Angela Ferguson

Maghull Town Hall, which was severely damaged by a fire in February 2025, could be redeveloped as an NHS Neighbourhood Health Centre. Sefton MP Bill Esterson is backing plans under review by the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, whose officials have visited the site and begun discussions with Maghull Town Council. The proposal would bring health and community services together near the town's leisure centre, while the NHS develops a business plan. The project is one of four priority schemes identified by the ICB and forms part of the government's plan to deliver 250 neighbourhood health centres across England by 2035.

Four years after Ashley Dale was fatally shot in her Liverpool home by James Witham, who was targeting her boyfriend during a drugs feud, her mother Julie says grief remains difficult every day. Witham and three accomplices received minimum prison terms of 43, 47, 42 and 41 years. Julie has worked with Knowsley Council on the Be the Change school programme, warning young people about harmful relationship and friendship choices. She and other bereaved families are also backing the free Dear Merseyside educational resource, created by Merseyside Police and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership to address violence, criminal exploitation and the impact of gun crime.

Residents on Elm Vale in Fairfield, Liverpool, were evacuated after a burst water main on nearby Prescot Road caused major flooding. Emergency services cordoned off the area and issued warnings to avoid it, while a community centre and a temporary reception centre provided shelter and refreshments. United Utilities said repair teams were responding, and several surrounding roads were closed.

Kevin Lewis, also known as Abdul Kareem, died two days after being stabbed during a disturbance in Blackley, Manchester. His family described the 36-year-old father of four as a devoted Muslim and kind, caring person whose four daughters were his pride and joy. A 29-year-old woman who was initially arrested on suspicion of wounding and assaulting a police officer has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed pending further investigation. Greater Manchester Police said the victim and suspect knew each other and that the incident was believed to be isolated, posing no wider threat to the community.

Gina and Jacob Dodds held a thrift-themed wedding at Chester's Storyhouse, with Gina wearing a £2 dress and engagement ring bought from the Hope House Children's Hospice charity shop. Guests were encouraged to wear charity-shop clothing, and the couple estimated that the wedding raised more than £1,000 for good causes. The couple also repurposed family rings and said they wanted their celebration to promote charitable giving and sustainable shopping.

Wyre Council has warned that adults are helping children enter the temporarily closed Fleetwood Memorial Park, where construction work is under way and a 7ft climbing frame stands above concrete. The council says trespassers have compromised the site, contractors have faced threatening behaviour, and incidents are delaying the project and increasing costs. Security measures and police patrols have been increased, while residents are urged to respect the site boundaries and allow the planned improvements to proceed.

Natasha Denman, 23, was one of two passengers killed when a car crashed into a stationary digger on Hyde Road in Gorton, Manchester, on 5 August. Her family described her as funny, loving and caring and said she would always be cherished. Apollo Simms, 26, has been charged with two counts of death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis. Two other men were taken to hospital, and police are seeking witnesses and relevant video footage.

A newly built £178,000-plus play area at Finch Woods in Halewood was vandalised with spray paint, while trees, safety surfacing and other parts of the site were damaged. Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan condemned the incident, estimated repairs would cost thousands of pounds and said the park’s opening would be delayed. The incident has been reported to Merseyside Police, which is reviewing CCTV, while the council aims to repair the facilities before reopening them to local families.

A 23-year-old trainee Greater Manchester Police officer has been suspended after being arrested while off duty on suspicion of rape, kidnapping and dangerous driving. The arrest followed a 999 call reporting a woman in distress in a vehicle and a subsequent pursuit on the M62 in West Yorkshire. The alleged victim, who is in her 20s, is receiving specialist support, while the officer remains in custody. Greater Manchester Police is investigating, has begun misconduct proceedings and has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to kidnap a woman and committing a public order offence in Fleetwood. Lancashire Police said the woman was approached by a man in a vehicle on North Albert Street, asked to get inside, and escaped before contacting police. The man remains in custody, while police have increased neighbourhood patrols in the area to reassure residents.

Stephen Graham will receive a companionship from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, presented by Sir Paul McCartney during its 30th anniversary graduation ceremony. The honour recognises his achievements across film and television, including Emmy-winning work. Cathy Tyson, Paul Duhaney, Tom Fletcher and Lynette Howell Taylor will also be recognised, with Howell Taylor reflecting on LIPA’s influence on her career. More than 400 students are set to graduate at the event.

A 31-year-old man was critically injured after being stabbed on Peter Street in Manchester city centre, in what police believe was a targeted attack. No arrests have been made. In a separate incident in Flixton, a 21-year-old man was seriously injured during a disturbance involving several men. Police appealed for witnesses and video footage relating to both incidents.

Fans across the North West expressed pride in England’s World Cup run despite a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 semi-final. Supporters at Blakemere Village and Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl described heartbreak at the loss but praised the team’s performance and unity. England’s lead from Anthony Gordon was overturned by two Argentina goals, ending hopes of a place in the final against Spain.

A father of a survivor of the Southport knife attack accused North West Ambulance Service of breaching trust after learning staff may have improperly accessed victims’ medical records. The potential breach emerged as families were already dealing with confirmed inappropriate access at Aintree Hospital. Solicitors representing survivors called for a full NHS England review of policies around patient data misuse. NWAS said it was investigating and would contact affected families, while the Information Commissioner’s Office is assessing whether further action is needed. The incident adds to a series of recent NHS data breaches involving multiple trusts across the UK.

Emergency services responded after a car crashed into the Amor Restaurant in Bamford, Rochdale, damaging its front windows and door. Firefighters secured the area before handing over to police, while the venue announced a temporary closure and further comments were sought from those involved.

Police ended a murder investigation into a woman’s death in a fire at Higher Tunshill Farm in Rochdale after determining there was no third‑party involvement. A man previously arrested on suspicion of killing the 38‑year‑old was released with no further action. The case has been referred to the coroner for an inquest.

Chester Zoo convenes a summit with the Met Office, government officials and major UK attractions to address concerns that misleading weather app icons are causing significant drops in visitor numbers. The zoo proposes adopting a four‑slot daily forecast offering clearer detail, a move supported by most surveyed attractions. Participants report substantial financial losses tied to single rain icons that misrepresent brief showers as all‑day rain, prompting coordinated efforts to produce actionable recommendations for improving forecast display.

Firefighters are working to control a large wildfire on the moors above Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth as high temperatures and strong winds complicate the response. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reports adequate resources on scene, with additional crews and a helicopter from United Utilities assisting efforts. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to drifting smoke, and the public is urged to avoid the area. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the nearby memorial tree plantation remains unaffected.

A 15‑year‑old boy, Leon Pafu Ngoy, died after getting into difficulty in the River Irwell in Swinton, prompting his family to issue a warning about the dangers of open water. They described him as the heart of their family and stressed that the incident was a tragic accident with no blame attached. Emergency services recovered his body two days after he was reported missing. His death followed two other recent drownings in Greater Manchester, reinforcing police appeals for the public to stay out of reservoirs, rivers and other open water despite warm weather.

Residents and business owners in Birkdale and Southport are preparing for the return of The Open, expecting more than 300,000 visitors and a major economic boost. Local traders anticipate increased footfall and have created themed displays, expanded stock and planned special events, while hospitality venues brace for their busiest period of the year. Community groups and care homes have organised golf‑related activities, with widespread excitement across the village. The R&A highlights the tournament’s significant economic impact, previously generating more than £200 million for host regions.

A coroner urged landlord S&G Properties (No2 Ltd) and property manager KMPM to improve safety procedures after 77‑year‑old Clarice Berry died when a structurally defective wall collapsed on her at her home in Shevington. The inquest found wall tie failures and a lack of monitoring or remedial action despite prior warnings from the tenant’s husband. The coroner warned that without significant corrective measures, similar deaths could occur. Berry’s family welcomed the findings, while the Health and Safety Executive said no further action was planned. Both companies must respond to the prevention of future deaths report by mid‑August.

A Liverpool mother described a frightening road rage incident after leaving a car show at Tatton Park, where a van driver repeatedly braked in front of her vehicle, confronted her and tore off the door handle while her children screamed in fear. The driver, working for Instant Loos and Event Hire as a subcontractor, has been removed from further work by the company, which condemned his behaviour. Cheshire Police are investigating the altercation.

A Liverpool teenager who lost his father to suicide is raising awareness through a 34‑mile walk in Sefton Park, joined by around 50 friends and former footballer Chris Kirkland. Alfie and his family run Alfie’s Squad, a charity offering peer support for young people affected by suicide bereavement. Participants and supporters emphasized tackling stigma, promoting understanding and highlighting the strength of community and youth solidarity.

An 18-year-old man remains in critical condition after his off-road bike hit a stationary car in Bolton. Police provided first aid before he was taken to hospital. Two men were arrested on suspicion of obstructing officers at the scene and for a Section 5 Public Order Act offence.

Police arrested a 30-year-old woman on suspicion of murder after a woman in her 50s was found dead at a house in St Ambrose Croft, Netherton. Emergency services were called late in the morning, and the death is currently treated as unexplained pending a post mortem. Investigators urged the public not to speculate and appealed for information as enquiries continue.

Thousands of Openreach customers in Maghull, Merseyside lost internet and phone access after third-party contractors caused extensive damage to underground fibre cables. Openreach expects full restoration by Sunday following continuous repair efforts. Labour MP Bill Esterson called for an investigation, citing severe disruption to residents and essential services including pharmacies and GP surgeries. Local businesses reported significant operational difficulties during the outage, though most customers are now reconnected.

A Stockport-based charity called Dementia Disco, founded by siblings Nick Shaw and Kate Darby along with friend Phil Bostock, uses music and dance events to support people living with dementia. Inspired by their father Brian’s love of 60s and 70s music, the group created discos tailored to a younger demographic of dementia patients, aiming to spark joy, memories, and social interaction. The charity has expanded to eight events across England, offering free entry, meals, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Founders emphasize reducing stigma around dementia and creating uplifting experiences, with recent fundraising including a 24-hour dance-a-thon by Nick Shaw.

Police in Manchester arrested four people after seizing two XL bully-type dogs, three pit bull-type dogs, significant quantities of suspected Class A drugs, ammunition, and several suspected stolen vehicles during a raid in Openshaw. The operation followed officers tracking a moped using a drone. The detained suspects face allegations related to drug supply, offensive weapons, and handling stolen goods. The dogs were taken for assessment under laws restricting ownership of XL bully dogs and pit bull terriers. Authorities said the recovered drugs were worth thousands of pounds and encouraged the public to report information about drug activity or stolen vehicles.