peterjharvey

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Some photos wot I took to help promote the Narnia Experience at St George's Hall, Liverpool.

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How the Iron Men can boost Crosby's economy

Ten years ago a game of word association would see people from the UK and farther afield responding to ‘Crosby’ with ‘Bing.’

When you Google ‘Crosby’ nowadays you will be confronted by 100 naked men - such is the transformation in the town’s profile since the arrival of Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ in 2005.

For many people, Crosby and Waterloo are now synonymous with the ‘Iron Men.’

The artwork has admirers near and far. Visits by relatives or friends to Merseyside include an obligatory trip to our beach as part of their itinerary, thousands of people make special trips solely to see the figures, others build in a detour during business or leisure trips to the North West, notably Liverpool, and the sculptures regularly feature on TV and in films.

Tourism is worth £16bn to the UK economy every year. That’s an estimated 30 million tourists flocking mostly from Germany, France and the United States, each spending more than £500.

In addition to this figure there is day tourism - leisure trips of three hours or more - worth a further several billion pounds to the UK every year and rising fast. Day trippers are big money.

Of course, it is ludicrous to suggest that Crosby can compete with the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Windermere lake cruises or Chester Zoo. It can’t. But tourism can easily boost our local economy to the tune of several million pounds every year.

Geographically, our area is well poised to piggyback on the popularity of the Lake District and Liverpool as short stay destinations - but it needs to market itself better, especially online, and arguably improve its offer.

There is exciting potential to attract families from across the North West all year round, spending an hour or two with the Iron Men and combining their visit with eating, drinking, playing or shopping locally. (The standard of places to eat locally is certainly improving.)

For the Crosby and Waterloo economy to fulfill its potential visitors need to be persuaded to part with cash in return for quality and value. Online marketing will play a crucial in this.

The home page of Visit England (the national tourist board) features Antony Gormley’s ‘Angel of the North’ to illustrate a ‘breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor adventure’ yet Crosby doesn’t feature among hundreds of attractions on the website’s interactive map.

Equally frustratingly, the Visit Southport website (supported by Sefton Council) features a huge photo of the Iron Men on its home page.

Published in the Crosby Herald, 10th January 2013

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Antony Gormley's Another Place at Crosby beach, near Liverpool. Here's a selection of photography by Ron Davies available as fine art prints from www.anotherplacepictures.com

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Time to put the 'great' back into Great Crosby?

Since the clumsy creation of ʻSeftonʼ in the 1970s Crosby has suffered an identity crisis.

Artificially locked between noisy neighbours Bootle and Southport, it has been barged and bullied for 40 years as part of the ebb and flow of political life.

Some public investment has come our way, including the formidable Another Place by Antony Gormley and two excellent leisure facilities - Crosby Leisure Centre and the Lakeside in Waterloo. Not much else though.

In terms of marketing, the Crosby area has certainly been overlooked. It is well-loved - one of the most desirable places to live in Merseyside with some outstanding schools. But until the arrival of the Iron Men in 2005 and the associated day tourism, it had no recognisable industry, no special reason to pull in people from outside.

Bootle, Southport and Liverpool have all benefited from long-term marketing campaigns, often European or central government funded, attracting investment and achieving a defined identity or, dare I say it, a ʻbrand.ʼ

Boundary commissioners are forever picking over maps to define our communities - but it is the people who live in an area that know it best. They define it. Not the number crunchers, academics or politicians.

My definition of the wider Crosby area or Great Crosby is clear. The village, as we know it, in Moor Lane sits at the heart of Crosby surrounded by mostly good quality, family housing for up to a mile radius.

Going clockwise Waterloo, Brighton Le Sands, Blundellsands, Little Crosby and Thornton are the five settlements that complete the Great Crosby jigsaw. They each look towards and support the town of Crosby, although each has its own identity.

The Rimrose valley running from Thornton west towards the coast forms a natural and distinct boundary with Netherton, Litherland and Seaforth.

As austerity cuts deepen and Sefton Councilʼs ability to promote areas like ours is inevitably weakened, there is merit in discussing how the many excellent and effective voluntary groups, public bodies, businesses and individuals from across Great Crosby can work together with Sefton Council on projects of mutual benefit.I know from my work with ABetterCrosby how proud people are of our heritage and how keen they are to positively influence our future.

The well-worn adage tells us that ʻwhere there is change, there is opportunity.ʼ For our generation, change has never been greater. After years of stoical acceptance Crosby must flex its creativity, resilience and community spirit to rise again. In street-speak itʼs time to get our mojo back. Time to put the great back into Great Crosby?

Published in the Crosby Herald, 13th December 2012

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The Earl of Northbrook (Thomas Baring), when First Lord of the Admiralty, stayed with us at ‘Ramleh,’ and remarked that when he looked out of his bedroom window in the morning he was amazed at the lovely view expanded before him, and could not resist getting up, although it was only seven o'clock, and taking a walk along the terrace in front of the house. At breakfast he told us he knew of no marine view so charming except the Bay of Naples

Shipowner and politican Sir William Bower Forwood (1840-1928), who lived at Ramleh, Burbo Bank Road, Blundellsands - a ‘fine, commodious house on the sea front.' Sir William and his family, including his ten children, lived at Ramleh for almost 30 years until 1898.

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The last day of Satterthwaites - a Crosby institution for 102 years

Queues snaking from shops are normally associated with the latest iPhone release, gimmicky PR stunts or price slash sales.

Shoppers in their dozens lining the streets for pork pies, potato cakes, a ribbon-tied box of meringues or fabled Bavarian slices (mouth-watering masterpieces of vanilla custard, jam, fondant and exquisite puff pastry) is something else again.

Such were the incongruous scenes set against the backdrop of a cool, sunny autumn day outside shops across north Liverpool at the weekend as the independent, family-run bakers Satterthwaites finally gave in to economic pressures, closing with the loss of 70 jobs.

The final day's trading came 102 years after the family opened its first shop in King Street, Southport.

Ex-pats texted orders to loved ones who stood patiently in the queues. The chatter was a mix of sadness, memories and bewilderment, but little laughter. Very civilised, very British, very poignant. Inside, the uniformed staff were as cheerful and obliging as ever, though evidently emotional as they thanked and bade farewell to regular customers, some over many decades.

A woman in her 70s openly wept as she left the College Road shop in Crosby, unashamedly dabbing her eyes with a white cotton handkerchief.

Several people posted mobile phone snapshots of their quarry on social media as they turned to the listening ears of Facebook and Twitter to mourn their loss:

@jenwiththebunny - 'How will I live my life without @satterthwaites and their amazing custard slices? *sob* #hungry #heartbroken'

@tombrennan71 - 'I can't believe I've had my last @satterthwaites pork pie'

@jabbawonger - 'Hard to believe I will never know the joy of a @satterthwaites pork pie again. A sad day. Quality product, not available at Greggs et al.'

@StewyKingEFC - 'Only had one mini pork pie left but me ma has stocked her freezer up! #sadtimes'

@dazzab21 - 'the que was up the road in college rd, but I whizzed round to liverpool rd & stocked up!'

@iammiggy - 'Mad innit...I've been to 3 (shops) today trying to get hold of a pork pie!!'

@mant_a_tangi - 'The thought that I may never again eat a @satterthwaites cake or pork pie fills me with gloom. The memories of eating them make me smile.'

Andrew Hoban captures the busy scene at the branch in Moor Lane, Crosby, shop, in his photo blog, while commercial photographer Mike Black made a special journey to take a poignant shot of the shop staff as they prepared to lock up for the last time.

On Facebook, former Satterthwaites worker Sarah Harvey wrote:

I'm 46 now, every year my birthday cakes have come from Satties, probably 40 out of 46 of them being chocolate button cakes :-) I bought the kids their birthday cakes from Satties, wedding cake, yes you guessed it...Satties, divorce cake, Satties (OK I may not have got a divorce cake but if I had it would have been from Satties).

Someone not feeling well, feeling down, celebrating...a trip to Satties would ensure the right thing was bought to commiserate or celebrate, never a doubt about where it came from with the box tied neatly with blue ribbon.

The old and lonely knew where to go to ensure a smiling face and a chat without being under pressure to move on. I worked there for a while, couldn't have worked with a better group of people. Goodbye Satterthwaites, you take a big piece of my heart with you. I'll miss you more than I would have imagined.

Writer Mary Earnshaw, who lives in Crosby, paid tribute in her blog 'Memoirs of a husk':

So, Satterthwaites, we have to say goodbye. It's not till you start to list the things you'll miss that you realise it's not just the cakes, the bread, the pies, the friendly faces. It's more than that. And we can hardly complain, can we, those of us who love the idea, but shop with our cars at the supermarkets and convenience stores?

Come the snow and your car won't start or the road is blocked, you make your way on foot to the all-weather dependable local shops. And then you realise. What happened to Satterthwaites?

For Satterthwaites owner Roger Wilson, the 71-year-old grandson of founders Walter and Miriam Satterthwaite it was obviously an emotional day. Rising costs and dwindling sales in 2012 had pushed his firm to the brink. His advisers ordered him to restructure or sell. He says:

I'm too old to meet these challenges, A generation ago there were up to eight bakers in Crosby and now there are none. We have stood against the tide and we have only been able to do that because of the support of all the customers.

The staff have been wonderful and there has been tremendous loyalty from the customers. I'm just sorry that this loyalty has not been rewarded with continuity. I really feel that I am letting everyone down.

The support we have had brings it home to me just how much we are letting people down. I'm so sad that I won't ever have a Satterthwaites pork pie or Bavarian slice again.

The firm's plight was arguably not helped by the distraction of opposing Sainsbury's threat to bulldoze their flagship art deco-style shop in Crosby village in 2009/10 to build a £50m superstore. Plans were blocked by Sefton Council and a revised version was finally abandoned by Sainsbury's this summer.

A hunt by Mr Wilson for a buyer for Satterthwaites ended in frustration last week when he turned down two financial offers, reluctantly deciding that neither plan was viable in the absence of an expert baker to maintain the quality. Now, liquidators will pick over the assets of the bakery, vehicle fleet and seven shops.

The golden light of this final day harked back to an age where visiting a baker's shop on the High Street was a daily habit.

Roger Wilson launched the @satterthwaites Twitter account a year ago partly in a bid to grow a new generation of customers for his cherished business. After bringing the shutters down, the proud grandfather, Quaker and former oceanographer - who admitted to feeling 'broken up' by these turbulent events - took to Twitter:

What can I say, except to apologise to our wonderful customers & dedicated staff for not managing to continue. Wish I could have done better. Signing off for now, with deep thanks for all the kind good wishes we have received. Say goodnight to the folks, Gracie!

It's a vaudeville tradition to 'always leave 'em wanting more' and the Gracie Allen reference may have been lost on all but Satterthwaites's oldest customers. This sad but seemingly inevitable ending, however, was not the one Roger Wilson, his staff or customers wanted.

Published in The Guardian, 15th October 2012 - The Northener blog

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I've met Shirley Williams a few times as a journalist - this time was as a young-ish hack on the Crosby Herald during the 1992 General Election. Her victory in the 1981 by election for the SDP momentarily thrust Crosby into national political spotlight. Nowadays, 'Shirl the Whirl' is better known as Baroness Williams of Crosby. A formidable, intelligent woman with a deep sense of social justice.

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London Olympics 2012 opening ceremony: forged with awe and wonder

Confession time. I feared for Frank Cottrell Boyce and his involvement with the Olympic Games. From what I knew of both they seemed at odds. Light and shade. Generosity and greed.

After all, there is a lot to dislike about the Olympics. Where do you begin? The International Olympic Committee’s pursuit of some grossly unsuitable sponsors? Its sledgehammer attitude towards protecting its trademark?

On the other hand, Frank (pictured) is yet to reveal his dark side.

Like many of the 27 million people cosying up in front of their TVs across Team GB-land for last Friday’s megabucks opening ceremony, I hoped that Frank - as the event’s ‘writer’ by invitation of fellow man-of-the-people Danny Boyle - could help conjure up something special.

Had fond childhood memories of Olga Korbut, Mark Spitz, Dick Fosbury or perhaps Bob Beamon skewed the Blundellsands Bard’s judgement and persuaded him to embark on a regrettable PR exercise for the IOC? We all have our price. Mine’s 50 quid. No. Have faith in Frank, I thought.

By the time the iconic chimneys of Dickens’ Coketown had risen so gloriously within the Olympic Park, my fleeting doubts had vanished. I knew that this was indeed about us. Not sponsors. Not branding.

Today’s worries over corrupt, self-serving, uncaring decision-makers were put aside. Skillfully and relentlessly I was reminded how wonderful Great Britain is and I was left elated at being a Brit. For a frazzled 40-something die-hard cynic (my wife’s words, not mine) that takes some doing.

There are times when life stops us in our tracks and forces us to think about the ‘bigger picture.’ We re-assess our beliefs, our values and how our actions can shape our world.

As a society we pause to reflect, sometimes to mourn, pay tribute or celebrate. The plot or track of our communal lives changes - knowingly or not. It could be argued that Diana’s death and 9/11 are two of those snapshot moments. Or even the birth of Beatlemania. Some may call them seminal moments.

There is no greater legacy than making society better - and society is strongest when people come together to share, support and celebrate.

In time we may see that this Olympic Games, the ‘Isles of Wonder’ opening ceremony and its 10,000 volunteers exalting the NHS, popular culture and our role in the industrial and digital revolutions, gave Great Britain an opportunity to stop, to reflect, be proud and change for the better.

Published in the Crosby Herald, 9th August 2012

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Highs and lows of being a 'social democrat' in Crosby

CROSBY is described as a political barometer. Its broad demographic mix often mirrors national opinion.

This has been illustrated many times, perhaps most notably in 1981 with the memorable by-election victory by Shirley Williams for the SDP (Social Democratic Party).

Defending a seemingly unsurmountable majority of 19,272, the local Conservatives gambled on chartered accountant John Butcher as their candidate. I remember him well because my dad Richard, a member of Merseyside County Council at the time, was also shortlisted, as it turned out for him unsuccessfully.

Pin-striped southerner Mr Butcher, now a councillor in Surrey, was considered a safe bet to see off the feisty challenge of former Labour minister Mrs Williams.

A subsequent boundary change that shunted 10,000 voters in Waterloo and Seaforth into Bootle, coupled with the political euphoria of the 1982 Falklands War, was enough to restore Crosby to its traditional Conservative status in 1983, remaining until 1997 when Labourʼs steady rise from its 1981 nadir was completed.

Cherie Blair famously said the moment she saw on TV that her hometown of Crosby had gone Labour she knew she was married to the next Prime Minister.

The ebb and flow of national politics is surely not better reflected anywhere than Crosby? It was again illustrated at last Thursdayʼs council elections with Labour winning each of the local seats up for election to become the first party to take overall control of Sefton Council since 1986.

Veronica Bennett, a 23-year-old former Sacred Heart pupil and Cambridge University theology graduate, became the first Labour councillor to represent Blundellsands. She will serve the area alongside two Conservatives, Sean Dorgan and Peter Papworth.

She ran a formidable campaign supported by a young, energetic team of activists prepared to dirty their shoes and clock up the hours for what they believe in. Communities can thrive from such energy.

Crosbyʼs Conservative MP from 1983 to 1997 Sir Malcolm Thornton often admired how ʻyoung people strip away the dross older people can place on issues.ʼ

The count in the early hours of last Friday at Crosby Leisure Centre was uncomfortable for Sir Malcolmʼs former colleagues, though every party in government expects mid-term casualties.

It is perhaps the demise of the local Liberal Democrats, especially in Blundellsands where a young team powered the Shirley Williams campaign 30 years earlier, that is the real story. In 2010 the Lib Dems polled 1,555 votes or a 23% share of the vote. Last week the party attracted just 87 voters from the 8,893-strong electorate.

Will political pundits, indeed academics with no axe to grind, who consider Nick Cleggʼs party a spent force in UK politics cite this result as grass roots evidence?

Published Crosby Herald, 10th May 2012

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Is the Grand National in danger of slinking from the mainstream?

MY love of the Grand National was sown in the mid 1970s. Boom Docker, Spanish Steps, The Pilgarlic, Rag Trade, Greasepaint, L’Escargot and of course Red Rum - names as familiar to me now as those of classmates at junior school. 

“One at a time...one at a time!” my dad would plead as we three kids divvied up the horses in the family sweepstake, each name carefully snipped from the Daily Express.

I would sit cross legged in front of the TV with my seven or eight horses neatly arranged on the carpet in front of me, transfixed by the BBC commentary of Peter O’Sullevan, John Hamner, Julian Wilson and Michael O’Hehir. My back would arch, my head bob with each fence. 

From the 1970s, perhaps inspired by Rummy - the people’s champion - the Grand National has gone from the brink of extinction under the ownership of property developer Bill Davies to blossom into a mainstream sporting event accommodating the corporate market, traditional racing folk and, on a wider level, fun-loving party girls and families. 

For many years it was a privilege for me to work as a journalist at the Grand National and to witness the relentless growth in media interest as the Aintree brand spread its appeal and went global.

The race is now broadcast to 600 million people across 140 countries. Since 1993 attendances at Aintreee have almost doubled to this year’s modern-day record of 155,000, helped by clever, classy marketing and generous sponsorship, primarily from French Cognac firm Martell and beer makers John Smith’s. 

I now preside over the next generation of family sweepstake. “One at a time...!” I cry, as four sets of young hands divvy up the 40-strong field. New names have brought the same excitement as I enjoyed. Hedgehunter, Black Apalachi, Silver Birch, Snowy Morning. 

This year, though, everything had changed. There was little excitement. Our older children, aged nine and 11, remembered the deaths of two horses in the 2011 race and the fatal collapse of Hear the Echo in 2009. 

This year the kids were more concerned about horses falling, screens being put up and fences being bypassed. The subsequent deaths of Gold Cup winner Synchronised and According to Pete in the 2012 race compounded their doubts, making us grown-ups look even sillier in their eyes. 

These are watershed times for the Grand National. I fear that it will lose a generation of fans unless more is done to reduce the risk of horse deaths and in turn protect its reputation. 

It is clear that the racing fraternity is wary of radical changes. They also seem irritated by non-racing people expressing a view about the Grand National, perhaps because they feel their livelihoods are being threatened. 

“Facts” are often rolled out to claim that the race is getting safer. Other people will state that over the last two years each horse has statistically had twice the chance of dying than winning. Bang. That hits home the danger. 

It is accepted than eliminating risk is impossible without banning the race, something very few want. However, more significant, bolder changes are required to reduce the risk of fatalities. 

With input from trainers, jockeys, owners, officials and animal welfare experts, the British Horseracing Authority’s safety and welfare review following the two fatalities in 2011 suggested a mix of minor concessions and PR recommendations - plenty of tweaks but few of real substance. 

For example, snipping two inches off one of the fences will have a negligible effect on the race, for better or possibly worse. Smaller fences encourage bolder, faster jumping. Some worthwhile suggestions from the BHA, particularly on after-race care for horses, have been implemented. 

So, what practical steps can be taken for 2013 to better safeguard the horses and in turn protect or enhance the Grand National’s character? 

I could list many suggestions such as smoothing out the Canal Turn bend, scrapping the pre-race grandstand parade, watering for soft ground, employing outriders to corral riderless horses or fairly obvious ones such a banning “trick” or drop fences where the landing side is significantly lower than take-off. 

However, I will focus on one. Many of the safety issues posed by the Grand National are undeniably a result of the high number of runners. Forty runners is far in excess of the Cheltenham Festival’s limit of 28 or the Welsh National (28), Irish National and Scottish National (both 30). 

The current field size triggers an exciting charge to the first fence and by Becher’s Brook (Fence 6) - some 90 seconds into the nine-minute race - statistics tell us half those horses that will not complete the race have already fallen, unseated their rider or been brought down. Their race is run. After that things calm down noticeably. 

Reducing the number of Grand National runners to around 30 is inevitable in the long-term, so it is sensible to make the decision now - even if it means some disgruntled trainers, jockeys or owners missing out. 

It is hard to argue that the race would lose any character from having ten or so fewer runners - you could argue a place in the line-up is even more prestigious with less. 

Alongside reducing the field size, the start system needs serious attention (it is often a bungling embarrassment which further stresses already twitchy horses and jockeys). The first fence could also be moved 50 metres nearer to hold up the field. 

With arguably marginalised TV coverage from next year, when Channel 4 takes over from the BBC, and an emerging groundswell of opposition to the status quo from within racing circles, the great race faces a future as uncertain as that in the 1970s. It could easily slink away from the mainstream. 

Thankfully, the Grand National is steeped in resilience, innovation and boldness - qualities it will need to regain its place in our hearts, and once again engage a generation of youngsters with colourful tales of sporting greatness.

Published Liverpool Confidential, April 17th 2012

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Twitter - helping our community talk to each other

SHE can send a text message (with the help of her Sherlock Holmes magnifying glass) and she knows her way around her electronic bread maker. Sheʼs even switched on when it comes to recording the Antiques Roadshow.

One day soon I am sure my motherʼs technological prowess will extend to Twitter, especially if it bolsters her armoury in her lifelong persecution of anyone in authority.

Twitterʼs rise in popularity since its launch in 2006 is overwhelming and all consuming. The social network service has an estimated 350m users globally, giving us ʻlittle peopleʼ an instant and direct voice. And the voice is getting stronger.

We can engage with our favourite brands, organisations and people (allowing them to engage with us too) and most importantly tell our world what we think, what we enjoy and what we dislike. Paying compliments or ranting has never been so much fun! And, of course, itʼs free...for now at least.

Sefton Council (@SeftonCouncil) has signed up, as has the Crosby Herald (@CrosbyHerald) and the Plaza (@PlazaCinema). Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson (@BillEstersonMP) is a daily tweeter.

Some local schools are also engaging with their communities through Twitter - notably Merchant Taylorsʼ (@MerchantsCrosby) and English Martyrs Primary School (@EnglishMartyrs).

Even Anthony Gormleyʼs ʻAnother Placeʼ statues (@IronMenCrosby) are happily tweeting...or someone who knows them well. ʻNot easy tweeting with a damp dongle,ʼ they proclaim to their 1,200 followers while they ʻbig upʼ Crosby and the surrounding area with banter, snippets and links to stories of interest.

Having been on Twitter for several years (@peterjharvey) and used it professionally, including co-ordinating a Twitter campaign for the John Smithʼs Grand National and advising Satterthwaites, I can see the increasingly powerful role it plays in terms of PR. Every marketing or PR strategy needs social media at its heart, and Twitter outweighs Facebook for simple engagement.

@Satterthwaites is utilising Twitter well, interacting with its customers on a daily basis while gently promoting its products and facilitating a celebration of what is already a verypopular brand. Not a day passes without their Bavarian slices, meringues or scouse pies winning praise locally, nationally or even from abroad.

More local businesses are joining the conversation every week as the Crosby and Waterloo area takes a lead in using Twitter to its advantage. Even the retail giants are limited to 140 characters so its a level playing field to that extent.

Communities work best when people talk to each other. Twitter offers us a chance to do this. Its simplicity appeals to all people of all ages with even limited internet know-how. All you need is internet access and an opinion. My mum has plenty of the latter!

Published Crosby Herald 1st March 2011

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Will 'big isn't beautiful' trend affect Sainsbury's plans?

TESCO’S seemingly unstoppable plans to conquer the retail universe took a blow when poor Christmas sales prompted a profits warning. The company also announced that it is scaling back its new store openings as more shoppers go online.

Of course everything is relative and the company is still hugely profitable. In fact, profits will only fall from a forecast £4bn to perhaps £3.5bn, according to retail market analysts, while new Tesco stores may occupy 2m sq ft (that’s 25 or 30 football pitches) rather than 2.5m sq ft.

There is no doubt that Tesco and other supermarket ‘giants’ are having to take stock of shoppers’ fast-changing habits. Technology combined with tough economic conditions has seen a transformation in how, where and when we shop.

Massive one-stop shops are taking a hit. Convenience shopping is the new priority while hypermarkets selling non-food, electrical and white goods are less desirable.

Sainsbury’s is currently pondering whether to return with revised proposals following the rejection of their 2010 plans by Sefton Council.

After discussions with some local individuals and groups, including ABetterCrosby, architect Laurie Chetwood has drawn up plans which are currently being examined by Sainsbury’s. The general design principles discussed at the series of three workshops in Crosby were broadly welcomed although finer details are yet to be revealed.

Sainsbury’s is stressing that a fresh planning application is not guaranteed and that they are considering all options, presumably including selling off their property in Crosby village.

If they do return, Sainsbury’s representatives have also been keen to stress that 50,000 sq ft of retail space (that’s almost three times the size of the current Crosby store) is their minimum requirement to make the project ‘viable’ in terms of profitability. At least 20% of this space is earmarked for non-food.

On a practical level 50,000 sq ft also appears to be a maximum - it is not possible to shoe horn a bigger store into Crosby village without going upwards.

It is likely that, if Sainsbury’s do decide to progress their current ideas for Crosby, size will be a battleground. ABetterCrosby believes that the community wants to embrace plans for lifting Crosby village from its knees but they must be appropriate plans, especially in the long term.

Do we want or need a store which will dominate the village? That may be the key issue. Will our changing shopping habits support a store of that size? Current trends, reflected in Tesco’s strategy adjustment, suggest shoppers may believe smaller is better.

Published in Crosby Herald, 24th January 2012

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Sainsbury's return to Crosby with 'open and creative' approach

ABetterCrosby has been involved with architect Laurie Chetwood who is tasked with creating fresh proposals for a new Sainsbury’s in Crosby.

So far, the approach taken by Sainsbury’s and Laurie in particular is open and creative. The project team is listening to local views - and most importantly responding in terms of the early design ideas.

My personal view is that, for whatever reason, local people left it late to respond to Sainsbury’s initial (and subsequently unsuccessful) plans last year.

Our community came within a whisker of having an unwanted and inappropriate superstore thrust upon us.

Eventually a formidable campaign supported by around 7,500 local people led to the plans being blocked. This time we must be ready to air our views - whether they are in favour or not.

ABetterCrosby has offered to help in whatever way we can to make this public consultation as meaningful and engaging as possible. Until then please feel free to email us via abettercrosby@gmail.com with your views on what kind of development you would like to see in Crosby village.

Published in Crosby Herald, 7th December 2011

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ABetterCrosby staged a special screening of Don't Worry About Me directed by David Morrissey. David attended the special screening at the Plaza Community Cinema, Waterloo, along with the film's co-star Helen Elizabeth. PHOTOS: VICTORIA TETLEY

[peterjharvey]

Actor David Morrissey brings Christmas cheer to Crosby

LIFE in the run-up to Christmas is hectic - but it can also be rewarding, as ABetterCrosby members have been finding out.

In the last few days the voluntary group that aims to bring positive change to our local community by celebrating our heritage and help shape its future is delighted to have delivered two major projects to enhance our cultural wellbeing.

Firstly, ABetterCrosby took the lead in organising the ‘Christmas in Crosby’ lights switch-on in Crosby village last Friday, attended by up to 1,000 people. Thank you to all who supported it.

Star attraction was Liverpool-born BAFTA-nominated actor and director David Morrissey who flicked the switch, giving his time generously to hundreds of fans and admirers of all ages who requested photos and autographs.

Later in the evening, David and ABetterCrosby teamed up again for a special screening at the Plaza Community Cinema, Waterloo, of ‘Don’t Worry About Me,’ a feature film he directed.

As well as raising money for the Plaza’s £120,000 Go Digital campaign and ‘Christmas in Crosby,’ the screening and Q&A afterwards with David, executive producer Paul Morrissey and actress Helen Elizabeth created a real buzz.

Feedback, not least on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, has convinced us to do more screenings. It was a coup to start with such a high profile figure as David Morrissey and we are very grateful for his support.

[peterjharvey]

Blessed with thinker and do-ers

AFTER a year of uncertainly over the future of Crosby village a light is emerging at the heart of our community. Busy and exciting times lie ahead.

Since the successful stand by around 7,500 local people against Sainsbury’s initial plans for a £50m superstore, the ABetterCrosby ‘committee’ has met regularly.

Although we are always looking for fresh impetus from new members we are blessed with thinkers and do-ers, who give up their time without complaint despite other commitments.

We are people who, as our constitution proudly declares, ‘share a desire to bring about positive change for the people of Crosby by celebrating the town’s heritage and helping shape and direct its future.’

Our town is served by excellent schools, churches, parks, housing, coastline and countryside. It is a desirable place to live, work and play. We also have some fantastic businesses yet the ‘village’ has struggled over recent years, not helped by neglectful land and property owners.

ABetterCrosby and other community stakeholders are looking forward to taking up a welcomed invitation to meet with architects and project team members from Sainsbury’s next week to explain our community’s vision and its values as best we can.

It is the first stage in a fresh public consultation phase which will hopefully result in proposals that our community can embrace and share some proud in, proposals that celebrate the character and heritage of Crosby village.

It is an exciting opportunity for Crosby on many levels, notably in terms of employment and the future fortunes of our local independent businesses which must be given the chance to flourish, not be driven into the ground.

There is sometimes confusion over ABetterCrosby, in particular what the group’s view is of Sainsbury’s. I regularly correct people who suggest we are an ‘anti-Sainsbury’s’ group. Far from it. In my position as editor of the Crosby Herald for many years I can vouch for their generosity and community spirit.

Staff have supported events and good causes, the company itself has dug deep for initiatives such as the Summer Fun Run and annual Christmas lights appeal. Indeed, this year ABetterCrosby is teaming up with Sainsbury’s and Sefton Council to fund and organise a Christmas tree and lights switch-on ceremony on Friday December 2nd.

That is how we want it - partnerships working together to make a better Crosby.

ABetterCrosby believes that our town provides Sainsbury’s with an opportunity to showcase the company’s commitment to working with local communities and businesses, to illustrate how they are ‘more than a store,’ that they are a socially responsible retailer, and to reaffirm their place at the heart of our community.

Published in Crosby Herald, 20th October 2011

[peterjharvey]

Crosby - potted history of a famous parliamentary seat

CROSBY has a colourful history in political terms. A true blue Tory seat for 30 years under Sir Graham Page and before him Sir Malcolm Bullock, it was famously snatched by Shirley Williams for the fledgling Social Democrat Party (SDP) in 1981 before returning to the Conservatives in 1983 following boundary changes.

In 1997 Labour won the seat for the first time with an unexpected 18.1% swing and the party has held it ever since, although further boundary changes for the 2010 election officially abolished ʻCrosbyʼ and replaced it with ʻSefton Central.ʼ

For much of its 60 years as a parliamentary constituency, the Boundary Commission has treated Crosby as a rag doll, relentlessly meddling and hurling it around upon instruction of ruling political parties looking to gain either locally or as part of the national jigsaw.

Waterloo (or Church Ward) has often been a disputed territory along with Aintree (Molyneux Ward). In her autobiography Shirley Williams, now Baroness Williams of Crosby, admits to feeling bitter over the 1983 changes which she claimed made the seat ʻvirtually unwinnableʼ for her, suspecting the Conservatives, Labour and the independent commission of collusion. Surely not, Shirley?

While the idea of yet more boundary changes is frustrating, I believe that with common sense ʻtweaksʼ the proposals arguably offer us the best chance of a defined community in Crosby for a generation - in parliamentary terms at least.

It will be the end of the line for the engineered Sefton Central with its seven existing wards being scattered across three constituencies.

At a public inquiry in 2005 I unsuccessfully argued against Crosby being split by the creation of Sefton Central. I claimed it was wrong and unnecessary that two sides of pedestrianised Moor Lane, Crosby village, would be represented by different, potentially opposing MPs.

I told inquiry chair Colin Reese QC that the village was the heart of our community. Some of our local politicians disputed this.

Now, in general terms Crosby will merge with Bootle. Can you imagine anywhere in the UK where there is a greater polarity of wealth and social justice across two such geographically close areas than Blundellsands and Bootle? An uncomfortable alliance for some perhaps.

Only three miles apart, yet a baby born in Bootle can expect to die ten years before one born on the same day to a Blundellsands family (according to research by pension fund consultants Watson Wyatt in 2009).

The existing ties across South Sefton are strong and can only be strengthened further by single representation in Westminster.

Of course, the proposals could not have the Boundary Commissionʼs clumsy thumbprints on them without anomalies. The proposal to bring in ʻKirkdaleʼ (Liverpool) to an otherwise exclusively Sefton seat while pushing ʻNetherton & Orrellʼ into a ʻLiverpool Northʼ seat as Seftonʼs sole representative among Liverpool and Knowsley wards makes no sense to anyone but a number cruncher.

A common sense variation on the BCʼs proposals is the creation of a truly ʻSefton Southʼ constituency, consisting of voters from Blundellsands, Victoria, Church, Linacre, Litherland, Ford, Derby, and possibly Netherton & Orrell wards.

In addition the unwieldy Manor ward (Hightown, Thornton and parts of Crosby) could be divided for parliamentary purposes with Hightown sitting more comfortably with Southport, Formby or Maghull, and the rest of the ward joining Sefton South.

Of course the Boundary Commission proposals are exactly that. Proposals. They are up for discussion over the next few weeks. Community groups and individuals are encouraged to attend the public hearing (Radisson Blu Hotel, Liverpool, October 20-21) and let the Boundary Commission know their feelings, free from the shackles of party politics.

Published Crosby Herald, 15th September 2011