Best Bar None and the Pub Watch scheme, both co-ordinated through Liverpool Chamber’s Business Crime Direct team, have been praised as helping to stamp out alcohol-related crime in the city.

Incidents have fallen by 15% since they were created. The Pub Watch scheme links bars throughout the city centre via radios and CCTV. Anyone causing trouble in one venue may well find themselves barred from all.

Best Bar None aims to reduce crime by establishing a benchmark of good practice amongst bar owners. Responsible operators are rewarded whilst those who don’t comply are made aware of any possible shortcomings. There will be an award ceremony held for the best participants at the Marriott Hotel on February 15

Well done to National Museums Liverpool, who have received a grant of £11m from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards their planned Museum of Liverpool. The new museum, which will tell the story of Liverpool throughout the years and its modern life, is to be built alongside Liverpool’s famous ‘Three Graces’ at the Pier Head.

The iconic X-shaped building, which has caused some controversy because of its contemporary design, is due to open in 2010. Despite the fears of some, a museum of this size and calibre can surely only be a welcome addition to Liverpool’s already internationally-respected cultural life and add a new dimension to our famous skyline. Anything that helps bring in more visitors and boosts the city’s profile is surely a good thing.

Read more about the award on the Daily Post’s website.

Find out more about the Museum of Liverpool and its progress.