Headlines: New state-of-the-art Merseyside Police HQ has officially opened

Merseyside Police’s state-of-the-art new headquarters, Rose Hill, is officially open for business.

It will bring more than 1,100 officers and police staff under one roof and act as Merseyside Police’s flagship base on a key gateway into the city centre, overlooking Scotland Road and the Queensway tunnel.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be here today to officially take delivery of Merseyside Police’s spectacular new headquarters, Rose Hill.

“Despite the challenges thrown up by COVID-19, this state-of-the-art building has sprung to life in just two years and been handed over on time and within budget. That is a real achievement and is testament to the hard work and determination of the team.

“This much-needed centre will be a real asset to Merseyside Police ensuring the force is ready to fight crime now and into the future and giving officers and staff the facilities and equipment to work as effectively and efficiently as possible to keep our communities safe.

“The opening of Rose Hill will also save vital money by reducing the force’s annual running costs by £250,000 compared to Canning Place, while also freeing up a number of small, leased buildings – money which can go straight into frontline policing.”

COVID-19: Health bosses issue urgent new guidance

Liverpool Health Protection Board, which oversees the city’s response to the pandemic, has issued guidance for people living in, working in or visiting the city.

They are recommending people get their COVID-19 vaccine, work from home if possible, use masks in crowded indoor spaces and get tested regularly.

New support grant for SME’s

A new pot of funding to support Liverpool businesses affected by the Covid pandemic has been launched.

A total of £2.6 million is available to specifically help small or medium-sized businesses, with between 10 and 249 employees.

To be known as the Trading On Scheme, it is part of a £8.1 million programme across the city region which has already seen more than £44 million in emergency funding successfully distributed to more than 4,000 businesses since the pandemic began.

The original £44 million from the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant scheme was secured following negotiations with government when the city region was first put into Tier Three restrictions in October 2020.