St Helens First magazine Winter 2017

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Winter 2017

WAR HERO HONOURED

LOCAL PLAN UPDATE PAGE 13

PAGE 14

Vision of the future

PLANNING FOR A TOWN CENTRE TO BE PROUD OF PAGE 8 - 11 sthelenscouncil |

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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St Helens First | Winter 2017 |

www.sthelens.gov.uk

St Helens Council’s community magazine

Winter 2017

Welcome

CONTACT US Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk Email: contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk Telephone: 01744 676789 Minicom: 01744 671671 Download the free, handy app – search St Helens Council on your app store. Or visit our Contact Centre, Wesley House, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1HF.

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Leader’s column Councillor Barrie Grunewald

elcome to the winter edition of St Helens First. As you know, we recently revealed our master plan for the future of the town centre. It’s bold and ambitious, and would cost a substantial

sum to achieve all of our proposals – at a time when the council, like many others across the country, must make difficult choices about its services in light of reduced budgets.

But we must invest some of the money we do have in order to best serve local people and the borough.

Plans of a similar scale are being put forward by other councils in the North West like Warrington. We must match them with our own or fall behind. I strongly believe everything we do is investing in our collective future and we must succeed or wither on the vine.

A little known fact that we don’t shout about enough is that St Helens Council really is a well-managed and effective local authority that is in a better position than many other North West councils and public sector services.

Thanks to good financial management, the council is in a stronger position than other councils, and is more capable than most to act and seize opportunities to invest, earn and grow. This is what enables us to plan for the regeneration of the town centre that we all want to see. Read more about our ambition on pages 8-11, and discover how other entrepreneurs are supporting our vision for a rejuvenated town centre on page 6.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we’ve an update on St Helens’ Local Plan, detailing the next steps in its preparation. In short, we’ve deferred the next version until early summer 2018 due to a number of factors outside our control, but the decision will benefit the Local Plan in the long run, allowing us to take advantage of further research on local housing

and employment needs.

Get the full details on page 13.

With that to look forward to, we’re also looking ahead to the festive period, with a great range of events taking place across the borough to warm up your winter. Check them out, along with a whole host of happenings in the coming months, on pages 29-31.

Winter is a great time of year for many of us, but for some of the more vulnerable members of our community, it can be a struggle, and is fraught with health risks. Find out more about staying well this winter on page 25, and please make time to check in on older relatives, friends and neighbours when the temperature drops.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

CONTACT ST HELENS FIRST MAGAZINE Email: mediateam@sthelens.gov.uk Online: www.sthelens.gov.uk/news Telephone: 01744 676164

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

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Features

ADVERTISING St Helens Council does not warrant the accuracy of any description or statement, and does not endorse any product or service contained in any commercial advertisement featured in this publication. environmentally-friendly paper.

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Bold Forest Park plans

16-17 Budget update

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29-31 Christmas events guide

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News 5

COVER IMAGE

Junction car park expansion

Artist’s impression of how the town centre could look

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29 Follow us on Twitter: @sthelenscouncil sthelenscouncil |

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Borough gets arts status

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How we’re managing floods

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Feature

A bold plan for green space

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unique regeneration plan to promote outdoor recreation to stimulate economic growth has now been formally adopted

by St Helens Council.

Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan encourages inward investment via rural entrepreneurship in the visitor economy, while providing leisure and healthy living opportunities for the community.

Produced in partnership with The Mersey Forest and Bold Parish Council, the plan builds on the environmental improvements already made in the area which have seen large swathes of derelict colliery land transformed into accessible woodland.

Several stages of preparation and public consultation were undertaken with the feedback given by residents and other groups helping

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St Helens First | Winter 2017 |

shape the plan’s proposals.

Key proposals involve the development of several linked ‘recreation hubs’ across the forest park area, providing visitor facilities and a base for activities including walking, mountain biking, horse riding, boating, canoeing, fishing and children’s play facilities.

The plan supports the potential future provision of a dedicated visitor centre at Sutton Manor, building on the popularity of The Dream sculpture to provide a café, car parking and toilet facilities with the potential for events space.

Other aspects focus on recognising the area’s rich heritage and nature conservation with potential for guided activities. The establishment of land based training schemes to help create and maintain the Forest Park’s

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infrastructure will also offer local employment opportunities.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, Councillor John Fulham, said: “This vision for Bold Forest Park has been in the pipeline for some time now, so I’m delighted to hear of this adoption which takes our dream one step closer to becoming reality.

“Once complete, this once derelict site will be a key asset for the borough which is sure to attract visitors from across the borough and beyond.

“With Government funding coming to an end after 2020, the council will have to stand on its own two feet, so exciting plans like this will help contribute to the future of the borough and attract investment, letting the rest of the country know that St Helens is open for business.”

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ABOVE: Merseytravel Chair Cllr Liam Robinson with MP Marie Rimmer and local cllrs, including John Fulham and Keith Roberts.

Major parking expansion at St Helens Junction on track W ork on a new car park at St Helens Junction Station is underway which will significantly increase the number of parking spaces from 66 to 242.

The improved facility will include an increased number of blue badge spaces, better walking routes within the site and upgraded

lighting and CCTV coverage.

The £820K scheme – which is scheduled to be completed

by March 2018 – has been financed through the Government Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package (STEP) after lengthy campaigns from residents, Sutton ward councillors

– and Councillor Keith Roberts who has sat on the Combined Authority Transport Committee for the past two years.

Speaking at a recent site visit, Councillor John Fulham, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, said: “I’d like to thank residents and fellow councillors

who have campaigned consistently for this scheme and our partners at the City Region Combined Authority for the funding. I know local residents and rail users will welcome this overdue development which will really relieve congestion and benefit the community at large.”

Linkway set for A improvements

Ways to work

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lanning for improvements to the A570 St Helens Linkway is well underway, with work on a safer and more efficient junction at Elton Head Road set to start in early 2018.

The A570 St Helens Linkway came into operation in 1994 but more recently, the Linkway has become a severely congested corridor, particularly at Elton Head Road and Sherdley Road roundabouts at peak times, and

issues concerning poor pedestrian and cyclist facilities have developed.

To begin solving these problems, the current roundabout by Mere Grange and the Cooperative Food Distribution Centre will be replaced with a signal controlled cross roads with full pedestrian crossing facilities, creating a more balanced and controlled traffic flow, and reducing peak time queues.

Pedestrian and cycle crossing

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facilities will also be introduced onto all arms of the junction that link to existing pedestrian routes and speed limits modified on the approaches, further improving safety for all road users.

The project has benefitted from funding from the £232 million Liverpool City Region (LCR) Growth Deal, secured from Government in 2014 by the LCR LEP. Work is expected to take around eight months.

re you aged 16 or over, currently unemployed and looking for work? St Helens Council’s Ways to Work team can help.

Designed to improve personal resilience and progression to sustainable employment, St Helens Ways to Work aims to support local people into work though paid work experience, skills development, help with CV writing, interview preparation – and much more.

Interested? Contact the team by calling 01744 676131 or email waystowork@sthelens. gov.uk More information is available online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ waystowork

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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News

New investments show faith in town centre

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he town centre has received a huge boost after the opening of an independent designer children’s wear store, and the purchase of Barrow House – to be transformed into a thriving hub, helping fledgling businesses to soar.

OD’s Juniors, tipped to be one of the biggest stores of its kind in the UK, was opened in September by a number of special guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Saints star James Roby, and boxers Martin Murray and Anthony Crolla.

Located at the junction of Cotham Street and Claughton Street, it is the latest investment by Chris O’Dea, who owns the nearby OD’s menswear, womenswear, and jewellery stores – and is celebrating 25 years of business in St Helens this year.

Chris, who is signed up to the St Helens Ambassadors scheme to attract more investment in the borough, said: “We hope this will draw more shoppers into the town as they will be driven here by the

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quality of the products on offer.

“Meeting the council has underlined my faith in what I am doing and that there is massive potential in the town. Hopefully other businesses can see that too.”

Meanwhile, Merseyside-based luxury property developer, Luxor Estates continues to show great faith in the town centre after the purchase of Barrow House retail units.

Luxor – which is also working on converting the former Tyrers department store into a £1m mixed-use scheme, and Claughton House into 18 residential units – plans to transform the 10,000 sq ft retail parade into a thriving ‘Luxor Plaza’ hub to entice potential tenants to the units with massive savings and offers to help get their new ventures afloat.

“The acquisition of Barrow House is a great addition to our portfolio in St Helens,” said Managing Director, Paul Nicholson.

“With massive regeneration plans afoot in St Helens, now is a

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TOP: OD opening Above: Paul Nicholson outside Barrow House

great time for businesses to benefit from the changing landscape of the town centre and get going with a business idea they have always dreamed about.

“We want to hear from new businesses or existing small businesses that are looking to expand to be a part of Luxor Plaza. With our investment across the road at Luxor House, formerly Claughton House and the expansion of designer clothing retailer ODs this area of town promises to be an exciting area with solid levels of footfall.”

Welcoming the investments, St Helens Council Leader Barrie Grunewald said: “It’s great to see a local business and developer show so much confidence in St Helens town centre by choosing to expand their offer here.

“With the recent town centre transformation announcement, these investments are obviously very welcome and pave the way to a very exciting future as we look to provide the people of St Helens with a town centre they can be proud of.”

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@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature

Planning for the future of St Helens Town Centre W

e all want our town to be great – somewhere easy to get to, attractive, with good entertainment, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Somewhere we want to hang out, and spend time with family and friends.

Somewhere that we may want to live.

We think that St Helens can be that town, and we’ve developed a strategy for St Helens Town Centre, together with partners, to ensure our town grows and develops into one that can rival the best and instil pride among local people.

That idea has now taken one step nearer to realisation with the purchase in the last few weeks of Church Square Shopping Centre from Mars Pension Fund. Ownership of the centre will give us a greater say over the type of retail and leisure facilities that we would want to feature in our town. Previously St Helens Council owned very little retail space within the town centre and had little or no control over what development occurred. Now the council has directly intervened, it is believed that the investment will be a key driver for change in our town centre.

In recent years our town centre, like many others, has declined.

Cultural changes in people’s shopping habits and the rise of online shopping are major reasons, but another is the lack of quality shops and places to eat and drink in the town centre. We know that the regeneration of our town centre is top of most residents’ wish lists, as well as being one of the council’s biggest priorities.

That is why we have developed an ambitious strategy which sets out the direction and vision for the town centre, bringing together

proposals and suggestions which will help the town to thrive and prosper.

If the proposals suggested within our strategy were to be delivered, it would cost in the region of £300 million to transform the town.

That’s the scale of our ambitions.

This money would be realised through a combination of both public and private funding streams.

There can be no denying that this is a substantial amount of money, and comes at a time when the council, like many others across the country, has to make changes to services, in light of the significant cuts made to the council’s budget by the Government.

However, we feel that in order to best serve local people and the town, we need to invest some of the money we do have, as well as working together with private investors to bring in the funds to develop and transform the town centre.

We need to be ambitious for our town and forge ahead with our strategy to deliver on our proposals to regenerate St Helens Town Centre, but it’s important to remember that these plans will not happen overnight, or even over a few months, and although some activities could be delivered over the next 1-2 years, most of these proposals will gradually roll out over the next 10 years.

We want to engage with local people on our strategy for St Helens Town Centre and welcome your comments and feedback on our plans. You can tell us by: Emailing us at hello@ investinsthelens.com Writing to us at, Freepost: YOUR VIEWS

“Investment will be a key driver for change in our town centre.”

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Feature

8 steps to transform our town centre There are a number of key developments which, if delivered, would be pivotal in providing the opportunity to transform St Helens Town Centre:

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A new shopping mix.

With the purchase of Church Square Shopping Centre by St Helens Council, we now have greater control over the type of retail and leisure facilities that are developed in the future. This would see independent shops appearing alongside well know high street brands, and there would be a greater focus on more mixed leisure and retail facilities. Shopping alone is no longer enough to bring people in to the town centre.

People often want to make an afternoon and evening out of a visit, by perhaps doing a spot of shopping, before going for drinks and a meal.

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Canal-side regeneration.

Part of the town centre vision is a plan to redevelop the area around a section of the Sankey Canal, into a modern waterfront area, complete with restaurants, cafes and bars to the lower levels and desirable canalside apartments above.

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An Arts and Culture Centre. Opportunities exist to further enrich the borough’s already strong and nationally recognised arts and culture offer, with the potential for a dedicated arts and culture centre, which would ideally sit at the heart of the town centre alongside the regenerated canal.

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Creating a better entertainment offer. The proposals would see more family-focused restaurants and cafĂŠs in addition to the existing cinema and new leisure facilities on the Linkway West complex.

The canal-side area would be the centre of a vibrant nighttime economy with waterside restaurants and bars, aimed at attracting couples back into the town for shopping followed by drinks and a meal.

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Modern town centre living. Town centre living is becoming increasingly appealing to young professionals, with easy access to leisure and culture. Housing developers are already looking to invest in the town centre and redevelop vacant office and retail spaces.

Better connectivity. In 2018 new rail franchise arrangements will see St Helens Central gain direct connectivity to destinations such as Glasgow, as well as faster routes into Liverpool. Stations across the borough will also have faster journey times to Manchester too, and the council will continue to push for its priority to have a direct route to Manchester from St Helens Town Centre. This is no easy task, but with rail investment being a national priority, it is hoped that St Helens will benefit from any investments made.

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Taking pride in heritage.

The Sankey Canal, the oldest industrial canal in the world, is an under-utilised asset.

To address this, the strategy sets out plans for an area around a section of it to be regenerated, placing it at the heart of the redevelopment of the town centre. Using the town’s glass heritage to improve its visual identity is also part of the plan.

This can be achieved through glass canopies under which food markets, pop-up music venues or street theatre could be held, as well as through signage, street furniture and lighting.

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Improving public spaces.

It is important to create a visually attractive town centre where people will want to spend time, especially within public open spaces. These are successfully used in many towns and cities and can create a relaxing environment for residents, town centre workers and visitors to enjoy. The focus would be on developing a network of interesting and fun connected spaces and places.

In line with the celebration of the town’s rich heritage – new materials and light will feature strongly in paving, seating, lighting and foliage within these spaces.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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News

Working together for adoption

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doption services have recently partnered up across the region, making it easier for adopters and children to find their forever families.

‘Together for Adoption’ is the new organisation that supports families interested in taking the first steps towards adoption.

It brings together the adoption services for five local authorities – Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and WWiSH, which incorporates Warrington, Wigan and St Helens.

The aim of the new service is to increase the number of children being adopted and improve the experience of adopters.

Based in Warrington, the joined-up service is one of the first of its kind in the country and will bring a wealth of expertise to help anyone who is thinking of adopting and support them throughout the process.

Councillor Jeanette Banks, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Young People and Education, said:

“Working together on adoption helps us to recruit new families more effectively across the region and ensure every child is placed with the right family. It allows us to share best practice, pool our resources and make our services even better, which means families will get the support they need at every stage of their adoption journey.”

Learn more at www.togetherforadoption.co.uk or call 01942 478272.

‘P’ Pod presented by caring charity

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local charity, formed over 30 years ago to care for those whose lives are hampered by illness, has continued its good work after purchasing another piece of specialised equipment for a severely disabled child in the borough.

Following a request from St Helens Council’s Paediatric Specialist Occupational Therapist, Cathryn Livingstone, the Helen Marie Friends Charity has kindly donated a ‘P’ Pod postural support seat which can be easily used around the home environment.

Founded by Arthur and Marjorie Hurst in memory of their daughter Helen Marie – the Helen Marie Charity has helped hundreds

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of disabled children and young people in the borough since its establishment in 1985.

As a thank you for their generosity, Marjorie and Arthur, as well as a number of charity representatives, were invited into the Mayor’s Parlour in St Helens Town Hall where the ‘P’ Pod – which cost £1,067 - was officially handed over to Cathryn to pass onto the family.

Cathryn said: “In addition to specialist seating already purchased by the council, the ‘P’ Pod was identified as an alternative piece of equipment to meet this particular child’s needs, and so I obtained a quote and submitted an application to the charity.

“I was delighted to hear back from

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ABOVE Marjorie (second from right) and Arthur Hurst joined the Mayor and Mayoress for the P Pod presentation.

them agreeing to fund it, as it will make a positive difference to this child’s life.

“I have had involvements with the Helen Marie Charity for a number of years and they have been very generous. I’d like to personally thank Arthur and Marjorie for their unique piece of charity work which helps support so many disabled children in borough.”

Speaking after the presentation,

Marjorie said: “As a charity, there is no greater feeling for us than knowing we are contributing so positively to the needs and wellbeing of local children.

“In life, Helen Marie enjoyed supporting children and young people in the borough with illnesses and disabilities, and as a charity; we will continue her good work so that her name lives on.”

News

Council announces next steps of Local Plan S

t Helens Council has announced the next steps in preparation of the Local Plan, which will set out how much new development for housing and employment there should be in the borough up to 2033 and beyond, where this development should take place, and the policies for protecting the environment.

Council approval for the next version of the Local Plan – known as the proposed submission version – is now expected in early summer 2018. This will be the version of the plan that the council wants to see adopted, subject to inspection by the independent Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.

Depending on the outcome of the inspection the council hopes to adopt the Local Plan in 2019 and take the borough through to 2049.

Public consultation on the Local Plan Preferred Options was held over an eightweek period between 5 December 2016 and 30 January 2017 which saw a total of 5,695 responses from local residents, businesses and land-owners.

Councillor John Fulham, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, said: “I would like to thank all of those who submitted their views and evidence to the council earlier in the year, which planning officers have been examining. Following

Government’s announcement of a review of technical planning methodologies we will need to consider the implications for St Helens.”

Local Plans submitted to the Government for examination after 31 March 2018 will be expected to use the new approach to calculating objectively assessed needs, meaning that St Helens’ Local Plan must take this into account.

Cllr Fulham added: “Looking at the Government’s review we are confident that our planning for growth will meet the Government’s proposed new standardised method for calculating housing need, and we’re confident that St Helens will achieve growth.”

Government has also requested that all councils publish a register of brownfield land suitable for housing before the end of the year. This has involved council staff conducting lengthy technical assessments, whereas in the past developers have done it at their own expense.

Cllr Fulham continued: “We hope to progress to the next stage by summer 2018, giving us plenty of time to consider all of the considerable evidence that has been submitted, to prepare a transport and infrastructure plan, and allow feedback on the second draft.”

“In particular, we are undertaking further

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work with Highways England on any impact of traffic on the highway network as although we want to see growth we do not want to see an increase in congestion as that will simply work to strangle growth.”

“Although the Local Plan sets the framework of what we want for our communities, any actual planning applications must always be considered on their own individual merits and if they do not live up to the standards and requirements of the Local Plan then the council will find it easier to reject substandard applications.”

In the plan’s Preferred Options consultation, the regeneration of brownfield land was a key priority for the council, but this would be supplemented by release of a number of sites from the green belt to meet the needs for new homes and employment up to and beyond 2033.

The proposals at that stage included releasing 1,187 hectares of land from the green belt, but keeping 56 per cent of the borough’s land area protected as green belt – still the highest across Merseyside.

The proposed submission version of the Local Plan will confirm the Council’s approach to this.

For more information visit www. sthelens.gov.uk/localplan

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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News

ABOVE Members of John Molyneux’s family, with representatives from the council and Armed Forces after the ceremony.

Victoria Cross hero honoured 100 years on

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commemorative paving stone has been laid beside St Helens Cenotaph in honour of a local serviceman on the centenary of his earning the Victoria Cross medal.

Sutton-born soldier, Sergeant John ‘Jack’ Molyneux was awarded the highest military award available for his brave actions on the front near Langemarck, Belgium on 9 October 1917 when a British attack was held up by machine gun fire from a German trench.

Aged 26 at the time, John – known locally as Jack – organised a bombing party which captured the gun and killed the crew. He then jumped from the trench, calling for his comrades to follow him, running to a nearby house that was occupied by the enemy.

Before any help could arrive, John became engaged in handto-hand combat. The enemy quickly surrendered and 20-30 prisoners were taken.

John was presented with the Victoria Cross on his return to Britain by King George V, and was given a hero’s welcome when he finally came home to St Helens.

100 years on, dozens of his descendants and their families – as well as a number of military and council

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representatives – gathered at a special ceremony on Victoria Square where the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Joe Pearson, lifted the Union flag to uncover a commemorative stone in John’s memory.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Pearson said: “It’s a great privilege to be asked here today to unveil a commemorative stone in honour of Sergeant John Molyneux.

“Sergeant Molyneux’s story is one of great bravery and loyalty to his brothers in arms in the face of peril, but as John himself humbly says, it’s a story shared by so many young men – around the world – who went to war, with many never to return. Let us celebrate his valour and remember all those who fought for their country.”

The commemorative stone is part of a programme of work by St Helens Council and partners to honour the borough’s four VC recipients on the centenaries of their presentations.

In July this year, Sergeant Molyneux was also honoured

by St Helens Council when a new street in Sutton was named John Molyneux V.C. Close – while an honorary paving stone was laid in Victoria Square in 2015 in

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recognition of Company Sergeant Major Frederick William Hall, once of Ormskirk Street, who was killed in action in Belgium during the Second Battle of Ypres.

Meanwhile, the Newton and Earlestown Community Group is also raising funds to erect a statue in 2018 to commemorate Newton-born Private Norman Harvey, who received his Victoria Cross for actions in battle at Ingoyhem, Belgium in October 1918. Norman’s battalion was stopped by machine gun fire and suffering casualties when he ran forward and engaged the enemy singlehanded, killing two, wounding one and capturing 12 men and two guns. A Newton street has already been named in his honour.

The final VC recipient is Corporal John Thomas Davies, who, on 24 March 1918, leapt to defend his comrades as they retreated, firing his Lewis gun into the enemy and stalling their advance. Captured and later released, John spent the majority of his life in St Helens, and was buried in St Helens Cemetery upon his death in 1955. Plans to commemorate John will be revealed next year on the centenary of his VC presentation.

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Mayor’s fundraisers boost bereavement charity A St Helens charity has received a huge financial boost after receiving a cheque for £10,853.00 from last year’s Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens.

Kelly Wellens, founder of recently registered family bereavement charity Jenson’s Twinkle Stars, and her partner Gary Larkin were welcomed into St Helens Town Hall where they received the cheque from councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks who raised the impressive sum through a number of successful fundraisers.

During his time as Mayor in 2016-17, Councillor Banks, who represents the Earlestown ward, chose Jenson’s Twinkle Stars – a cause close to both councillors’ hearts – as his Mayoral charity, which was set up by Kelly in 2011 following the loss of her son, Jenson Rigby, who passed away in the womb shortly before birth.

Speaking of her delight on receiving the cheque, Kelly said: “As a local charity, we’re deeply moved by Dave and Jeanette’s generous actions which have helped raise our profile considerably.

“This incredible amount of money will help us out like you wouldn’t believe it; providing support to bereaved families through sessions at the Tunza Centre, and helping young children

ABOVE Kelly and Gary (tshirts), with cllrs Dave and Jeanette Banks (centre and left), and Barry and Carol Tither who helped organise the fundraising events.

overcome loss by bringing some happiness into their lives through fun days out and respite.

“We hope to one day open our own bereavement centre to reach out to even more families and this donation is a massive boost in helping us achieve this.”

Councillor Dave Banks added: “Jenson’s Twinkle Stars means a great deal to my wife and

me, and when the opportunity came to represent St Helens as Mayor, I knew I had to spread the good word of its work as far and wide as possible.”

For more information on Jenson’s Twinkle Stars, visit www.jensonstwinklestars.co.uk

Young bookworms complete national reading challenge O ver a thousand young bookworms in St Helens have been commended for completing a national reading challenge.

Organised by the Reading Agency, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, titled ‘Animal Agents’ saw a total of 1631 children complete the task by reading six books from their local library over the summer.

As part of the exciting local library offer, children met a host of animals and curious creatures at library events.

Bert the ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog helped children to relax with their reading at Chester Lane Library, while young readers at Eccleston Library encountered and learned about some slightly less cute, but no less wonderful creatures, including snakes, scorpions, spiders, rats and giant snails provided by ‘ZooLab’, with stories told about each animal.

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Councillor Joe and Sylvia Pearson, were on hand at Haydock Library to hand out certificates and medals to the children who completed the challenge, which was delivered with the help of 17 new young

volunteers and resulted in 354 young people joining the library service.

Those to complete the challenge were automatically entered into a fantastic prize draw that included a VIP experience package to Knowsley Safari Park and a copy of Mr Stink, signed by the ever popular David Walliams.

A ceremony was then held at Chester Lane Library where Councillor Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services and Libraries, presented the eight lucky winners with their prizes.

Speaking afterwards, Sue said: “It’s great

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to see so many young people express an interest in reading by joining their local library and taking part in such a proactive task like the Summer Reading Challenge.

“Reading is such a wonderful gift which should be encouraged from an early age, for it can have only positive effects on a young person’s development.”

If you’re aged 12-19 and would like to volunteer at your local library, please contact Kathryn Boothroyd on 01744 677486, or by email: kathrynboothroyd@ sthelens.gov.uk

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature Budget Challenge

A budget under pressure…

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our council provides a wide range of services to a growing population of more than 177,600 people in 82,000 households. Each year St Helens Council delivers hundreds of services to each and every one of them. You probably know that your council does things like empty your bins, fix potholes, maintain the parks and keep the streets clean, but most importantly we also provide life changing support for older people, people with disabilities and children who are in need of care, among other services. We legally have to deliver these services, and balance the budget each year.

Like many other councils across the country, we’ve been hit

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hard by Government cuts. Since 2010 we’ve had our central funding reduced by 58 per cent – meaning we’ve had to find savings of £74 million. This has led to big changes in the way our services have been delivered.

Over the next three years we will have to face further funding cuts totalling £15.6m. With inflation and other cost factors added on this will mean we will need to find a further £20.6m of savings by 2020.

That’s £90 million of funding cuts over the ten-year period which equates to £507 less per person to spend on your services, than we did in 2010.

Budget Challenge

…Yet demand for services increases W

e are legally required to provide a number of statutory services including adult and children’s social care. There are also services which we legally have to provide but it is not specified how we deliver them, such as waste collection, road maintenance and library services. Some services are discretionary, meaning the council can choose to provide them but does not have to, like leisure services.

St Helens has an aging population, causing pressure on health and social care services such as home carers, respite provision and support to people with long term health conditions like dementia.

Demand and risk is also increasing within children and young people’s services with an increase in looked after children, as

well as a rise in the number of children with disabilities or experiencing severe learning difficulties. St Helens is the 36th most deprived local authority area in England with unemployment rates significantly above national and North West averages, resulting in a greater impact from welfare reforms and inequalities across wards.

The simple truth is we can no longer continue to pay for all the services we have traditionally provided. We must prioritise resources towards those services which we are legally required to provide and review how we offer them.

We will continue to care for vulnerable adults in need, protect children, and maintain the roads, pavements and street lighting – but this may be to a more basic

standard.

There’s no doubt that people will be losing some of the discretionary services that they’ve come to expect. If we are not legally required to carry out a service, then it is possible that it may no longer be available.

We have had to start charging for services that only some people require such as garden waste, as other councils do. As of September 2018 a three-weekly brown bin collection will begin in an effort to save 100,000 and other services such as street sweeping may be reduced. We are also continuing to review how we provide services such as libraries, parks and leisure centres, in order to meet the £20.6 million savings.

Your Council Tax contribution

W

hen you pay your Council Tax you are contributing towards funding local services such as social care for vulnerable people, and support for children and the elderly. It also pays for waste and recycling, street cleaning, parks and much more.

Therefore, Council Tax is not a direct payment for a direct service, like a meal at a restaurant, or a haircut. Your Council Tax is a contribution to the cost of services that your council has to legally provide.

This is why you can’t “optout” of paying Council Tax – put simply if you don’t contribute your share, local children can’t be kept safe, the vulnerable can’t be cared for and the roads can’t be maintained. Increasingly as budget cuts bite, almost all of the funds available go to the services we must legally provide – and what we must legally offer may not be services you personally access. However, one day a family member of yours might need care, or a child in your

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street may need protecting.

Your Council Tax is what allows that to happen.

The transformation of St Helens Town Centre is a priority for the council, and its purchase of Church Square Shopping Centre is crucial in order to take control of the type of retail and leisure facilities that we want to feature in our town.

This may seem to be an inappropriate decision, at a time of reducing budgets and cuts to services, however the right retail and leisure offer can totally revive the fortunes of the borough – bringing people in to the town centre to shop, and spend time and money in the bars, restaurants, cinema and arts attractions which are planned for the town.

Investment in the town centre will provide much-needed job opportunities for local people, and more businesses will mean more business rates – especially important in future years when Government funding will cease and councils must raise their own revenue.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature

PHOTO: Members of the Arts Service and Music Service teams attended a cultural celebration at The Citadel.

St Helens recognised as the first ‘Artsmark Town’ in the region

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he borough’s arts and culture scene continues to ride on the crest of a wave after St Helens became the first town in the North West to be awarded Artsmark status.

Accredited by Arts Council England, Artsmark is the creative quality standard for schools, helping them to evaluate, celebrate and strengthen their arts provision through actively championing high quality arts and cultural education within their curriculum.

Over 50 per cent of schools in the borough have achieved or are working towards the Artsmark Award by incorporating art and culture into every student’s life and learning.

It is the result of a pilot project, led by

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St Helens Council Arts and Music Services and Curious Minds – a charity which champions creative and cultural education for children and young people across the North West region.

Artsmark registered schools in the town, supported by the Local Cultural Education Partnership, will be encouraged to build and strengthen new and existing partnerships as they continue their developmental journey.

The latest accolade tops off an excellent year for St Helens Council’s Arts and Culture Service after its Cultural Hubs – Arts in Libraries programme was crowned the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded arts project in August 2016. This recently led to the council’s library service securing

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Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation status, which came with £440,000 worth of funding over the next four years.

Commenting on the achievement, St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for arts and culture, Councillor Gill Neal said: “We are elated to receive Artsmark Town status which is a great testimony to the hundreds of talented young people in the borough who are socially engaged in the arts.

“The council has a stated ambition to become a national centre of excellence for arts and cultural practice – and this recognition is yet another feather in our cap and string to our bow as we look to achieve this.”

News

Councillor secures artefacts from Haydock’s proud history A Haydock ward councillor has spoken of his delight at securing pieces of local history, after a 130-yearold foundation stone, entrance arch and a time capsule, were given back to St Helens Council.

Councillor Martin Bond held successful discussions with the land owner of the former Haydock Cottage Hospital in Clipsley Lane to claim possession of an entrance arch, a foundation stone, and a glass bottle time capsule from the opening day of the hospital – which contains hospital documents and copies of local newspapers.

Opened on 7 August, 1886, Haydock Cottage Hospital was built on land donated by Lord Newton. The colliers of Haydock raised the princely sum of £290 by a halfpenny a week from their wages and in consideration, the committee decided that the miners of Haydock, Parr and Pewfall could be treated free of charge.

Official records state that Florence Nightingale – widely considered the founder of modern nursing – requested copies of the hospital plan on which to give feedback. In a letter dated 10 June, 1885 she made observations on every detail and also suggested a number of improvements to the hospital, which got her overall

approval.

Following several local colliery closures – coupled with new safety measures imposed on colliery owners by the Coal Mines Act which reduced accidents – the hospital was eventually opened up to all citizens from Haydock and surrounding areas in 1930 until its closure in 1975.

The artefacts were included in the sale of the land to the

current owner, who, after discussions with Councillor Bond, agreed to donate them to St Helens Council to be permanently displayed in Haydock.

Councillor Bond said: “I come from a mining family and am profoundly conscious of what we owe to our forebears, who put life and limb at risk every day of their working lives.

“Now that the pit heads have

gone, the time capsule and decorative masonry from the Cottage Hospital will take pride of place in Haydock, so that future generations can learn the story of how and why the hospital came into being.”

The time capsule will remain on display at Haydock Library – while the foundation stone and entrance arch will soon be installed on Clipsley Lane, Haydock for posterity.

Historic turnpike milestones preserved

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wo historic local milestones have been moved to new homes in the borough’s parks thanks to a partnership between the NHS, St Helens Council and a local history group.

The 1.22m (4 feet) high sandstone posts, which have flanked the entrance to the former Cowley Hill health facility on Balker Drive for many years, have been relocated to two local parks by the council – which is funding the project.

The milestones are made from sandstone extracted from one of the many former quarries around St Helens. The turnpike road where they were originally placed is one of the oldest in the country, dating from 1753 – now the A58.

It is not known how the milestones came to be

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at Balker Drive, but they have now been donated to the council after a successful request by the local branch of the Milestone Society to keep them in public ownership – and on public display.

The milestones have permanent new homes in Victoria Park and Taylor Park, which are as close as is practically possible to their original locations.

With the 150th anniversary of St Helens as a borough next year, the recovery and preservation of the milestones is a timely reminder of the town’s industrial past.

The inscriptions on the milestones, which are unusually well-preserved and still legible today, would have told travelers and traders the way and the distance to St Helens, Ashton, Prescot and Liverpool.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature

Register Office to relocate S t Helens’ Register Office will soon move from its premises off College Street to the Town Hall, bringing some important changes.

The service will officially open its doors at the Town Hall on Thursday 14 December 2017 to register births, deaths and marriages. The service will not be interrupted by the transition.

It’ll be more accessible, in a central location in the town centre, and we’re refurbishing the town hall’s ceremony rooms to offer improved facilities for those looking for elegant weddings.

Read on to find out more about each service the register office provides.

Registering births and deaths In England and Wales all births must be registered within 42 days, and deaths within 5 days. St Helens’ Register Office can register births and deaths that occur in the borough, and offer advice for those that occur elsewhere.

Registering of births and deaths is done by appointment by calling the council’s Contact Centre on 01744 676789.

Notice of marriage or civil partnership Couples who wish to marry or form a civil partnership, and who live in St Helens must

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make an appointment to see the Superintendent Registrar for St Helens regardless of where the ceremony is taking place, with the exception of Church of England weddings.

Ceremonies at the Town Hall The newly refurbished ceremony room can hold up to 60 guests and is available Monday to Saturday. For larger parties the Council Chamber, with its historic décor, will comfortably accommodate up to 100, available on Fridays and Saturdays up to 5:30pm.

For those couples who just want to keep things low key, there is also the statutory register office ceremony room suitable for four people, which is available Monday to Thursday at 9:30am.

Considering the Town Hall as your ceremony venue? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a viewing on 01744 676789.

Renewal of Vows and naming Ceremonies You can also use the Town Hall to celebrate a milestone in your life. Perhaps you’ve reached your Silver Wedding Anniversary, or your marriage has come through a tough time, or maybe you married abroad and now wish all your family and friends to see you celebrate

www.sthelens.gov.uk

your love with a Renewal of Vows?

The register office also offers a Naming Ceremony which is a non-legal way of giving your child a name and celebrating their life with all your family and friends.

Both types of ceremony celebration can be held in the newly refurbished ceremony room at the Town Hall.

Certificate Services Did you know you can obtain certificates from the register office within the Town Hall or online? All successful applications will be posted out to the customer within five working days, or there’s a fast-track priority service.

It’s a great way of exploring your ancestry, with family history records at the register office dating back from the present day to 1837.

British Citizenship St Helens Town Hall hosts monthly Citizenship Ceremonies for candidates who are obtaining British Nationality we also offer a Private Citizenship Ceremony for those who do not wish to attend a group ceremony.

For more information on our services and what is available to book on-line please visit www.sthelens.gov.uk.

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HIGH and dry S

ince local authorities have become responsible for managing flood risk, St Helens Council has over the last five years been working to reduce flooding and the devastating impact it can have on homes and businesses.

Within the Environment Agency’s (EA) ‘Mersey sub-catchment’, St Helens generally has a low flood risk rating, but there are some well-known local hotspots that the council has been working to address, with support from grant funding partners the EA and Department for Communities and Local Government.

Cabinet Member for Green, Smart and Sustainable Borough, Councillor Terry Shields, said: “The council takes a risk-based approach to flood management to achieve the best results possible using the budget and resources available.

“Flooding is a part of nature, and it’s neither technically feasible nor economically viable to prevent all flooding, but we will continue working to reduce both the likelihood of flooding and the impacts of a flood when it happens.”

Informing residents and businesses about potential flooding is vital, as it gives them time to prepare. The council encourages those in at-risk areas to make a flood plan, so that they

TOP: Automatic flood barriers at Peasley Cross ABOVE LEFT: Opening up part of the infilled Sankey Canal to slow and store flood water (before) ABOVE RIGHT: Sankey Canal naturalised (after)

are ready if the warning comes.

Find out the risks of flooding in your area, and what to do in the event of a flood, by searching “flooding” at www.gov.uk.

Councillor Shields added: “Given that flood defences in urban areas have been provided in a piecemeal way as our budget and grant funding allows (see ‘Slowing the flow’), a key challenge is to work with partners to improve standards where failures are occurring, together with complementary flood warning arrangements. In rural areas the emphasis is on harnessing natural processes, promoting biodiversity and working with the agricultural sector.”

Nevertheless, there remains an element of unpredictability in flood risk due to climate change; with increased rainfall filling watercourses to bursting point, and increasing the likelihood of surface water flooding.

“Severe rainfall has caused widespread flooding in the UK in recent years; notably in North West England in the winter of 2015-16 and in the south east in 201314, and we’ve not been immune to that,” said Councillor Shields.

“Flooding has increased in the borough in recent years; storms are more frequent and more torrential, so we are committed to reducing flood risk here in St Helens.”

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Slowing the flow

Key areas addressed include: •

Peasley Cross Lane at the railway bridge adjacent to St Helens RFC Stadium is a notorious flood hazard. Indeed there have been several incidents of vehicles becoming trapped in water, despite the presence of warning signs. Unfortunately the road level is below that of the flood level of the adjacent Hardshaw Brook, making it impossible to prevent flooding in certain conditions. Automatic flood barriers have now been installed on both sides of the bridge, complementing the new and improved automatic warning signs, to prevent road users from driving through in severe flood conditions.

•

Beech Gardens, Rainford was the scene of extensive flooding on Boxing Day 2015. Here, a public footbridge has been removed and replaced in a raised position and utility pipes have been diverted to prevent rubbish blocking the flow of Rainford Brook.

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Natural “debris dams” have been created in the rural Stanley Bank Valley to reduce flood flows and remove phosphates from flood water, creating a more hospitable environment for wildlife.

•

Several locks on the historic Sankey Canal – previously filled in decades ago – have been opened up for water and reed beds along the watercourse have been improved for natural flood storage (see photos above).

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18 properties have received Property Level Protection Grants to improve the flood resilience of their properties. These measures range from specialised flood doors, air brick modifications, internal remodelling and external drainage pipes.

•

We have partnered with our long-standing environmental allies, Mersey Forest, on their “Slow the Flow” project. Landowners across the Sankey Valley catchment are being encouraged to introduce mass tree planting, with case studies across the country demonstrating the important role forestry has in reducing flooding.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature

New era dawns at S

eptember saw the beginning of a new era at De La Salle, as new head teacher Andy Rannard took the reins, tasked with improving and growing the school.

Andy’s excitement for his new role as De La Salle’s leader is evident. “De La Salle is one of those great schools that everybody has either attended or had a family member attend,” Andy said. “I have been overwhelmed by the dedication and commitment from staff, students and parents. There have been so many changes and improvements made over the past year and the school is now ready to make its journey to being an outstanding school.”

Clear vision

M

r Rannard, who has 21 years’ experience in education, is clear in his ambitions for the Eccleston school, stating: “I want it to be a school with very

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high standards, where staff and students feel challenged, valued, confident and happy.

Where personal ambition is high and people are seen as individuals, with their own hopes and dreams. And of course all of this wrapped within the Lasallian values that underpin our work and help make the school such a close and caring community.”

“My experience so far has taught me the importance of getting the basics right. In other words, getting well behaved students into well planned, resourced and delivered lessons with valued and motivated teachers.”

His ambitions go much further than this though, with the former acting head teacher of Liverpool’s Notre Dame Catholic College wanting to build on the wonderful experiences that the students already have, to ensure that De La Salle has a world-class extra-curricular offer.

This involves celebrating art and sport, which are already strong, but also building up the performing arts, strengthening the science,

www.sthelens.gov.uk

technology and maths offer beyond the classroom and, as a Lasallian school, giving students meaningful opportunities to put their faith into action.

The improvements at De La Salle have been a team effort, with the school receiving support from St Helens Council and the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Andy added: “To have such strong and effective support has really been a shot in the arm for the school and something the whole community is grateful for. However, the school is now ready to take the lead on its journey to becoming an outstanding school.”

Recently the school welcomed a full inspection by Ofsted that brought De La Salle out of special measures to requires improvement, recognising the hard work done to drive up standards of teaching, behaviour and leadership across the school over the past two years. The report also gave particular mention to the very good levels of student behaviour across the school and the

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De La Salle outstanding use of assessment to drive student progress.

Strong performance

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his year De La Salle pupils achieved their highest grades ever with eight students achieving the highest possible Grade 9 score under the new GCSE system. And this success was not limited to the highest performing students, as the school has also reduced the performance gap between disadvantaged students, SEN students, looked after children and their peers.

“It was very pleasing to see so many students hit such heights of academic achievement,” said Mr Rannard, “but for us as a school, it is the progress of all students that matters, regardless of their starting point.”

While performance in the core subjects was

strong, the school’s commitment to the arts has also been reflected by excellent results in subjects such as art, dance, music and photography.

Students who had a particularly good results day included Sadie O’Hanlon (3 grade 8s and 8 A/A*), Edward Hodgson (2 grade 9s and 8 A/A*) , Tom Gill (1 grade 9, 1 grade 7 and 6 A*) and Chloe McGrath (1 grade 8, 2 grade 7 and 6 A/A*).

The results are testimony to the hard work of De La Salle students, staff and parents – and underline the school’s determination to help every student achieve the highest possible standards. Many will now progress on to their career choices, or go on to further education.

Want to learn more? Call the school to arrange a meeting and a tour with the head teacher.

Call 01744 20511 or visit www. delasalle.st-helens.sch.uk

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Autism matters

D

e La Salle is home to St Helens’ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support Centre. This provides places for up to 20 students with ASD combining access to a mainstream education alongside specialist teachers, teaching assistants and resources including a sensory room, reflection garden and its own kitchen where students are taught basic household skills.

Mr Rannard believes the ASD Support Centre is a great addition to the school. “It allows students with ASD to have a ‘normal’ education whilst still receiving specialist support. This not only helps the students in the centre but raises awareness of autism amongst the rest of the school who are very accepting and supportive.”

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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Feature

Making young voices heard Students expound the great opportunities open to them through the St Helens Youth Council

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wo local college students have spoken of their pride in being involved with the St Helens Youth Council – and are calling on others to join in to ensure young voices in the borough continue to be heard.

For just under two years, Edward Hodgson and Sam McQuiggan have sat on the St Helens Youth Council, acting as Chair and Deputy Chair respectively, which has seen them take part in projects such as the Make Your Mark national youth vote – and more recently, a live art movement where a piece of creative writing to begin the development of a children’s charter in St Helens was presented to St Helens Council.

“The connections and experiences that being Deputy Chair of the Youth Council have provided me with have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said 17-year-old Sam from Eccleston.

“Our council is still in its development stages,

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yet we have already been involved in some fantastic projects and are already looking towards the future in terms of publishing a manifesto and attending conferences.”

Edward added: “We have learned an incredible amount about the immense value of the voices of all young people in St Helens, and now truly appreciate just how powerful all of our voices have the potential to be.

“Both of us have been involved with the Youth Council for just under two years now, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!”

The pair, who both attend Carmel College have been involved with the Youth Council since it was first introduced by St Helens Council In March 2016 as a way of getting young people to work alongside council members and officers on matters important to them.

The Youth Council regularly participates in discussions and debates surrounding topics

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that relate to agenda objectives, and have been invited on more than one occasion to offer input and advice to senior St Helens councillors, a moment Sam described as an “experience in itself.”

“We would definitely encourage any young person in the borough to join the Youth Council, concluded Edward. “It gives young people the chance to experience and be involved in democracy far earlier than usual.

“Ultimately, if a young person wishes to engage in democracy and have their say while meeting new people, the St Helens Youth Council will provide them with an experience unlike any other.”

For more information or to get involved with the St Helens Youth Council, email juliedunning@sthelens.gov.uk or nazianabia@sthelens.gov.uk

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Stay warm and well this winter

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inter is upon us and while for most people it’s just a matter of turning the up the heating, for some it can be far more dangerous. Elderly, infirm, young children and vulnerable people are at risk when the temperature starts to drop.

Being too cold can cause serious problems for your breathing if you have a bad chest. Sitting for long periods in a cold home can put pressure on your heart and blood circulation too – leading to very serious problems such heart attacks and strokes.

Winter Warmer packs St Helens Council and Age UK Mid Mersey don’t want to see anyone struggle this winter and are once again distributing free Winter Warmer packs to vulnerable people across the borough. Head down to a local library in November to collect your pack, which includes some handy winter essentials and a 2018 calendar.

• Friday 24 November, • Thursday 16 November, 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – Eccleston Library Rainford Library • Monday 27 November, • Friday 17 November, 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – Haydock Library Billinge Library • Monday 20 November, • Wednesday 29 November, 10:15am-12:15pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – Newton-le-Willows Library Thatto Heath Library • Tuesday 21 November, • Thursday 30 November, 1:30pm-3:30pm – 1:30pm-3:30pm Peter Street Library Moss Bank Library • Thursday 23 November, • Friday 1 December, 1:30pm-3.30pm – 10:15am-12:15pm – Garswood Library Rainhill Library

BRITISH GAS CUSTOMER NOTICE Warm Home Discount At the beginning of September there was an error with the British Gas online application process for the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Qualifying customers may have been advised they did not qualify.

If this has happened to you and you think you qualify please contact the Save Energy Advice Line on 0800 043 0151 who will advise you if you qualify and help you apply for the discount.

Your go-to for Home Improvements!

St Helens Council’s Home Improvement Agency specialises in ensuring your home meet your needs.

With a wealth of knowledge, advice and home improvement services, its particular focus is helping elderly and vulnerable residents live independently in their own home for longer,

but it also offers a comprehensive range of services to all St Helens residents.

Whether it’s for you, a relative, or a friend, contact the team for free advice or a competitive quote. Call 01744 676555, email homeimprovementagency@sthelens.gov.uk or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/hia

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TOP TIPS:

• •

•

• •

• •

•

Get your flu vaccination.

If you’re eligible, it’s free!

Keep an eye on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold.

Check whether you meet the criteria and register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.

Have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and keep active.

Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bill Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly.

Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer and when you go outside wear shoes with good grip and slip resistant soles.

Call the St Helens Cold Weather Advice Line on 08000 355 878 for further help with keeping warm.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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News

It’s Okay to Talk

ABOVE: The events were supported by St Helens Mayor and Mayoress, as well as members of the Wargrave Big Local community group (pictured), which funded the Men vs. Mood project in Wargrave.

Two mental health awareness raising events held in the town centre over the last few months have proved highly successful, with over a thousand conversations recorded about mental health and wellbeing.

Between them, a Suicide Prevention Day event – held in September – and a World Mental Health Day event last month achieved around 1,300 conversations.

Residents were able to have a cup of tea

and a chat, and access a number of council services and external partners, including the council’s Ways to Work programme, and local drug and alcohol treatment service, Change, Grow, Live (CGL).

The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Joe Pearson and wife Sylvia, who for their mayoral year are supporting local mental health charity St Helens Mind, showed their support at both events.

For more information on mental health and wellbeing support available in St Helens, please email publichealth@sthelens.gov.uk St Helens Mind urgently needs volunteers aged 18 and above to help support people as befrienders for a couple of hours a week and to help the social groups run smoothly.

Contact the St Helens Mind team on 01744 647089 or by email at admin@sthelensmind. org.uk for details.

Tamsin speaks out about mental health A

St Helens resident has shared her own personal story with St Helens First about her battle with mental health.

For over 10 years, 34-year-old Tamsin Mckie from Thatto Health has suffered from anxiety and depression which resulted in her becoming housebound for several weeks – and more distressingly, has led to a number of suicide attempts.

In a very personal piece of writing produced at a St Helens Adult and Community Learning class, her story #NoFilter covers

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all aspects of mental health that are often invisible to the eye.

“It took a lot of emotion and heartache to type my feelings up on a keyboard,” Tamsin admitted, “but once you’ve hit rock bottom, your only option is to reach for the stars that you can see in the distance. Thanks to a number of local charities and projects in St Helens, including St Helens Mind and Creative Alternatives, I’m pleased to say that I’m a success story.”

Tamsin, who runs a fortnightly creative writing workshop on a

St Helens First | Winter 2017 |

www.sthelens.gov.uk

Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm at the United Reformed Church in Ormskirk Street, hopes to get #NoFilter published to support others in dealing with mental health.

Tamsin said: “I still have good days and bad days, so I’m by no means one hundred percent, but the message I would like to get out to anyone in a dark place emotionally is that they don’t have to go through their problems alone.

“There is light at the end of even the darkest tunnels through a

number of services available in the borough to help you achieve a healthier frame of mind – believe me.”

You can read #NoFilter by visiting Tasmin’s Wordpress page: www.tamsinmckie.wordpress.com For information on mental health and wellbeing support available in St Helens, please email publichealth@sthelens.gov.uk and for details on adult learning, email adultlearning@sthelens. gov.uk

News

Councillor’s life-saving campaign continues A

n Eccleston ward councillor has been campaigning with local people to install defibrillators in the area’s community hubs.

Councillor Michael Haw set up the charitable ‘HeartBeat’ campaign after losing his cousin Chris Haw, aged 25, to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2006 – a rare condition that affects the heart.

With the support of many local people and community groups like Rainhill Rotary Club, Eccleston Maths Centre and Lester Drive Centre, the life-saving equipment has been installed in key places in and around Eccleston, including Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston Park Tennis Club, Tunza Pride Charity Centre and One Stop store on Walmesley Road.

Michael said: “This is something that I feel passionately about and I am absolutely delighted that defibrillators have been installed at various locations across the local area. Over the next few months I will be working hard to ensure that more life-saving defibrillators are installed.”

ABOVE: Cllr Haw (third from left) with Eccleston residents.

North West Ambulance Service has carried out CPR and defibrillation training with people living nearby, and those who staff and use the centres.

According to the British Heart

Protect yourself and loved ones against flu Health leaders in St Helens are encouraging those at risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu to get themselves protected by getting their free flu jab.

Those at greatest risk include people aged 65 and over, those who have a long term health condition, those with a weakened immune system, residents of long-stay care homes, carers and pregnant women.

Building on the success of last year, children aged 2-3 are being offered a free nasal spray from their GP to protect them against flu and children in reception and school years 1, 2, 3 and 4 will

be offered the nasal spray at school.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Gill Neal added: “Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and sometimes severely. The most effective way to help protect yourself and your loved ones against flu is to get vaccinated. For most children it is not even an injection, it’s just a quick, easy and painless nasal spray.”

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs. uk/flu

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Foundation, 60,000 people die every year in the UK from cardiac arrest and survival chances for cardiac arrest victims reduce by 10 per cent every minute without CPR and defibrillation.

Anyone wishing to donate to the purchase of a defibrillator as part of the ‘HeartBeat’ campaign can contact Michael at cllrmhaw@ sthelens.gov.uk or 07837 759 432.

Clampdown on littered drug paraphernalia You may have read in the local press recently about sightings of drug paraphernalia across the borough, particularly in the town centre.

St Helens Council has set a high priority on the safe and swift removal of hazardous items found on public land, with beat sweepers equipped with needle boxes to ensure the safe and speedy removal of any littered paraphernalia.

Checks at known hotspots are also carried out by members of our Community Safety team, who report any findings immediately via the council’s free mobile app for quick removal.

However, we cannot act if we are

not aware – so you too can play an important role in the rapid removal of drug paraphernalia by bringing any incidents to our attention.

If you come across drug paraphernalia – which can be discarded syringes and any materials associated with drugs – do not touch it and make a report straight away by calling our contact centre on 01744 676789, or via our website at www.sthelens.gov.uk/ report-a-problem Alternatively this can be done through our free mobile app which has a dedicated function for reporting littered drug equipment.

Simply search ‘St Helens’ in your respective app store to download.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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News

Travel smart and safe over festive season S t Helens Council is urging residents to travel smart and safe when using taxis over the festive season.

When it’s cold and dark or it’s the end of that big night out, it can be easy to think more about getting home quickly or cheaply than staying safe while doing so. But remembering these simple tips can help get you home safely before you know it, and without breaking the bank.

Always get a licensed vehicle home. There are over 500 licensed vehicles in St Helens and they aren’t as expensive as you might think – especially if you share the

fare with friends! Go to or call a licensed taxi operator, or go to a designated taxi rank where only black cabs are allowed to wait. Never walk home alone, and be careful how much you drink – some people tend to drink more alcohol in celebration at this time of year, but you should always be able to make clear decisions about your safety.

To avoid disappointment or waiting in the cold, it’s best to pre-book your taxi when travelling during busy operating hours, particularly over the festive season when extra demands are placed on the service.

Fancy a drink? Know the law

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t Helens Council is supporting a regional awareness campaign this winter about the alcohol laws some people forget. DrinkLessEnjoyMore reminds people that it is illegal to serve someone who is drunk and it is illegal to buy a drink for someone who is drunk.

The campaign is running in nine local authority areas across Merseyside,

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Cheshire and Chester in an effort to reduce people’s drinking levels before and while visiting town and city centres.

What does this mean for you? If you are drunk, you could be refused service at a bar or club, and if you buy a drink for someone who is drunk you personally could be fined £1,000.

Merseyside Police are actively

www.sthelens.gov.uk

enforcing these laws across the region and in St Helens, where bar staff have been engaged in the awareness campaign, and cautionary posters, beer mats and bar runners are being display Reduce the chances of your night getting cut short.

For more information visit www.drinklessenjoymore.co.uk

Feature

5ive will make you get down to St Helens

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t Helens Council has announced the acts for this year’s Christmas lights switch on event which are sure to ‘make you get down’ to Victoria Square on Saturday 18 November.

Nineties boyband 5ive will headline this year’s show which is once again expected to attract thousands of visitors to the town centre.

The ‘Keep on Movin’ stars will be joined by a host of local talent including Over the Rainbow competition winners Broad Oak Primary School Choir; up-andcoming acoustic guitarist, Matty Lamb; charity choir, the Choir With No Name - plus lots more.

The event, compered by Radio City 96.7, will also see interviews

with some of the town’s most influential and inspirational figures, including members of the St Helens RFC team; young George Mathias from Eccleston, named Pride of Britain’s Young Fundraiser of the Year; and Rainford’s Chris Lamb, founder of the nationally-recognised Chocolate Orange Challenge Gary Maddock, St Helens Council’s Town Centre Manager said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch on promises to be an absolute cracker, featuring the very best local and regional talent, plus amazing national acts.

“We’ve managed to put together an excellent night of entertainment for all the family to enjoy - so why not come along to Victoria Square on Saturday 18

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November for a sing and a dance, and celebrate the countdown to Christmas in style!”

Visitors are being urged to arrive at the event in plenty of time before it gets underway at 4pm.

Meanwhile, even more events have been planned in the town centre during the run up to Christmas.

On Saturday 2 December, Star Wars fans will have the chance to meet their favourite characters when they land in Church Square from a galaxy far, far away –while on the following Saturday, Phoenix Apparel’s popular Christmas Vintage Fair returns to St Helens Town Hall.

Over at St Mary’s Market that day, the countdown to Christmas will

commence with an annual lights switch on event.

Then on Sunday 17 December between 12noon and 4pm, Santa himself will be in Church Square accompanied by his reindeer – and Elvis the Elf will be telling stories from within a giant snow globe.

For public transport enquiries, contact the Merseytravel Traveline on 0151 236 7676 or visit www. merseytravel.gov.uk For regular events updates, ‘like’ www. facebook.com/ whatsoninsthelens - or follow @ whatsoninsthelens on Twitter.

You can also find out what’s happening in St Helens over the coming months on pages 30-31.

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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St Helens Council’s community magazine

Winter 2017

What’s on

November

December

CULTURAL HUBS: NO PETTICOATS HERE Friday 17 November – 5pm & 7:30pm Eccleston Library www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Every Tuesday in December – 3:30pm to 4:30pm Thatto Heath Library

LUCEM HOUSE MEMBERS’ CHOICE: MANCHESTER BY THE SEA Friday 17 November – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS GIN FESTIVAL Friday 1 – 2 December St Helens Town Hall www.skiddle.com

THE SALON Tuesday 21 November St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com HONEYROSE FOUNDATION’S TEA DANCE Friday 24 November – 2pm to 4pm Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham Street, WA10 1SA Tickets £4 For more information or to book tickets, call the office on 01744 451919 or Lynn Duffy on 07838238309 ST HELENS BEER FESTIVAL Friday 24 – 25 November St Helens Town Hall BETFAIR CHASE DAY Saturday 25 November Haydock Park Racecourse http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WITH THE RANGERS Sunday 26 November – 10am St Helens Crematorium CRAFTY CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sunday 26 November – 10:30am to 3pm Mansion House www.ageukmidmersey.org.uk CHILL & CHAT – CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Wednesday 29 November – 2pm to 3pm Garswood Library ADULT CRAFTS SESSION Thursday 30 November – 10:30am to 12pm Billinge Library

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CULT CLASSICS: ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE Wednesday 6 December – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk

TAKE2FILMSINTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME: IN MY FATHER’S DEN Friday 1 December – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk RAINFORD CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 2 December – 11am to 3pm Church Road CULTURAL HUBS: ANOTHER WINTERY TALE Saturday 2 December – 11am & 1pm Newton-le-Willows Library www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk WILLOWBROOK’S MAGIC MARKET Saturday 2 December Living Well, Borough Road, WA10 3PN STAR WARS CHARACTER VISIT Saturday 2 December – 11am to 3pm Church Square HONEYROSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH KIERA WEATHERS Saturday 2 December – 7:30pm to midnight Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham Street, WA10 1SA Tickets £25 For more information or to book tickets, call the office on 01744 451919 or Lynn Duffy on 07838238309 SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES Saturday 2 December – 7 January St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com MEMORY LANE MOVIES: CASABLANCA Wednesday 6 December – 2:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk

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A special birthday celebration of Len “Banana” Saunders’ life will be held on 7 December at Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ LEN BANANA DAY Thursday 7 December Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk END OF SEASON CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SCREENING: SCROOGE Thursday December – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk JIMMY CARR Thursday 7 December St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com SANTA’S GROTTO Thursday 7 – 14 December Wishes Function Room, Radiant House Cotham Street, WA10 1SA £10 a child CHRISTMAS VINTAGE FAIR Saturday 9 December – 10am to 4pm St Helens Town Hall LIGHT UP A LIFE Wednesday 13 December St Mary’s Lowe House Church

Plenty going on at Lucem house Community Cinema Plus+ this winter MAKE A DIFFERENCE FRIDAY Friday 15 December - 9am to 12pm A coming together of local charities.

St Helens Town Hall ST HELENS YOUTH BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS SHOW Friday 15 December St Helens Town Hall FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 16 December St Mary’s Market SANTA WEEKEND Saturday 16 – 17 December North West Museum of Road Transport www.nwmort.co.uk SANTA & REINDEERS Sunday 17 December – 11am to 3pm Church Square CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 23 December – 2pm Chester Lane Library TOMMY WHITTLE CHASE DAY Saturday 23 December Haydock Park Racecourse http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 23 December St Mary’s Market THE LAST FLING Saturday 30 December Haydock Park Racecourse http://haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk/

January REFLECTION ON WAR: DAS BOOT 13 January – 2:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk ALLADINSANE Saturday 27 January The Citadel www.citadel.org.uk DANCE TO THE MUSIC Wednesday 31 January St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

February TAKE2FILMS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME: EL OLIVIO (THE OLIVE TREE) Friday 2 February – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk MEMORY LANE MOVIES: AN INSPECTOR CALLS Wednesday 7 February – 2:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk CULT CLASSICS: DEATH RIDES A HORSE Wednesday 7 February – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk ROY G HEMMINGS – HITS OF MOTOWN Friday 9 February St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com REFLECTIONS ON WAR: JACOB’S LADDER Saturday 10 February – 2:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk THE WIZARD OF OZ Tuesday 13 February St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com LUCEM HOUSE MEMBERS’ CHOICE: LA HAINE Friday 16 February – 7:30pm Lucem House Community Cinema Plus+ www.lucemhouse.co.uk THE LANCASHIRE HOTPOTS Saturday 17 February The Citadel www.citadel.org.uk MILTON JONES IS OUT THERE Thursday 22 February St Helens Theatre Royal www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com TELETUBBIES LIVE Sunday 24 February St Helens Theatre Royal

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENTS ST HELENS TOWN CENTRE Saturday 18 November – 4:30pm to 7pm Victoria Square EARLESTOWN Sunday 19 November – 12:00pm to 6pm (switch on at 5pm) PEASLEY CROSS Tuesday 21 November – 3:30pm to 4pm FINGERPOST Thursday 23 November – 3:30pm to 4pm RAINHILL Friday 24 November – 4pm to 4:30pm HAYDOCK Friday 24 November – 5pm to 7pm NEW BOLD Saturday 25 November – 2pm to 6pm (switch on at 5pm) WINDLE/DENTON’S GREEN Friday 1 December – 4:30pm to 5pm RAINFORD Saturday 2 December – 10am to 4pm (switch on at 11am) VICTORIA PARK CHRISTMAS TREE SWITCH ON Saturday 2 December – 1pm to 4pm (switch on at 4pm) NEWTON/WARGRAVE Sunday 3 December – 12pm to 6pm (switch on at 6pm) ECCLESTON/ECCLESTON PARK Thursday 7 December – 11am THATTO HEATH Friday 8 December – 3:30pm to 4pm BILLINGE Friday 8 December – 6pm to 6:30pm ST MARY’S MARKET Saturday 9 December – 11am to 4pm (switch on at 12pm) For more events and details, and regular updates, like our facebook.com/whatsoninsthelens page, and follow us on Twitter @ whatsonsthelens

@sthelenscouncil | Winter 2017 | St Helens First

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