Latest news with #Sefton
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Warning issued as 'monster jellyfish' spotted on Merseyside beach
A "monster jellyfish" was spotted on the Merseyside coastline this week, with the local council offering advice to people visiting the beach as the hot weather continues. With temperatures rising across the region as we officially head into summer, it is common for jellyfish to appear in waters around Merseyside, including Sefton which is home to some of Merseyside's nicest beaches. But one beachgoer told the ECHO how they spotted what they described as a "monster jellyfish" on Crosby Beach. They said: "You couldn't move for jellyfish yesterday. Every 50 metres, there was another one. READ MORE: Mum and daughter, eight, found dead at home READ MORE: Met Office confirm thunderstorms to hit UK in 13-hour warning "Most were fairly small in size, but one was monstrous, it was quite shocking to see. Some of them were on the beach, and others were floating on the swash. I'd hate for anyone to get stung while swimming or walking." A council spokesperson told the ECHO it advises people to avoid touching jellyfish that appear on the shore and to keep dogs under close control. A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: 'It is common for jellyfish of varying sizes to be spotted along our coastline during the warmer months. "There are a variety of jellyfish that live in our seas and while some may be harmless, some can give a painful sting. 'While we can't know for sure the type of the jellyfish from looking at the photograph, most jellyfish found in the UK do not cause serious harm. 'However, we advise people avoid touching them and keep dogs under close control while enjoying our natural coastline.' For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here. Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here Try the Liverpool Echo Premium app and get the first month free
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Demolition begins on part of 1960s Bootle shopping centre
The demolition of parts of a Merseyside 1960s shopping centre has of The Strand in Bootle are being knocked down as part of a project to transform the demolition marks the next step in the Bootle Strand Transformation Project and is part of a broader vision for the town Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's cabinet member for regeneration, skills and employment said it was "a significant moment not just for Bootle, but for the whole of Sefton". "The Strand has played an important role in the lives of generations, and now we're laying the foundations for a future that reflects our community's aspirations," she said."Today's progress is the result of years of collaboration, local insight, and determination to secure a brighter future."The Strand has been a central part of Bootle's identity and economy since it opened in 1968, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).It was purchased by Sefton Council seven years ago for £32.5m and the local authority laid out plans for a landmark regeneration project to secure its future. 'Drive regeneration' Plans were accelerated in March 2023 with the award of £20m as part of the government's Levelling Up fund alongside additional funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA).Councillor Mike Wharton, LCRCA cabinet member for business, investment and trade, said the space was once underused, but was "now becoming a real community asset by supporting local culture, creating opportunities, and helping to drive regeneration in Bootle".Phase one of the project will deliver public spaces, retail and leisure units, business accommodation, improved transport links, and community and cultural facilities, the council works are now under way, with demolition and initial site works scheduled to continue through to December 2025. 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
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Man thought he'd beaten TV licence system - then a letter turned up
A man from Kirkby is celebrating after a court case relating to his TV licence was dismissed at Sefton Magistrates Court. Lee Stuart applied for a TV licence when he moved into his property, but later decided to cancel it because he did not watch any live television and instead relied solely on online streaming platforms. According to guidance on the TV Licensing website, a licence is required to watch or record live TV on any channel or device, including live programming streamed online via services such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. A licence is also necessary for using BBC iPlayer. A TV Licensing spokesperson told the Liverpool ECHO: 'If a property we believe should be licensed is unlicensed, letters are sent to that address advising of the requirement for a TV Licence if the occupant watches live TV or other licensable content. This stops for one year when the occupant declares they don't need a licence, when letters will resume to check if circumstances have changed.' READ MORE: Plumes of smoke seen after quad bikes go up in flames READ MORE: Liverpool man shot dead in Costa del Sol 'gun fight' named for first time In September last year, Mr Stuart was visited by a TV Licensing inspection officer. He described the visit as an opportunity to explain his viewing habits in person, adding: 'I told him I didn't pay for a TV licence because I didn't think I needed one because I don't watch live TV. 'I don't even have an aerial installed in my TV, and I invited him to do his checks. He was a bit apprehensive, but he looked at everything and asked me what I used the TV for. "So I told him I just watch Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation, and he asked me if I used BBC iPlayer and I said, 'no'.' Following the inspection, Mr Stuart said the officer confirmed he was not in breach of licensing requirements. Mr Stuart described how the officer documented their conversation and read back the main points, including that no live TV was being watched and no BBC iPlayer account was used. He added: 'It was official, and I agreed with what he had said, so when I was presented with the big white signature box, I just signed it, and then he left. To be honest, I was really made up with myself, thinking I'd beaten the system and proved I didn't need a license.' However, in January this year, Mr Stuart received a Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN), which covers those who are alleged to have watched TV without a license. Lee explained: 'It said if I pleaded not guilty, the fine would be larger and I may have to pay court costs. So I'm not sure what's going on at this point. 'I look through it all, and at the back was the inspector's statement. Straight away I clock the question, 'May I come in to inspect the TV receiver?' and it said 'no' in the answer box, so that was wrong because I did. 'The next point was saying I admitted to watching the news last week. So I've refused him entry and then admitted on the step I watched live news last week? It didn't make any sense.' Mr Stuart chose to contest the notice and represented himself in court. He said: 'I can see why people just accept it, but I knew I was innocent and I wasn't paying for a TV license that I didn't need so I fought it.' "I'll be totally honest, I was surprised by the outcome and I thought it might be good to share my experience.' The court dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence. A TV Licensing spokesperson said: 'This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted.' The spokesperson added that while both the officer and Mr Stuart gave credible in-person testimony, the magistrates could not find the case was proved beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Stuart, initially pleased with the outcome, later received a further letter from TV Licensing advising of the licence requirement. He has since submitted a formal complaint and a No Licence Needed (NLN) declaration. He added: 'The form asks at the end, 'What outcome do you want from this?' and I just put 'All I want is to be left alone, but an apology wouldn't go amiss'.' TV Licensing confirmed it has now received Mr Stuart's NLN declaration.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Anti-social youths spark dispersal order in town
A dispersal order has been put in place in a town after groups of youths were found to be "intimidating, threatening and frightening people". The order in Maghull on Merseyside, which runs until 23:00 BST and includes the town's main parks, follows recent incidents of antisocial behaviour as seen at Maghull Cricket Club. Young people were fighting on the cricket field - some armed with hammers - during a junior coaching session last month. Sefton Neighbourhood Inspector Kenneth Sumner said the dispersal order was to "make sure that everyone can feel safe in Sefton". The order gives police and police community support traffic officers the power to order people to leave an area if they are suspected of committing, or being likely to commit, a criminal offence or anti-social behaviour. Maghull Cricket Club has made about 25 police reports since July last year about people harassing players, setting off fireworks and vandalising its equipment. It is now seeking funding to help with the costs of building a large fence. Insp Sumner said: "We will not tolerate groups intimidating, threatening and frightening people visiting, living and working in the Maghull area, or anywhere across Merseyside." He said many groups of young people had "stayed out of trouble, socialising with friends", but "some have been involved in anti-social behaviour". The issue was "a top priority" and the force was working with local businesses and the council and examining CCTV to identify suspects, he added. Under the legislation officers have the power to seize any item including vehicles and it is an offence for anyone directed to leave the area to return. 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. Cricket club to put up fence after fight on pitch Antisocial youths driving out members - cricket club Merseyside Police
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
Anti-social youths sparks police dispersal order in Maghull
A dispersal order has been put in place in a town after groups of youths were found to be "intimidating, threatening and frightening people".The order in Maghull on Merseyside, which runs until 23:00 BST and includes the town's main parks, follows recent incidents of antisocial behaviour as seen at Maghull Cricket people were fighting on the cricket field - some armed with hammers - during a junior coaching session last Neighbourhood Inspector Kenneth Sumner said the dispersal order was to "make sure that everyone can feel safe in Sefton". The order gives police and police community support traffic officers the power to order people to leave an area if they are suspected of committing, or being likely to commit, a criminal offence or anti-social behaviour. Maghull Cricket Club has made about 25 police reports since July last year about people harassing players, setting off fireworks and vandalising its is now seeking funding to help with the costs of building a large Sumner said: "We will not tolerate groups intimidating, threatening and frightening people visiting, living and working in the Maghull area, or anywhere across Merseyside."He said many groups of young people had "stayed out of trouble, socialising with friends", but "some have been involved in anti-social behaviour".The issue was "a top priority" and the force was working with local businesses and the council and examining CCTV to identify suspects, he added. Under the legislation officers have the power to seize any item including vehicles and it is an offence for anyone directed to leave the area to return. 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.
