The cricket club said around 50 children, aged nine to 13, were waiting to start their cricket session when a "number of youths" congregated on the pitch and "engaged in organised fighting"
were escorted away from the pitch for their safety
One mum who witnessed the incident wrote on Facebook: "I was there this evening with my eight and 10 year old. It was truly terrifying. I would like to just say a massive thank you to the adults, especially the men/fathers, involved with the club who quickly stepped in ushering the children to safety and stepping in bravely to defend them if needed
You didn't hesitate to take action and it didn't go unnoticed."
A statement posted to Maghull Cricket Club's Facebook page said: "Sadly
we must report to the people of Maghull another in a long list of disgraceful incidents that have blighted our club for several years
"Tonight
a number of youths have congregated on our pitch and engaged in organised fighting
"A short while later, more youths appeared, fighting and threatening each other with hammers, knives, a garden spade and a stump stolen from our practice area
had to be escorted off the pitch by our coaches for their safety
Maghull Sudell Cllr Phil Hart said the incident was "heartbreaking" and he would be taking the matter "very seriously"
he said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking to read
"I’m so sorry that your young players
and volunteers - and the wider community - had to witness and endure something so frightening
Our pitches and parks should be safe spaces for young people to enjoy sport
and doing everything I can to push for a proper and urgent response."
One person wrote on the cricket club's Facebook: "Hope this gets sorted and cricket can continue
A club that serves its community so well needs so much more from its community."
A second person added: "This is very sad
Maghull Cricket Club is a great venue with great lads who love their cricket
"Hope you move forward with this issue in partnership with the old bill and other services
Merseyside Police was approached for comment.
Eyewitnesses described seeing “flames coming out of the roof” as firefighters rushed to the scene on Hall Lane
which houses Maghull Town Council and the wedding venue "The Venue," is adjacent to Meadows Leisure Centre which was immediately evacuated as a precaution
no one was inside the town hall at the time
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that ten fire engines and two aerial appliances were deployed after crews were alerted at 11:55 AM
The incident was scaled down again to four fire engines and one aerial appliance at 4.10 pm
Drone pictures showed the extent of the damage caused to the Town Hall roof
maintaining cordons to keep the public away from the affected area
operations manager at Meadows Leisure Centre
posted on a Maghull community Facebook page: "Due to significant disruption that will occur around the car park area and by the town hall while the structural investigations are conducted and access restrictions put in place
we have been advised not to open the centre for activities or public use on Sunday
we do not have electricity or gas at the moment
"We do expect to be open as normal from Monday
Thank you for your co-operation as we get back on track."
The win was announced today following last Friday’s final vote
which saw the station beat out strong finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge
This year’s contest celebrated the diverse businesses found in train stations across Great Britain
and cafes that enrich local communities and economies
Maghull’s success is largely attributed to both it’s fantastic station team and to its popular café
‘The Coffee Carriage,’ which opened in 2024
and a welcoming atmosphere that has drawn both regular commuters and residents
Merseyrail and the team at the Coffee Carriage would like to thank you again for your votes and supporting our local station in this national competition
Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail
“Winning the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the amazing support we have seen from the local community during the competition”
a wonderful local business in the form of the Coffee Carriage and not forgetting our station volunteers
“We are thrilled that Maghull has been named the best station in Great Britain
and I want to thank everyone who voted and supported us throughout this campaign.”
“I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved
“This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community
as well as the hard work of the station team and volunteers
Along with the folks at The Coffee Carriage
they have made Maghull a proper community hub where people feel welcome and connected
“Winning this title is a celebration of everything that makes the Liverpool City Region special
and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and supported us.”
Co-owner of the Coffee Carriage also shared his gratitude:
“The support we’ve received has been overwhelming and as a small business still establishing ourselves in this community
and it’s incredible to see our station recognised on a national level
We’re proud to be a small part of what makes Maghull such a special place.”
saw participation from stations across Great Britain
with more than 72,000 votes cast in previous years
Maghull now joins the ranks of past winners
Read more about Merseyrail stations HERE
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rushed to the scene of the blaze yesterday after reports were made at 11.55am
Meadows Leisure Centre, run by Sefton Council, was evacuated with a council spokesperson confirming to the ECHO no one was inside the town hall at the time of the fire
Roads surrounding the building were closed by police and drivers were directed away from the area
People living in the village were told to keep doors and windows shut as smoke plumed from the building. In an update from the operations manager at the council run centre on Facebook
it was confirmed the area surrounding the town hall remains closed today
The update also confirmed staff would be on site tomorrow morning to answer the public's questions
Today we have had fire brigade fire assessors and risk assessment teams out to look at the damage and assess how safe the surrounding area is to allow us to open as quickly as possible
They have determined there is considerable risk of loose debris on the ground
and also loose debris on the roof which could be a danger of blowing off in strong winds
"We will also need to revise our own risk assessment procedures as some access areas for any future evacuations are not now usable
The area around the town hall is currently sealed off
We hope to reach a satisfactory point over the coming days as to when we can open
Photo taken by Colin Shannon.(Image: Colin Shannon)"However we are guided by the advice of the experts as to when this can happen
Staff will be on site from 9am tomorrow morning
"As a result of these assessments the leisure centre will remain closed on Monday. We will provide further updates in due course. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however safety for our centre staff and users remain our top priority. Active Sefton members can still take full advantage of our other leisure centre locations across Sefton."
Andy Powell Content Editor Horse Racing stats man
Andy has contributed to OLBG for 18 years - An Ipswich fan and F1 fanatic
he also contributes EFL football and Motor Sport opinion
The Maghull Novices Chase is open to runners aged five or older who came into the season having not won over fences making them a novice, it is run at the Aintree racecourse in April during the Grand National meeting
This Grade 1 is run over a distance of just shy of two miles with runners having to contend with twelve fences, runners who competed in the Arkle at Cheltenham tend to come to this race
How competitive is the Maghull Novices Chase market
When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals
the most competitive market was in 2023 when the race had an over-round of 107%
The race in 2016 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 123%
whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Maghull Novices Chase
which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £113 which is bet
Below you will find the 2026 Maghull Novices Chase Trends, see which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal, we also have a section that looks at the Maghull Novices Chase Trend Analysis
These are the top three quickest-run Maghull Novices Chase over the last 20 renewals:
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? From the past 20 if you had followed the winner of the Maghull Novices Chase next time out then you would have backed a total of 7 winners. Backing all 19 runners who have been out since to win at SP next time out, would have returned an LSP of -8.72. Remember to bookmark the racing tips page to access the OLBG racing picks easily daily
a time of 3:47.89 was set by Jonbon in 2023
which is the quickest time over that period
the runner was trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Aidan Coleman
The slowest winning time was set in 2006 when Foreman won in a time of 4:12.30
booked to ride was A P McCoy by the trainer T Doumen
Andy Powell - Horse Racing Betting Expert - OLBG.com
Here are the Maghull Novices Chase past winners for the last 10 renewals
the horse which won along with the age & weight of the horse
The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Maghull Novices Chase are also displayed
along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Maghull Novices Chase have been based:
The leading trainer in the Maghull Novices Chase over the last 20 renewals is Paul Nicholls who has won the race five times with those five winners coming from Twist Magic (2007)
Diego Du Charmil (2018) and Kalif Du Berlais (2025)
Other trainers who have recorded multiple wins in the Maghull Novices Chase are Nicky Henderson (4 wins)
Henry De Bromhead (3 wins) and W P Mullins (2 wins)
Here are some of the top Maghull Novices Chase trainer statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners
Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
The leading jockey in the Maghull Novices Chase over the last 20 renewals is Harry Cobden who has won the race two times with those two winners coming from Diego Du Charmil (2018) and Kalif Du Berlais (2025)
Here are some of the top Maghull Novices Chase jockey statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 2
The percentage shown is the percentage of the total number of runners who fell under that factor
High percentages are less appealing than lower ones as you would expect them to do well
Remember to use the trends listed above along with the Aintree racing predictions to see if you can find the winner of the Maghull Novices Chase. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG
It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over £6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, It is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Maghull Novices Chase by adding a tip on the race here
✅ The trend factor which had produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP
an LSP of +21.77 is when runners ran on Soft ground last time out
❌ The worst performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had a highest class placed of Class 3
when backing these the trend shows a record of 0-22
The course which has produced the most winners of the Maghull Novices Chase is Cheltenham, there has been a total number of 12 winners of this race who ran at Cheltenham last time out
The race is open to both sexes with the Male runners having produced a total of 20 winners from a total of 126 runners whilst the Female runners have produced 0 winners from a total of 4 runners
there is only one stallion whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Maghull Novices Chase
that stallion Walk In The Park has produced 2 winners (2023,2016)
Many trainers will target races to use as prep races before coming to the Maghull Novices Chase
these are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
The three-day Grand National meeting kicks off on Thursday with four Grade 1 events on the seven-race card which features both the Aintree Hurdle and the Bowl Chase
Day 2 of the Grand National meeting is Ladies Day or Fabulous Friday
the highlights on the track being the Melling Chase plus there is the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences
The Grand National is obviously the showpiece of the Aintree meeting and day 3 also includes three Grade 1 events
the feature of those being the Liverpool Hurdle
© 2002-2024 OLBG, part of Invendium Ltd
After a week of fiercely contested regional heats
Maghull station in Merseyside has been crowned the 2024 World Cup of Stations champion
this year’s competition saw Maghull rise to the top
beating 47 other stations across Great Britain to claim the title of ‘Station with the Best Local Businesses.’
train operators and passengers from across the country embraced the competition
with over 100,000 votes cast throughout the week
Maghull’s success was driven by its thriving local businesses
and the station’s vibrant green space which has been maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group
said: “Maghull station’s win in the 2024 World Cup of Stations is a fantastic reflection of the important role local businesses play in our stations and communities.
“Local businesses highlight how stations can be more than just places to travel from—they are key parts of the local economy and social fabric
A huge congratulations to Maghull for this well-deserved victory.”
said: “Winning the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the amazing support we have seen from the local community during the competition.
a wonderful local business in the form of the Coffee Carriage and not forgetting our station volunteers who keep the station looking at its best.
“We are thrilled that Maghull has been named the best station in Great Britain
and I want to thank everyone who voted and supported us throughout this campaign.”
said: "The railways play a vital role bringing people together
and Maghull station is a perfect example of that.
"The competition from around the country was strong
but passengers in Merseyside will not be surprised at the result
community and The Coffee Carriage are a perfect blend."
said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved
“This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community
they have made Maghull a proper community hub where people feel welcome and connected.
and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and supported us.”
The World Cup of Stations this year focused on celebrating the local businesses that make stations vital to their communities and local economies
Maghull station captured the public’s attention by showcasing how small
independent businesses like The Coffee Carriage can enhance the station experience and bring people together.
The competition showcased stations from across the country
highlighting the variety and quality of local businesses that operate in or around them
The public’s votes demonstrated the deep connection people have with their local stations and the businesses that make them unique.
The competition has been running since 2019
The previous winners are Wemyss Bay (2023) Stourbridge Junction (2021)
Glasgow Queen Street (2020) and Huddersfield (2019).
Train passengers in the North West are making a difference by spending on average £28 in towns and cities from which they depart and £7 per journey on local businesses inside stations.
The findings reported are taken from a representative sample of 5,007 people who had travelled by rail
This sample was boosted by a further 2,017 people whose last rail journey was from one of 20 selected cities and 1,007 people whose last rail journey was from one of the 20 selected towns.
Detailed methodology can be found in the full report conducted by WPI Economics and funded and commissioned by Rail Delivery Group, here.
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receiving 60 % of the vote in yesterday’s semi-final organised by the Rail Delivery group
the competition is focused on celebrating the variety of businesses found in train stations
florists to farm shops together with the benefits they bring to people across the UK and local economies
Maghull has been chosen to take part in the contest due to its flourishing café ‘The Coffee Carriage’
the café provides a range of delicious hot drinks
artisan bakes and a fantastic atmosphere which the local community have taken to their hearts
quickly transforming the station into a vital meeting place and hub
The station now needs your support today as it battles It out in the final public vote
this time against the best stations from across the UK
Votes cast in each round do not carry forward to the next
meaning that Maghull will need your votes again today in order to win the title of Britain’s best railway station
Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail said;
“To get down to the final three stations nationally is a fantastic achievement and reflects the affection for the station and it’s team in the local community it serves.”
“We would love to see Maghull named as the best station in the UK and we need everyone to vote again today to make sure that happens”
“I’d like to thank all of those who have supported this campaign and I hope that your votes today will lead to Maghull winning the World Cup of Stations 2024”
“The whole team here at the Coffee Carriage are amazed by the overwhelming support we have received from the community
alongside Merseyrail will be doing everything we can today to see the station named the best in the UK”
Last year over 72,000 votes were cast across 12 heats which was won by Wemyss Bay in Scotland
Merseyrail and the team at the Coffee Carriage are asking for your support to ensure the station wins the top prize
You can vote for Maghull station via the button below
VOTE FOR MAGHULL STATION
Launching on Thursday 5th June at BoxPark Liverpool, Liv Game Summit will bring together studios, educators, talent and communities from across the region for a day packed with connection, inspiration, and opportunity – all delivered with LGDN’s trademark warmth and inclusivity.
More than £2bn of investment opportunities are to be showcased at a two-week festival highlighting the breadth, depth and quality of place-based innovation across the Liverpool City Region.
SME Wealth Management, a newly launched firm of Chartered Financial Planners, has officially opened its first office at Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters — marking the third new tenant to join the thriving business destination in the last two months.
INTRODUCING THE RUFFORD at Persimmon’s new development on the edge of Maghull – a home created with families in mind, offering both comfort and style.
Available as a three bedroom semi (£269,995) or a three-bedroom detached (£282,995), The Rufford has been thoughtfully designed with a bright, modern open-plan kitchen and dining area as its centrepiece. Featuring French doors that open onto the garden, this space is perfect for entertaining and sociable family meals.
Additional features include a front porch, inner hallway, downstairs WC, and built-in storage for everyday convenience. The home also boasts an en suite to bedroom one, a family bathroom, and an integral garage for added practicality.
Located just 10 miles from the centre of Liverpool and only a few minutes from schools, shops, and amenities, Summerhill Park is perfectly situated for those seeking an ideal work/life balance in Merseyside. Maghull train station is a short walk from the development, offering regular direct services to Moorfields station in just 25 minutes.
Several schools are less than a mile away, including Summerhill Primary School, Northway Primary School, and Deyes High School. You’ll find a number of nurseries in the vicinity too, and for further education, there’s Deyes Sixth Form, as well as several colleges in Crosby and Sefton.
beating out competition from Kings Lynn and Dorridge Credit: MerseyrailMaghull station has emerged victorious in the grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024
claiming the title of Britain’s best railway station
The Merseyside stop was praised for its station team and popular café
This national competition had a special focus this year on the diverse businesses found in train stations across Great Britain
After the success and popularity of The Coffee Carriage, Merseyrail put the station in Sefton forward as their nominee
More than 100,000 votes were casted over a three day period
which ended with Maghull beating out fellow finalists King’s Lynn
the café has quickly become a community hub
and a welcoming atmosphere that has attracted both regular commuters and residents
co-owner of the Coffee Carriage said: “The support we’ve received has been overwhelming and as a small business still establishing ourselves in this community
"We’re proud to be a small part of what makes Maghull such a special place.”
The café was praised for its strong ties to the community and excellent service
which was echoed by patrons of The Coffee Carriage
Nita Kenny has lunch at the café every week with her friend Pauline
She said: "I'm a lady that lunches..
so as soon as I heard about this I thought I must suss it out
So I came and I said 'ooh this is lovely!'
the coffee is gorgeous and the staff are lovely
I go to a lot of garden centres and I tell everyone about this place."
The accolade has already brought in new customers, with Mike Kendrick having made the trip from Liverpool to try out the café
He said: "I heard this morning they won the award
The station's manager Sonia Hampson says the support has been overwhelming
She said: "It's the heart of the community
"We thought we were doing well getting the staff to vote
but we've had customers coming up to us and saying they were getting people to vote for us
Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail said: “Maghull station is a special place
The railway station captured support from local customers
Want more on the issues affecting the North
From the North answers the questions that matter to our region
Over 120 businesses from Sefton and the wider city region attended Sefton Council’s recent event at Crosby Lakeside Waterloo free event to find out more about the exciting projects taking shape in the Borough
who included Council Leader Marion Atkinson
the Council’s Executive Director of Regeneration
and Tony Howard of Cove Resorts told attendees how hundreds of millions of pounds in private and public investment is set to transform Bootle and Southport
Schemes either underway or planned include the regeneration of Bootle with The Strand and Salt and Tar and the development of the new Marine Lake Events Centre in Southport
Others covered were Southport’s Enterprise Arcade
Alongside the Council’s wider capital investment programmes
these all represent supply opportunities for Sefton and City Region businesses and will create job opportunities for local people
the Council’s strategic investment programme is aiming to stimulate hundreds of millions of pounds of private sector led development across the borough
of which the Cove Resort is just one example
Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:“We’ve had some very positive feedback from businesses about this event which was a chance to talk about the exciting Sefton schemes that are underway or planned and the local opportunities they will create
including openings for women in construction
“We also explained how we see these initiatives supporting Sefton Council’s social value agenda by creating opportunities from people who are care experienced or from protected characteristics groups as well as those who are from disadvantaged communities
“Our aim was not only to share our ambition for the borough and our future
but also to continue discussions with current and potential supply chain partners about our priorities
“Sefton is an incredibly exciting place to work
and we want Sefton Council to be an attractive partner to work with.”
People can use the following links to find out more about:
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The Maghull office was opened earlier this month after the previously established Ian Crane Estate Agents joined the Berkeley Shaw team
said: “We are extremely thrilled to be celebrating Ian Crane Estate Agents joining the Berkeley Shaw Real Estate team
and looking forward to opening our doors to welcome local businesses
current landlords and esteemed colleagues to celebrate.”
He added: “Our doors are officially open following a refurbishment of the Maghull office during the acquisition
fresh new look and the same friendly experts – plus the addition of some new staff members joining the team in Maghull.”
Jules Hopkins is taking over the role of Berkeley Shaw Real Estate’s Area Manager for Maghull and can’t wait to commit to
She said: “I am really looking forward to helping vendors and buyers to complete the process of buying and selling their home.
“We have some amazing stock available in the Maghull area
and we know that we can provide a professional and expert service to ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.”
Jules added: “I was excited to meet some local friendly faces at our launch event and over the coming weeks now that our doors are back open
Members of the Berkeley Shaw real estate team lost no time in getting to know the Maghull area well
taking every opportunity to get actively involved with the local community even ahead of the acquisition
It sponsored Maghull Cricket Club last season – something Managing Director John Baybut was extremely passionate about – and the Berkeley Shaw team has been busy attending local networking events to get to know the surrounding businesses.
The company has stressed that while there are some friendly new experts in the office in Westway
many of the more well-known faces from the Ian Crane team are still there
and in particular since acquiring Keppie Massie Residential in 2021
Berkeley Shaw has grown to become one of the best-known and respected real estate agents in Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
As well as its work selling millions of pounds worth of property every month
it has become one of the major block management companies for both commercial and residential properties with a billion pounds’ worth of assets under its management.
Last year it was named Block Management Company of the Year at the Your Move Liverpool Property and Business Awards
confirming the trust it has of property owners
and the trust of the occupiers of the many buildings it looks after
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Harry Cobden continued his superb week of front-running rides when steering Kalif Du Berlais to a first Grade 1 success in the Maghull Novices' Chase
The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old was last of four on heavy ground in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase when last seen in February but bounced back to form to beat 25-1 shot Brookie by three and a half lengths
L'Eau Du Sud managed only third when sent off the 5-4 favourite and that Dan Skelton runner had an impact on Kalif Du Berlais’s disappointing performance on his previous outing as Ged Mason
did not want the pair to clash in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase
"He’s a seriously good horse," said Nicholls
"We ran him at Sandown over two and a half [miles] because they didn’t want to take L’Eau Du Sud on
John [Hales] had just died and it was probably a bad decision
I had nowhere else to go so we kept him for today."
Hales owned Nicholls’ last Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Politologue and Paddy Power went 25-1 for that Cheltenham Festival race with Kalif Du Berlais
Nicholls added: "I’d love to have run him in the Arkle because I think he’d have gone very close but he came here fresh
That’s a real Champion Chase horse for next season."
There were celebrations on course and off after Deep Cave came with a late thrust under jockey Jack Tudor to win the 3m½f handicap hurdle
Trainer Christian Williams was in the spotlight on Grand National day last year not only with leading contender Kitty’s Light
but also due to the groundswell of support for his daughter
who was undergoing treatment for leukaemia
Williams was making plans for a swift exit from Aintree to get home in time to help out with a weekend birthday sleepover for his older daughter
"I’m going to rush home after this race because it’s Tilly’s birthday on Monday and she has a lot of friends staying over tonight and it’s a big family weekend," Williams said
but she has her last chemo treatment on May 10 and hopefully she can push on after that."
Cruz Control lifts the gloom for Lacey and Sheppard
This season has been far from a vintage one for trainer Tom Lacey or jockey Stan Sheppard
who are set for their worst returns in terms of winners since the coronavirus pandemic
However, Cruz Control’s brilliance in winning back-to-back runnings of the Freebooter Handicap Chase may have melted some of those frustrations away
Sheppard said: "Without pointing fingers
Tom and I probably haven’t had the best year altogether
I wouldn’t mind if he came back and did it next year either
"Things haven’t gone right for the horse this year compared to last year as we thought we might be going over the big green ones later on
he hasn’t rushed him when he knew the horse wasn’t right and played all the tricks
Patrick Mullins ended a Grand National meeting he will never forget in style when winning the Grade 2 bumper on Green Splendour
Emotional Willie Mullins says he's reached 'the summit' after Nick Rockett helps him make Grand National history with son Patrick
'Sir Alex Ferguson came over to say well done' - Honest Policy gives Gordon Elliott first British Grade 1 of the season
2025 Grand National result: where your horse finished and who won
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Rayohits radioliverpoolnewsCommunity response praised after blaze at Maghull Town HallReports showed black plumes of smoke billowing from the building
Fire crews have issued an update after a fire in Maghull yesterday (1 February)
It's after smoke was seen billowing out of the town hall
we're told that crews left the scene at about 7pm
The Town Council last night said they're 'very grateful' for the offers of support
Read more: Emergency services called to major ongoing blaze at Maghull Town Hall
The Town Council have now praised the emergency services and the local community for coming together
They said: "Earlier today Maghull Town Hall has suffered from a large fire
"The emergency services remain on site and are working hard to restore the surrounding roads adjacent to the town hall to normal service
"Officers are working hard to move forward with our emergency response plan to ensure continuity of service
2We will inevitably have some disruption to events this week
Cosy Club on Monday the 3rd of February is cancelled but plans are in motion to have this operating my Monday the 10th of February."
said: "I would like to offer my thanks to the emergency services and Town Council officers for their swift response to the incident
"Thank you to residents for their patience during the incident
"We are very grateful for the offers of support we have already received from our local community
Fire crews have confirmed they have now left the scene
Emergency services were alerted to a fire involving the roof space of a three storey building
with a total of ten fire engines and two aerial appliances at scene at the height of the incident
Multi agency meetings took place throughout the course of the incident
with crews working diligently to extinguish the fire and prevent any escalation or fire spread
MFRS Area Manager Ged Sheridan said: “Crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and limit it to the building of origin
“The fire was extinguished in the early evening
and a full investigation was completed to ensure that any potential escalation or fire spread was prevented
“We would like to thank our multi agency partners
and local residents for their support throughout.”
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The plot in question is surrounded by similar care home schemes
Torus 62’s proposed extra care development on a vacant plot off Damfield Lane in Maghull will offer all its apartments at affordable rent
while the remaining 13 will be two-bedroom homes
Sefton Council’s planning committee is expected to approve the scheme later this week
The building will have both accessible residential and communal elements and will be spread out across five wings
one central with the other four angled away from the centre
Plans to develop the three-acre plot were submitted to Sefton Council by planning consultant Zerum on Torus’s behalf
JM Architects designed the four-storey block
while Urban Wilderness took on landscaping designs
which will see two outdoor spaces wrap the east and west of the site
The central wing will rise to four storeys
each of the four outward facing wings will step down to three floors
An 11,300 sq ft communal garden and terrace will be the central community space
Up to 25 ground floor residents will enjoy private terraces
Private balconies will provide amenity space for 76 of the upper floor apartments
The site has long been earmarked for redevelopment – planning permission was granted in 2013 for an extra care development comprising housing
and independent living lodges with landscaping
To the north is Highpoint Care Damfield Gardens care home
which offers specialised elderly residential care
use the planning reference number DC/2024/01694 on Sefton Council’s planning portal
Read our
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If the final product,including the landscaping
turns out like the CGI this will look a very attractive development
The local developer has submitted proposals for a £12m project comprising 20 properties on a prime site in the south Liverpool suburb
Land at Liverpool Tennis Centre will be redeveloped into a padel complex
with the city council set to grant a vehicle led by Marc Klopp
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What the homes in Maghull could look like according to Anwyl Homes
The authority’s planning committee waved through applications for two Maghull housing schemes and a secondary school rebuild at last night’s meeting
A full planning application for the construction of 74 homes in Maghull was unanimously approved by Sefton Council’s planning committee
The Parkhaven Trust and development partner Castle Green Homes will develop land off Deyes Lane
The almost eight-acre site currently contains two care homes
The Parkhaven Trust will relocate care home residents to a new facility at Liverpool Road South
The redevelopment will create 74 homes comprising of a mix of two-storey two-
19 will be affordable – 12 will be for affordable rent
while seven will be affordable home ownership properties
the existing buildings will need to be demolished
The project’s architect is Cass Associates
Anwyl’s plans for 249 homes off School Lane form part of a larger site
which previously received outline planning permission to build up to 855 homes
The developer’s reserved matters application was approved unanimously
There are around 22 different house types within this scheme
with most builds being two storeys in height
The scheme will provide 74 affordable units
which is marginally below the 30% requirement
but has been considered acceptable in this case
These homes will be provided in clusters not exceeding six properties and will comprise both houses and apartments
The main access to the site will be from a distributor road off School Lane to the site’s north
which will lead residents into the development via a central boulevard
managing director of Anwyl Homes Lancashire
said: “We’re pleased to have secured reserved matters planning for 249 homes on this strategic site in Maghull
“It’s a major step forward for the development and we anticipate implementation in the new year.”
An application submitted by Tetra Tech on behalf of BAM Construction for the construction of a two-storey T-shaped secondary school building has also been approved unanimously
The approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure continuous biodiversity net gain and a travel plan
The demolition of the existing school building and the creation of sports facilities
car parking and landscaping form the other part of the application
Development of the school will lead to a net gain in sports facilities
Positioned off the junction of Netherton Way and Dunnings Bridge Road the site comprises an area of 13.5 acres
The proposed development would increase off-street parking spaces to 83
including four disabled spaces and space for a mini bus and service bay
The travel plan will be required to mitigate the impact of family car trips to the school
The project’s architect is Pozzoni Architecture
and surely it’s time put longer trains on the Ormskirk line to cope with increasing demand
This line serves Maghull and Maghull North and Merseyrail should negotiate with Stadler to build 6-car trains instead of doubling up with 2 4-car trains as they do with the Southport line at present
Have you got plans to build anymore Drs surgeries because we can’t get appointments now
never mind when more people move into Maghull
There will be no green space left in Maghull
I have lived here all my life and Maghull has changed but not for the better
The health centre is not big enough now for maghull any plans to build a new one on the same lines as Kirkby
When are they going to improve the infrastructure
as the area is struggling for health services
surely this needs to done before anymore houses are built
Same old same old the most deprived areas in Bootle sefton get nothing and is crying out for social housing when Will sefton council ever listen the councillor’s of Bootle Never consult with the residents of Bootle They Need to remember They don’t rule over us.the represent our thoughts and needs So all you long served councillors of sefton council pull your fingers out And listen to what we the Bootle have to say you may all learn something enough is enough
I wish to god some contractor would take on peoples ford site on Linacre lane/Hawthorne rd
It’s been growing tre trunk wide weeds for decades
As for the housing stock they owned around the Keenan drive grainger avenue estate etc
they were forever being improved while the other houses in Wolfenden/William Morris avenue etc only got new roofs 24 years ago,…..and nothing since
It was like giving a tramp a brand new top hat
How can they continue building houses no infrastructure for schools
when is anybody going to listen to pure common sense
or are these people just alien to what is going on 😡
People and cars can’t get Down Deyes Lane now with the schools being there
even the bus has to divert at peak school times
The other site School Lane has caused chaos for years
Not enough Doctors schools no drop in centre
none available in Maghull for months so if you haven’t any means of transport your wait is months
the residents of the lakes estate have had enough of people parking in front of their properties
How many times have the people of maghull and Lydiate got to say it
dentists health centre youth clubs for kids ,not houses
parking around maghull is a nightmare as it is
making it difficult for emergency services to assess roads
Sefton you need to start listening to the people of maghull /Lydiate
MORE HOUSES!!!!As has been said maghull doesn’t need any more houses
I’ve heard that there are plans to develop on land at the top of kenyons lane
This once Green and Pleasant land has been lost
the massive network of pipes that will pump carbon dioxide to be sequestered under Liverpool Bay
has taken a further step forward with the appointment of a principal contractor
Maghull station has emerged victorious in the national grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024
securing the title of Britain’s best railway station
The victory comes after Maghull’s impressive performance throughout the tournament
which saw the Sefton station capturing support from local customers
‘The Coffee Carriage,’ which opened in 2024.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved.
READ MORE: The Countdown begins for the River of Light
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Maghull station has been named Britain’s best railway station in the World Cup of Stations 2024. It went head to head with finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge
The Sefton station gained support from customers, community groups, politicians and local media as it competed in this year’s contest, which celebrated the wide range of businesses found in train stations across the UK. Organisers Rail Delivery Group revealed that over 100,000 votes had been cast
with Maghull station beating off stiff competition from 47 other entrants
Merseyrail (which runs Maghull station) attributed its success to both its “fantastic” team and to its popular café
Founded by two local entrepreneurs in 2024
the café quickly became a community hub
said: “Winning the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the amazing support we have seen from the local community during the competition
who keep it looking at it’s best”
“We are thrilled that Maghull has been named the best station in Great Britain
and I want to thank everyone who voted and supported us throughout this campaign.”
added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved
“This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community
“Winning this title is a celebration of everything that makes the Liverpool City Region special
and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted and supported us.”
Co-owner of the Coffee Carriage also commented: “The support we’ve received has been overwhelming and as a small business still establishing ourselves in this community
and it’s incredible to see our station recognised on a national level
We’re proud to be a small part of what makes Maghull such a special place.”
Stations across Great Britain participated in the competition
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Merseyrail has announced that it is competing in the World Cup of Stations 2024
The operator hopes that Maghull station (which it manages) will be crowned the UK’s best railway station this year
the World Cup of Stations will take place between 14 and 18 October 2024
with 48 stations whittled down to one and the winner crowned on 21 October
the competition focuses on celebrating the variety of businesses found in train stations
and the benefits they bring to local economies and people across the UK
Maghull has been chosen to take part in the contest due to its flourishing café ‘The Coffee Carriage’
the café provides a range of delicious hot drinks
to the thriving local station volunteers group
the Coffee Carriage perfectly reflects the power of partnership between the railway and small businesses
Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail said: “For the last twenty years
Merseyrail has been proudly at the heart of the communities we serve
Over the years we have invested heavily in creating spaces for local businesses to establish themselves and enhance the customer experience within our stations
“Our team here at Maghull are very much part of the community and this is reflected in the exceptional level of customer service we provide
“The Coffee Carriage at Maghull station is a great example of this
not only delivering a high-quality food and drink offer for our customers
but also engaging with the local community
providing them with a place to meet and enhancing the station as a result”
Co-owner of Coffee Carriage said: “We are blown away with the support we have had from the local community since we opened at Maghull
To find out that this has led to the station being nominated for the World Cup of Stations
with a chance to be named the best station in the UK
backs the fantastic station team and us here at Coffee Carriage and votes for Maghull over the three days”
If the station wins the initial vote on the 16
it will progress to the semi-finals on the 17 October and ultimately if it wins that vote it will reach the national final on the 18 October
meaning that Maghull will need your votes on all three days
You can vote for Maghull station via the Merseyrail website or at https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/our-services/campaigns/world-cup-of-stations.html#north-west
Housebuilders have a green light to commence construction on an additional 248 homes at Eastbrook Village in Maghull
The local authority has voted to approve two different applications that make up part of the large new neighbourhood proposed by Vistry Group and Persimmon – one that will enable work to begin on 124 homes and another for a 76-bed care home
The site in question focuses on 68 acres east of Poverty Lane in Maghull
A total of 841 homes are proposed for Eastbrook Village
as well as 12 acres of open space and an extra care facility for those 55 and older
roughly 260 will be designated as affordable
Hybrid planning permission was granted for the scheme through appeal in 2021.
only 250 homes could be built and inhabited prior to the completion of a new spine road linking the development to Poverty Lane and School Lane
It was this condition that was the subject of the first Eastbrook Village application at Sefton Council’s planning committee meeting last Wednesday
Housebuilders Vistry and Persimmon wanted to amend the condition to enable 498 homes to be occupied before the road is complete
Construction is estimated to take 18 months
Vistry’s managing director for Merseyside and Cheshire West
said: “We’ve worked closely with Sefton Council and other stakeholders to bring forward this latest planning application and its approval allows us to continue to develop out the site at speed
with the next 124 homes being built in conjunction with the completion of the new spine road
“This will enable us to start knitting our new neighbourhood into the existing community
including access to the newly formed Whinny Brook public open space
and is great news for existing residents and the local community.”
The second Eastbrook Village application to be approved at Wednesday’s meeting was North Bay’s 76-bed care home on a one-acre plot northeast of Poverty Lane
This two-story care home will include a café
Residents will be able to explore a series of outdoor courtyards
according to the plans drawn up by Jackson Design Associates
The scheme also includes provision for 34 parking spaces and one ambulance bay
Great use of land next to two Merseyrail stations…but it would be if they could walk directly to Maghull station instead of around the existing houses
More volume house builders should take note
The new Merseyrail Station at Maghull North is a catalyst to these new housing developments
We need to see more communities built around railway facilities so all the more reason for Merseyrail to re-open old lines as there is a ready made catchment in places like Gateacre
so it’s a win-win for Merseyrail to boost revenues and the residents to take advantage of public transport
No more health facilities though,existing doctors must be at breaking point
From our back garden we used to see the fields
The City Visitor Charge will haul in an estimated £9.2m over the next two years
The council wants to appoint a multidisciplinary team to draw up a place strategy for the town aimed at harnessing “the power of Southport’s strengths”
the Merseyrail station is ready to go head-to-head with Kings Lynn and Dorridge stations in today’s national final – and it needs your votes to be crowned Britain’s best railway station
florists to farm shops together with the benefits they bring to people across the UK and local economies.
this time against the best stations from across the UK.
meaning that Maghull will need your votes again today in order to win the title of Britain’s best railway station.
“To get down to the final three stations nationally is a fantastic achievement and reflects the affection for the station and it’s team in the local community it serves
“We would love to see Maghull named as the best station in the UK and we need everyone to vote again today to make sure that happens
“I’d like to thank all of those who have supported this campaign and I hope that your votes today will lead to Maghull winning the World Cup of Stations 2024.”
alongside Merseyrail will be doing everything we can today to see the station named the best in the UK.”
Last year over 72,000 votes were cast across 12 heats which was won by Wemyss Bay in Scotland.
Merseyrail and the team at the Coffee Carriage are asking for your support to ensure the station wins the top prize.
Four VE Day street parties will be taking place in locations across Sefton this May as local residents celebrate the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day
VE Day – Victory in Europe Day – is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday
8th May 1945; it marked the official surrender of all German military operations
World War II would continue for a further three brutal months until VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on which Imperial Japan surrendered
Various roads will be temporarily closed throughout Sefton for the VE Day 80th Anniversary:
Southport – Sunday 4th May 2025 (9am – 11pm_
Maghull – Saturday 10th May 2025 (9am – 11pm)
Maghull – Saturday 10th May 2025 (9am – 11pm)
Netherton Saturday 3rd May 2025 (9am – 11pm)
The closures will take place between 3rd May 2025 and 10th May 2025
Access will be maintained for emergency services
Further details can be found on https://one.network/?tm=143104340
Southport Royal British Legion is hosting an official VE80 Service at Southport War Memorial on Lord Street in Southport from 11am on Thursday 8th May 2025
All members of the Armed Forces and veterans wishing to take part are asked to form up at 10.40am at the South Colonnade
berets and regimental blazers are encouraged
coffee and cakes will be served at the Southport Royal British Legion gazebo by the Colonnade to raise funds for the RBL Community hub on Wesley Street in Southport
Members of the public are also warmly invited to support the event
A Sefton Council report says: “May 8th 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and peace in Europe
“To celebrate this occasion many national events are planned for the first week of May
“Street parties are a particular British tradition
which have for more than a century been linked with national and royal events
“This year is no different and to celebrate VE Day 80 Sefton has received a number of requests for street parties to take place in residential streets throughout the borough
“The requests have been scrutinised and given the location within the local highway network and the volume of any through traffic a list of agreed streets has been formed
“Given that it is impossible at this stage to assess what the weather will be like over the Bank Holiday weekend organisers are planning street parties on any one of the days over the weekend and because the formal day of the occasion is nearer to the following weekend some organisers wish their street party to take place on Saturday 10th May
The street parties are also taking part at various times of the days in question between 09.00 and 23.00
It is therefore suggested that the legal order containing the streets should extend for both weekends from 3rd May until 10th May from 09.00 hours until 23.00 hours
“All organisers have been notified of their responsibilities as organisers of an event
these responsibilities vary from temporary signage to cleansing to securing emergency service and residential vehicular access.”
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which saw Maghull Station beat out strong finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge
Maghull’s success is largely attributed to both its fantastic station team and to its popular café
“Winning the World Cup of Stations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the amazing support we have seen from the local community during the competition
“I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved
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