| Legendary 
			Liverpool crime writer Lynda La Plante to tell her own life story at
			'In Conversation' event 
			 THE crime writer Lynda La 
			Plante has been confirmed as the latest interviewee in the hugely 
			successful Liverpool In Conversation series from the City's Little 
			Atom Productions, adding to an already impressive list of guests 
			including Paul McGann, David Morrissey and Stephen Graham.
 The Liverpool-born creator of TV successes 'Trial & 
			Retribution', 'Prime Suspect' and 'Above 
			Suspicion' will take to the stage of St George's Hall 
			Concert Room on Tuesday, 10 September 2013, to share stories about 
			her life and career as well as her favourite pieces of music which 
			will be performed live by 5 separate music acts in this now 
			extremely popular and well-loved format.
 
 Gemma Aldcroft of Little Atom said:- "We've been in talks with 
			Lynda's publisher for some time now and we're absolutely delighted 
			that she's agreed, not least because her latest novel will just have 
			been released when she takes part in the series. We're very lucky to 
			have secured her at this time."
 
 La Plante, who left Liverpool to study at the Royal Academy of 
			Dramatic Art (RADA) and began her career as an actress appearing 
			with the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as in popular TV series' 
			such as Z Cars and The Professionals, and penned a breakthrough 
			script in 1983 when she created and the six-part robbery series 
			Widows for Thames Television.
 
 After this initial success Lynda became highly sought after as a 
			crime writer and since signing her 1st book deal in 1987 has written 
			a raft of hugely successful novels including the 'Cold' 
			and 'Anna Travis' series. However it is probably the 
			creation of DCI Jane Tennison and 'Prime Suspect' for which she is 
			best known.
 
 Little Atom's Karen Podesta said:- "Lynda has had such an 
			impressive and inspirational career and we know our audience will be 
			thrilled to hear her talking about her life and her relationship 
			with the City. We're so happy to have her as a guest and to be 
			welcoming our first female 'In Conversation' guest since we 
			interviewed Janice Long back in 2010!"
 
 Her latest novel 'Wrongful Death' is due for release in early 
			September; as well as being able to ask questions during the Q&A 
			fans will also be able to purchase a copy of the book after the 
			event and have it signed by the author.
 
 Lynda La Plante said:- "I always enjoy returning to Liverpool, 
			it is a City which holds so many fond memories for me and I am very 
			much looking forward my 'In Conversation' evening at the magnificent 
			St George's Hall."
 
 In Conversation With Lynda La Plante will take place on Tuesday, 10 
			September 2013, in the Concert Room of St George's Hall from 7.30pm 
			(7pm doors).
 
 Tickets (priced at £25) are on sale from 10am, Thursday, 9 May 2013, 
			and available from:- 
			
			littleatomproductions.com.
 |  | Commissioner 
			welcomes new bill LANCASHIRE'S Police and 
			Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has welcomed proposals for the new 
			crime and policing bill, announced during this years Queen's Speech 
			to Parlament.
 Tackling anti-social behaviour and ensuring Lancashire Constabulary 
			is victim-focused are 2 of the Commissioner's key priorities – and 
			today's announcement covers both of those areas.
 
 Under the proposals, 19 existing powers to deal with anti-social 
			behaviour would be replaced with 6 faster, more effective, ones. The 
			bill would also make the rights of victims the focus, with quick 
			action taken to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour.
 
 Clive Grunshaw said:- "I know anti-social behavior is a key 
			concern for residents in Lancashire and it can have a serious 
			detrimental impact on victims, raising their fear of crime and 
			affecting their quality of life. I want to put the needs of victims 
			of crime such as this at the heart of the work we do, and it is 
			pleasing to see that focus in the new bill. Lancashire Constabulary 
			has a good record on tackling anti-social behavior, but we are not 
			complacent, and I hope the proposed bill will help to continue the 
			excellent work being done by our officers and staff."
 
 Another element of the bill would see Police and Crime Commissioners 
			given responsibility for commissioning victims'
 services.
 
 The Commissioner said:- "I welcome the proposals to transfer 
			responsibility for commissioning victims' services to Police and 
			Crime Commissioners. We are already working hard in Lancashire to 
			establish how best to help the county's victims, and I have given my 
			Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, Saima Afzal MBE, special 
			responsibility for this work. Discussions have already begun with 
			partners to establish how we can work together to ensure residents 
			in Lancashire get the best possible help and support."
 
 The bill also includes policies to tackle forced marriage, dangerous 
			dogs and illegal firearms used by gangs and in organised crime.
 TRAIN COMPANIES 
			AND THE CLA RESPOND TO HS2 HYBRID BILL ANNOUNCED IN QUEEN'S SPEECH COMMENTING on the HS2 
			Hybrid Bill and High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill announced in 
			today's Queen Speech, Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the 
			Association of Train Operating Companies, said:- "The 
			inclusion of the HS2 legislation in today's Queen's Speech is good 
			news for both passengers and the economy. This commitment is the 
			next important step in securing a modern high speed rail network 
			linking the north and south of Britain which will unlock significant 
			economic and environmental benefits. A new high speed line, 
			alongside sustained investment in the existing network, is key to 
			providing the extra capaCity today's booming rail industry will need 
			in the years ahead." CLA North Regional Director Dorothy 
			Fairburn said:- "We hope that the inclusion of compensation 
			within the bill is the Government's recognition that something must 
			be done more quickly to compensate rural businesses affected by HS2. 
			Currently there is one scheme in place, which offers those who will 
			lose property and business opportunity, little prospect of 
			compensation in the short term. This bill provides an opportunity 
			for government to introduce the CLA's proposed Property Bond Scheme 
			to protect property from any loss in value and needs to be 
			introduced as soon as possible." But will Liverpool loose 
			out again to Manchester? Email us your views to:-
			
			news24@southportreporter.com and let us know what you 
			thing about the HS2. 
			 |