Mersey Basin Campaign Blog

a rallying cry from Fourways House

MBC staff were all revved up on Thursday by a visit from the one and only Green Team 2CV , Envirolink NW's intrepid Mongol Rally contestants. Graeme and Mark popped by to show off their eco-friendly 2CV, now complete with sponsors' logos and a nifty green and black paint job. The other residents of Hilton Street couldn't believe their ears when they were informed that this beautiful piece of engineering would be thrown to the mercy of the Gobi Desert within a few short weeks.

After a quick photocall, we presented Green Team 2CV with Samantha, stunt-double of our adventurous friend Sammy the Salmon. She'll be joining the lads on their epic journey, bidding to be not only the first marine creature to cross the Gobi Desert, but possibly the only salmon on Mongol soil.

Graeme and Mark seemed calm, despite the ever-growing media storm around them, and the fact that they'll be setting off just three short weeks from now. They've certainly been taking the preparation seriously, having recently met the world 2CV rallying champion, and appeared on BBC Northwest Tonight.

They let us in to a few trade secrets during their visit, so here are some little known facts about the team:

• The idea to join the Mongol Rally came to them as they drove back from Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
• Their first 2CV came from www.freecycle.org
• In total, parts from FOUR 2CVs have been incorporated into the final rally car
• They're not worried by the fact that, despite several attempts, no-one has yet completed the Mongol Rally in a 2CV
• The rally car was bought, unseen, from Ebay, and they'd barely driven it out of London when the bonnet fell off!
• When travelling through city traffic, the car will be almost completely powered by its solar panel
• They've chosen their rally route - which will take them through 22 countries - because it offers the warmest, longest and most challenging itinerary on the Mongol Rally.

This week: Graeme and Mark will chose the winning logo for the side of their car. Watch this space for more news.

Hilton Street rally 2 - Manchester's answer to Ewan and Charlie...

Hilton Street rally 1 - Green Team 2CV hits the Northern Quarter

Skelmersdale Vision out for consultation

West Lancashire District Council and national regeneration agency English Partnerships are launching exciting new proposals for the regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre, marking a new beginning for the town.

The Council is launching a four week consultation period to give local people the chance to give their views about the proposals.

The consultation period runs from Wednesday 27 June to Tuesday 24 July

If you would like to have a look at the vision for Skelmersdale click here , and if you would like to comment on the plans follow the link to the questionnaire here

Give us a another gallon of that chip fat...

Interesting story on the BBC website today - it seems McDonalds are planning to run their fleet of wagons using recycled oil from their restaurants as fuel. Is it genuinely sustainable, or just a piece of good PR? See what you think.....