Cllr Steve Radford, Hazel Williams and Chris Lenton
Liberal Party Councillors
41 Sutton Street
Tuebrook
Liverpool
L13 7EG

Dear Editor

This year the Lib Dems credibility has taken another nose dive.

The claimed Mathew Festival is little more than a shallow imitation.

However there are other major sources of resentment and a real sense of betrayal

We can all recall thier pledge to save our parks, nationally the Lib Dems are pledged to save school playfields

The reality we have seem major incursions into Stanley Park, the lego land school destroying the Victorian outlook of Newsham Park, the battle to rob residents of Dixie Dean Playing Fields and build on Tunnel; Road Fields

Now on 4th September we have the Lib Dem Bulldozers being lined up to build a new school and joint community school library on Bankfield Playing Fields

They call it regeneration, but the head of libraries made little secret that as soon as the library is built on Bankfield then Lister Drive and Larkhill libraries would be closed. So they claim closing two libraries and destoying a playing field is regeneration do they?

Everyone accepts a new single site school is needed, we urged council officials consider buying up land on the Lister Drive estate from the sale of the current two sites. Lister Drive area would better cope with transport with better car and bus access,it would also have the advantage of being closer to open space at Newsham Park and better placed to exploit trarining opportunities in the nearby Wavertree Tech Park

Instead Council officers sought to misled us that the land was more expensive at Lister Drive, when we asked to see the costing our officers were incapable or unwilling to do so

We urge residents join us and protest at the Planning Committee on 4th September from 10.00 in the Town Hall , dale Street, lets see if there is even one honest Liberal Democrat willing to vote to save our parks and playing fields

The saddest thing is that the only difference we can expect from a Labour Council is they wouldn't insult us by trying to decieve us about their willingness to build on our Parks and playing fields

Cllrs Steve Radford, Hazel Williams and Chris Lenton
Liberal Party Councillors for Tuebrook and Stoneycroft

Over 300 hundred local families sign to Save Lister Drive and Larkhill Libraries and Bankfield Playing Fields - Planning Hearing 4th Sept 10 in Town Hall ,Dale Street

We have already asked for copy of surveyors report into Lister Drive and are being stalled.

Once again we may need a file a complaint under Freedom Information Act

The new Building site will cost 19% of local open space and whats left will be lost from access. Congestion is already bad in Bankfield Road area.

We believe the council has failed to explore alternative sites such as Lister Drive estate with better transport links and near open space at Newsham Park

The planning committee will be meeting on 4th Sept at 10 in the Town Hall, Dale Street, so please come along if you can and pass the word

Total aside Catholic Mothers Union are inviting names of any local children under 11 for a Liverpool Centenary Party on Monday 27th August  and the over 50's Club at Hope Centre , rear of St Johns holding an old time dinner on 29th August, if your happy we will add you to our e mail loop for local news

Regards

Steve

Two Lib Dem Parties : Hyprocracy on Stadium

Cllrs Steve Radford, Hazel Williams and Chris Lenton
Liberal Party Group
41 Sutton Street
Tuebrook
Liverpool
L13 7EG
07920090322

Dear Editor

We are absolutely delighted the Lib Dem's in Knowsley are asking for residents of Kirby to vote  on the prospect of the Everton Stadium being built on their open spaces

However at the same time our Liverpool Lib Dem's continue to refuse the residents of Anfield, Tuebrook, Clubmoor and Walton a vote on the 80,000 stadium on Stanley Park which will strangle by congestionthis part of the city

Will the Lib Des allow a vote on the destruction of Bankfield playing fields so they can buld a ew library whilst closing Lister Drive and Larkhill libraries ?

When asked where are the promised  single park and ride site in the city, the reply is none in the city

When asked for documentary evidence of progress / negotiations between council and Merseyside Transport authorities for opening the Bootle branch line for passengers ,our officers responded there is no correspondence.
There was only a feedback of a conversation whereby there is no prospect of a passenger rail link before 2011/2012

Of course we all know their are two  Liberal Democrat parties, one which appears "liberal" in opposition and the other as autocratic and even more hypocritical as "old Labour/Social Democrats " in power.

Clrrs Steve Radford , Chris Lenton and Hazel Williams
Liberal Party Group Liverpool City Council

Neighbourhood Grants Fund Tuebrook Arts and Heritage Festival 6th - 9th September and Building Upgrades at Hope Centre and United Reform Church

The £10,000 TENS project money allocated for Tuebrook Ward is being used to fund a 4 day community Heritage and Arts Festival 6th - 9th September this festival will use the historic St John's the Baptist Church and adjoining Hope Centre. Everything from a showing of classic films, including the first Tom and Jerry films , Laurel and Hardy Favourates,, bell ringing, Romanian Icon painting, local poetry, talks on locval history, are just a few of the diverse activities to be expected. Various community groups will be using the Hope Centre Hall... watch this space for more news on the first ever Tuebrook Arts and Heritage Festival

Also funded are significant kitchen modernisation and other additional facilities for both the Hope Centre and the United Reform Church, Stoneycroft who host numerous community and health groups

"This years grant allocations will host the first Tuebrook Arts and Heritage Festival which will help rebrand the whole image of Tuebrook, they will also help two major community centres improve their facilities , this will provide value for money community investment with long term benefits"

Cllr Steve Radford

Liberals Protest at ID Card Scheme to waste £20 Billions

Cllr Steve Radford
President of The Liberal Party
41 Sutton Street
Tuebrook
Liverpool
L13 7EG

0151 259 5935
07920090322

Dear Editor

A year and a half after steamrollering the Identity Cards Act through Parliament, and having already spent over £72 million of taxpayers' money*, the government has announced the beginning of its procurement process for the National Identity Scheme.

PA Consulting, the original 'development partner' for the ID programme, estimated in 2005 that the "development and procurement phases" of the project would cost £18.74 million. The (so far) quadrupling of this cost the government had first suggested.

This makes the LSE's £20 billion estimate for setting up the scheme look rather more accurate than the government's unsubstantiated figures. The LSE estimate the government first sought to suppress and then belittle

Without doubt £20 billions instead spent on extra police officers on the street would make a real difference to peoples lives and a sense of security,  however would do little to boost profits of Government IT contractors

We urge readers write to their MP's demanding the money be spent on read security measures not a back door surveillance schemer to snoop and track the vast majority of honest residents.

We have already seen this government abuse anti -terrorism laws to harass peaceful climate protestors, just a sign of what we can expect the ID scheme to be really used for.

Cllr Steve Radford
President of The Liberal Party

Battle to Save Bankflied Playing Fields and Lister Drive Library

We have already asked for copy of surveyors report into Lister Drive and are being stalled.

The Chief Exec has advised us it would cost £1m to restore

Once again we may need a file a complaint under Freedom Information Act

We expect the planning committee meet on 4th Sept to consider the application to build on our playing fieldso please keep that morning clear and pass the word

Total aside Catholic Mothers Union are inviting names of any local children under 11 for a Liverpool Centenary Party on Monday 27th August  and the over 50's Club at Hope Centre , rear of St Johns holding an old time dinner on 39th August, if you have family interested please e mail us with the names and contact details to northwestliberalparty@hotmail.co.uk

Regards

Steve

Welsh Streets Debate - Echo Letters 13th August

A fair perspective

REGARDING the demolition scheme for the Welsh Streets: I was very disappointed to read the letter from Pauline Davies and Pat Green proposing to “set the record straight” on demolition schemes.

I lived on Kelvin Grove for five years until November last year and I feel very sad and dismayed for my old neighbours who do not want to have their homes demolished in the absence of a fair, well-founded basis to justify demolition.

To describe them as “individuals and special interest groups motivated by a narrow perspective” is astonishing. Is it so unacceptable to want to hold onto a perfectly sound home, on the road where you chose to live and to stay within the community that you are part of?

I suspect that this describes a lot of ordinary individuals without narrow perspectives....

When people at the level of managing directors and assistant executive directors propose to “set the record straight” I expect a clear, well argued explanation of their position. To belittle people whose views are different to their own is not acceptable and does not inspire any confidence in their professionalism.

Josephine Bourke, Liverpool 8

Cllr Steve Radford
Leader of The Liberal Party
41 Sutton Street
Tuebrook
Liverpool
L13 7EG

0151 259 5935
07920090322

Dear Editor

Clllr Clein believes I am being a little unfair in critising the City Council and others of burying the Stombreak Report, (Liverpool Echo Letters Page Monday 13th August)

The fact is since the report had been sent to the council it was over 5 months before the report was even tabled at a council meeting - hardly an outburst of urgency or transparency. I received my copy only after writing over the head of the council to the Information Commissioner.

At the Education Committee,( now called Children's Services), Council officers published a one page sanitised response to the research rather than the full research itself.

It is ironical that the same day Cllr Clein would have us believe he is tackling homophobia in schools, several pages earlier we read the horrendous account of Catholic Education Authorities taking legal advice over the potential removal of a meticulous Head teacher with an excellent record of achievement over a decade in my own Tuebrook for the "crime" of having registered his civic partnership with his long term boyfriend.

For too long Education officers have been frightened of tackling homophobia for fear of upsetting the Catholic Hierarchy .

 Stormbreak showed analysis of youngsters who had left education in the previous two years.
 When any gay and lesbian young people can tell researchers that they were treated as the problem rather than the victims of bullying and prejudice ,then Cllr Clein I am not being unfair, I just want the problem of homophobia in schools outed.

When national research shows 40% of young gay men in the school age group seriously consider suicide and many actually commit suicide, then its time all people of genuine Christian concern demand change not silence

Cllr Steve Radford
Leader of The Liberal Party Group

----------this is the letter sent by Cllr Clein we are responding to :--------

Dear Friends

From the Tuebrook NRF fund we have committed money to fund a wide range of youth activities running through Tuebrook and Newsham Park, You can get details from the Streets ahead project telephone Di and Alison 287 2937

Tuesday 14th August           Alternative Therapies at Hope Centre 1 - 3

Wednesday 15th August      Youth Bus Newsham Park

Thursday 16th Trip to Southport

Saturday 18th Aug  Football Newsham Park   1 till 3

Sunday 19th   Aug  Trip to Go-Karting Centre Picton  4 onwards

Tuesday 21st  Gulliver's World Trip

Wednesday 22nd Aug   Family Day Picnic and Sports Newsham Park 5 - 8.30

Tuesday 23rd   Rope Works at Knowsley Safari Park 11- 4

Saturday 25th  Football Newsham Park 1- 3

Sunday 26th  Go Karting trip to Picton Centre

Tuesday 27th  Music Workshop at Hope Centre    1 - 3

Wednesday 28th  Youth Bus Newsham Park  5.30 - 8.30

Cllr Steve Radford

CENTRAL TUEBROOK AND LARKHILL TRAFFIC SCHEME

TUESDAY 21ST AUGUST AT HOPE CENTRE, REAR OF ST.JOHN'S CHURCH 4.00 TILL 7.OO

PLEASE COME ALONG TO VIEW TRAFFIC AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROPOSALS AT THE HOPE CENTRE

 Housing Select Committee Updates from Meeting 7th August


 Several Key Issues were raised may be of interest were raised by myself at 
the Housing Scrutiny Committee 7th August 

Agreed that the council would report back on proposals from the Granby
Mosque to extend their community facilities and possible community led
renovation of adjoining terraced houses
 
Agreed to refer call for CPO of Belmont Hospital, Orphan Drive to be 
considered in an expected report from Clr Bernie Turner to the Exec Board  It was made clear by Nigel Lee that the Council was positioning for 
activating CPO procedures
 
Agreed to look to proposals to provide a dog free run and dogs toilet in one  park as a pilot to see if it assist reducing dog fouling.

These schemes are  very popular in many London Boroughs

 Agreed to seek update on long term council vacants which would cost over  £10,000 to repair as possible buy to repair scheme.

In particular for houses  in the Clubmoor / Norris Green Area which could be used to relocate  families living in the Boot Estate "living hell"
 
Cllr Steve Radford
Leader Liberal Pary Group

 

This interview was published on the International Gay News website Pink News 2nd August


A Liverpool city councillor claimed today that council authorities tried to bury a report which found that thousands of gay, lesbian and bisexual people were leaving the city because of the scale of homophobic violence.

Openly gay Liberal councillor Steve Radford said he had to appeal to the data protection information commissioner before he was given a copy of the damning report.

It found that 59% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people had experienced homophobic crime in Liverpool and that bullied gay children were being victimised by teachers.

Councillor Radford is leader of the Liberal party, not to be confused with the Liberal Democrats, who have controlled Liverpool City Council since 1998.

The Liberal party was formed in 1989 by people who felt the SDP/Liberal merger that formed the Lib Dems would not keep the historic values of the Liberal party alive.

The Liberals have three councillors on Liverpool City Council.

"I was horrified by the report, but not shocked by the levels of homophobia," Councillor Radford told PinkNews.co.uk

"I had two main concerns, firstly, in the small sample of recent school leavers, the few who were brave enough to seek support from teachers for bullying found they were treated like the problem.

"The second, and most alarming, aspect was the fact that of the 14% of people subjected to violence, 5% had been attacked by members of their own families, and 14% by immediate neighbours.

"It shows the endemic view in Liverpool and Merseyside that it is legitimate to attack gay and lesbian people."

Councillor Radford said that the survey, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Safety in Liverpool was hidden from Citysafe Liverpool, a coalition of organisations working on crime prevention and reduction.

"In my view, this should have been on the front of the local press, and open to a public discussion about how to get Liverpool out of the dark ages with civic, educational and religious leaders.

"Instead, the council gave a sanitised version, not of the report, but of recommendations about what they planned to do in the wake of the report, at the Citysafe meeting on July 19 – Citysafe never saw the full report.

"I demanded a copy from the chief executive for four months, and after that I had to go to the data protection information commissioner to get a copy.

"I'm a city councillor, the co-chair of the Gay Business Association and I was a stakeholder in the report, and I had to go to the information commissioner to get a copy.

"Liverpool City Council had two options. They could have said 'this is alarming, it must change' or they could have buried the news.

"They chose to bury the news."

The report found verbal abuse was the most common homophobic crime, followed by physical assault, threats of violence and vandalism.

Eight percent of the people polled had been sexually assaulted and 14% had had their lives threatened.

Councillor Radford said that the "stranglehold" the Catholic Church had on the city meant that the council decided "not to upset the real powers in the county" by revealing the scale of the problem.

He stressed as a Methodist, he was not being anti-religion, but wanted to speak against reactionary groups in the city.

"This would not have happened with any other religious or racial minority, this is a case of what I call institutionalised homophobia.

"People face abuse, prejudice and the need is about major political change in Liverpool," he added.

The recommendations from the report, such as providing more funding for a safety initiatives, reconsidering the needs of community groups and better healthcare initiatives, were linked to a 2006 report which suggested creating a 'Gay Quarter' for Liverpool.

"It shouldn't be creating a gay quarter, as this already exists, it should be, enhancing the gay quarter," said Councillor Radford

"Setting it aside and making it exclusive seeds homophobic attitudes."

Four key suggestions were: better policing, improving CCTV and lighting, and pedestrianising a street in the area and gating an alleyway regularly used as a cruising spot.

"We've been lobbying for both those for the past five years. If it had been the Duke of Westminster or the Catholic Church asking, they would have jumped circles."

Councillor Radford praised the police for their effective service, but was scathing about the suitability of the other recommendations.

"The police is the only body that has made dramatic improvements, especially their hate crimes services. But gating alleyways were people go cruising – that will just move them to the next alleyway, it's a waste of money."

He also stressed that three streets should be partially pedestrianised instead of one.

Councillor Radford stressed the fact that Liverpool's business community – especially hotels - were also concerned about the violence, and losing bright, young workers.

"Thousands are leaving for cities where they feel more welcome, we're haemorrhaging thousands of artists, entrepreneurs, professionals.

"We need to break the stranglehold, the feeling that 'they're gay, what do they expect' and 'it's always been like that"

Services at Tuebrook Children's Centre

Tuebrook Children's Centre brings together a wide range of services for children from birth to 5 years old and their families, pregnant women and their partners.  The centre is a one-stop shop bringing a range of services together within the community, including health, family support and ante-natal services for parents and carers.  These services are for everyone within the Tuebrook Ward and beyond.

We hope to make it easier for parents/ carers to access the range of services they need for themselves and their families in the early years of their children's lives. To access the services you just need to register with the Children’s Centre and we will also send you information on upcoming activities and events. 

All the services are free, except for the daycare, but help for this can be gained through the Working Families Tax Credits.  For advice on eligibility please ring Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.

Until our centre is ready to occupy in March 2008, Tuebrook Children’s Centre will continue to deliver childcare and education services from Pendine Close Day Nursery. All other family services are being delivered from:

Anfield Sports & Community Centre, Lower Breck Road, Anfield and Tuebrook Hope Centre, St John’s Church, Snaefell Avenue.

Summary of services we provide:

• Childcare for children aged 6 weeks to under 5 years.
• Early Education led by a teacher for children aged 3-4 years.
• Child and family health services e.g. ante/post natal services and baby clinics.
• Family support and outreach services e.g. parenting skills advice, family learning programmes.
• Links with Jobcentre Plus e.g. support with accessing training and employment.
• Childcare Information Service (CIS) e.g. local childcare providers or/and the types of childcare which may be available.
• Services for children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities.
• A base for a network of childminders – which will include support and access to a toy library.

Services we provide are available to all children under 5 years and their families, including pregnant women and their partners. We particularly encourage families living within the Tuebrook ward to access our services. Our Weekly Activity Timetable provides detailed, up to date information on services/activities currently available. For a copy of the timetable please call in to Pendine Nursery or ring 0151 260 8458 to request that copy be posted to you.

Contact  Details: Tuebrook Children's Centre, Pendine Close, Sheil Park, Liverpool, L6 3BH

TEL: 0151 260 8458                           FAX: 0151 233 6291

EMAIL: tuebrookcc@liverpool.gov.uk

Web: www.liverpool.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Information Notice Baby Feeding and Infant Support Fridays at Hope Centre

On Fridays from 120.00 till 12.00 the Tuebrook Hope Centre will have advice given by Children's Centre midwife (Jane) and Maternity Support Worker (Carolyn) for baby support , Breast Feeding and Infant Feeding

Any local mums are welcome to call for information on 07720 461061

For information on the other increasing activities at Tuebrook Hope Centre telephone Paula Davidson
228 1137

Cllr Steve Radford
Tuebrook Hope Centre Chairman

CENTRAL TUEBROOK AND LARKHILL TRAFFIC SCHEME

TUESDAY 21ST AUGUST AT HOPE CENTRE, REAR OF ST.JOHN'S CHURCH 4.00 TILL 7.OO

PLEASE COME ALONG TO VIEW TRAFFIC AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROPOSALS AT THE HOPE CENTRE

Lets all go to the music hall

In celebration of 800 years of the Liverpool Charter

Thursday 30^th August 2007  at 1.30 pm

The Tue Brook Hope Centre

Old time music and dancing

Sing a long

Buffet & Bar

Over 50’s

Bring out your bonnets it’s time to dress up!

Prize for the best dressed

For Ticket availability please contact Joan Brown