Tyler Shaw - Woman on the Moon

 

Three Days Grace - Kill Me Fast

 

New Forensic Science Regulator appointed for England and Wales

The regulator ensures that the highest standards in forensic science are met across the criminal justice system.

Dr Marc Bailey has been appointed as the Forensic Science Regulator for England and Wales.

Dr Bailey is a scientist who has significant regulatory experience. He has held multiple roles within the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and led international research in quality systems and standardisation, including whilst working at the National Physical Laboratory.

The Forensic Science Regulator is responsible for ensuring that the provision of forensic science services across England and Wales meet the highest standards of quality and integrity. This includes assessing compliance, providing advice to ministers, setting quality standards and ensuring that all forensic science providers adhere to these standards.

Dr Bailey will work closely with the police, forensic science providers and the legal profession to ensure that forensic science in England and Wales remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability.

Dr Bailey will officially assume his duties after Gary Pugh’s term concludes on 25 July 2025.

Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

Dr Bailey is going to bring a wealth of experience and expertise as the new Forensic Science Regulator.

This pivotal role is essential in ensuring the highest standards of forensic science are upheld.

By setting rigorous standards and providing robust oversight, the Forensic Science Regulator will continue to ensure that forensic science supports the work of the police, allowing them to investigate crimes and bring justice for victims.

I’d like to thank Gary Pugh for his previous work in this role.

Dr Bailey said:

I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Forensic Science Regulator.

I look forward to enacting and developing the regulation of Forensic Science and working with the team that support my role to ensure that the criminal justice system has full confidence in forensic science evidence.

 

Survey shows Bootle businesses keen to work with council & Everton FC to boost towns matchday appeal

Businesses in Bootle are keen to work with Sefton Council and Everton FC to boost the town’s matchday appeal.

Feedback from the Council’s recent business impact survey showed that almost all local businesses (98%) are aware of the new stadium and the significant opportunities it could bring to Bootle. Three quarters of those who took part also knew about the dedicated shuttle bus service running before and after matches between the Strand Bus Station and the stadium.

Business Plans to Capitalise on Matchdays

Many of the businesses consulted said they are planning to extend opening hours and introduce special matchday offers. This included themed food and drink, and other promotions to attract supporters and visitors.

Sefton Council carried out the survey in partnership with Everton Football Club and Hill Dickinson Stadium, to help understand the opportunities and potential impacts the new stadium development for Bootle. 

Ensuring Local Businesses Benfit from Major Investment 

Since the stadium project began, Sefton Council has been working closely with Everton FC, Liverpool City Council and Merseytravel to ensure local businesses and communities can benefit fully from this major investment. Following two successful test events at the new stadium, with a further match planned for Saturday 9th August, the Council invited businesses in Bootle to share their views through an online survey. 

The survey was led by InvestSefton, the Council’s dedicated business support team. It asked businesses about key issues including transport, parking, themed events and fan zones at Salt and Tar and Lock and Quay and the expected increase in visitor footfall on match days. Officers also spoke directly with retailers, business owners and social trading organisations in Bootle Strand and along the Stanley Road corridor. 

In response to the feedback, Sefton Council has confirmed it will continue to improve directional signage to car parks and public transport links. It will also monitor the use of parking and shuttle bus services, and provide businesses with practical support around recruitment, marketing and planning for matchday trade. 

Salt and Tar Highlighted as Key Venue

The Salt and Tar event space next to Bootle Strand has been highlighted as a key location for fan engagement and themed activities. Regular shuttle buses from Bootle Strand ensure it is easy for fans to travel to and from the stadium.

Council officers are already in discussions with Everton FC and Merseytravel to develop further local business opportunities and events linked to the transport hub and nearby parking. 

Councillor Marion Atkison, Leader of Sefton Council, said: 
“Everton’s new stadium is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Bootle.

“These findings show there is real optimism and ambition among our local businesses. We’re committed to working with our partners to make sure this development delivers lasting economic and social benefits for our communities.” 

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said: 

“This survey has given us a clear picture of how local businesses see the opportunities ahead.

“It’s a great starting point as we work to boost business growth and make sure Bootle benefits fully from this investment. This is only the beginning, we will keep listening to our businesses and residents so everyone can help shape what could be very exciting times for Bootle.” 

Councillor Liz Dowd, Chair of Sefton’s Public Engagement Panel, added: 
“We really appreciate the time our businesses have taken to share their views. This feedback is crucial as we shape future plans that bring long-term benefits to Bootle.” 

Where to Find Full Survey Results

To read the full survey findings, you should visit  We Asked, You Said, We Did - Sefton Council - Citizen Space

Sefton Council trials new eco-friendly electric sweepers to keep our streets cleaner and greener

Cleaner streets

Sefton Council have trialled two brand-new LYNX Charge electric sweepers, to clean streets and pedestrian areas across the Borough. 

These state-of-the-art sweepers are the first fully electric models to be tested by the Council. Powered by large lithium-ion batteries, they can run for long periods without needing to recharge. 

Produce zero emissions

They produce zero emissions, helping to cut down on harmful local air pollution and helping the drive to a cleaner, greener Borough for everyone. 

Because they’re electric, they are much quieter than older models. This means less noise in residential areas and town centres. And, thanks to their compact size and excellent manoeuvrability, they can clean in tight locations such as narrow streets and busy pedestrian areas.   

18 petrol-powered cars off the road

Each electric sweeper typically operates 40 hours per week and saves about 30 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, which would be equivalent to taking at least 18 petrol-powered cars off the road every year.  

Reduce our impact

Cllr Peter Harvey, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said: 
“We’re proud to have trialled these new electric sweepers in Sefton. They help us explore ways to reduce our impact on the environment while making our street cleansing service quieter and more efficient for local people. 

“This trial is part of our wider commitment to keeping Sefton’s streets looking their best in a sustainable way. We’re always looking at new ways to protect our environment and improve life for residents, and this is just one of the many steps we’re taking to create a greener, cleaner Borough.” 

Moving away from traditional diesel-powered sweepers and reducing their carbon footprint is part of Sefton Council’s commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency. 

People can find out what the Council is doing to tackle climate change at www.sefton.gov.uk/climate. 

Southport’s picturesque promenade greenspaces set to shine this summer

Southport’s picturesque promenade greenspaces are set to shine this summer thanks to Sefton Council’s Tourism team and contractors.

Both Kings Gardens and Princes Park, which make up a significant part of the resort’s iconic seafront, have undergone a series of improvements in recent months ahead of a busy tourism season.

Victorian charm

In Kings Gardens, a range of restorative measures have been implemented to preserve the area's Victorian charm. These include power washing, patch painting and repairing all of the Gardens’ Victorian shelters.

Contractors are also busy repainting 160 decorative lighting columns, while vandalised lights on the Venetian Bridge have been replaced. And the Venetian Bridge itself is scheduled for patch-painting and timber repairs in August.

Protective treatments

Visitors to the gardens hoping to take a rest on a sunny bench will see they have recently undergone protective oil treatments and paint touch-ups as needed.

Meanwhile in nearby Princes Park essential maintenance has focused on improving public access and reducing anti-social behaviour. This has included the cutting back of overgrown shrubs along pathways.

Safety and enjoyment

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said: “We have listened to people visiting Kings Gardens and Princes Park who felt more needed to be done to enhance their safety and enjoyment.

 “Both greenspaces are key locations in Southport’s seafront experience and these enhancements are designed not only to preserve historic amenities but also to ensure they remain safe, accessible and enjoyable spaces for everyone to use.

 “These improvements will make Kings Gardens brighter, more welcoming and enjoyable, while Princes Park is now better protected from unauthorised vehicle access to ensure it remains a child friendly and family-focussed environment.”

Sefton's Cabinet give full backing to Southport Town Hall Gardens project

Sefton Council’s Cabinet have given their full support to the regeneration of Southport’s Town Hall gardens.

The historic space will be transformed into a family-friendly, child-orientated and safe open-air performance space as a lasting legacy and a “thank you” to the people of the town.

The regeneration project is being led by the families of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Da Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King, whose shared love of dance, music and the arts inspired a vision for a new multi-purpose and community-focused town square.

Funding for the project has already been secured thanks to a combined £10 million grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council.

The project will now be presented to an upcoming meeting of Full Council for formal approval of the Council’s funding contribution. 

The Town Hall gardens space has long been an integral part of Southport’s rich history but in 2024 it took on new meaning as a place of unity, healing, hope and remembrance.

Thousands gathered there for a community vigil and used it as a place to leave tributes and flowers for the victims of the tragedy, demonstrating the community’s strength in adversity.

Ahead of the full-scale transformation, temporary improvements have been made to the Town Hall Gardens space to enhance its appearance and atmosphere.

Floral planters were installed earlier this year to bring colour and vibrancy to the area during the Spring and Summer of 2025, creating a welcoming and uplifting space for visitors and residents alike, before works commence on the space in due course.

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said:  “A brand new multi-purpose space for joy, culture, and togetherness will reflect Elsie, Alice, and Bebe’s vibrancy in a beautifully positive way.

“The regeneration will create a dynamic, family-friendly stage for creativity, celebrating the love for dance and the arts that meant so much to the girls.

“This project is a thank you to the people of Southport—to everyone in the town, in Sefton and beyond who played their part, big or small, in bringing unity and hope to the town. It is incredible that the families have had this focus and vision, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to support them in fulfilling this ambition.”

The regeneration has the full backing of Sefton Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the UK Government and the Royal Family.

Public feedback will continue to shape the future of this project. An official and extensive consultation phase will launch later this year (2025). Stakeholder engagement, planning submission, funding confirmation and enabling works will follow, with community updates at each milestone.

This will give all residents and stakeholders the chance to share perspectives on the space.

More information and a full suite of Frequently Asked Questions about the project can be found via www.sefton.gov.uk/townhallgardens