Halewood

We want to thank residents for the feedback, questions and comments received to date about the proposed refurbishment of the Arncliffe Centre. We are currently working through the queries and aim to publish a response via a ‘Frequently asked Questions’ document to be shared later this week.

Later this week, we will also be sharing further information on where and how residents can hear more about the council’s plans for the Arncliffe Centre. Through this process, which will include consultation events and an online survey, they will be able to share their views on the council’s ideas for the building, and its aspiration to make Halewood a vibrant town.

Halewood Town Council are excited to announce, for the second year running, the return of our free Summer of Activity and Sport (HAF) project. This will be part of the wider ‘Knowsley SNAP’ programme led by One Knowsley and Knowsley MBC.

Principally aimed at 5-11 year olds, the project will run for 4 weeks of the Summer holidays at The Arncliffe Centre. If you are interested in registering your child(ren), please get in touch with Lynn O’Keeffe or Andrea McCaffrey on 0151 428 1929 or 07708617267.

To book a place, please pop into The Arncliffe Centre to complete a form. A note that places are going fast. For the Town Council’s SNAP Project, we do require a suitable adult to attend sessions, see our leaflet for extra details.

Halewood Town Council intends to undertake a major refurbishment of its main building, the Arncliffe Centre. To progress, the project needs the consent and support of Halewood residents.

The Arncliffe Centre is a well-used and much-loved Halewood landmark. It is the place where many residents gather at important times to honour and celebrate, to commemorate, to play sports and improve their health. It’s where we hold our council meetings, host civic guests and the services/activities so many people value.

But – having opened in 1975 – the building is showing its age. We also need to make the building more energy efficient, improve its ability to host larger-scale functions and offer a wider range of provision to serve the growing population of our township.

So, we’ve been working on plans to protect and improve it for Halewood. We have a scheme that we hope will achieve our objectives, and ensure the building becomes a true ‘go to’ destination for everyone. We have done investigation and surveys to understand what we need to do to restore and bring the centre up to modern standards. The budget for the whole project – including a sizeable contingency element which should reduce over time – has been set at up to £1.4 million. Independent expert analysis has confirmed the assumptions behind this projected cost.

On Thursday 16^th June 2022, Halewood Councillors gave the final go-ahead to begin consulting with Halewood residents on the scheme. Over the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to make your views known about our plans either in-person or via an online survey. We have asked a Merseyside-based company called ‘Placed’ to undertake this consultation to ensure it is independent and high quality. We will make further announcement about key dates and opportunities to participate in this consultation

Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return Accounts for Year Ended 31 March 2022: Notice of Public Rights 2022

Network Rail are holding an event to to advise on upcoming woodland management work that is required on the railway line between Halewood and Hunts Cross. They have advised:

“In order to maintain and operate a safe and reliable railway, work will involve a combination of removing and pruning vegetation on railway land along a 2-mile section of track. This is necessary to keep immediate trackside areas clear of encroaching vegetation, as well as removing or reducing (where appropriate) any trees on railway land that are tall enough to strike a train or critical infrastructure.

To support this work, I would like to invite you to a drop-in session we will be hosting from 4:30pm – 6:30pm on Thursday 23 June at The Arncliffe Sports & Community Centre, Arncliffe Road, Halewood, Liverpool, L25 9PA. Our project team will be on hand to answer questions you may have regarding the work”.

Where possible this work is taking place during daytime hours, Monday – Friday until December 2022 however some work can only safely take place at night whilst train services are not in operation. More detail can be found in this letter: Network Rail Letter

Tickets now on Sale for The Mayors Charity Launch Event on Friday 24th June 2022 7pm.

Tickets available for collection from The Arncliffe Centre priced at just £7.50 – Including Welcome Drink & Buffet.

The new Mayor of Halewood, Cllr Barbara Dunn, has announced the charities she will be supporting through the 2022/23 Municipal Year. The year will see a wide range of fundraising events and activities aimed at raising much needed support for these important charities. The Mayor also welcomes offers of support – volunteering, raffle prizes, financial donations – to assist through the year.

For more information, please follow this link: Mayor’s Charities for the current year – (halewoodtowncouncil.gov.uk)

Alongside its main flagpole at The Arncliffe Centre, Halewood Town Council has installed a second pole for the occasional flying of other flags of significance. On Wednesday 1^st June, it will be used for the first time.

The Rainbow Flag will be proudly flying over the centre throughout June, as the council marks the annual ‘Pride’ month. LGBT+ Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which began on 28 June 1969. As a result, many Pride events are held during the month of June to recognise the impact LGBT+ people have had in the world.

Deputy Mayor of the Council, Andrew Hesford, comments: “We are proud to stand side-by-side with our LGBT+ community and provide reassurance that regardless of your sexuality, gender, age or ethnicity, Halewood should be a safe space for everyone – we are one township, one community”. Cllr Hesford will represent the Council at the raising of the flag on Wednesday 1^st June.

Halewood Town Council welcomes further suggestions for flags that may be flown from the additional flagpole. Recommendations must be considered by The Mayor and full council for agreement. The decision to fly the Rainbow Flag for example, was approved by the council at its meeting of March 2022.

Halewood Town Council has given permission for a local mobile trader, “Cleo’s Coffee,” to operate from The Arncliffe Centre’s grounds. Cleo’s Coffee is a Halewood-based, family-owned and operated business providing teas, coffee and other refreshments.

The partnership has been established for an initial 3-month trial period to assist the council with understanding the demand for such provision in this part of Halewood and, if successful, a more formal tendering process will be undertaken open to other potential providers. Until then, the council wishes the team at Cleo’s Coffee every success and encourages residents to try out their services. We hope residents support the council with this pilot and our approach to supporting a local business.

The company will begin their service from the site at 10.00am on Wednesday 1^st June operating several times per week, including Sundays.