Press Release

JUDGE'S PICNIC INVITATION TO LOCAL SCHOOLCHILDREN

10th July 2006

Judge David Fletcher invited children from The Trinity Primary School to a picnic in the grounds of the Community Justice Centre, North Liverpool on Friday (7 July).

They also had the chance to meet Vera Baird, QC, a minister in the Department for Constitutional Affairs, who was visiting the centre, which is a pioneering initiative aimed at bringing justice closer to the community. It is the first of its kind in England and Wales.

The Judge asked 100 pupils to join him at the centre after meeting them at their school in Vauxhall, which was created after three local schools merged in 2004. One of these, St Gerard's, was attended by some of the children and its empty building was later converted into the Community Justice Centre.

Judge David Fletcher said: After being given a great welcome by the children at The Trinity School, I wanted to return the favour and give them the chance to see the Community Justice Centre, which is here for everyone in North Liverpool. One of the most important parts of my job is to get to know the local community and today has been great fun for everyone involved.

The children, from Year Three (six and seven year olds) were taken on a tour of the court room as part of their visit.

Note to Editors

The Community Justice Centre, North Liverpool is based on Boundary Street, Kirkdale and works with local residents to tackle crimes and anti-social behaviour, which affects the quality of life of residents in the local authority wards of Anfield, County, Everton and Kirkdale. It provides access to a range of support services for those living and working in the area as well as enabling residents to identify their priorities for the work of the centre and the services it provides.