Latest news with #BBCRadioMerseyside
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wedding bid blocked at 'dignified' coastal venue
A landmark described as "seemly and dignified" by planning inspectors has been denied permission to host weddings. Fort Perch Rock, a coastal defence in New Brighton which dates back to just after the Napoleonic wars, is home to a cafe bar, function rooms and exhibitions. Its owners wanted to use it to hold marriage ceremonies, but a lack of disabled access to its upper floors meant its bid was denied by Wirral Council. Owner Douglas Darroch told planners on Friday he "could have turned [it] into a casino or a strip club but that is disrespectful to the building", adding: "We are trying to find ways to generate cash to take the building forward." Mr Darroch added that people had asked in the past about using the venue for weddings. He said: "It's part of our business plan to bring life to the building which we are trying to do now... with the escape room, cafe, and the museum opening next year." Councillors raised concerns about the walkway into the fort, disability access and fire risk management. The building, which is 32 ft (9m) high, was completed in 1829 and is due to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its foundation stone being laid next year. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Wirral Council
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
No safeguards when kickboxer, 15, died
A 15-year-old three-time world kickboxing champion died from a severe traumatic brain injury after an unsanctioned fight which had no safeguards, a coroner has ruled. Alex Eastwood suddenly collapsed after the charity bout in Wigan against a 17-year-old opponent and died three days later, on 29 June last year. Coroner Michael Pemberton said the fight was unsanctioned and the safeguards that were meant to exist "simply didn't". He described the regulation of kickboxing as "chaotic and disjointed". Alex's family said the inquest had made clear his death was "not a tragic accident", but was "a failure of safeguarding and regulation". Mr Pemberton, who returned a finding of misadventure, had already taken the unusual step of writing a Prevention of Future Death Report airing his concerns about a lack of regulatory guidance in terms of any child combat sports. He said: "During the course of this hearing the evidence has reflected a chaotic and somewhat disjointed approach in which I'm not satisfied participants or parents are made fully aware of the risks that may ensue." Alex, who had just finished his GCSEs, fought three rounds at the TKMA Gym before becoming seriously unwell. The coroner said emergency services had done everything they could to try to save Alex. The coroner addressed the boy's parents who were in court, saying: "The circumstances of this tragic case have left many numb. "I'm sure there will be an encore of issues to seek changes on as part of his legacy." Mr Pemberton referred to the lack of pre-bout meeting between the fighters, referee and coaches to lay down the "ground rules" for the bout. He said: "The planning of the event and lack of risk assessment was sub-optimal in this regard." Outside the hearing, Alex's step-mother Nikita Eastwood said: "No child should go into a gym to do something they love and not come home. "What happened to him was not just a tragic accident - the inquest has made clear to us that it was a failure of safeguarding, of responsibility, and of regulation. "Alex died after a fight that we now see should never have happened." She added: "There was no national governing body involvement, and no clear or enforced safety standards. "His death must be a line in the sand so that these failures change. "We urge those in power to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the risk of this happening to another child. There must be clear, enforceable, national protections for children in combat sports." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Kickboxer, 15, 'fought man, 34, week before death' Kickboxer, 15, died after charity bout, inquest told Coroner's child kickboxer death warning Office of the Chief Coroner Children's Commissioner for England Department for Culture Media and Sport Kickboxing GB
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reform candidate expelled over social media posts
Reform UK has expelled its candidate in a Sefton council by-election after "unacceptable" comments surfaced on social media. The party confirmed it had removed its support for Irene Davidson, who was due to stand as a candidate in the Blundellsands by-election on 19 June. Davidson's X account has now been deleted. Some of the posts from Davidson's account, seen by the BBC, included a cartoon of King Charles labelled as a traitor, and calls for Islam to be "eradicated" from the UK. Despite being expelled from the party, Davidson will still appear on the ballot paper as Reform UK's candidate as the papers have already been printed. A spokesperson from Reform UK said Davidson had "failed to disclose her social media account to the vetting team". "As a result of her unacceptable comments she was swiftly expelled from the party and support for her candidacy has been withdrawn. "Reform UK is completely opposed to any form of discrimination." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charity launches fundraiser 'to make Pride happen'
A charity has launched a fundraising campaign to host an alternative Pride event in Liverpool after the annual celebration and march in the city was cancelled. LCR Pride announced last week that the march, due to take place in July, would no longer happen because of financial challenges. Ant Hopkinson, the chief executive of the Sahir House charity, said it had pledged to raise money to help facilitate an alternative event because "Liverpool deserves a Pride". "Pride is a protest, pride is a celebration. It means many things to different people," he "We've realised as a city that no one organisation should own and operate something like Pride." Mr Hopkinson said the charity had been approached by lots of "disappointed and concerned" people. He said a range of potential cash-generating ideas had been suggested but there was a "very significant challenge" of only seven weeks to arrange an event in time for July. "We have a list of aspirations - we are currently pulling together community stakeholders, partners and local people to see what's possible," he said. With ideas ranging from a rally and a peaceful march to a street festival, Mr Hopkinson said the community "would be at the heart of the plans". "Liverpool is all about community," he said. "Pride is owned by everyone. Let's have a Pride that centres around community. "The idea of working as a collective, as a collaborative of individuals and organisations, works much better and actually feels more Scouse and more authentic." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Liverpool Pride cancelled amid financial pressures Record crowds descend on city's Pride event Instagram: Sahir House
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to 'much loved' shop owner Mr Matta
Tributes have been paid to a "much loved" shop owner whose international food store became one of Liverpool's best-known independent outlets. Kirpal Matta founded Matta's International Foods in 1968 in Granby Street. The shop moved to Bold Street in 1984, where it has been a fixture ever since. Posting on social media, the store shared the "very sad news" that Mr Matta had died aged 84. "We know this news will come as a shock to many, but we want to reassure all those who came to know Mr Matta that he was surrounded by love and family," the Facebook post said. "As much loved by his family as he was by our many wonderful customers over the years, we know many of you will want to share those memories, which is why we were keen to share this post, however sad it may be," the post said. Shop regular Ervine Okuboh responded by describing Mr Matta as "a great man". "I remember as a young child shopping at his shop in Granby St with my parents, as long ago as the mid-late 1960s. "Always smiling and always made you feel very welcome. "Mr Matta always asked after my family and his children were just as pleasant and welcoming. What a wonderful man. Industrious, kind and caring." Another customer, Dave Hogan, said: "Throughout my many visits to the shop... I always came away with the sense that the shop represented the very epitome of 'family'." Nina Edge said: "Mr Matta is so loved. His contribution to Liverpool is immense." In July 2024, when the store celebrated 40 years on Bold Street, Mr Matta spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Kev Duala. He described how he had been "honoured" to have spent nearly 60 years serving the local community. "This place is still here because of the people," he explained. Mr Matta's sons, who now run the business, described how their parents had also created a "sense of community" within the shop. "We have learned from my father and mother and they just treat everyone with kindness and friendship and love," said Dalip Matta. "It's about caring and sharing - it's not just about profits." The family said information about Mr Matta's funeral and ceremony at Liverpool's Sikh temple is expected to be shared in coming days "should any of our friends and customers wish to attend". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Matta's International Foods
