Good afternoon, these are the latest lunchtime ECHO headlines.
Live updates as M57 'standstill' traffic at Switch Island after crash
Traffic is at a 'standstill' on the M57 northbound, after a crash.
There are reports of heavy traffic and delays after an incident close to Switch Island. Images from the scene show emergency services including fire service and paramedics at the scene.
A spokesperson for Merseyside fire and rescue service said: "We were alerted at 10.53am and on scene at 11am. Three fire engines attended. On arrival crews found three vehicles had been involved in a collision. All occupants were out of the vehicles when fire crews arrived.
READ MORE: Live updates as British Airways Boeing 747 plane travels up M5, M6, M56 and M60
"No further action was required from MFRS and crews left the scene at 11.57am."
Read the full story here.
Man in his 20s dies after car crashes into tree
A man has died following a crash in St Helens.
Emergency services were called to the scene, on Scafell Road, at around 2am on Thursday, August 11. They found that a Renault Megane had crashed into a tree.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of the man who sadly lost his life this morning. They are being supported by our specially trained liaison officers while the investigation commences."
Read the full story here.
Avanti rail cuts slammed as 'completely unacceptable' and 'an outrage'
A move by a major train operator to slash timetables and suspend ticket sales has been labelled an 'outrage' and 'completely unacceptable' by leading Merseyside politicians.
Avanti West Coast will run as little as four trains per hour from Sunday instead of its usual seven services an hour that it usually runs on the West Coast Main Line. The firm said the limited timetable will be in place 'until further notice.'
Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "I am particularly proud that even post-pandemic, this route has seen some of the strongest recovery of any intercity route in the country, but the current Avanti franchise is meant to include the introduction of a half hourly service giving our region two trains each hour to and from the capital. I seek a guarantee from you that this commitment will be delivered as per the agreed timetable. This is a service enhancement that is long overdue and let me be clear: we will accept no dilution on this commitment."
Read the full story here.
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