LOCAL environmental groups are staging the Blackbrook Millennium Green Fair to raise awareness of the forthcoming Millennium Project soon to be established in the area.

The fair will be held on Merton Bank Marsh between 11am and 4pm on Saturday, September 20 to provide an opportunity for people to celebrate the future creation of the Millennium Green.

The scheme is the result of a joint venture between Parr and Blackbrook Alliance and the Countryside Commission. Some of the other partners who contributed were Groundwork, St Helens Council Rangers, St Helens College, North West Water, Sankey Canal Restoration Society, St Helens Play Section and the St Helens Chamber of Commerce. The team chose Merton Bank Marsh because of its historical interest, being the original location of Parr Hall, and the proposed Green aims to provide an area of community recreation, landscape improvements, a footpath network, wildlife habitat creation and wetland development.

Everyone is welcome to go along and enjoy the fun of the fair with attractions like a brass band, craft tent, and an army cadet demonstration, as well as rides, refreshments and a raffle stall.

GROUNDWORK, the St Helens-based environmental charity has repeated its successful 'Young Leaders' programme.

The national scheme is supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland and aims to give young people between the ages of 15 and 25 the chance to develop leadership skills ultimately improving their chances of getting a job.

This summer's crop of Young Leaders have helped out at local summer play schemes with youngsters and have taken part in conservation tasks like building footpaths and seating areas, outdoor pursuits, photography, health and first-aid training, and working with local communities.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.