IN March this year the Merseyside Archaeological Advisory Service was abolished due to funding cuts.

There is now no independent local body to offer professional expert advice to our council on archaeological and heritage matters.

As you know, the borough covers an area of more than 50 square miles, and planning and other regulations are being “reviewed” by the Government to cut “red tape”, to the possible disadvantage of irreplaceable community heritage.

I am Secretary of the St Helens Heritage Network, and I love the history and heritage of this area.

I need all of you, from school attendees to senior voices, to be my eyes and ears for the Network on all matters archaeological and historical, particularly potential threats.

Acting as a catalyst in various networks, we will investigate. Please alert me. It may be nothing. It may be the tip of the iceberg. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Many people have cameras in their mobile phones or devices, or modern digital cameras. Several pictures are a considerable help and they can be emailed to me.