Plain-English Summary (so you don’t have to read the whole thing)

• What this site is: a Wirral-focused community storytelling and commentary site — not an official body.
• No hidden ads: if anything is paid/sponsored/affiliate, it will be clearly labelled on the relevant page.
• Not a shop (unless a page clearly says it is): if money is ever involved, you’ll be told clearly before you act.
• We try to be fair and not misleading: we won’t hide key information where hiding it would likely mislead a typical reader.
• If we get something wrong or you’re concerned: email us and we’ll review fairly (with a “second look” option).
• Safeguarding comes first: child/vulnerable concerns are prioritised and content may be temporarily removed while reviewed.
• Cookies/embeds: we aim not to run non-essential cookies for ordinary visitors; embeds can load third-party tools when you interact.

This summary is for convenience only. The full Terms below set out the detailed rules.

1) Service Provider Details (Legal Identity & Contact)

Operator / service provider: Karl M Loftus (also writing as “Oavo”)
Email: karloavopp@gmail.com

Alternative contact route (resilience):
If email is not suitable, the Site may provide an alternative contact method (for example a contact page), where reasonably practical.

Contact standard:
This Site is run by an individual. We aim to acknowledge genuine messages within a reasonable time. Where possible, we try to reply within 7–14 days, but timings can vary (for example if we are away, or if we are dealing with a safeguarding/legal issue).

E-Commerce Regulations note (completeness):
Where any other statutory identifiers ever apply (for example VAT registration, professional/trade registers, regulated-profession details), we will make the required details easily available on the Site.

2) About oavo.co.uk (What the Site Is)

oavo.co.uk is an independent community storytelling and commentary website focused on the Wirral and community life, told through posts, creative writing, reflections, and local-themed series.

Not a shop (at the time of writing):
Unless a page clearly states otherwise, the Site is not a shop and does not sell paid goods, paid digital content, or paid services through normal browsing.

No offer to sell unless clearly stated:
Nothing on the Site is an offer to sell unless a page clearly states the price and the steps required to complete a purchase/commitment.

No accounts / no public posting (unless we clearly open it):
The Site does not require visitor accounts for normal reading. The Site does not offer public comments or public posting unless a page clearly says it does.

If money is ever involved (transparency commitment):
If we ever introduce payments, donations, memberships, paid downloads, tickets, bookings, or similar, we will make this clear before you act (before you commit, pay, or submit payment details).

If paid products/services are added in future:
If we offer anything paid, we will provide clear “pre-purchase” information before you pay, including (where relevant): what you are getting, the price, how payment works, how to contact us, and any refund/cancellation position that applies. These Terms may be updated and, where appropriate, separate “Sales Terms” may be added.

3) Not Official / No Endorsement

oavo.co.uk is not a public authority and not an official body.

Any places, organisations, or people referenced are not endorsed by oavo.co.uk, and oavo.co.uk is not endorsed by them, unless a page explicitly says so.

4) Advertising, Sponsorship, Affiliates (Transparency)

No hidden ads:
We do not publish paid promotions, sponsored posts, advertorials, or affiliate links unless clearly labelled.

Clear labelling commitment (prominent, close to the claim/link, and visible on the page):
If we ever introduce advertising, sponsorship, affiliate links, or receive anything of value that could affect content (for example, free tickets/items or similar), we will label it clearly on the relevant page using labels such as: “Ad”, “Sponsored”, or “Affiliate link”.

Material connection disclosure rule:
Any material connection that could influence content will be disclosed on the same page, near the relevant claim or link.

Fairness / non-misleading promise:
We will not present content as independent if it is paid-for or influenced by a benefit. We will not hide key information where hiding it would be likely to mislead a typical reader.

5) How These Terms Work (Fair Use of a Free Site)

These Terms set the ground rules for using the Site.

By using the Site (for example browsing, sharing links, or contacting us), you agree to follow these rules. If you do not agree, please stop using the Site.

Note: these are not “sales terms” unless a specific page clearly offers a paid product/service and provides separate buying information.

6) Who These Terms Apply To

These Terms apply to:

• Visitors/readers of the Site
• Anyone who contacts the Site (for corrections, concerns, or content requests)
• Any contributor/submitter only if the Site actively opens submissions (see Section 14)

7) Changes to These Terms (Fairness & Clarity)

We may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do.

Material changes notice (fairness commitment):
If a change is significant (for example, it changes how the Site operates, introduces new types of user interaction, or materially changes the rules), we will make it reasonably noticeable on the Site (for example, a clear note on the relevant page or in a visible site notice).

No unfair retroactive effect (fairness safeguard):
Where reasonable, changes will not be used to unfairly affect disputes or complaints already raised before the update date, and we will not use changes to remove rights you have already relied on.

Continuing to use the Site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

8) Editorial Approach (Facts, Opinion, Creative Style, Corrections)

The Site contains a mix of:

• Opinion / commentary / satire / creative storytelling, and
• Factual statements where relevant

Some stories may be based on first-hand community context and written in a creative or humorous voice. We aim to be accurate and fair, but the Site is not a newswire and posts may reflect personal perspective and community voice.

If you believe something is inaccurate or missing important context, we welcome corrections (see Section 10). Where appropriate, we may add an editor’s note, correction note, or clarification.

Law/rights mentioned in stories:
If we mention laws, rights, or official processes within a story, this may be simplified and should not be treated as legal advice (see Section 23).

AI / drafting tools (only if ever used):
If drafting tools (including AI-assisted drafting) are ever used for any content, we remain responsible for editorial review and the final wording published.

9) Respect, Identification, and Public Interest (Fairness First)

We aim to write with respect and common sense, especially when real people and real community life are involved.

Where appropriate, we may:

• Use nicknames, general descriptions, or omit specifics
• Avoid unnecessary identification
• Consider proportionality (what is relevant vs what is intrusive)
• Crop/blur/remove images or identifying details where reasonable and proportionate

Private individuals:
Where someone is a private individual, we aim to avoid unnecessary identification unless there is a clear and lawful reason, including strong public-interest context.

No private contact details rule:
We do not intentionally publish private contact details (for example phone numbers, home addresses, or similar). If any appear in error, we may remove them quickly for safety.

Fairness test (how we decide what’s OK to publish):
We consider identifiability, sensitivity, potential harm/distress, and whether the story works without identifying details. If concerns exist, we aim to minimise first (anonymise/crop/blur/remove details) and, where appropriate, remove.

Special category data (firm default):
If content would reveal special category data about an identifiable person (for example health, religious beliefs, or similar), we will not publish it unless:

• we have explicit consent from the person (or parent/guardian where appropriate), or
• the content is edited so the person is no longer identifiable, or
• a rare legal exception clearly applies (unlikely for this kind of community website).

Privacy alignment:
If you are identifiable (or believe you are identifiable) and you raise a concern or objection, we will consider privacy/data protection rights and fairness when deciding what to change, remove, or anonymise.

10) Corrections / Concerns / Takedown Process (Practical & Fair)

Please email: karloavopp@gmail.com

Subject line suggestion: “oavo.co.uk correction / concern”

To help us act quickly, include:

• The URL of the page
• What the issue is (quote the relevant line if possible)
• What you want done (choose one or more): correct a detail; add context/clarification; anonymise/remove identifying information; remove an image; remove the page (rare, but possible)

What we may do (case-by-case):

• Correct factual errors
• Add context or an editor’s note
• Remove or anonymise identifying details where appropriate
• Remove images/content where appropriate
• Decline requests that are abusive, harassing, threatening, or clearly not credible

Verification (to prevent misuse):
Where appropriate, we may request enough information to verify that a requester is the person affected (or has authority to act), to prevent malicious or fraudulent takedown requests. We will only ask for what is reasonably necessary for verification, and we will handle verification information in a data-minimised way.

Fairness note (what you can expect):

• Where reasonable, we will explain the outcome (what we changed or why we did not)
• You can request one internal re-review (“second look”)

Timescales (clear split):

• General corrections/concerns: we aim to review genuine requests within a reasonable time and where possible within 7–14 days
• Urgent harm: if there is a credible risk of harm, we aim to prioritise review as quickly as reasonably possible (often same/next day where feasible)
• Data protection rights requests: where a request is a formal rights request, we usually respond within one month (extensions may apply in complex cases)

Temporary restriction while investigating (safety):
We may temporarily remove or restrict access to specific content while we assess credible harm, defamation, privacy, or safeguarding concerns, where that is the safest and most proportionate approach.

Right to object route:
Where we rely on legitimate interests for certain processing (including some published content decisions and security logs), you can make a formal right to object request via the email route above. If you object, we will stop processing unless we have a compelling lawful reason to continue.

11) Children & Vulnerable Situations (Safeguarding Priority)

We take extra caution with content involving:

• children
• vulnerable individuals
• safeguarding-sensitive situations

Fast-track rule:
Concerns involving these are prioritised. Please put: “Urgent: child/vulnerable concern” in the email subject and include the URL(s).

We may remove content temporarily while reviewing, where that is the safest, most proportionate approach.

12) Defamation / Harmful Allegations Safety Rule

We do not publish content intended to:

• harass, threaten, or shame individuals
• dox people (publish private identifying details)
• encourage targeted abuse

If you believe a post crosses that line, report it via Section 10.

Safety step while checking:
Where there is a credible concern about harm, defamation risk, or serious privacy impact, we may temporarily restrict or remove content while we assess and verify.

13) Acceptable Use (Site Security & Behaviour)

You agree not to:

• hack, probe, attack, or interfere with the Site
• upload malware or harmful code
• overload the Site with abusive automated requests/scraping
• use Site content to harass, target, or dox others

We may block access where misuse is detected.

14) User Submissions (Only If We Actively Open Submissions)

Default position:
The Site does not invite unsolicited public submissions for publication.

If we choose to actively open submissions (for example a named project inviting tips/stories/photos by email), the following will apply:

• You confirm you have the rights/permission to send it (including from anyone shown in a photo)
• You grant oavo.co.uk a non-exclusive licence to display it on the Site (and to edit for clarity/length)
• We can refuse, edit, or remove submissions for safety, legal, or editorial reasons
• We may ask for proof of permission where appropriate

Do not send sensitive personal data:
Do not send special category data (for example health information, religious beliefs, allegations about criminality, or private contact details) unless strictly necessary and clearly justified. If special category data about an identifiable person is involved, we will normally require explicit consent or we will anonymise/decline.

Third-party personal data:
Please do not send personal data about other people unless you have their permission or a clear lawful reason and it is genuinely necessary.

Where personal data is involved, handling will align with the Site’s Privacy Policy.

If you email submissions, your email provider will also process your data as part of delivering the message.

15) Intellectual Property (Copyright)

Unless stated otherwise, the Site’s text, images, design elements, and original content are owned by Karl M Loftus (and/or licensed to the Site).

You may view and use the Site for personal, non-commercial reading.

Third-party marks:
Logos, trademarks, and names of other organisations belong to their respective owners.

16) Sharing & Quoting Rules (Fair Dealing)

We encourage sharing links to pages.

You may quote short excerpts for commentary/review with clear credit such as: “oavo.co.uk — Karl M Loftus (Oavo)” plus a link to the page.

You may not, without permission (unless a legal exception applies):

• repost full articles
• copy large portions of text
• reuse images/graphics

For permissions, email: karloavopp@gmail.com

17) Copyright Complaints (IP Infringement Takedown)

If you believe content infringes your copyright, email: karloavopp@gmail.com

Include:

• The URL(s)
• What work you own and why
• Proof/statement of ownership (or authority to act)
• What you want removed or credited
• A good-faith statement that the complaint is accurate

We may remove content, add credit, request more info, or decline claims that appear false/abusive.

18) Third-Party Links

The Site may link to external websites. Those sites are controlled by third parties.

We are not responsible for their content, availability, or practices.

19) Embeds / External Media (What Happens + Your Control)

Some pages may use embedded media (for example: videos, maps, social posts, or other widgets). Embedded content can load third-party resources.

Our approach (privacy-minded where practical):

• Where practical, we prefer click-to-activate embeds (so third-party tools load when you choose to interact).
• Some third-party embeds may still load resources automatically depending on the provider. Where we use embeds, we aim to place a short note near the embed warning visitors.

If an embed loads third-party resources, it may set cookies or use similar technologies under the third party’s policies. You should review the third party’s privacy/cookie practices when interacting with embedded media.

20) Privacy & Cookies (UK GDPR + PECR Consistency)

Privacy information is provided in the Site’s Privacy Policy.

Cookie / storage and access technologies (clear “reality” statement):

A) Ordinary visitors — first page load
At the time of writing, the Site is intended to operate without non-essential analytics or advertising cookies for ordinary visitors.

• Visitor analytics/advertising cookies: not intended to be used for ordinary visitors (unless clearly introduced later with appropriate consent controls where required)
• Strictly necessary measures: some strictly necessary measures may be used by hosting/security services to deliver and protect the Site (for example security protections, load balancing, and anti-abuse measures)

B) Admin/owner login (not normal browsing)
If the site owner logs in to administer the site, login/session cookies may be set for administration purposes (not for normal visitor browsing).

C) Embeds and third-party media (when you interact)
Embeds may load third-party resources and may set cookies or use similar technologies when you interact. Where consent is required for non-essential technologies, we will use appropriate consent controls.

Consent promise (if non-essential tools are ever added):
If we ever enable non-essential cookies/tech (for example analytics like Google Analytics, or third-party marketing tags), we will:

• not run them until you have a genuine choice (Accept / Reject)
• make Reject as easy as Accept
• describe them clearly (provider, purpose, duration, and cookie names where practical)
• not set non-essential cookies unless you choose “Accept”

Ongoing review:
We periodically review the Site for cookies/third-party technologies and update this section if the technical reality changes.

If there is any conflict between a summary in these Terms and the Privacy Policy on privacy/cookies matters, the Privacy Policy controls.

21) Site Availability

The Site may sometimes be unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or hosting issues.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted access.

22) Content Availability / Removal (Fair & Proportionate)

We may update, edit, or remove content when reasonably necessary, for example:

• correcting accuracy
• improving clarity
• reducing risk of harm
• responding to legitimate concerns
• legal or safety reasons

Fairness safeguard:
We will not remove or restrict content arbitrarily. We aim to act reasonably and proportionately and, where appropriate, we will explain or note significant changes.

(See Section 10 for concerns/corrections.)

23) Disclaimers (No Professional Advice)

Content on the Site is for general community information, storytelling, and commentary.

It is not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. If you need professional advice, speak to a qualified professional.

24) Limitation of Liability (Fair & Realistic)

To the extent permitted by law:

• We are not liable for losses arising from relying on Site content as professional advice
• We are not liable for third-party websites, tools, or services linked or embedded from the Site
• We are not liable for temporary unavailability of the Site

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• or anything else that cannot legally be excluded

We do not exclude liability where the law says we can’t. Nothing in these Terms affects any rights you may have under applicable law.

25) Complaints Handling

If you have a complaint, email: karloavopp@gmail.com with the URL and details.

We will review and respond. If you remain unhappy, you can ask for an internal re-review (a “second look”).

26) Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales.

Any disputes will be handled by the courts of England & Wales (unless mandatory law says otherwise).

27) Housekeeping Clauses

Severability: If any part of these Terms is unlawful/unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

No waiver: If we do not enforce a term immediately, we may still enforce it later.

Entire agreement: These Terms are the whole agreement about using the Site (alongside the Privacy/Cookies information referenced).