Fountains, Ffrith and turning the place over

Dear readers — Welcome to our latest writer’s edition: a chance for you to get a glimpse into our writers’ inner workings and get to know us better. This time it’s Laurence’s turn, and it’s been quite the seven months since his last one about weird fiction, underground rap, and blue mussel colonies in the dock.

He’s since celebrated his first full calendar year with The Post, become a dad for the second time, and pulled off several fun, intriguing and — dare we say — important stories. What’s on his mind? What strange corners of the city region has his reporting taken him? Just what is he working on? All that still to come. But first, here’s your midweek briefing. 

Your Post briefing

A mother has been left “disgusted” after a claim an Alder Hey doctor photographed her naked baby girl with his mobile phone was investigated by police. Stephanie Wilkinson's child was being examined at the hospital for suspected jaundice and made the complaint after the doctor photographed her unclothed. Merseyside Police carried out an investigation last July but said there was “insufficient evidence” to consider charges. Ms Wilkinson said the incident left her feeling “absolutely disgusted” and “upset and angry.” The doctor explained he wanted to send the image to a consultant for advice; she said she replied “Don’t be sending that to anyone.” In a statement, Alder Hey said they could not comment on individual staff members but that “a thorough investigation was carried out and all appropriate actions were taken.”

And could Widnes soon be the UK’s first Town of Culture? Halton council have submitted their bid to the title for 2028, stressing the town’s “rich and proud cultural heritage” including “the Vikings, industry, West Bank promenade/Spike Island, bridges, rugby and music”. Centring the latter category, Halton’s “All Roads Lead to Widnes” bid emphasises hosting a legendary Stone Roses gig 36 years ago and the disputed claim that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” while waiting at the railway station over 60 years ago. As if that wasn’t enough to crown Widnes the Salzburg of the North, Spice Girl Mel C also grew up there.

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