http://www.champnews.com All the latest news from Champion Newspapers en-uk Copyright 2007 Champion Media Group. All Rights Reserved http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6686 Southport Football Club have announced the appointment of Gary Brabin as full time manager. After discussions with  Brabin it has also been decided to retain a full time playing staff for next season in Blue Square North. Chairman Charlie Clapham said: " I am delighted to announce Gary Brabin as our new manager and we both believe we have exciting times ahead. "We have continuity by retaining both Gary and our full time status which shows the club's ambitions. "Gary Brabin has proved as player with us and more recently as manager he is a real winner with a winner's mentality. As we don't like play off semi finals, our objective is to win the league next season. "We have quality in our squad and Gary will build on that. Gary knows the challenges ahead and the reality of our situation. He is a very focused person and very professional. I am really looking forward with optimism for our future." New Southport manager Brabin added " I am really delighted to have got the job permanently and with full time status. I believe it  was vital the club retained full time status and I intend to make full time work in the Blue Square North. "The club has a full time structure ready for the Blue Square Premiership. I am glad to be back home at Southport because that is how it feels. "I believe Southport Football Club should be no lower than half way down the Blue Square Premiership.I have real ambitions to manage Southport in the Football League. But we must make a step at a time and we have a real job to be competing for promotion next season. "I know we can achieve that. I am proud to manage a club like Southport, it is an honour and I will give it everything I have got twenty four hours a day. I hope we can match each others ambitions. We need everyone together in the squad, commercially and on the terraces, if we achieve that then we will move forward quickly. I am looking forward to meeting our supporters on a regular basis, informally after matches or around the ground at training and formally at meet the manager nights and social occasions." 5/8/2008 2:20:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6685 A new support group has been launched in Southport to help those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is the fourth most common mental health disorder, with an estimated 1-3% of the UK population affected and is listed by the World Health Organisation  as one of the top 10 disabling conditions, including physical ailments. In spite of this, it still takes on average eight years from the onset of symptoms to be diagnosed, and even longer to receive treatment. Barbara Trousdale was helped enormously by joining her local OCD Action support group.  She began attending their annual conference and has since appeared on national TV to talk about the disorder. As a child, Barbara cried if her new shoes got dirty and became frantic if another child touched her toys.  These were the first signs of the condition that was to take over her life. Now 45, Barbara has not left her house for five months, plagued by obsessive routines, fear of germs and the constant worry that her actions may harm someone she loves. "I have never stayed in this long before. It does upset me because I don't want to be a social recluse," Barbara said.  "It's mainly because it takes me hours and hours to get ready to go out, so when I am ready I haven't got the time or energy and I am too stressed. "A lot of it is done in my head to work things out.  Everything I do I have to have a plan, an order of ceremony. "It starts when I wake up and I have to go over everything that happened the night before, making sure everything in the room was ok before I fell asleep. "I also have to talk through everything I am doing out loud a lot of the time.  If you saw me at a bus stop you might think 'she's off her trolley', but it's just this. "Sometimes I snap my fingers or hit my legs to tell my brain this is the last time I am going to say this, to make an emphasis.  I end up with sore legs. "It's like if you're taking a photo you spend ages setting it up, getting it in focus, then when it's absolutely right you press the shutter. "I go over things in my head to get them right, working out why everything won't do any harm to anyone, then when it feels right I can carry on. "It's like a complete lack of trust in doing things people would normally do automatically.  Everyone knows what to do when you go to the toilet, so why do I have to go through everything in my head in order?  "I don't do it for breathing in an out, but pretty much everything else.  I could get very upset if I thought too much about it." Barbara buys boxes of disposable gloves for when she does housework that she says save her a lot of time. "Otherwise I would be washing my hands every time I touched the flex from the hoover, or anything that might have germs on," "Say I was getting dressed, I would wash my hands between putting on the bottom parts and the top parts.  And if I'd put trousers on I couldn't put perfume on until I had washed my hands. "It depends on what I am doing, but sometimes I could be washing them every two minutes, then I won't for three hours or so." Barbara was diagnosed at age 17.  She had always had an obsessive personality, she said, but the disorder manifested during a long summer holiday when she made lists of everything she could.  "You know it's a problem when you can't just tick things off and get on with it, you have to go over and over it.  I had one list on the back of a puzzle book and I crossed each item off so many times it scored through all the pages.  It drives you mad," Barbara said. Barbara lives with husband David in Wirral and said her mum helped a lot in explaining her condition when the couple met in 1990. OCD sufferers could come across as selfish if a person did not understand the disorder, she said, for example checking that a partner had washed their hands or asking them to turn music off. Barbara gets very distracted by noise because it stops her performing her 'checks' in her head. "I can't get out of the toilet if next door's dog is barking and I love music but I couldn't dust or have a shower with music on.  I hate it if you get put on hold and there's music because I can't think." Barbara was forced to give up her career as a hospital lab technician because of OCD.  She has tried many treatments over the years and although she feels none have helped her, she would encourage any sufferer to go to their GP and ask for help. Southport Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group holds meetings on the fourth Friday of each month at Christ Church, Lord Street. The group is user-led with no subscription.  Small donations towards the cost of the room are welcome but not obligatory. All are welcome, including sufferers, carers, family or friends of any age.  For more information contact the OCD Action Charity on 0870 360 6232 (office) 0845 390 6232 (support line), open 10:00-17:00 (Subject to volunteer availability), or log onto www.ocdaction.org.uk. By Natasha Robson 5/7/2008 8:03:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6684 A group of Ainsdale families are being subjected to ill health and huge bills, as they are left to live in dark and damp conditions.  Residents of a block of flats in the Woodvale area are stuck in rundown homes that are beyond repair, as they have nowhere else to live. The Sandbrook Way flats are managed by one leaseholder, who is now believed to have left for the middle east, and a number of landlords who individually let the properties. They are riddled with damp walls and ceilings, floors that have water rising through them during heavy downpours of rain, and window views that are blocked by a low canopy, preventing daylight from entering the homes. One resident, who shares a flat with her husband and four children, explained that having to put lights on during the day time, even during the summer, and having to use the heating 24/7 to help dry the damp is extremely costly, as well as "depressing". The continuous damp issues are said to have sparked asthma attacks for two of her children and left her husband suffering from a chest infection. She told Champnews.com: "When I said I'd take the flat the landlord did all of the plaster on the bedroom walls and said the damp was all fixed. "Since we've lived here I've had to throw out so many clothes and furniture because of mould." Believing that the only way of solving the issues is to tear the properties down, the resident added: "When people move out of them they could close them off but they don't, they let more people move in." The outer appearance of the flats, which are opposite the Ainsdale Centre for Health and Wellbeing, also appears rundown. "You hear people make bad comments, but you can't blame them," she said. Conservative councillor Brenda Porter, who has previously had to give support to help residents with newborn babies move out of the flats, also raised concern over an outhouse containing the electricity mains for the flats, which is said to be waterlogged.  She told Champnews.com: "Everyone is complaining about the electrics but nobody wants to fix them because they are all scared of getting electrocuted." While describing the area as Ainsdale's only grot spot, Cllr Porter did stress that it is not a "rough area" and doesn't attract anti-social behaviour, adding: "The police have said they are not having problems here at the moment." The flats are also located next to The Sandpiper pub, which is set to be demolished by Sefton Council after reaching a state of disrepair. A spokesperson for Sefton Council, who do not currently have control over the future of the flats, said: "We have been contacted about the condition of some flats on Sandbrook Way in Ainsdale and are currently looking into the matter." Champnews.com understands that if the council were to take on the properties they would also have to take on the legal responsibilities, which could cost thousands of pounds. By Natasha Young   5/7/2008 7:46:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6683 Skelmersdale charity Twinkle House has been awarded a three year funding grant of £82,206 from BBC Children In Need.   The money will pay for a new Child Development worker and volunteer costs for the next three years.   Jill Appleton, manager of Twinkle House, which is based on Sandy Lane, said: "We are thrilled to bits with this good news of a three year funding grant from BBC Children In Need.   "On May 4th we celebrated our 4th Birthday, and this is the best birthday gift we could ever have hoped for.    "This grant will enable us to improve the service offered to our clients by employing a Child Development worker who will work on site to assist in developing skills and strategies to improve our clients' quality of life.    "We are delighted that we have continued funds to support the costs of volunteer expenses, as without volunteers who turn up each week to offer their skills, experience and time without payment, organisations like ours would probably not exist.    "It is the very least we can offer to these special people who support our cause, and thanks to BBC Children in Need, we can do this for three more years. I would like to thank all of those involved in supporting the application to Children In Need."   Children and young people can access the service of Twinkle House for free 0-18years. The service offers practical support sessions for children and young people with conditions such as Autism, Aspergers, Down's syndrome, ADD, ADHD and other conditions, or for children and young people experiencing stress, emotional and behavioural issues.   If you would like to access sessions, contact Twinkle House to arrange a session. If you would like to do a fundraising event for Twinkle House:   Tel:  01695 455626 or email enquiries@twinklehouse.co.uk, visit their website www.twinklehouse.co.uk 5/6/2008 9:11:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6676 Tommy Rogers Skelmersdale & District Sunday Football League   Sunday, April 27   Founder Cup Final At The Ashley Travel Stadium   Polo 2 Horse & Jockey 1   The first Cup Final of the season saw Polo’s Ian Granite join granddad Alf and Dad Ian Snr as winners of The Founder Cup as manager, spanning over 30 years of history reports Kevin Mulholland.    The game began disastrously for Horse & Jockey as a speculative cross by Polo in the 5th minute was turned into the Jockey net by a defender, although the wet conditions didn’t help!    Polo could and should have made it 2-0 after 22 minutes but the normally deadly Steve Edwards screwed his shot wide.    The game was a little subdued as the half hour mark approached with Polo just edging possession and chances and on 30 minutes Lee Crompton again spurned another fine opportunity.    Almost immediately, Jockey broke the offside trap and Paul Healy had an excellent chance to equalise, but couldn’t hit the target and as the half wore on it looked like it would be ‘one of those days’ for the Jockey.   The second half saw Horse & Jockey start much the better with Healy again breaking clear only to see his shot saved brilliantly by Craig Dickson in the Polo goal.    It was Healy again who tested the keeper, this time with a lob in the 52nd minute but it just cleared the crossbar.    One minute later and Horse & Jockey deservedly had their equaliser as Healy coolly rounded the keeper to slot home and we now had a game on our hands.    Horse & Jockey were now controlling the game and creating numerous chances with Dickson the busier of the two keepers and making another excellent save after 67 minutes.    The game was becoming a midfield tussle as the pitch got heavier and Polo weathered the storm to finish with a flourish as Dave Standley had a good chance which was saved well by Graham McLoughlin in the Jockey goal after 76 minutes.    The game seemed destined for extra time when a back pass was not dealt with by Mcloughlin in the Jockey goal and Carl Osman nipped in to steal the ball and take the cup for Polo in the dying seconds.    All in all a fine advert for The Skelmersdale Sunday League but a harsh way to lose for a very spirited and committed Horse & Jockey.    Man of the Match was shared by Jockey’s Paul Healy and Polo’s Craig Dickson who had a personal duel throughout.   Line-Up’s: POLO: Craig Dickson, Lee Cromton, Brad Wilkie, Dave Standley, Mero Waugh, Michael Cole, Lee Chesworth, Carl Osman, Paul Moores, Steve Edwards, Steven Brogan. HORSE & JOCKEY: Graham McLoughlin, Andrew Smith, Craig Williams, Lee Witterick, Andy Black, Paul Gregson, Craig McCarthy, Paul Healy, Lee Seddon, Ste Jennings, John Carter.   REFEREE: Mark Hickey 4/30/2008 3:29:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6675 Lydiate-based Too Friendly Theatre Company have been nominated in this year's National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards for their production of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Andrea Culkin has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Helen Haygarth for Best Actress and Cliff Gillies is nominated for Best Actor and Best Staging while the production itself has also been nominated for Best Play. But that is not all, as both Sue Thomas and Cliff Gillies have been nominated in the Best Mortal In A Pantomime category for All Souls production of Cinderella. The news about the awards, held in August, has come during the last few weeks of rehearsals for the company's next production, Peter Gordon's Murdered To Death. The play is a hilarious spoof of the best of the Agatha Christie traditions, a whodunnitt with twists, turns, confusion and side-splitting antics. Set in a country manor house in the glorious 1930s, the colourful cast of characters include Bunting the Butler; Colonel Charles Craddock with the prerequisite stiff upper lip, the bumbling local inspector and his Constable; and a well-meaning local sleuth Miss Maple who seems to attract murder wherever she goes. Add to this a high society debutante, a shady French art dealer and the rest, and you have the perfect recipe for fantastic fun, naughty jokes and hysterical happenings. Described by the BBC as Quite simply one of the funniest plays we ever read the show is going to be one not to miss and we recommend ordering your tickets soon before they run out! The show is on at Southport's Little Theatre June 12th  14th 2008. Tickets are £7.50 and advance ticket sales are available from 01704 560229. More information about the production can be found on www.toofriendlytheatre.com 4/30/2008 3:08:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6674 EDGE Hill's Performing Arts department are about to put on their largest student led and student performed production. They will be performing Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt, and will be bringing the scope and spectacle of an epic tale to a Lancashire mountain. The production is a collaboration of over fifty drama and dance students with a supporting student design team; promising an exciting and magical theatrical experience for adults and children alike. Ibsen's extraordinary fairy tale for adults still speaks as freshly as when it was first written. Here in David Rudkin's spare colloquial translation, trolls and madmen, harem and homestead are magically given life. Melissa Mcleod, a second year drama student, said:  "The Magical Production of Peer Gynt has allowed us in our second year to fly high with aspirations. "Working as a team with so many people; actors and designers alike, has allowed us to create strong bonds, which we will carry through into our third year." The production will be on at the Rose Theatre from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10, at 7.30pm each night, and a matinee of 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets are £7 adults, £3 concessions and available from the Rose Theatre box office on 01695 584480. The production involves 52 2nd Yr Drama students from Edgehill University, along with five 2nd Yr Theatre Design Students, and three 3rd Yr Theatre Production Students. 4/30/2008 3:07:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6673 THE Southport International Jazz festival has moved into a higher division with a first-class line up of acts and events. A mixture of mainstream, traditional and world stars will make the festival - which takes place at various venues around Southport between Thursday May 29 and Sunday June 1 – one that should bring music lovers to the resort in droves. At least 65 gigs are taking place in the town with 80% of these free to attend. There will be big-names playing at the Southport Theatre and Arts Centre with dozens more playing at pubs, restaurants, cafes and in the open air. Headlining acts include a finale evening at the Southport Theatre with  American singer Victoria Hart, the former waitress who shot to fame after winning of the hearts of Hollywood stars  like George Clooney and Brad Pitt while working on a yacht in Cannes. Guitar maestros John Williams and John Etheridge play at the Arts Centre on Thursday, Friday sees Brazilain bossa Nova star Monica Vasconcelos at the arts centre on Friday, with dance groove kings Down to the Bone playing on Sunday. Other gigs to look out for include a gala dinner featuring entertainment from the peerless Pete Churchill quartet featuring Bobby Wellins at the new Vincent Hotel and a welcome return for hard-bop hipsters DFQ at Lloyd's No1 bar on Friday, May 30. The Southport Melodic Jazz Club are also organising a series of gigs, including brunch and jazz at the Vincent and the Geoff Earles Trio at the Royal Clifton Hotel. A free guide giving details of most of the concerts is available from the tourism office in Lord Street, the Arts centre and other places. The only problem will be picking which gigs to go to and which to miss. More information and a fill line up list HERE 4/30/2008 3:05:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6672 DOCTORS are charging extortionate fees to sign documents according to one pre-school owner. Ofsted require anyone who works with children to complete a Health Declaration Booklet and get it signed by a GP. Catherine Regan of Southport, who is standing in the Birkdale election on Thursday and runs the Pine Pixies nursery in Formby, believes GP’s are trying to cash in on the new forms. She said: "It seems GP's have free range to charge what they want to, we need a health declaration booklet by law and I have been quoted £150, it is extortionate. "In the past we have had to pay around £25 for this form to be signed and now the fees have shot up. "I have to have this document by law and I can't believe GP's are allowed to get away with this. "The General Medical Council told me that GP's have guidelines they should stick to "I'm really fed up because the actual government grant we receive is lower than our childcare fees, we can't afford this." A spokesman for the British Medical Association said: "We make suggestions on certain fees and this includes the Ofsted Health Declaration Form. "This was changed on April 1 so that is why there may have been a change in the amount GP's are charging. "The BMA recommends GP's charge £84.50, but this is a suggested fee and GP's can make their own decision." A spokesman for Ofsted said: "We cannot comment on charges levied by GPs or other health professionals for the completion of these checks. "We are responsible for making a decision on the suitability or fitness of an applicant. "This ranges from the manager of a day care centre to any person living or working on premises where childminding takes place. "As part of our checking process we carry out a number of checks, which includes requiring the completion of a Health Declaration Booklet, signed by a GP." 4/29/2008 8:27:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6671 A NEW Sefton Council strategy has outlined that over £6million will be required to revamp Southport’s parks. The Draft Parks and Greenspace Asset Management Strategy has highlighted Bedford Park, Hesketh Park, Liverpool Road Rec and Meols Park as top priority sites until 2010 to 2011. An estimated total of £6,175,000 investment will need to be found. 4/29/2008 8:24:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6670 West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper has reacted angrily to the district council turning down a new equal opportunities scheme.   Miss Cooper wrote to West Lancs District Council in support of Skelmersdale-based South West Lancashire Trades Union Council's 'Two Ticks' campaign.   However, the council said that as they already had a "very robust Equal Opportunities Policy" they didn't think adopting the scheme was necessary.   Miss Cooper said: "I find the council's attitude very disappointing. 'Two Ticks' is a symbol all employers should be proud to adopt as an example of their commitment to the rights of disabled people." By Peter Swift 4/29/2008 8:22:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6669 SOUTHPORT is to become home to a new world-beating supercar. The stunning £100,000 Keating SKR sports coupe is due to start production in Banks in six months’ time. The 180mph two-seater was launched by Keating Supercars at Meols Hall last week and journalists were invited to look over a fully-featured prototype and later put it through its paces on an airstrip at RAF Woodvale. It is envisaged that just seven cars will be assembled each year, all built to order from a basic £90,000 design. Keating has chosen Southport as the centre for its first production run thanks to an engineering partnership with Banks Service Station, run by Richard Winter. Mr Winter, who runs Europa garages which specialises in restoring and recreating the old Lotus Europa sports cars for enthusiasts around the world, confirmed that his works had agreed to build the Keating cars but told The Champion he could say no more until contracts had been signed. It will be the first time that cars have been built in Southport since the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Company stopped production in the late 1920s. The SKR, which will hit 60mph from rest in under four seconds, will have a racetrack stablemate, the TKR, a lighter-bodied, higher-output model designed to outperform the Bugatti Veyron, currently the world’s fastest production car. With a 0-60mph acceleration time of around two seconds and a top speed of 270mph, the TKR has its sights firmly set on setting world speed records. The cars are the dream of Manchester-based Anthony Keating, who aims to take on  supercars giants like Ferrari and Aston Martin with a small British team of designers and engineers drawing on automotive expertise from around the globe. 4/29/2008 8:19:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6668 The people behind the Skelmersdale Vision have said it is firmly on track despite credit crunch fears.   Earlier this year the district council appointed St Modwen to deliver the multi-million pound regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre.   But with the country's economy hit by a credit crunch   The Champion asked St Modwen: how would the current economic downturn effect the Skelmersdale Vision?   Michelle Taylor, regional director for St Modwen Properties, responded: "St Modwen Properties is regarded as the country's leading regeneration specialist.   "We have an unrivalled track record of delivering major regeneration projects across the country with a variety of private and public sector organisations.   "As a company we see the credit crunch as a reaction to the market overheating and it has already had a dramatic effect on the property investment and housing market.   "Although it is clearly a very serious issue for the financial and property sectors, St Modwen projects are by their very nature long term - projects such as Skelmersdale take up to 15 years to deliver.   "It is often the case that markets will fluctuate over the lifespan of a project and the timing and delivery of these schemes are always managed accordingly." Last week bosses at the Concourse were quick to say it was business as usual, after sportswear giants, JJB Sports, closed their store in the shopping centre. Bosses played down suggestions that other well known stores could close because of the current credit crunch hitting the High Street. By Henry James 4/29/2008 8:15:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6667 Vauxhall Motors 1 Southport 2 After a helter-skelter ride of a season, Southport finally earned themselves a place in the Blue Square North play-offs with a 2-1 victory over relegated Vauxhall Motors at Rivacre Park on Saturday, cheered on by over 300 vocal supporters.             Without a doubt, Gary Brabin’s short reign as manager has been one of immediate and unqualified success and, whatever the end result of the play-offs, he must surely be offered the job on a permanent basis to build this and take the club forward.             Four wins in five games speaks for itself. Only two goals have been conceded, both from free kicks, against seven scored and only one yellow card has been issued in 450 minutes of football, quite an achievement bearing in mind the proliferation of bookings in recent years.             The Sandgrounders started brightly on Saturday and were two goals up in 10 minutes. Neil Prince hit the back of the net from just inside the area after 7 minutes and, two minutes later, Tony Grey converted Liam Blakeman’s pass after Lloyd Rigby had saved another shot from Prince.             Ex-Birkdale publican, Ged Brannan, went close with a 25-yard free kick for The Motors and danger man Paul Taylor was foiled by the outstretched leg of Steven Drench in his team’s only chances of note in the half.             By contrast, The Port made scores of openings but Gray missed a sitter, hitting the keeper’s legs from forty inches, Prince had one shot saved by Rigby and another cleared off the line by Owens and Kevin Lee had a fierce drive tipped over the bar by Rigby who was kept busy the whole half.             As the second half opened, Mark Duffy’s free kick went wide, Lee had a header blocked, unfortunately by Neil Robinson, and Gray saw a low shot tipped away at the foot of the post as the visitors did everything but score.             But then, in the 77th minute, disaster struck when Taylor fired home a 20-yard free kick after a foul by Lee and suddenly it was nail-biting time.             However, once again the defence was strong and managed to hold on, indeed it was Gray who came closest to scoring in the final minutes when he blazed over from a narrow angle.             The Yellows now play Stalybridge Celtic at Haig Avenue on Wednesday evening with the second leg at the Bower Fold next Sunday, kick off 3pm.             If they are successful, they will travel to Burton Albions’s Pirelli Stadium for the final on Friday May 9th, kick-off 7.45pm.   Trust in Yellow are running coaches to Stalybridge. Cost is £5 for members £8 for non members and the coach departs from Haig Avenue at 12.30. One coach is full already and bookings are being taken for a second coach. Please book in the TIY office on Wednesday or call Alan Scarsbrick on: 07980911693 Report by Ron Ellis 4/28/2008 2:34:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6666 In an age of rising divorce and falling marriage rates, one West Lancashire couple have shown that true love still exists. Marie-Therese and Derek Hill celebrated 35 years of marriage on April 6 by doing it all over again at the same Up Holland Church. And it even snowed; just as it had the first time they said "I do." Over 100 family and friends packed into St Teresa's Church to see the couple renew their vows. Therese,55 and Derek, 59 met at London University when Derek went to a freshers ball to "see who he could pick up." He "got more than he bargained for" when he met Marie Therese from Up Holland. Both were delighted with their second big day. Derek said: " I was really thrilled when me and Marie decided to renew our vows and we grew closer during the planning of the event." The couple's children Christopher, Stephen, Eleanor and Judith were present at the happy occasion. Marie Therese said: "It was a perfect day and everything went so well after careful planning and everyone had a good time. Let's hope the next thirty five years are as enjoyable." The pair also used the occasion to raise money for charity as they refused any gifts and asked instead for donations to Christian Aid. 4/25/2008 1:43:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6665 West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper is on a collision course with foul-mouthed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Miss Cooper has demanded that his Kitchen Nightmares USA show be investigated after suggestions that elements of the programme are staged. She told The Champion: "I know Gordon Ramsay's show is immensely popular among many in West Lancashire. It is important they have full confidence that these reality shows are just that - real and not made up.  "Trust in TV programmes have taken a battering of late with various scandals including those involving Blue Peter and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway. "I therefore feel it is important that these allegations are put under scrutiny by Ofcom and if necessary the appropriate action is taken.  "Otherwise, we could get to a point where there is a cloud of suspicion hanging over many of the shows and that would be damaging for the confidence of those working in the TV industry as well as the many of us tuning in at home."  Miss Cooper's intervention is a strange twist in a row that has developed between Mr Ramsay and the general manager of a restaurant featured on his show. In an infamous scene the chef berated Martin Hyde of Dillons Indian Restaurant in Manhattan using his customary foul language. Mr Hyde is now suing Mr Ramsay and the programme makers Granada and Optomen TV for £9 million in a New York District Court action. It was as part of the court action that 53-year-old Mr Hyde claimed the show was a sham. Among other allegations he said that extras had been paid $75 each to "look happy" at the re-opening of the restaurant to make it look like Ramsay's intervention had been a success. 4/25/2008 1:37:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6664 A car salesman was jailed after stealing more than £30,000 from his employers.  For more than nine months Peter Carbutt fiddled paperwork to make it look like he was selling cars for more than he told his bosses. Carbutt, a trusted employee, was originally believed to have stolen more than £100,000 from his company, Newmotor.org.ltd, in Eastbourne Road, Southport. Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday, April 24, that in some cases he claimed he had sold cars including a Mercedes and a Pajero at far higher rates before pocketing the cash. Following his arrest, 43-year-old Carbutt borrowed £28,000 from his father to pay back some of the debt. Following the discovery of his crimes the Southport second-hand car firm was forced to spend thousands more in legal fees. He pleaded guilty to eight theft offences between September 2006 and November 2007, totalling £32,000. Gillian Batts, defending, told the court that 43-year-old Carbutt had been pressured in to carrying out the thefts because of a huge debt. He had been declared bankrupt before he began working for the car company, but she said he had stolen the money in an attempt to pay back creditors, who were continuing to threaten him. He had been beaten him up at least three times since starting work with the company, she said. But Judge Mark Brown told Carbutt, formerly of New Hall Lane, Preston, his crime was so serious only a prison sentence was appropriate. He jailed Carbutt, who was wearing a checked shirt and hung his head throughout the proceedings, for 10 months for the "abuse of trust". Judge Brown said: "It is clear that you were responsible for handling your employers' money and that over this period of time you stole money and that represented a very significant breach of trust. "You have pleaded guilty to eight charges of theft. These offences represent the fact that over a period of about nine months you stole £32,000 from your employers. "This was not an isolated offence but an offence that was repeated. There was clearly an element of premeditation about it." 4/24/2008 9:12:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6663 Residents of a Birkdale street could be allowed to keep their historic pavement tiles. Sefton's cabinet member for technical services said the small grey 'Southport tiles' on Conyers Avenue must be replaced with concrete flags because many are broken and replacements are no longer made. But residents complained to cllr Richard Hands who 'called in' the decision for scrutiny. "These tiles are part of Southport's distinctive heritage, he said. "It's important that we hold on to these period features wherever we can. With so much going on in Southport its important that we don't forget our past." A Sefton scrutiny and review committee agreed that the tiles should remain so the cabinet member must now review his decision. Cllr Hands suggested a compromise that would see a Tarmac strip along the edge of the kerb with tiles making up the rest of the pavement. Southport tiles are now in short supply, and the council had previously drawn up "priority areas" for keeping tiled footways. Conyers Avenue did not make the shortlist, but Cllr Hands is now campaigning for it to become a conservation area in its own right. Cllr Hands' stance was backed by the town's MP John Pugh: "As Southport moves forward we need to ensure we keep sight of our heritage. What Cllr Hands is proposing would allow us to do this, and save the taxpayer money at the same time, and I'm happy to lend my support." Southport tiles have been laid as edging around Lord Street's trees as part of the boulevard's renovation works. By Natasha Robson 4/24/2008 7:32:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6662 A landlord specialising in housing the homeless is facing difficulties after a benefits confirmation service was moved away from Southport. Pastor Pete Cunningham, head of Green Pastures, used to take tenants to Eastbank Street's Job Centre Plus to get statements of their benefits for them to apply for housing benefit from Sefton Council. But since the Job Centre scrapped the service, Pastor Cunningham said some tenants have faced problems. "It is the loss of an important service to the most vulnerable of our community," he told The Champion. "If we needed a breakdown of their benefits they could print one off immediately, but they moved all the staff for that down to Bootle.  Now the possibility of information being lost in the post is great. "And with some of our tenants, if they get an official-looking letter they tend to dump it because they don't know if it's bad news." The loss of the service is causing delays in tenants' housing benefit applications, he said. A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions, who run Job Centre Plus, said they will arrange an urgent meeting with Pastor Cunningham to discuss how to address his concerns. Pastor Cunningham has also slammed Sefton Council for wasting taxpayers' money on poor housing services. An Audit Commission report said Sefton's £6.7million Supporting People programme that funds housing-related support to vulnerable people is "poor" and has "uncertain" prospects for improvement. Inspectors found the council contracts with 23 services that "do not meet minimum standards" and access to the services was "difficult". "What is our council doing to monitor these things?" Pastor Cunningham, who specialises in providing houses for the homeless, asked. Sefton said they were "disappointed" at the report and were sure future inspections would show an improvement. By Natasha Robson   4/24/2008 7:28:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6661 Senior council officers are under pressure after the Local Government Ombudsman found they acted unlawfully. Sefton Council wrongly accused one elderly pensioner of having a criminal record and locked another man out of his allotment for over eight weeks. Since the initial investigation, allegations of theft have been made against the council in relation to thousands of pounds worth of supplies. Anne Seex, The Local Government Ombudsman, told The Champion her office might take further action against Sefton Council. She said: "Sefton Council officers didn't act lawfully when dealing with these two gentlemen. "They need to come to a settlement with the gentlemen, if they don't or I'm not satisfied I can then issue another report. "If I issue a public report then there will have to be a debate in a full council meeting." A council spokesman did not want to discuss the unlawful activity but did say the Ombudsman's report will be fully investigated. She said: "We are aware of the Local Government Ombudsman's report, this is due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting in May." Allotment holder Jim Dolan says the council had been trying to force him off the land for over three years. He said: "An elderly allotment holder was threatened and intimidated by another and instead of kicking him off, a senior council officer put him in charge of the site. "The council have done everything to try and remove us from the site, the same senior council officer refused to accept my rent and locked me out of the site. "Council officers authorised the seizure of over £3,000 of supplies from an elderly gentleman who has now died, the ombudsman told me the council have abused their authority. "It's elderly pensioners who tend the allotment and it's a disgrace they have been the target of threats and intimidation," he added. The council did not comply with The Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908, Allotments Act 1922 and Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Council officers have until July to pay compensation and reach a settlement with the allotment holders. By Andrew Ashcroft 4/24/2008 7:24:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6660 Councillors have discussed seeking an injunction to stop the auction of Southport industrial estates. Sefton sold Canning Road and Crowland Street industrial estates to a Manchester company for a reported £8.9million in March, but the firm has arranged to sell each tenant's freehold, in some cases asking up to four times the tenant's valuation. Cabinet members agreed in a private session that the council should seek independent legal advice. The company is said to have broken its contract after it agreed to buy the estates as a going concern. Queen's counsel will check that clauses in the contract are "watertight" and report back before the auction on Tuesday May 13 in London. "It was sold for them to be the landlords and work with the people on the site," an insider said. "That seemed to be what was happening, so the fact that it came up for auction more than annoyed the cabinet." But auctioneers Colliers CRE are confident the sale will go ahead. "My client would say to absolutely go ahead with the auction," auctions director Richard Argles said. "I don't see there is any merit in Sefton Council applying for an injunction.  It would cost them a fortune and there could be damages if the auction had to be cancelled. "My client bought it and my client wishes to sell it.  It is nothing to do with Sefton." Sefton defended its decision to sell the estates, saying they got the best possible price and the income generating £500,000 for the council per year. Officers were accused of removing a "clawback" clause from the contract, that would entitle the council to a percentage of a future sale by the new owner.  But insiders say there is no reason to believe the clause is not in place. Southport's MP John Pugh has written to the district auditor to clarify whether the council got best value for the sale of its industrial estates. He said: "I remain concerned though that many of the key decisions have been smuggled past most members with no full council debate. The council's legal department was reluctant even to release the figure of the sale price, though I understand that the money came in useful in dealing with a large six figure over-spend in that department." By Natasha Robson 4/24/2008 7:17:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6659 A Birkdale pensioner believed to be on holiday lay dead in his flat for weeks. One Vision Housing (OVH) wardens thought that John Dowling, a resident of their sheltered accommodation on Grantham Close, was on a three-month trip to Spain after he told a neighbour of his plans to get away from winter weather. Georgina Hammond told The Champion: "I was talking to him at the bus stop one day, it must have been when we had those really strong winds, and he said "I hate this weather, I'm going to Spain." However another of the street's residents, Richard Roberts, was unaware of his plans and expressed growing concern after he hadn't seen Mr Dowling for some time. He told The Champion: "I used to see him walking to the shops everyday and then I hadn't seen him for a while. "I became particularly uneasy about it. I was getting so worried about him in the end that I had to call the police." On April 13 police forced their way into Mr Dowling's home, which was equipped with emergency buttons to contact wardens, and discovered his body in the bedroom. Ambulances arrived to take him away shortly after he was found. Having lived alone in the flat, Mr Dowling is not known to have had any family members within the area. Mr Roberts, who knew him briefly, paid tribute, saying: "He was a good bloke. He was very friendly and it will be a shame not to have him with us anymore." As a lone resident receiving the same care, Mr Roberts also told of his fears that the same might happen to him, saying: "I worry myself that someone's going to have to come and batter my door down one day." A spokesman for One Vision Housing told The Champion that Mr Dowling was last seen in January when he informed staff and neighbours of a three-month trip to Spain. Wardens were given no reason to believe that he had not arrived at his holiday destination, and while continuing to monitor the property in his absence they found no cause for concern. It was only when Mr Dowling failed to report that he was returning after the three-month period that OVH staff became concerned. He added: "It is a particularly sad and tragic incident and our thoughts are with all those who knew Mr Dowling at this time." By Natasha Young   4/24/2008 7:13:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6658 SOUTHPORT 2 LEIGH RMI 0 By RON ELLIS   A comprehensive victory over relegation-bound Leigh RMI took Southport into 4th place in the table and just one more win, at Vauxhall Motors on Saturday, will take them into the play-offs. The scoreline does little justice to the way The Sandgrounders dominated the game. Neil Robinson alone should have had four goals, with two efforts hitting the post and two clear cut chances missed. The opening chance came after five minutes when Duffy helped on Prince’s cross from the left, catching Robinson unawares at the far post and his shot sailed over the bar. In the 13th minute, Southport took the lead at the far post with a superbly executed goal. Chris Holland cleverly dummied Paul Barrett’s cross, allowing the ball to run on to Liam Blakeman who thrashed it into the back of the net from fully thirty yards. Two minutes later, Tony Gray shot on the turn from Holland’s pass, just missing the goal and Robinson hit the post as The Sandgrounders pummelled the Leigh defence. The second goal came in the 28th minute. A goalmouth melee in which Blakeman flicked the ball to Gray who, with his back to goal, executed a perfect bicycle kick from eight yards out giving Tim Dittner no chance. Shortly before the interval, the visitors had their best effort but after Kevin Lee had made two timely blocks, Holland headed off the line and the danger was cleared. Richard Whiteside, deputising in goal for the injured Steven Drench, had had little to do in the first half but, in the 56th minute, he tipped a Mark Smythe 25 yard free kick over the barand Smythe had another shot which was deflected for a corner by Ollie James, on for Chris Lever who sustained a torn shin. The Port were on cruise control for most of the second half, saving their energy for Saturday’s vital game but they stepped up a gear in the last quarter. Gray tried a 30-yard shot, which Dittner tipped aside for a corner, then Robinson hit the post from a Blakeman cross before Gray had another shot saved by Dittner who was lucky to stay on the field after he blatantly handled outside the area in the 77th minute. In injury time, the 861 crowd were treated to a sublime example of swift one-touch football that was worthy of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal  and worth the admission fee in itself. Duffy took up the ball on the right of the Southport goalmouth and, as defenders closed in, whipped it across to Blakeman by the halfway line who, in turn, sent it straight over to Robinson on the left wing. He sped towards the goal and released a shot that, had it not narrowly missed the target, would have been Goal of the Year. If The Yellows keep up this standard of football, the Conference Premier m,ight not look so daunting after all and the catalyst behind this amazing revival is Gary Brabin. Three wins out of four, three clean sheets and back to Fortress Haig Avenue again. Roll on Saturday. 4/24/2008 1:32:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6657 An empty house next to Ainsdale's cemetery is to be protected by wooden windows. The Sefton Council-owned property, thought to have been lived in by a caretaker for the graveyard, has been empty for several weeks. Despite no evidence of the building being vandalised since it became empty, the council have boarded the windows up, sparking concerns that it will now become an eyesore and a target for anti-social behaviour. Councillor Brenda Porter told Champnews.com: "The building is in a very nice residential area and they have put these extremely unsightly boards up. It is not acceptable. "They have also made it into a target and broadcasted to the whole world that the building is empty." As Champnews.com went to press the boards were being painted black, however Cllr Porter understands that the council plan to paint them to look like windows while decisions are made over the future of the building. The issue is set to be discussed by a committee who will decide whether the house will be kept as council property or let out to others. Other Ainsdale buildings, such as the St Thomas More Site, have been empty for longer periods of time without being boarded up. Cllr Porter also criticised the move after retailers and private property owners were refused the right to put shutters over windows and doors, saying: "There appears to be different rules for different people." A spokesman for Sefton Council said: "We have made this building as secure as possible to prevent any vandalism and a decision on its future should be made shortly." By Natasha Young 4/23/2008 9:10:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6656 A Formby nutritionist has blasted Sefton Borough Partnership after they claimed Formby school children were obese. The partnership claimed in a draft report Formby's 10-year-olds are more likely to struggle with obesity compared with other children in Sefton. Affluent lifestyles and over indulgent parents are the main causes according to the report. Mary Gye, a naturopathic nutritionist at Formby Natural Health Clinic, called the report a disgrace. She said: "It's rubbish, I don't think that is true and I would like them to back up these comments. "I'm shocked, I don't believe these claims and I've worked with Formby children for four years. "We do have obese children who come into the centre but to say Formby children are more obese than other kids in Sefton is rubbish." Mary Gye says the real problem is food additives and these tend to affect children from deprived areas. "I work with nutrition and natural health to help people with their diet and exercise needs. "Most kids who come to me get removed from diets with a lot of additives that causes chronic irritable bowel syndrome. "There are eight really harmful additives and I know it's the children from poorer backgrounds who consume these," she added. The report said low-income levels are major determinants of ill health but says kids get more exercise in areas where car ownership is lower. A council spokesman distanced themselves from the report and said it was a Sefton Borough Partnership statement. The Sefton Borough Partnership was established in 1999 and is responsible for the social, environmental and economic well-being of the Borough. By Andrew Ashcroft 4/23/2008 9:01:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6655 One of Britain's top psychics has blasted new government regulations that could make him a criminal. New EU rules mean mediums will have to prove they are actually speaking to the dead. David Traynor, a Southport-based spirit medium, said psychics are being unfairly targeted. He explained: "I don't know why we are being targeted, this is a religion, if all the other religions were targeted in this way we would have anarchy. "This is my religion and lifestyle, the government are viewing it as just a business. "The new law just doesn't take into account what we do, we need this to be blocked because the government is rushing into it. "I think its just another way for the government to make money from a religion. Meg Simpson, of Southport's Pathways Spiritual Centre, Portland Street, says the changes won't affect legitimate spiritualists. She said: "People get paid to be cynical about the spiritualist church, anybody who doesn't understand us should come to see for themselves what we do. "The new law will be gunning for those spiritualists who pray on the vulnerable. "There are people from overseas who pick on elderly people over the phone, it won't affect our church." A spokesman for the British Humanist Association said the current law was not fit for purpose. He said: "We hope that the new regulations will make real changes to the current situation. "We have a situation where psychic's can make completely unsubstantiated claims and to get paid for their services, without fear of legal action." By Andrew Ashcroft 4/23/2008 8:49:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6654 Skem put up a brave effort against Eastwood Town in the UniBond League Challenge Cup final despite losing 3-0, but United's season is not over as they can still be promoted via the play-offs.   Eastwood Town scored three goals in the first half in the final in Cheshire on Monday night and Skem were unable to come back in the second period.   However, if Skem beat high flying Curzon this Saturday at home they will be guaranteed a place in next weeks play-offs for the UniBond Premier. The club are urging the town folk of Skem to turn out in numbers to cheer United on. In Monday's final United conceded three first half goals; and although it proved to be a hurdle too high to climb from that point onwards, they dominated proceedings with a second half performance that was packed with valiant endeavour. Over 200 hundred supporters made their way to the Tameside Stadium to out number their opponents considerably, and judged by the reception United received at the end you would’ve thought that Skem had won the cup. Skem were the underdogs going into the game, but then they had been since the very first round. Having beaten four teams from the higher division; Skem still had plenty of self belief that they could see off Premiership promotion hopefuls Eastwood too, but at the end of the day and three set pieces later the dream was finally over. Dead-ball specialist Chris Shaw was the difference on the night. Aided and abetted by the wind he judged all three free kicks to perfection. Shaw’s first free kick was floated into the six-yard box from the right hand wing and up popped Craig Swinscoe to head the ball into the back of the net to give Eastwood a 10th minute lead. Two minutes later Skem were denied a passage back into the game when Georgie Donnelly’s shot was blocked en route. In the 20th minute Eastwood doubled their lead. Chris Shaw’s in-swinging corner kick was finished off with a bullet header by Anthony Howell.  Sean McConville’s free kick to the near post found the head of Chris Almond in the 27th minute, but was cleared by Chris Shaw. In the 33rd minute Shaw’s corner was whipped into Matt Rhead at the far post, but this time Ryan McMahon pulled off a great instinctive save. A melee ensued but Skem managed to eventually clear their lines. Adam Birchall fed Georgie Donnelly with a great ball down the left wing.  Donnelly outwitted Ricky Hanson to give himself a one-on-one with the keeper, but from an acute angle Deakin spread himself well to block the shot. In the 38th minute Eastwood scored their third to effectively kill the game off. This time Chris Shaw’s free kick was floated in from a central position 40-yards out.  Michael White was slow to react and Swinscoe was given a free header which flew into the top left hand corner of the net. If Eastwood expected Skem to rollover in the second half they were sadly mistaken, because the underdogs gave them a game until the very final whistle. The only thing Skem lacked was the final penetration. Shaun Foster’s 25-yard effort in the 53rd minute was only inches wide of the upright, and Michael White’s header minutes later landed on top of the net. Tom Hardwick’s cross found McConville, but on the stretch his shot was limited to a flick, but had it been on target it would’ve found the back of the net because for the first time the keeper was stranded. Adam Birchall’s shot was deflected out for a corner late on. With Eastwood failing to clear the ball first time Sean McConville was allowed to cross the ball to the far post only to see Paul Prescott blaze his shot over the crossbar. Skem finished the stronger team it has to be said, but Eastwood to be fair did what they had to do in the second half – they closed up shop. Eastwood were good value for money when all is said and done, but the overwhelming scoreline flattered them somewhat. MoM Tom Hardwick. The young lad worked his socks off and was inconsolable at the end of the game. Team: McMahon, Foster, Hardwick, Akrigg, White, Holland (15. Prescott 74) Birchall, Turner, Almond, Donnelly, McConville.  Subs Not Used: 12. Duffy. 14. O’Donnell. By Frank Hughes 4/22/2008 8:39:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6653 The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have played at Liverpool’s famous Cavern club and have their names etched on the bricks outside, but they can't claim to have the band's name on two bricks.   That honour falls on the district's town crier Don Evans, from Skelmersdale, who played at the Mathew Street venue in the 1950s with Los Toros skiffle group.   Now Don wants to revive the band and is asking for the help of the district's pensioners.   He came up with the idea after taking part an impromptu set with past members of Los Toros at his 70th birthday at O'Este in Ormskirk.     Don, who played the skiffle bass in the band, said: "I invited some old friends from Los Toros to my birthday. My grandson, Peter, tuned his keyboard into banjo mode, and we did a couple of numbers. I was amazed how good we sounded and thought we should revive the band.   "We need people to play in the group. If we do alright we could start to do charity shows for pensioners."   Los Toros played all over Liverpool and Crosby and did a set at the Empire theatre, and Don recalls how much Los Toros was paid for playing at The Cavern.   "In the days before rock n' roll skiffle was king," Don recalled. "The whole group was paid £3 for playing all night at the Cavern. But I don't know why we have two bricks on the wall.   "We then went over the road to the Grapes on Mathew Street, where beer was 1/9 a pint.   "We called it a day when rock n' roll came in." If you are interested in playing in Los Toros email Don at donald.evans@merseymail.com 4/22/2008 8:29:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6652 Churchtown Cricket Club, now sponsored by Botanic Bistro/Langs Bar, kicked off the new season in Division 2 with a comfortable five wicket win against Hindley St Peters at Ferryside Lane. "It's not cricket weather" was the much repeated phrase of the day as an icy wind swept off the Irish sea, chilling players from both teams to the core. The sun hats and short sleeves of this time last year were replaced by Ski Hats, long Johns and thick wooly sweaters. Churchtown won the toss up and asked Hindley to bat first, considering the Arctic conditions Town stuck to the task well taking wickets at regular intervals as Hindley were dismissed for 87. Carl Foster 4-35, Eddie Bancroft 3-30 and James Buck 3-18 sharing the wickets. Buck clung on to the catch of the day in the covers, bravely getting his small hands around the ball despite them being blue. Carl Foster took up where he finished off last year, throwing his toys out of the pram over a no ball decision, perhaps impending fatherhood will calm him down. Chasing 88 for victory, Churchtown's match winner was veteran John Southworth who batted for all but two overs of Town's innings for 28 not out. His solid defence and shot selection allowing others to play freely around him as the total was achieved for the loss of five wickets. Sponsor Paul Lang's announcement of a win bonus of a "free shot" per player for each victory, left all the players thirsty for successful season. By Eddie Bancroft 4/22/2008 5:11:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6651 Dukinfield 18 Ormskirk 5 Ormskirk travelled to Dukinfield knowing that a win would guarantee promotion into South Lancashire/Cheshire I next season. They made hard work of it, but in the final analysis – and by the narrowest of margins, ‘kirk did indeed secure promotion…….. But it was all down to a phone call at the end of a game! The traveling Green Laners were frustrated and angry at nor being able to beat Dukinfield today, but knowing that Sefton had to beat Southport - and wipe out a points difference of 24 points – kept their hopes high. When Ormskirk found out that they had indeed been promoted by virtue of a superior points difference of just 9 points, the mood in the camp was improved somewhat!  Beating Dukinfield on their own patch (and a muddy patch at that) would have been sweet and would have given ‘kirk a psychological edge for next year – but it wasn’t to be today. Ormskirk put in a terrible performance.  They let Dukinfield play tough up front rugby. There was nothing fancy about their performance, it was just basic tactics done in their typically thuggish way! With a strong wind and a slope to contend with Dukinfield’s fly half controlled the game for most of the 80 minutes. His kicking for territory was well executed and he had runners working off him all day. Kirk once again gave away more silly penalties, and after 15 minutes they kicked one of these to go 3-0 up, then another one hit the posts and bounced back straight into the Dukinfield attack, but the kirk defence stood strong.  Moments later they scored a try from close range and then kicked the extras to go 10-0 up.  Leading into the last 20 minutes of the half, kirk now started to take control. They weathered the storm on their own line, and gradually moved up the field (and up the hill at the same time!) The forwards worked well, and were unlucky not to score, basic errors from both sides keeping the score at 10-0 after 40 minutes. With the strong wind and playing down the slope, Kirk were in confident mood. They used the tight game, made good yardage, and should have finished off 3 chances. Dukinfield’s defence was good, and when they came back at kirk they scored another try from a rolling maul. The missed conversion making it 15-0. This made kirk more determined, and knowing that the points difference was tight, they again attacked, John Curley out pacing his man on 2 occasions was unlucky not to score. Then a moment of brilliance from Andy Wilson. The young hooker took the ball out wide, skipped round 2 defenders and side stepped another to score a superb solo effort. The conversion was missed, making it 13-5.  The game became scrappy, and moments before the end the home team kicked another penalty to finish the game off at 18-5. The lads were gutted, knowing that they put in one of the worst performances of the season. Coach for the day Adi Molyneux tried to get the Sefton result over the phone, there was a nail biting 10 minute delay before the good news came! It’s a credit to the 1st team squad that even though they had been promoted they were still frustrated with their performance. But then the beer started flowing…..and flowing…… They got on the coach, and sang a few traditional rugby songs with titles that are not printable here. The antics carried on back at Green Lane, this was a big occasion and the lads wanted to celebrate in typical rugby fashion. Boat races were won by the forwards (the backs were handicapped as they had to take General Troutmen  to make up the numbers)  but later, with their slimline  physiques they made up for it by winning  a very competitive game of ‘Bar Diving’. A good end to the season, and Kirk have got what they deserved. With both the 1st and 2nd teams getting promotion there is a lot of hard work to be done in pre-season, competition for places will be high, as Kirk will want to go into that top league with a bang! This coming Saturday will see the annual ‘John Winn’ trophy being played for as Ormskirk host fellow rivals Southport at Green lane. Kick off 3pm 4/21/2008 9:28:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6650 Burscough 2 Gainsborough Trinity 2 A DECENT crowd of 342 fans turned up at Victoria Park on a cold day, and went home warmed by an exciting game, between two teams that had not decided to go into holiday mode two weeks early writes Neil Leatherbarrow. Burscough twice took the lead and Gainsborough twice equalised, by the final whistle both teams were left breathless by their efforts to secure victory, the victor in doubt until the last kick of the game. In the 5th minute Burscough opened the scoring with a fine piece of football. The ball was played down the right channel to Ciaran Kilheeney who had lost his marker by making space on the right, looking up Kilheeney picked out Craig Noone inside the 18 yard box with a short pass. The teenager having the confidence and time to slip the ball from right to left foot before thumping it across Trinity keeper Adam Sollitt into the far corner. It took Gainsborough just eight minutes to equalise. A corner from the left created havoc. Noone lost out on a challenge purely because his opponent was much stronger than him, and Daniel Sleath who is on loan from Mansfield Town stabbed the loose ball goalwards. McMillan parried the ball away, but unfortunately it went upwards, giving Liam Needham the chance to throw himself at the ball and direct it home. In the 28th minute, Burscough's pressure got its reward. Brian Moogan's corner to the far post was headed back and Kilheeney netted from close range, the problem was referee Mr Graham was pointing to the penalty spot. Although Kilheeney made no mistake with the spot kick, sending Sollitt the wrong way, to fire himself to the top of the Blue Square North goalscoring charts. The first twenty or so minutes of the second-half were probably the least entertaining of the game, though the game sprang into life in the 69th minute. Adam Burley swung a ball in from the left that hung on the wind, Clancy appeared to lose the flight of the ball, thus allowing Trinity captain Danny Anson just the chance he needed, sneaking in on Clancy's blindside before blasting a shot past a helpless McMillan 4/21/2008 8:56:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6649 People in West Lancashire will be able to make use of a new initiative which is being set up to enable pharmacists to play a leading role in health care. The scheme - which will start with the battle with obesity - will be directed by Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust will see a network of healthcare professionals brought together to enable pharmacists to take a more active role in the provision of health care. "We are targeting obesity in the first instance because it is a costly and debilitating lifestyle disease that is difficult for any one set of healthcare professionals to tackle alone," explains Malcolm Phillips, Central Lancashire PCT's head of medicine management. "Its association with a wide range of illnesses - including diabetes, heart disease, strokes and certain cancers - makes it a healthcare priority." Obesity already affects a quarter of the adult population in England and almost a fifth of children under the age of 16. Pharmacists across Central Lancashire will be offered training, ahead of the scheme's pilot in Summer 2008, to enable them to raise the issue of weight with patients. They may offer to screen for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and other ailments associated with poor weight management and patients may be referred to them by other weight management professionals. Learnings from the pilot will be shared with primary care trusts across the North West and, if successful, the scheme will be quickly rolled out across the region. 4/21/2008 2:38:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6648 A Polish man who had been living in Skelmersdale is to be extradited for banditry. Westminster Magistrates Court heard that 27-year-old Pavel Musial has two years, five months and 28 days left for an offence committed in 2006. According to Daniel Jones, representing the Polish authorities, Musial and two other men had "threatened a man with his life and burning his car, pulled his clothes and kicked him in various parts of his body." Musial, who had been living on Egerton, will be kept in custody while a date is set for his return to Poland. He was said to have been living with a partner. It was also thought he had been employed at Skelmersdale Asda but a spokesperson said they had no record of him ever having worked there. 4/21/2008 2:35:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6647 NUNEATON BOROUGH 0  SOUTHPORT 2 BY RON ELLIS   Southport gained an important victory at a freezing and desolate Liberty Way ground on Friday night when they beat fellow contenders Nuneaton Borough 2-0, thus edging ever closer to the play-offs and condemning their financially beleaguered opponents to another season in the Blue Square North. Anyone who has lingering doubts about the sacking of the previous managerial team has only to compare this performance with the one at Solihull, featuring the same players, to know that the board’s decision was not only correct but overdue. Good leaders know when to cut their losses. The trick is to make the right appointment in the first place which is not always easy, bearing in mind prevailing financial restrictions and availability of suitable candidates. Signs are that the appointment of Gary Brabin could be a significant one for the future success of the club. Borough’s best chance of the game came as early as the fourth minute when Nicholas Farquharson shot wastefully high and wide with only Steven Drench to beat. It was a costly miss as, just a minute later, Neil Robinson opened the scoring at the other end, coolly slotting in the rebound after his first shot cannoned off Darren Acton. From then on, the result never looked in doubt as, despite mounting a series of attacks, Nuneaton showed little threat to a defence that showed a rediscovered resilience. Another move by Farquharson was snuffed out by Matt Hocking’s timely tackle in the 14th minute and Drench saved a header from Gavin Cowan and it was The Sandgrounders who ended the half stronger with Acton saving first Mark Duffy’s narrow angle shot and then a fierce 30-yard shot from Neil Prince which he grasped at the second attempt. Within three minutes of the restart, Southport were two up when Liam Blakeman, back to his superlative old form, latched on to a Prince pass 15 yards out and curled a perfectly placed shot over the keeper right into the back of the net. With the game slipping away from them, Nuneaton brought on their substitutes but they were unable to break down the visitors’ defence. Drench easily dealt with an effort from Rodman and Neil Moore went close with a header but, at the end it was Prince who came closest with a good run on the left only to see his shot skim just past the post. If Southport win their two remaining games, a play-off place is assured and they can even finish second if results go their way. After last night’s match against Leigh, The Yellows travel to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday for the final league game of the season which will hopefully be the springboard for the play-offs where anything can happen. The Brabinator has been impressed by the enthusiastic support since he took over the reins. Over 100 fans made the arduous journey to Nuneaton and many more are expected to travel the short distance to Ellesmere Port to get behind their team for this vital match that could well be the club’s first step back to the Blue Square Premier.   Star Rating ** Man of match:  Neil Prince Attendance: 1210   If all five teams in contention for the four play-off places win their remainingmatches, Southport will qualify with 77 points. But if the other teams all lose their games, Southport’s superior goal difference would put them above AFC Telford in second place.  Remaining matches AFC Telford               Burscough (A) Stalybridge Celtic         Redditch (H) Harrogate Town         Tamworth  (A) Workington (H) Barrow                      Worcester City (H)   Coach to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday departs Haig Ave at 12.30, The George at 12.35, The Crown at 12.40 and The Arion at 12.50, note reversal of departure places. Already had a lot of bookings for this trip so please book and pay early to ensure you get a seat on the coach. The fare is just £5 to TIY members £8 to non members. 4/20/2008 2:20:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6646 Sefton Council has written off £755,000 of unpaid council tax. Most of the money is believed to be from people who have left properties without paying the tax and cannot be traced. A spokesman for Sefton Council wouldn't confirm why the debts were cancelled but did say they pursued tax evaders rigorously. The spokesman said: "Our overall recovery rate for unpaid Council Tax bills exceeds 99% and we will always endeavour to collect them. "This includes the use of bailiffs and in appropriate cases, bankruptcy proceedings against non payers," he added. The Taxpayers Alliance, a tax campaign group, says councils need to think of the general public. A spokesman said: "Pensioners in some areas of the country are being sent to jail for not being able to pay relatively small amounts. "It is shocking that councils are happy to write off thousands of pounds. "Council tax is putting an unsustainable burden on ordinary families, and allowing this hole in the budget to continue adds to that burden," he added. By Andrew Ashcroft 4/17/2008 7:50:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6645 The Champion's Natasha Robson has been named Young Journalist of the Year. At the O2 Media Awards last week, Natasha beat off a host of hopefuls to take the coveted trophy. The cream of the press and media industry gathered together for the lavish ceremony at O2's regional headquarters in Preston Brook, Cheshire, where Natasha accepted the award. Presenting the trophy, the judges said: "In an age of froth and spin, Natasha is a genuine chronicler. "Full of passion for truth, energy to see things through, fearlessness in the face of opposition, optimism that she can make a difference, she is truly the underdogÕs champion." The Champion's group editor Rob Doyle commented: "This is a well-deserved honour for a supremely talented journalist. We are all so proud of Natasha and thrilled by her success." 4/17/2008 7:48:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6644 A well-known Southport publican has hit back at another landlord's plan to bar real-ale campaigners from a pub and laughed off suggestions that members indulged in loutish behaviour there. Last week the Champion reported that Geoffry Miller, licensee of the Hightown Hotel, had complained to the headquarters of the Campaign for Real Ale about a group of members disrupting a quiz night. However, Adrian Davies of The Falstaff pub on King Street has since revealed a different version of events. Mr Davies, who was at the pub on the night in question, told The Champion only one member of the real ale organisation was with the group and that this person had "conducted himself as a professional and a true Camra member". He added that the group had not behaved in loutish way but had merely been high-spirited. Mr Davies said that he was part of a group of six people, including staff members from his pub, who visited the pub after a training day in Liverpool. "We visited six or seven different bars to see how they operate and taste the beers," said Mr Davies. "We stopped for a pleasant pint at the Hightown between trains. It was a lovely end to our evening." "Our visit to the pub involved quiet conversation, a good pint and a game of pool. It was a  complete shock to see the claims of Mr  Miller in last week's Champion." Currently fronting his own campaign for "real chips", which has been backed by Coronation Street star Liz Dawn and many others, Mr Davies rejected the suggestion that his group had disrupted the weekly quiz with "obnoxious" behaviour. Insisting that Mr Miller had not expressed any bad feeling towards the group during their visit to the pub, Mr Davies added: "Having been in the trade for over 15 years I am experienced enough to know that when someone is behaving in a loutish way I should approach them, and that some things should just be put down to a bit of pub banter." The Champion understands that Geoffrey Miller has been angered by Camra, which campaigns to preserve British real ale and pubs, in the past, most recently when one of them made "ungracious" comments while visiting the pub. By Natasha Young 4/17/2008 7:47:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6643 A property company who bought a Southport industrial estate off Sefton Council is auctioning each plot's freehold at up to four times the market value, tenants claim. One tenant on the Crowland Street and Canning Road industrial estate called it a "nasty twist" in the sale that has dragged on almost 18 months. "They want to sell it at a massively inflated price, which is rather disgusting," Andy Johnson of Johnson's Scrap Metal, who has been at the site more than 20 years, said. Nine tenants put in bids for their plots in January 2007, but Sefton Council chose a private buyer for the whole estate. The Champion understands it is a Manchester company who offered £8.9 million. Sefton said the company did not tell them of their plan to auction the plots and it was not part of their agreement. London auctioneers Colliers CRE has sent letters to each tenant inviting them to an auction next month to buy back their freehold from the firm. "It is a very frustrating situation.  They have suggested a price almost four times as much as what was suggested by the bank," John Brassey, of boiler manufacturers Instanta said. "We are employing people in Southport and we now have this faceless property developer landlord buying the property with no interest in jobs at all. "It would be more secure if Instanta had the opportunity to buy the freehold.  We might go to the auction but if the price is £400-odd thousand there is no way we could think about it." Andy Johnson said the buyer had been given an unfair amount of time to complete the sale. "They did not complete within 28 days.  I could have come up with a greater figure if I had more time to raise the money.  They have been given a year to save up and we were not given that," he said. "A lot of people are very, very annoyed.  If we own our own site it would be great for us, but everyone is thinking is it worth us raising that money?  My original bid which was unsuccessful was for above market value, now what they are asking is another 30% bigger." But Colliers CRE say the prices are fair. "We sell more ground rents here than any other auctioneers put together," Richard Argles from their auctions department said. "We have a tremendous amount of data to see what it is worth.  The prices we are quoting to tenants should be about right for the market." Commercial property expert Antony Hill spoke for tenants at the cabinet meeting when the decision for Sefton to sell was made. "It strikes me the council may well have undersold the property," he said.  "I remember saying at the time you have to be very careful selling the crown jewels.  The official auditor will want to know you have got best value." A Sefton Council spokesman said: "The council undertook independent evaluation of the Industrial Estates to ensure we achieved best value throughout what was a very thorough tender process. "We have now become aware that there is a possibility that the new owners are preparing to put the Industrial Estate Units up for auction. "This was not part of the agreement they entered into, and at the time of the agreement, was not stated as their intention. We will be looking into the situation, however, all the tenants' rights are, and will remain, protected by law under the Landlords and Tenants Act. " By Natasha Robson 4/17/2008 7:37:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6642 A children's home in Marshside could close within 18 months. Council officers say Kirwan House home for adolescents, opposite Stanley High School on Fleetwood Road, is "no longer fit for purpose". Built in the 1970s, the 10-bed home has sparked numerous complaints from residents over the years. "It wasn't the most appropriate place to put a building to care for troubled young people," Marshside cllr David Tattersall said. "Putting a place like that opposite a secondary school was bound to cause frictions and it did.  There have been some unfortunate incidents. "The problem was that inevitably supervision would break down sometimes and there have been complaints.  I don't think anyone in the neighbourhood will regret that it is going to close down." Children's Services officials have recommended the number of beds be cut to five until the home closes. They want to sell the building and buy two smaller ones that will house four to five children each. It is not yet known where the new sites will be. A council report on Kirwan house said: "This building is not a suitable environment within which to care for this group of young people because its physical layout makes management of the group difficult and leaves young people vulnerable. Given the competing and sometimes conflicting needs of Looked After young people it is also no longer appropriate to place such a large group together." Sefton's cabinet member for children's services was due to approve the closure as The Champion went to press. By Natasha Robson   4/17/2008 7:34:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6641 WORKINGTON 0     BURSCOUGH 1   By Neil Leatherbarrow   A tremendous bit of skill by top scorer Ciaran Kilheeney has left Burscough with a remarkable record in the Blue Square North this season, victory at Borough Park, means that the Linnets have not drawn an away league game for an entire season.  For the record Burscough have played twenty-one away games and won eleven, but they had to withstand some severe pressure in the latter stages to secure this remarkable feat. Burscough started well and in the first six minutes, Kilheeney bidding to bag the top goal-scorer crown for the Blue Square North, went close on two occasions. The first saw his effort blocked after Allan Smart set him up, the second an overhead kick that went over the crossbar after livewire Craig Noone had a shot blocked.                     Both teams were playing some enterprising stuff and the Reds had their moments. In the eighth minute Anthony Wright shot wide after a mix-up between Chris Price and Adam Flynn presented him with the opportunity. Then in the 16th minute a visionary ball from Graham Anthony that split the Linnets defence, gave Johnny Wright a chance that was only snubbed out thanks to Burscough keeper Tony McMillan’s decisive action.                      Farrell Kilbane came to Burscough’s rescue in the 24th minute, diverting Michael Reed’s cross for a corner after Dave Hewson and Gari Rowntree carved another hole in the Linnets back-line.                     Anthony handled the ball in the 35th minute, then Matt McGinn hit a ferocious free-kick over the bar from 30yards out.                    Even though, play see-sawed to both ends of the pitch, defences had the upper hand, something special would be needed to break the deadlock and it arrived one minute into added time before the interval. Flynn arrowed a pinpoint thirty yard ball down the right, Kilheeney broke free of his marker by running into a wide position, on reaching the ball he lifted it over the now isolated central defender Dan Kirkup, Kilheeney then squared the ball across the penalty area to Smart, who had a simple task of sliding the ball home from a few yards out into a gaping goal. If Kilheeney had been a Portuguese Manchester United player the television would show the goal for weeks to come.                    The early period of the second-half, was probably the quietest of the game, taking until almost the hour mark to get going again. Robbie Booth being thwarted by Hewson after Noone and Kilheeney combined well to set him up in the 59th minute.                     A double save by McMillan retained Burscough’s advantage in the 62nd minute. First he rose well to punch the ball off Johnny Wright’s head after Rowntree hoisted an excellent ball into the area, then seconds later after the ball was worked forward again by the Reds, he made another great save (this time low down) to keep Anthony Wright at bay.                      Workington were piling on the pressure now, but they were soon to suffer a blow, an early ball from Lee Andrews found Matt Berkeley, he laid it off to Hewson who blasted over the bar, Hewson then fell to the ground in agony with what appeared an ankle injury.                       After McMillan beat away Johnny Wright’s 76th minute shot, Burscough broke away down the left, Noone’s ball into the box was met by a first time shot from Kilheeney, Workington’s impressive young keeper Aaron Taylor was well beaten but the bar wasn’t, the ball smashed against it and rolled to safety.                       It was in the latter stages that Workington managed to pressure Burscough again, Kyle May headed wide, then in stoppage time, Anthony’s rasping free-kick was saved by McMillan, followed a minute later by a loud penalty appeal was turned away by the referee.                       After the game, Burscough manager Liam Watson commented; “It was a carbon copy of the game earlier in the season at Burscough, except this time we won”. I suppose it could be said that there lies a twisted logic, as Burscough’s away form has been tremendous all season, but home form to their cost has been inconsistent.   WORKINGTON: Taylor, Andrews, Rowntree, May, Kirkup, Hewson (McLuckie, 70), Anthony ©, Johnston, Reed (Berkeley, 45), Wright J., Wright A. (Nicholson, 67) Subs (not used) Gray, Collin   BURSCOUGH: McMillan, Flynn, Clancy, Fitzhenry, Kilbane, Moogan A., McGinn (Parry, 42), Price ©, Smart (Booth, 45), Kilheeney, Noone (McCulloch, 82) Subs (not used) Davis, Hibbert   Referee: Bernard Law (Ravenstonedale, Cumbria)   Attendance: 325 4/17/2008 1:35:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6640 A gym owner at the centre of a body odour dispute has defended his decision to bar a member. Bill Martin, owner of The New Cheshire Lines in Maghull, stopped member Andy Heaton from entering after a row over complaints that he smelt. Mr Heatman, who attended the gym for almost four years, previously told The Champion of his humiliation as he was told by staff that other members had complained he had bad body odour. He said: "My reply to this was that it is a gym, the whole nature of the place makes you sweat. "Having been a nurse for the past 23 years and educating my patients in basic personal and environmental hygiene, I feel extremely embarrassed and humiliated." However, Mr Martin claimed Mr Heatman had distorted the truth, and added that dozens of gym members had signed a petition backing his expulsion. Mr Martin told Champnews.com: "On the 10th March 2008 after many complaints from members, Mr Andy Heatman was asked, very discreetly and professionally to accompany Dave Nichols, the gym manager, into his office for a quiet chat, where they discussed Mr Heatman's body odour problem, and not his sweating as he claims. "At no time were we trying to humiliate him, as we are conscious of this being a very delicate matter." Describing Mr Heatman's reports on Champnews.com as "lies", Mr Martin then barred him from the gym, saying: "I stopped him and advised him that because of the way he had acted, telling the newspapers a pack of complete lies and a fabricated story, that I was sorry but I could not let him enter the gym. "He began to shout 'Am I barred' to which I replied ' you have just barred yourself." Having collected a list of over 60 signatures from other members who had complained about Mr Heatman, he added: "I am sorry that this matter has taken this line but as the owner of The New Cheshire Lines Health Club I Feel my duty has got to be to my members who have signed a petition to stand up to the lies and deceitful remarks made by Mr Heatman." Mr Heatman has now moved to a new gym where he has not received any complaints, claiming: "They just laughed when I told them about it all. "It's a better gym anyway." By Natasha Young 4/16/2008 7:41:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6639 Two new controversial pay phones have appeared in Formby village centre. The pay phones, located on Halsall lane and Brows Lane, are placed on large rolling advertising boards rather than traditional booths. Councillors have restricted features like shop roller shutters in the village, considering them to be eyesores, but the advertising boards have slipped through the net. Cllr Alf Doran told Champnews.com: "I scour the planning applications every week and I didn't see these proposals. none of the councillors remember seeing them. "There is nothing we can do once planning permission has been granted. "The officers at the council have delegated powers and they have taken the decision," he added. The village may be stuck with the boards but Cllr Doran is not giving up. "The one thing we might be able to stop is the rolling movement on the advertising boards. "It can be a distraction to see something suddenly move out of the corner of your eye and could contribute to an accident," he added. Pay phones have fallen out of use with the rise of mobile phones and BT believes they should be subsidised with advertising. A BT spokesman said: this kiosk is the latest innovation." By Andrew Ashcroft   4/16/2008 7:01:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6638 A football student tipped for Southport FC's first team escaped a prison sentence, after "glowing reports" from the club. Thomas Walker, 18, of The Causeway, Crossens appeared at North Sefton Magistrates Court on Friday, pleading guilty to taking a car without permission and causing damage, driving without a full licence and driving without insurance. Following a collision on Scarisbrick New Road on March 4, during which his car overturned, causing damage to three parked cars and traffic chaos around the Kew roundabout, magistrates told Walker they had considered sending him to prison. The incident occurred when Walker, a student on KGV and Southport Football Club's PASE scheme, a BTEC course combined with 12 hours of training per week, drove a family member's Citroen Picasso to college with only a provisional license. When leaving the college, Walker agreed to drive three friends to Tesco at lunchtime. After heading out onto Scarisbrick New Road he realised he was too close to parked cars and tried to adjust his manoeuvre. He then drove too close to a series of bollards and overturned the Citroen Picasso vehicle. The driver, who was due to play in a Lancashire cup match that evening, escaped the car unscathed along with the three passengers, but only Walker remained at the scene and co-operated with police. Michael Braham, representing Walker, asked magistrates to consider that the vehicle was not stolen from an unknown member of the public, was only driven a short distance and that no injuries were caused. Mr Braham also passed three positive reports to the magistrates, outlining Walker's character and approach to his academic career. Southport FC's Haydn Preece, who submitted a report, told Champnews.com: "He is one of a group of lads we've got at the club who have been recognised. "He has been linked with the first team and has trained with them regularly. We are just hoping that it can continue. "He has got to recognise his action and there can be no repeat." Walker, was sentenced to complete 180 hours of unpaid work during a 12-month community order, along with £65 court costs and six penalty points. He was told by chair of magistrates, Andrew Gregson: "We are satisfied your offence is serious enough for community work. It was serious enough for a custodial sentence and we were considering it." He added: "Mr Walker you have been lucky today."   By Natasha Young   4/16/2008 6:45:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6637 Two Southport men who robbed and attacked a friend were yesterday (April 15 2008) both jailed for six years. Ciaran McCarthy and Douglas Dickson both denied the attack on Christopher Wilkinson but were convicted after a trial. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the three men used to drink together and when Mr Wilkinson decided he needed some work doing at his flat Dickson offered to work off a debt to him by helping. His friend, 27-year-old McCarthy said he would also help and on September 4 last year (2007) Mr Wilkinson told them that he had taken £1,000 out of the bank for the materials. That evening the two men called round unexpectedly but he let them in, said Jonathan Clarke, prosecuting. Once inside they demanded he hand over the money and began attacking him. He was punched to the ground and then stamped on and he was unable to defend himself as his right forearm was broken in the assault. They kept kicking him and he eventually told them where the cash was hidden and they took just under £1,000 and left. McCarthy, a chef, of Drewitt Crescent, and Dickson, 30, of Brade Street, both denied robbery and causing grievous bodily harm with intent but were found guilty by a jury. They agreed there had been an incident and Dickson had been involved in a fight but said Dickson was defending himself. The court heard that the men have previous convictions but had never received a custodial sentence before. They still maintain their innocence. By Lynda Roughley 4/16/2008 4:22:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6636 United are gearing up for their clash with Eastwood Town in the UniBond League Challenge Cup final.   The two sides will meet at Curzon Ashton's home ground at Ashton-under-Lyne next Monday (April 21).   Skem, who play in UniBond first division, will start as under dogs and will be facing their fifth UniBond Premier Division side in Eastwood Town.   United have already beaten Kendal Town, Leek Town, Marine and Gateshead from the higher division, as well as eliminating Lancaster City and Kidsgrove Athletic from their league.   Skelmersdale United managing director Frank Hughes spoke about the importance of the game.      He said: "It is the most successful period in Skem's history since our halcyon period when we went to Wembley and brought back the Amateur FA Cup.   "We had to beat four teams above us to get to the final this year. It would be good to bring the cup back to the town. And it is something for our supporters to look forward to."   United manager Tommy Lawson praised the team's supporters for their loyalty during the year.   He said: "The supporters have provided a flash of colour, both home and away, and have been nothing short of fantastic.   "We will do our very best to bring back the trophy. It would be fantastic if we could do it for the supporters, and the people of Skelmersdale.   "It will be a great event for the spectators and we will give it our best shot that is for sure. It is what the spectators deserve after what they have given us this year."   Three coach loads of fans will be making the journey to Curzon Ashton and Frank Hughes added: "We expect at least a couple of hundred supporters to make their way to Curzon Ashton."   Skem made the final of the UniBond League Challenge Cup final after they were taken to penalties by Gateshead. The game had finished 2-2 after extra time, but United won the penalty shoot out 4-2.   Tommy Lawson continued: "The lads have done really well and have played top sides such as Gateshead and Marine and have come out holding their own. It will be a major challenge for the team and they are all looking forward to it."   By Henry James Skem manager Tommy Lawson is shown 4/15/2008 8:19:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6635 Homeowners in Firbeck and Findon have been continuing their fight to save their homes and met the people behind the multi-million pound proposals to transform Skem town centre.   The residents who could see their properties demolished voiced their concerns with St Modwen developers.   Roy Lambert, from the Save Our Selves (SOS) group - the organisation set up by the homeowners of Firbeck and Findon in a bid to protect their properties - said: "St Modwen wanted to pacify us, but we sent them away with a lot of unanswered questions.   "We are not cattle, to be herded into housing we know absolutely nothing about, housing that has not yet been built, and we may not even like when it is."   Skem residents have until April 24 to have their say on the masterplan for the town centre. The council has said the proposals will provide a "new heart" for the town centre.   Mr Lambert, whose wife Dot owns a home on Firbeck, also claimed: "How can Skem residents vote for our homes to be demolished when there are no plans for their replacement as of yet?"    Members of SOS claim that some residents have been left very worried about the future of their properties. He said: "We recently visited the district council 'exhibition' in the Concourse, and were not surprised on one occasion to see a resident become extremely distressed and in tears, so distraught at what this council is doing. This is only one incident, how many more tears are being shed in Firbeck behind closed doors?"   He went onto allege: "Another resident has recently been treated for depression, brought on as a direct result of the stress of having their home under threat. Some residents are having trouble sleeping, some are finding it difficult to concentrate at work. Does anyone care?"  By Henry James 4/15/2008 8:04:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6634  Ormskirk 13 Orrell Anvils 12 A nail biting end to the last home league match of the season brought celebration as the Green Lane men can nearly taste promotion! With 3rd place Sefton getting beat at Crewe, all Ormskirk have to do to guarantee promotion is win away at Duckinfield next week. If Kirk do lose, then Sefton could cause an upset. They play Kirk’s arch rivals Southport ( who stuffed Duckinfield 39-0 on Saturday) at home.  At the moment Ormskirk have the best points difference in the league, they also have the best defence. They have a better points difference of 24 points over Sefton, so it’s all to play for. Ormskirk will board the team bus with their expectant supporters on Saturday, with one goal in mind…. Beat Duckinfield and gain promotion! If they do it will prove to be one the most successful season in history with both 1st and 2nd teams gaining promotion! The game started well for Ormskirk, constant pressure on Orrells line brought about 2 early penalties which Fly half Whalley kicked to take Kirk into a lead of 6-0 after only 10 minutes. The referee made it very clear that he loves giving penalties, Kirk gave away far too many and with it gave easy yards. Orrell played the tight game, constantly hitting close to the ruck, the Kirk defence stood solid, Props Rowley and Gatley knocking back the men in black time and time again. The Lineout worked well, man of the match Andy Wilson provided clean straight ball for jumpers Phil Davis and Kieron Mahood.  Their flyhalf liked to run it from all over the pitch but the contrast of youth in Mark Webster, and the experience of Ex 1st team captain Paul Kearney worked well. In the scrums, Kirk dominated, Capatin kirkby leading from the front in the engine room. 25 minutes in, the kirk backs spun it wide, Andy Healey, back at scrum half linked well with Whalley, passing off to Johnson who drew his man and let wiry centre Curley run at Orrell. Fullback Ashworth timed his pass to perfection off-loading to Wroe who went round his man, caught 10 metres out, Wroe recycled with the support from Webster and Mahood. Healey played the short game, dragging in the defence, then Kirk swiftly moved it back to the other side of the pitch were Curley once again ran at his man and gave a great off load to left wing Pete Spengler, who turned on the burners and went round to score Kirks only try of the game.  Fly half Whalley kicked a beauty from the touchline to make it 13-0. Again Orrell came back and put real pressure on the Kirk line. The defence was awesome, a missed pentalty by Orrell made it 13-0 at half time. In the second half, kirk yet again gave away far too many penalties. Orrell attacked again, and managed to score a converted try on 60 minutes.  Kirk just couldn’t kill the game off, if they do get promoted…..This is something that will have to be improved. Orrell played with confidence and scored another try with 11 minutes to go, the missed conversion made it 13-12. The last 10 minutes was nip and tuck and the game could have gone either way. The Orrell travellers ( dressed in their yellow and black wooly hats) started chanting their team on, the referee then gave Orrell yet another penalty, which must have been the 40th of the game, the merry whistle blower informed us that this was the last play of the game. So for the third time this season, the opposition had to kick the goal to win the game in the last play of the game ( Thankfully Sefton and Ashton both failed, so we were hoping this run of luck would continue!) So it was all down to the last kick of the game. 30 metres out and straight infront of the posts, the Orrell second row had the destiny of Kirk’s season in the end of his boots. There was a lot of nervous faces, both on and off the field…… He strode up to the ball, and gave it an almighty wack, he had the right aim, but thankfully not the distance. The ball dropped just 80cm under the crossbar much to the jubilation of all. A hard fought win and now Kirk’s destiny is in their own hands. 4/14/2008 4:09:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6633 SOUTHPORT 0 KETTERING TOWN 1   Southport were beaten 1-0 by champions Kettering Town at Haig Avenue on Saturday in front of an encouraging 1230 crowd, but they were by no means disgraced as they dominated the play for 80% of the game only to be beaten by a well-worked set piece which turned out to be Kettering’s one on-target shot in the 90 minutes. Seeing the way the team performed in this match suggests that a place in the play-offs would have been secured by now had Gary Brabin been appointed earlier.v At least the board had the courage to seek his services before it was too late. They should not be criticised for sacking too many managers. The trick is to make the right appointment in the first place. Clever investors are the ones who know to cut their losses when their stocks underperform. The rejuvenated form of Liam Blakeman encapsulated the change throughout the team and the new enthusiasm and commitment of all the players was there for everyone to see. It was unfortunate that, for his first game, the new manager had to face a top class, full-time side whose resolute defence held firm in the face of repeated Southport attacks. Blakeman, having his best game of the season for The Sandgrounders, miskicked in front of goal from Michael Rae’s pass in the 5th minute and it was not until nearly the interval that another clear-cut chance emerged when Tony Gray’s shot was saved by Lee Harper. As the home side pressed forward determinedly, Blakeman’s shot looked to be going in before John Dempster blocked it for a corner and then Neil Prince miscued a pass from the hard-working Chris Holland. Harper was the busier of the two keepers and, as the second half started, he saved a Gray header from one Neil Prince free-kick and a Kevin Lee header from another.  Gray looked to have broken the deadlock on the hour but Tom Kemp stuck out a foot to divert it from the goal. When Micahel Powell was judged to have fouled Jean-Paul Marna near the touchline, there didn’t seem to be much danger but Craig Westcarr’s low free-kick reached Anthony Robinson who promptly prodded it straight into the back of the net to give The Poppies an undeserved lead. Urged on by a welcome roar from the Jack Carr Stand, Southport surged forward in search of an equaliser, forcing corner after corner, but the well-drilled Kettering defence held firm. ‘My players gave me 100%,’ said a disappointed Gary Brabin, whose team will not be on the losing side very often with performances like this. ‘We were the better side for all but fifteen minutes of the game against a team who are far and away the best in the league. We lost by giving away a stupid free kick and they scored from their only chance in the game. But I’ve told the lads to keep their heads up. Their players came over and shook hands with our lads after the game, which showed how they respected us. Now we have to come back and win on Tuesday.’ After Tuesday’s match against Alfreton Town, The Yellows travel to Nuneaton Borough on Friday night for what is a must-win game. With Barrow’s seemingly unstoppable climb into the play-offs, Nuneaton and Harrogate are perhaps the likeliest teams to drop out. It’s not all over yet.   Men of match:  Chris Holland & Liam Blakeman TRUST IN YELLOW COACH TO NUNEATON-Friday 18 April Kick Off 7.45pm-Departs The Arion Ainsdale at 3.10, The Crown, Birkdale at 3.20, The George at 3.25 and Haig Ave at 3.30. The fare will be £13 to TIY Members and £18 to Non Members. To book on the coach phone Alan Scarisbrick on 07980-911693 or visit the trust office on match days. 4/14/2008 2:06:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6632 Following a House of Lords report which claimed that immigration doesn't benefit the national economy, West Lancs council have said they "value the contribution that migrant workers make." A spokesperson also said the only way some local agricultural businesses could operate was by using migrant workers because "this type of employment remains unattractive to local people." The spokesperson said: "In West Lancashire we have a large agricultural base and several years' experience of receiving migrant workers. So for some years, together with our partners, we have led the way when it comes to looking at issues surrounding people who come from oversees to work. "Whilst the District Council has not carried out any specific research studies to measure how valuable migrant workers are to the economy, it is touched upon in the West Lancashire Rural Economy Study completed in 2006. It recognised that 'temporary migrant labour is used extensively to support the horticultural part of the West Lancashire food chain.'" Editor of Farm Business magazine Cedric Porter said: "The international nature of agriculture is obvious on a growing number of British farms, where overseas labour is essential to plug the gaps in the availability of local staff." According to a monthly survey by Ipsos Mori Ltd immigration was the second biggest concern of voters in February. By Peter Swift 4/11/2008 2:39:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6631 Budding gangsters in Skelmersdale are damaging the reputation of the town according to police sergeant Andy Willis. Youths are posting footage they have lifted from other videos they have found online cut with images of the town to try and pass themselves off as hardened criminals. Images include hooded men posing with shotguns and youths walking over police cars. Sergeant Willis said: "It's a fantasy thing to big up their reputation. Why they'd do it I don't know. It's part of the youth culture of gangs, they're trying to make something of themselves that they're not. For them it's a bit of fun, something to show their mates but it's sad." Sergeant Willis said he had traced one of the youths responsible after finding a phone with some of the footage on but "editing footage and putting it together isn't a criminal offence." Sgt Willis said: "I found a phone and picked it up and this footage was on the screen so we traced him and went round and he showed us how he'd cobbled it together." He wanted to stress that there is no real gun culture in Skelmersdale. "We don't see armed gangs roaming the streets of Skem, the fantasy seems to be enough for them," he said. He added that "parents should be aware of what their kids are up to and what they're doing with stuff online." His message to the youths themselves is: "Whatever they're doing this for it's not doing the town or the people who live and work here any favours. The perception will be that Skem is akin to Moss Side but it's a false representation." By Peter Swift   4/11/2008 2:35:00 AM http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=6630 LEIGH RMI 2     BURSCOUGH 1                    Burscough’s poor run of form continued at Hilton Park, not only did they make it three consecutive defeats, they had three players dismissed as the game turned bad tempered in the latter stages.                  The game started slowly, then after nine minutes burst into life. Craig Noone made space down the left, beat a defender, before slotting the ball across the face of goal, Ciaran Kilheeney charging into the penalty area stretched full-length in a desperate attempt to reach the ball, agonisingly failed and a great chance was gone.                   It came as a surprise when the Railwaymen took the lead in the 14th minute, but it was no fluke. Owen Roberts played the ball across the pitch from the right, Robin Gibson lost his marker and stroked a first-time ball into the heart of the penalty area, Leigh striker Ga