Archive for January, 2010

Figures published by the independent Office of National Statistics yesterday, show that the UK economy has begun growing again, with GDP growth estimated at 0.1% for the last quarter of 2009.At the same time, a report by experts at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned against withdrawing government support from the economy too soon.
Whilst there is no doubt that this is good news, there can be no room for complacency as NW Regional Minister Phil Woolas explains:

This is good news for the North West and for Britain, but also a reminder that there is no room for complacency. The Labour Government will continue to do everything we can to protect communities across the North West and keep the economy growing. During this difficult period, Labour is taking action to help people in the North West back into work and to support local businesses.
We introduced the ‘Time to Pay’ scheme, which allows struggling companies to postpone tax payments and helps keep businesses afloat. We will continue to help local people who have lost their jobs to stay in their homes through our mortgage support schemes. While these figures suggest Labour’s economic policy is working, we will continue to take action to strengthen growth and promote jobs. As the IMF has said, while the economy is still recovering, it is crucial that the Labour Government maintains support for the local economy here in the North West and nationally. Today’s news underlines how dangerous it would be to throw caution to the wind, as the Tories propose, and make deep cuts now.

Today it was reported that Cammell Laird’s have secured a multi million pound contract to build the flight deck for HMS Queen Elizabeth one of two new aircraft carriers currently under construction for the Royal Navy. Construction of these ships which will be the Navy’s largest and most powerful in the fleet is being shared between shipyards around the UK with final assembly being carried out at Rosyth in Scotland, the first steel having been cut in July of last year.

It is expected that the first steel to be cut for the flight deck at Lairds will take place in the summer.

It has to be said that shipbuilding is in the DNA of the Wirral and Birkenhead in particular and if it wasn’t for the character and tenacity displayed by the management of Cammell Lairds, the workforce and the People of Wirral then it may well have been a very different story.

After today’s news I am now more hopeful that one day I may realise one of my dreams which is to attend another launch at Cammell Laird.

Wirral Borough Council have issued the following statement on their website

"The latest weather forecast has indicated that extreme sub-zero temperatures are to continue into next week. Therefore, all waste and recycling bin collections are suspended until at least Monday 11th January, when a further assessment will be made as to the condition of the roads. All residents that were scheduled to have their green or grey bin collected between Tuesday 5th January and Friday 8th January are advised to return their bins to their property if it is safe to do so. There will be no collections over the weekend, as conditions are still predicted to be too dangerous.

"We appreciate that residents may have a back log of waste from the Christmas period and urge residents to be patient through this challenging time. The Council website will be updated with further information on Monday afternoon (11th January).

"Should collections resume next week, It is anticipated that additional crews will be needed to help keep collections to schedule. Therefore the Council is suspending all garden waste collections until at least Monday 25th January."

The weather conditions have had a severe impact on our day to day lives and below are a few useful website addresses that will help to keep you updated.

Wirral Borough Council Latest Information On Services Effected By Weather Conditions Click Here

Arrowe Park Hospital Click Here

Latest Merseytravel Public Transport Information Click Here

If You Use Twitter Then Merseyrail’s Twitter Feed Is A Real Gem Click Here

Another Gem Of A Twitter Feed Traffic Updates From Liverpool Roads Click Here

Unfortunately due to the fact that Meadowside School will be closed tomorrow due the adverse weather conditions, we have had cancel the surgery that was scheduled for tomorrow Friday 8th January.

Of course we can still be contacted using email and phone click here for our contact details.