Gemma Melling

With Knowsley in need of more foster carers because of the impact of Covid-19, you’re being asked to consider whether foster caring could be the career for you.

It has been confirmed that gyms will no longer be included in Tier 3 restrictions in Liverpool City Region – and will be allowed to reopen. 

Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, reflects on the current Covid-19 position in Knowsley and the impact of Tier 3 restrictions on the borough.

Throughout the October half-term holiday, children visiting Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot town centres will be able to hunt for ‘Monster Villains’.

Knowsley’s Outbreak Management Board met on Thursday, 15 October 2020, to review the borough’s latest Covid-19 data.

Local leaders have today demanded to see the scientific evidence from Government to explain why gyms in the City Region have been forced to close.

As one of the areas of the UK with the highest rates of COVID-19, Knowsley is also noting a significant rise in the number of people over 60 testing positive for the virus.

An emergency fund of £40m has been confirmed to help protect hospitality & leisure businesses in the Liverpool City Region.

Knowsley’s Outbreak Management Board met on Thursday, 8 October, to review the latest Covid-19 data for the borough.

Data which went ‘missing’ but has now been added to official figures means that Knowsley’s true rate of Covid-19 infection is even higher than previously thought.

New local restructions for the Liverpool City Region were confirmed by Government this morning – but there are concerns they do not go far enough.

As cases of Covid-19 continue to rise in Knowsley and the Liverpool City Region, even tougher local restrictions are being introduced to help stop the spread.

To address concerns that Covid-19 safety measures are not being enforced in some large stores in Knowsley, Cllr Graham Morgan has written to store managers to remind them of their responsibilities.

The Leader of Knowsley Council is calling for urgent steps to be taken to control the spread of Covid-19 as the borough was confirmed to have the highest rate in the country.

Writing as new restrictions come into force in Knowsley, Cllr Graham Morgan is asking all residents to Stop. Think. Do the RIGHT thing.

As Covid-19 cases rise in the area, the council is urging people in Knowsley to take note of the new rules which apply to all areas in Merseyside – and do their bit to stop the spread.

Knowsley Council is launching a year-long package of support for high street businesses, delivered by experts at Save The High Street.

With cases of Covid-19 creeping up again, council leader Cllr Graham Morgan, is urging us all not to let things slide – keep following the rules and protect ourselves and others.

Carers looking after vulnerable young people or adults with disabilities in Knowsley are to be given additional payments to cover the costs of caring during Covid.

This week, Cllr Morgan’s update looks at the start of a new academic year – and how September brings with it lots of new beginnings.

Ensuring carers in Knowsley are well supported, recognised and valued, is at the heart of a new Carers Strategy being proposed by the council. 

If you need medication, health advice or treatment over the bank holiday weekend, here’s where you can go for help.

The redevelopment of Kirkby Town Centre has taken another step forward, as planning permission goes in for a much-anticipated cinema complex.

In this week’s update, Cllr Graham Morgan reflects on the experiences of young people during lockdown.

Students across Knowsley have today found out which grades they have been awarded in their GCSEs.

Hospitality businesses in Knowsley can help support the NHS Test and Trace programme by recording contact details of staff, customers and visitors.

If you are collecting A Level results today, here’s what you need to know, and where to get advice about next steps.

This week is ‘Shop Local’ week and we’re all being encouraged to support our local retailers.

Despite a very challenging few months, many Knowsley companies are continuing to recruit into key positions. If you’re job hunting, here’s what you need to know.

The online Knowsley Flower Show exhibition goes live this weekend – with hundreds of plants, flowers and favourite views of nature – all submitted by YOU!

Thanks to a ‘Knowsley Better Together’ ethos, the borough’s response to COVID-19 has been swift, effective and robust.

Knowsley’s Outbreak Management Plan sets out a co-ordinated approach to the prevention and management of COVID-19 in the borough.

Earlier this year, you were asked what you’d like to see in Kirkby Town Centre in the future. Here’s what you said – and what the council is going to do about it.

People in Knowsley are being thanked for their cooperation with Covid-19 testing, which is critical as lockdown restrictions are eased further.

If you have a loved one in a care home, we’re sure you’re very keen to visit them. But for their safety, non-essential visits are still not permitted.

We are being reminded of the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – particularly where there are elderly, unwell or vulnerable residents.

There is a range of support to help prevent you getting into Council Tax debt. Here’s how we can help you avoid arrears and offer support if you are struggling financially.

This summer, you can sign up for a free six week online art course, regardless of your age or experience!

The school summer holidays is about to begin – and as usual there are a range of activities to keep children and young people entertained in Knowsley. 

A further £3.3m investment has been confirmed, and images released showing how the new station might look.

This summer holiday, a series of online summer clubs are being offered to children in Knowsley as an alternative to sessions which meet in person. 

If you run a business or employ staff, here’s what you need to know about the NHS test and trace programme – and how you can support its work.

The NHS Test and Trace programme plays a vital role in ensuring that Covid19 cases reduce and the infection stops spreading. Here’s what you need to know.

Here’s what test and trace means for you as an employee – what you need to know and what you are asked to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19.

The first planning application to build family homes as part of the creation of a Garden Village near Whiston, have been approved by councillors in Knowsley.

This summer, the whole family can take part in SNAP (Sports, Nutrition, Active Play) free family activities across Knowsley.

An Outbreak Management Plan is being developed for Knowsley, aimed at effectively containing the COVID-19 virus and reducing its spread in the community.

In this week’s update, Cllr Graham Morgan looks ahead to a weekend when further easing of the lockdown will take place – with bars & restaurants reopening.

We set out the facts behind the application to build a new Aldi in Huyton, on the site of the former Huyton Cricket Club.

Vulnerable residents in Stockbridge Village have enjoyed delicious hot meals delivered to their door thanks to a team of school cooks, local councillors and volunteers.

As mental health issues can made worse by the current pandemic, remember – it’s good to talk. If you need someone to turn to, here’s where a listening ear can be found.

A masterplan for an exciting new residential development East of Halewood has been approved by councillors in Knowsley.

Aldi have plans to bring a new supermarket to Huyton – and they want your views on their proposals.

Don’t struggle with mental health issues alone – here are some sources of help and support for people of all ages.

Knowsley Council is welcoming news that the Government has now agreed to fund the cost of free school meals during the forthcoming school summer holidays.

With test and trace being talked about a lot in the news, we explain exactly what it is and what it might mean for you.

Steelworks are now being put in place on site as part of the construction of Kirkby’s new town centre retail development.

Care homes in Knowsley will benefit from a £640,000 fund set up to help them absorb the cost of empty beds during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here’s how Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team have been working to keep our communities safe this week.

If you are currently unemployed with dreams of becoming a writer, why not register for this free 12 week digital writing course?

The test & trace service aims to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reducing the spread of the virus and saving lives. Here’s what you need to know.

Our roads – and how we use them – have changed lately – but the importance of teaching children basic road safety remains the same. Find out more.

Eligible children in Knowsley will receive vouchers for free school meals during half term, after Knowsley Council put pressure on Government to fund it.

If you need help as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Knowsley has an army of volunteers ready to help!

To help to support the council’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak and support vulnerable residents, its Adult Social Care team is providing vital services.

Residents displaying Covid-19 symptoms can be tested in a number of mobile testing units visiting the borough over the coming week and months.

Authorities in the Liverpool City Region are urging the Government to keep its promise to do “whatever it takes” to support people through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Knowsley Council’s Green Spaces team have come up with some ideas to help us stay connected with nature from the comfort our own homes.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the need to adhere to social distancing, the meeting took place online for the first time in the council’s history.

Is your family eligible for help from a new £37m fund for low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children.

The ban comes after research showed research menthol smokers are more likely to become heavily addicted and find it harder to quit.

Anyone who is displaying Coronavirus symptoms is now eligible to book a test to find out if they have the virus. Find out how to do it.

Residents are being encouraged to rethink how they travel, considering if their journey is essential and, if so, when and by what means they travel.

GPs in Knowsley are encouraging residents to not ignore any unexplained changes to their body or concerns which could indicate the presence of cancer.

Residents across Knowsley are being advised of a Council Tax scam circulating via email and text.

Following a number of offences committed over the last 18 months, Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team have secured a partial Closure Order for a property in Kirkby.

With parents and carers juggling work and home schooling, the borough’s schools have come together to share some useful tips and advice.

Does your child have a fantastic teacher? Take part in this national campaign and let them know they’ve made a difference!

Knowsley’s Innovate Volunteering has played a key role in ensuring people facing hardship during the Coronavirus outbreak receive the help they need.

Did you know that there are more than 850 CCTV cameras across Knowsley, installed to keep residents safe?

Two Knowsley-based entrepreneurs have been awarded up to £10,000 and places on a learning programme to help improve their local community.

Merseytravel wants to know how you are travelling around now and how you expect to travel in the future – whether its by car, bus, train, ferry, cycling or walking.

This week, the latest update from council leader, Cllr Graham Morgan, looks ahead to a long weekend of reflection on both past and present events.

Signs are being installed around key road networks across Knowsley thanking key workers and carers for the work they are doing during these challenging times.

This Friday, the nation is being invited to celebrate – from home – the 75th anniversary of VE Day – when victory in Europe was declared in World War 2.

Local sewing enthusiasts have been busy making scrubs for Aintree Hospital, The Walton Centre and Whiston Hospital.

Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team may not be knocking at your door – but they are still working for you during this pandemic.

Morrisons – who are opening a new store in Kirkby town centre – have pledged to help the local community by supporting Knowsley’s Volunteer Hub.

With the increased demand, you may notice some changes to your local pharmacy services, such as their opening times. Here’s what to expect.

Since the council’s Community Support and Volunteer Line launched last month the Big Help’s Knowsley Foodbank has distributed more than 2,000 food parcels to people and families in need.

Knowsley Council officers are working around the clock to maintain essential services and support for the community at this time.

A series of specialist webinars designed to help Knowsley businesses with the specific challenges they are currently facing have been organised by Invest Knowsley.

Knowsley Council’s Trading Standards team is issuing advice to help to keep ‘bogus callers’ away and sharing the message ‘If in doubt, keep them out.’

If you need urgent health care during the Coronavirus pandemic you’re being asked not to put it off – the NHS is still able to look after you, safely.

In his latest update during the Coronavirus outbreak, Cllr Graham Morgan looks at the financial cost to the borough of dealing with this crisis.

Guide Dogs have launched a new phone line for people with sight loss and their families, to help support them during the coronavirus outbreak.

There is a range of bereavement support available including an NHS helpline, support for children and adults, as well as guidance with practical arrangements.

Healthwatch Knowsley are seeking the views of local residents about how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected people accessing health and social care services.

Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, has added his voice to concerns that Government funding for the Coronavirus response will leave local authorities in the city region severely underfunded.

Knowsley will be marking this important day on Tuesday, 28 April, recognising & paying tribute to the workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work.