Headlines: Life expectancy on the decline in Liverpool

The life expectancy of people in Liverpool continued to fall during the first part of 2021 as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued.

The average life expectancy in the city stands at 76.4 years.

However, research from the Imperial College London suggests that many areas in the North of England, including Liverpool, saw life expectancy fall well before the pandemic hit.

A substantial number of English communities experienced a decline in life expectancy from 2010-2019.

"There has always been an impression in the UK that everyone’s health is improving, even if not at the same pace,” said Professor Majid Ezzati from Imperial College London.

"This data shows that longevity has been getting worse for years in large parts of England.”

The research, which was published in the Lancet journal, revealed that communities with the lowest life expectancy (below 70 and 75 years for men and women, respectively) were typically situated in urban areas in the North.

These included Blackpool, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle.

Mayor makes statement on arms fair protest

Mayor Joanne Anderson has responded to the dispersal zone introduced by Merseyside Police in the area where the electronic warfare event is being held on the waterfront.

She said she supports the right of people to protest against the arms fair.

She continued "I am a pacifist and do not support this event but, as I have said previously, neither I nor Liverpool City Council have the power to stop it."

Epstein Theatre to reopen under new management

Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is entering a brand new chapter with a new management team at the helm.

Epstein Entertainments Ltd is a joint venture between Liverpool producers Bill Elms, Chantelle Nolan, and Jane Joseph, who have taken over the historic Hanover Street venue this week.

In July 2011, a £1 million refurbishment of the theatre was completed which saw the venue brought up to 21st Century standards and renamed The Epstein Theatre in honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who guided the Fab Four from popular cellar act to global superstardom.

The opening season show at the venue was the premiere of Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, which was also produced by Bill Elms.

The former operator went into administration in December 2017 and has been run by administrators until this time, continuing to showcase a programme of music, comedy, drama, and children’s entertainment.

The venue closed its doors in March 2020 as part of the Government national COVID-19 lockdown, and will now reopen under the management of the new team.