Headlines: Twelve Liverpool schools moved into enhanced COVID-19 measures this term

Twelve Liverpool schools have had enhanced COVID-19 measures put in place since the start of term after seeing a continued rise in cases.

Liverpool Council figures published this week show that heightened controls have been ordered for seven primary schools and five secondary schools since kids went back at the start of the month.

The ten days up to 22 September saw close to 700 pupils and staff test positive for COVID-19 at city schools.

The isolation bubble system is no longer in place at schools in England with pupils and close contacts instead asked to take PCR tests.

If COVID-19 cases continue to rise after that then the school can be placed in further levels of restrictions.

A report for the council’s education select committee did not name the 12 schools put into higher restrictions, but said two had now moved out of the measures and a further two are expected to follow this week.

However, two senior schools had been moved up to ‘Stage 2’ restrictions due to a continued rise in cases.

Bus drivers prepare for strikes over pay dispute

Nearly 2,000 Arriva bus drivers across Liverpool, Manchester and the north west are being balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay.

If the Unite members vote for strike action, bus services across the region will be seriously disrupted.

The ballot closes on 15 October, if the workers vote in favour of industrial action, strikes could begin at the end of October.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The best thing for Arriva to do is provide a decent pay rise for its hard-working and underpaid drivers. Arriva can prevent strikes from occurring, and the resulting disruption to passengers, by returning to the negotiating table and making a decent offer.

“But Arriva North West should be in no doubt that Unite is dedicated to fighting for our members’ jobs, pay and conditions, and if there is no improved offer and union members vote for strike action, we are prepared for a relentless campaign.”

A spokesman for Arriva told the BBC the company was in discussions with the union.

"As the country recovers from Covid and returns to public transport, it is important that we work together to deliver the best possible service to our customers," he added.

Recycling centres switch to winter hours

Merseyside’s 14 Household Waste Recycling Centres are set to switch to their shorter winter opening hours.

From Friday, 1 October, the Centres will be open from 08:00 until 17:00.

They accept a range of household materials for recycling, from batteries, cans and cardboard, through to garden clippings, glass bottles, wood, and white goods.

They also accept lesser known items such as food and drink cartons (e.g Pringles), clothes, hard plastics and electrical items.