listed status by Historic England.

Commissioned in 1964, by the National Coal Board (NCB) for its North Western Division headquarters in Lowton, The Miner, or the Anderton Mining Monument, has been given the prestigious status for its aesthetic quality, the materials it’s made from, its historic interest and its contribution to the public realm.

For the sculpture an actual industrial component was used, namely the steel cutting drum of an Anderton Shearer Loader - a cutter loader machine developed in the 1950s and pioneered

at Ravenhead Colliery, which revolutionised long wall mining throughout the world.

The Miner truly celebrates the achievements of an industry upon which St Helens was founded.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 21

Feature

A New Hope Since the appointment of new Principal Patrick Ferguson in January 2015, the improvement in almost every aspect of life at Hope has been remarkable. From the outset he gave a message to governors and sponsors that Hope would be a successful school. His first step was to meet all students and parents to lay out his vision for success and to reassure them that their needs would be better served in the future.

Patrick’s first interaction with the staff was to introduce an INSET programme for the staff themselves to define the vision, mission and core values of the academy.

These values were incorporated into a new prospectus and have permeated every aspect of the academy’s work.

Additionally, the leadership team has been restructured so that the needs of the students are best met. The clear vision for improvement has been shared throughout the leadership team, and has been communicated to everyone who works at Hope.

The tremendous effort put in by staff, pupils, parents and governors led to a change in fortunes for Hope, as in November 2015 the positive changes were endorsed by Ofsted, which found Hope to be in the ‘good’ category of schools. They reported: “The academy now buzzes with the excitement of a community that knows it is getting it right.”

Further endorsement came when Ofsted commented on Hope’s students and the dedication of the staff:

Commitment...Hope’s high flying Year 11 rugby league team

22 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

“The conduct of students both in lessons and around the academy is sensible and mature.

They co-operate well with adults and are respectful of each other.

Feature

“The quality of support and care for pupils is outstanding. Staff are highly responsive to pupils’ academic and personal needs.”

Most importantly, Hope is a happy place.

Students attend regularly and aspire to success. Teachers and support staff are proud of what they are achieving and have confidence that they can soon complete the journey to being outstanding.

Sporting aspirations Hope’s rugby league aspirations have soared recently, as the Year 11 squad won a share of the St. Helens Cup in a pulsating match against St. Cuthbert’s, and reached the National semifinals on a run of stirring victories – including away games in Hull and Gloucester – before tasting defeat in Chorley.

Mr Ferguson commented: “This team has shown outstanding commitment over the past five years and we are proud of the way they have developed – not just as players, but as young men of character.”

Inspiring excellence Hope is keen to inspire excellence in other local schools, and has done so with the popular ‘Quiz Kids’ competition – now an established

fixture in the calendar for the St Helens family of schools. Nine primary schools took part at this year’s event, where the team from St. Lewis’ Primary was named champions, closely followed by St. Paul of the Cross and St. Peter’s primary schools.

ABOVE: Quiz masters...the victorious St Lewis’ Primary team from Culcheth.

VISION: Outstanding in all we do MISSION: Working together to inspire excellence, guided by Christian values CORE VALUES: Respect. Courage. Ambition.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 23

News

Flypast to thrill crowds at Newton show Organisers are putting the finishing touches to a packed programme of events for this year’s Newton Town Show - which takes place at Mesnes Park, Newton-leWillows, on Saturday 6 August from 11am to 5pm.

Highlights of this year’s event include an artillery display and a flypast by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber.

There will also be a motorcycle display team and a chance to win a helicopter tour – on the day - of Newton-le-Willows and the surrounding area. Raffle tickets to win the tour - for you and two friends - can be bought for just £2.

Chair of the organising committee, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “We’re working hard to make the show bigger and better each year - and thank the local businesses that support the show with sponsorship. The public support

has been massive each year, and we hope that this can grow in 2016.”

This year, a free programme will be given to every school child in Newton-le-Willows and a competition is currently underway in primary schools to design a front cover for the programme.

Proceeds from the annual show are ploughed back into the Newton and Earlestown Community Group

Space for sport (and much, much more)

SUTTON LEISURE CENTRE recently hosted the Boodle and Crosby dog show Competitors came in all shapes and sizes….

Need to organise an event?

Then Sutton Leisure Centre could be just the place to stage it.

Its 1056m2 hall has already hosted hit daytime TV show, Dickinson’s Real Deal and boxing bouts with Martin Murray, and can be used for just about anything – from craft fairs to dog and cat shows, judo championships to Morris dancing contests and much more besides.

The centre has great travel links from the M62 and M57 motorways

24 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

and Lea Green rail station, and free parking is available in excess of 400 cars.

All events can be catered for with prices given on application.

For more information visit www. sthelens.gov.uk/GoActive or call the team on 01744 677375.

And don’t forget Sutton Leisure Centre’s fantastic sporting offer too! There’s badminton and squash courts, a 400m athletics track, synthetic and grass football pitches, plus many sports and fitness clubs.

News

Unlocking our industrial past St Helens Council has uncovered an historic piece of the borough’s industrial heritage.

As part of work to develop the cycle track network (see pages 14-15) across the borough, the missing ‘Engine Lock’ was revealed during drainage work in Newton-le-Willows.

Once part of the Sankey Canal waterway, which opened in 1757, the lock, just west of Wagon Lane in Haydock, was lost for decades after the section of the canal it served was closed and in-filled in the 1930s.

Investigations have continued to take place with help from the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) to find any remains of the infilled sections of the historic Sankey Canal.

When the lock is fully excavated it will provide a flood storage facility, and will eventually form part of a wetland wildlife habitat, for which work will start over the summer, creating beautiful scenery along the new section of the Sankey Valley cycle track for residents and visitors to enjoy.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Green Smart and Sustainable Borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “We’ve tried to bring to life as many remains of the canal as possible with the continuing help of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society. We hope to complete other sections of the cycle route along the canal as we see this as a great resource that can contribute to our visitor economy.

“It mirrors works that we have done to expose our heritage at Sankey Viaduct, Common Lock, Old Hey Lock in Newton and Earlestown and now Engine Lock.

“By addressing historic drainage issues we’ve also been able to open up the last missing lock on this, the world’s first industrial canal.”

Dave Smallshaw, Chairman of SCARS, said: “This has been another very exciting development indeed and we are really pleased to be involved with St Helens Council on this project.”

TOP: REVEALED The Engine Lock ABOVE: RESTORATION MEN Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron (right) on site with council Head of Asset Management John Sheward.

Canal call The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) is looking for new members and volunteers to help restore Sankey Canal – the first industrial canal in England.

With help from St Helens Council, SCARS has been able to dredge sections of the canal, restore locks, install new bridges and reconstruct towpaths, opening up our heritage for public enjoyment.

Want to volunteer? Call Colin Greenall on 01744 732031 or 01744 731746 (evenings).

The society is also looking to guide residents on a leisurely eight mile walk, taking in the natural surroundings of Clock Face Country Park and Bold Moss then via refurbished canal sections from Penkford, finishing in St Helens town centre. There’s no compulsion to finish the walk.

Meet on Saturday 17 July 10:30am at Lea Green train station. Bring stout footwear, waterproofs and lunch. Want more details on the walk? Call Dave Callan on 01744 817492.

ABOVE: COME AND JOIN US SCARS members at work

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 25

Health

Let us inspire you!

When should you start feeding your baby solids? How do you stop your child becoming overweight? And where can teenagers go to get help in the gym?

These, and many more questions, are answered day in, day out by St Helens Council’s Healthy Living Team – which works with families, children and young people to help them adopt healthier lifestyles.

The team’s ‘Fit 4 Life’ (early years) and ‘Fit 4 All’ (families) programmes cover all the issues that can cause sleepless nights for parents and carers.

Whether it’s fussy eating, packed lunches, nutrition, exercise, hidden sugars and fats, the team has the information that will help to inspire you – and will help to inspire you and your family to become fitter and make healthier choices.

The healthy eating theme runs across the age ranges – with the Community Food Team offering advice on how to improve diet for the whole family. The service runs cook and taste courses as well as both one-to-one and small group sessions.

One of the cornerstones of Healthy Living is the Infant Feeding Service. The team can support you antenatally with infant feeding choices, continue to support you if you choose to breastfeed and, for when baby’s at the six months stage, give advice and practical support on how to introduce new foods, tastes and textures into your baby’s diet.

One local mum commented: “The programme made a huge difference to both my children.

One was overweight and the other a very fussy eater. They’re both now more aware of hidden sugars and fats - and the importance of exercise.”

For more information visit www.healthysthelens.co.uk

Be healthier and happier Aged 16-24? Looking to start being more physically active or achieve a healthier weight?

Together we can be healthier and happier! It’s doable by making a start or trying one small change to your diet or lifestyle. And supporting each other by doing them together makes it easier to get going.

For support, advice and to find out what’s happening near you, visit togetherwecansthelens.co.uk or facebook. com/togetherwecansthelens

Empty couches!

The running bug has well and truly hit St Helens - with nearly 500 people taking part in St Helens Sports Development’s Community Sport Project’s Couch to 5k.

Healthy connection A new health and wellbeing app for young people has been launched by the St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group.

Users can access information on general wellbeing, serious illnesses and conditions, social issues and useful contacts.

Just search ‘St Helens Health’ in your app store or visit www. sthelenshealthadviceforyp.uk

Funded by Sport England, the weekly sessions - delivered on Sutton Leisure Centre’s athletics track - provide a safe and supportive environment where people new to exercise can slowly build up their fitness over ten weeks.

On the tenth week, participants have the option to run a full 5k on the track and then take part in the successful St Helens parkrun in Victoria Park - which has seen three generations of the same family and several over 60s attend.

“There’s no pressure at all - because you work at your own pace and members of staff are on hand to talk about any issues you may have.”

Summer Couch to 5k Starts: Monday 4 July (Sutton Leisure) Ends: Saturday 10 September (parkrun St Helens, Victoria Park)

For just £1 a session, runners confident enough can then progress on to the 5k to10k sessions to build up their fitness.

Autumn/Winter Couch to 5k

Gemma Webster, Sports Development Officer for St Helens Council, said: “The feedback has been phenomenal with most people recording a loss in weight, improvements in sleep, mental health and general fitness.

Ends: Saturday 3 December (parkrun St Helens, Victoria Park)

26 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

Starts: Monday 26 September

For more information, please contact Gemma Webster by calling 01744 675403 or email gemmawebster@sthelens.gov.uk

Health

ABOVE: Council Leader Barrie Grunewald, fellow ward Councillor Joe De’Asha (right) and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing Councillor Jeanie Bell (left) join council officers at the launch of the new park gym in Old Lane Park, Rainhill.

‘In the gym’ - outdoors As part of St Helens Council’s Healthy Weight Strategy 2014 – 2017, six outdoor gyms have been installed in parks around the borough.

In a bid to increase activity levels, reduce excess weight, and promote green space - the gyms, which have been funded by funded by St Helens Public Health grants, are wheelchair, are accessible to all persons over 14 years of age and also offer some wheelchair user friendly equipment.

Each station has a QR code which opens up a video demonstration on the user’s smart phone to explain how the equipment should be used.

Each park is also fitted with an instruction plate

for people to refer to.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jeanie Bell said: “Barriers such as time and money have an impact on a person’s ability to practice a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Outdoor gyms offer the perfect solution to these barriers and are a fun way of promoting a family approach to being active as they can encourage parents who sit and watch their children play to have a go.”

For more information, visit www.StHelens.gov. uk and search for ‘Outdoor Gyms.’

Fight back to a healthier you Living healthily in mid-life can double your chances of enjoying good health at 70 and beyond!

That’s the message from Public Health England, who this year launched ‘One You’ – ground-breaking new campaign to help adults across the country to enjoy good health.

Keeping good habits such as eating well, being active, drinking within limits and being smokefree will avoid ill health in later life.

“Many of us think that reduced health in later life is inevitable, rather than try to do something

to live healthier for longer,” said Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing. “But by making small changes, you can enjoy as good health in older age as when you were younger.”

Why not take the One You ‘How Are You?’ quiz at www.nhs.uk/oneyou, which can give you personalised health advice based on your answers to some simple lifestyle questions.

Want local Healthy Living support? Go to www. healthysthelens.co.uk or call 0300 300 0103.

Outdoor gym locations

• Mesnes Park • Nanny Goat Park • Old Lane Park • Queens Park • Sherdley Park • Taylor Park

Have your say on healthcare The St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group wants to hear your views on the planning, improvement and delivery of local healthcare services.

The group, made up of 35 local GP practices, works with health and social care professionals, patients and the public to improve local NHS services.

To find out how to get involved, call 01744 627596 or email Jessica.

Saunders@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 27

FR M THE ARCHIVES St. Helens Council’s community magazine

Summer 2016

COMING DOWN the chimney at the former Todd Bros Steel works

HAPPY DAY A wedding at the Methodist Church in Westfield Street in 1954

BYGONE TIMES a house in Lea Green.

HEAVY WORK employees in the oven works at Todd Bros.

TREASURE TROVE the pet shop where the collection was found.

Pictures from the past St Helens Council’s Library Service has been awarded a £69,700 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project - ‘St Helens Through The Lens: The Jordan and Metcalfe Photography Collection’.

The project will engage St Helens residents in uncovering the local heritage contained in a collection of 3000 historic glass negatives, The Jordan and Metcalfe Photography Collection.

It includes a variety of photos including weddings, portraits, sporting occasions, amateur dramatics and community celebrations dating between 1890 and 1970.

The discovery of the photographs is fascinating in itself. Staff from St. Helens Local History and Archives Library rescued 4,000 glass negatives from the sealed-up backroom of a pet shop at 16 George Street, St Helens, in October 1984.

They discovered that while 1000 of the negatives were broken, 3000 remained intact.

Further research revealed that the shop had previously been a commercial photography studio owned by a number of professional photographers, from Fred Ash in 1885 to Geoff Williams in 1970, with various members of the Metcalfe family running the studio from 18471948.

Now, thanks to a grant from HLF, the Jordan and Metcalfe Photography Collection is to be preserved through digitisation and made accessible to the public. An Artist in Residence will engage the community and bring the project to life while revealing hidden stories of St Helens.

Creative writing and reminiscence workshops for elderly residents, primary school activity and volunteering opportunities will all form

part of the project. The Library Service is also asking for local help in identifying the people and places documented in this amazing collection of photographs.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member, Public Health and Wellbeing said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and really look forward to our residents helping us to identify the people and places in these previously unseen images from St Helens’ history.”

Activity linked to the Jordan and Metcalfe Photography Collection will take place in the town’s 13 libraries as part of the wider Cultural Hubs programme, ensuring that people across the borough are engaged in helping to uncover the amazing heritage hidden in the photographs.

Contact: To view archive material call 01744 676952 or email localhistory&archivesservices@sthelens.gov.uk.

28 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

First Feedback St Helens Council’s community magazine

Summer 2016

What’s your problem?

We do all we can to fix problems quickly and efficiently. But sometimes you’ll become aware of an issue before we do – so we depend on our residents to tell us what needs fixing, moving, inspecting or clearing. If we don’t know about it – we can’t help.

BY PHONE – 01744 676789

BY EMAIL – contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk USING THE COUNCIL APP - search ‘St Helens Council’ in your app store

BY MINICOM - 01744 671671 VIA OUR WEBSITE - www.sthelens.gov.uk/self-service

A big thank you to everyone who flagged up local issues to us over the last few weeks. Here are just a few of the problems we’ve helped people with.

Your Problem

Action

A Hoveton Gardens resident called to ask if anything can be done about dog fouling near her property.

Signs were put in place warning dog owners to clear up.

A foul smell was reported coming from beneath a wall on Main Street in Billinge.

Council teams moved in to clear nearby drains

Vandalised dog bin and litter reported at Sutton Brook Greenway.

Bins promptly replaced.

A flytipped oil drum at Junction Road was causing concern among residents.

The drum was quickly removed.

Offensive graffiti reported at Thatto Heath Park by worried parents.

Graffiti removal teams moved in to clean play equipment.

Vandalised light on the edge of Sherdley Park was causing safety concerns.

Light quickly repaired and restored to full working order.

Follow us on Twitter: @sthelenscouncil

Like us on Facebook: sthelenscouncil

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 29

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Summer 2016

July

What’s on

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE (Celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl) 13 July - 10 September Central Library (4pm) £3 or £8 (group of 4).

Book at www.culturalhubs.eventbrite. co.uk or through any library HEALTHY LIVING WALK 27 July – 12:30pm Taylor Park –Meet at Boathouse NEIL PONT FUNFAIR 16-17 July Thatto Heath Park

WHAT’S ON

For more information about what’s happening in St Helens, go to www.whatsoninsthelens.com For regular updates, go to facebook.com/whatsoninsthelens and ‘like’ our page, or follow us on twitter @whatsonsthelens.

WINTER 2015 Alternatively, call 01744 676731.

READ AND RHYME (Celebrating 150th anniversary of Peter Rabbit and (featuring Peter Rabbit himself!)

25 July Chester Lane Library - 11am Eccleston Library -2pm 26 July Parr Library -11am Rainhill Library -2pm 27 July Haydock Library - 10.30am Newton-le-Willows Library -2pm 28 July Central Library - 10.30am

30 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789

JOHN SILCOCK FUNFAIR 29-31 July Sherdley Park AFTERNOON FLAT RACING 15 July Haydock Park Racecourse 45 MILE BIKE RIDE FOR WILLOWBROOK HOSPICE (Optional 20 mile route) 17 July Starts Rainford High Technology College (£20 entry) SUMMER BEACH LAUNCH WITH PEPPA PIG 22 July Church Square

SUMMER BEACH 22 July – 3 September Church Square SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 26 July St Mary’s Arcade EARLESTOWN MARKET FAMILY FUN DAY 29 July Market St, Earlestown

August

SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 2 August St Mary’s Arcade FAMILY FUN DAY 4 August Haydock Park Racecourse NEWTON TOWN SHOW 6 August Mesnes Park CRAFT TABLE TOP SALE 7 August The Mansion House, Victoria Park SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 9 August St Mary’s Arcade SUMMER STREETS 13 August St Helens town centre SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 16 August St Mary’s Arcade EARLESTOWN MARKET FAMILY FUN DAY 19 August Market St, Earlestown SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 23 August St Mary’s Arcade CAPTAIN TUCK’S PIRATE PARADE (bring along a picnic) 24 August Victoria Park GREASE 25-27 August St Helens Theatre Royal

SUMMER FUN WITH SHOPPER WHOPPER 30 August St Mary’s Arcade FAMILY FUNFAIR 27-29 August Sherdley Park

September

CRAFT TABLE TOP SALE 4 September The Mansion House, Victoria Park THE SMITHS LTD 9 September Citadel Arts Centre CLASSIC CAR SHOW 10 September Church Square STARMAN – THE DAVID BOWIE STORY 17 September St Helens Theatre Royal CAR BOOT SALE 17 September Willowbrook – the Living Well, Borough Rd (cars £10) PAWS IN THE PARK 18 September Sherdley Park TABERN ST HELENS TRIATHLON 25 September Start: Eccleston Mere

October

KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW 1 October St Helens Theatre Royal RAINFORD 10K 2 October Starts at Rainford High Technology College WEDDING EXTRAVAGANZA 2 October The Mansion House, Victoria Park FIELD OF CELEBRATION BULB PLANTING 8 October Willowbrook Hospice, Portico lane, Prescot.

ST HELENS CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT 15 October United Reformed Church

TITAN THE ROBOT 22 October Town centre

November

SPARK IN THE PARK 5 October Sherdley Park CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE 27 November The Mansion House, Victoria Park BETFAIR CHASE 18-19 November Haydock Park Racecourse CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 19 November Victoria Square, town centre

ST HELENS LIBRARIES AND SMALL CINEMA PRESENT: MATILDA 16 July Central Library 3pm INSIDE OUT 30 July Central Library 3pm CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971) 13 August Central Library 3pm Tickets can be booked in any St Helens Library or online www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk £3 – Adults £2 - Children £7 – Family (2 adults + 2 children) or £5 - Family ticket if you’re St Helens Library members.

01744 676789 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | Summer 2016 | St Helens First 31

32 St Helens First | Summer 2016 | www.sthelens.gov.uk | 01744 676789