Author: Alex Jones

Shoppers at Bootle Strand Shopping Centre will see a wall of green as they head to the shops on Thursday 16^th June as an extension to the existing ‘living wall’ is installed.

The Washington Parade entrance has boasted a living wall packed with greenery and shrubs since 2020. The wall is designed to be visually appealing and also add an element of urban green space to a busy built up area.

The plants play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the nearby road and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, thereby contributing in a positive way to the environment.

The wall increases green space in this urban area, improves air quality and supports health and wellbeing for the community. There are benefits to local wildlife too providing a brand new habitat in the town centre, encouraging bees and other pollinators to new areas.

Ward members for Linacre ward have now funded an extension to make the health and social benefits even greater for Strand regulars.

This project is the latest in a line of projects aimed at improving the environment for the community and fulfilling the Council’s climate emergency commitments to promoting green activity.

Sefton Council Linacre Ward Members said:

“We are thrilled to unveil our extended living green wall today which will not only enhance the experience of visiting this cornerstone of the Bootle community but also has so many health, wellbeing and environmental benefits.

“Green spaces in town centres can be few and far between and this is a great way to introduce biodiversity and green space and improve the look and feel of our town centre.

“Given that today is Clean Air Day, I’m sure Strand shoppers will breathe a little easier today knowing that we are fully committed to ‘greening’ our town centres and showing our commitment to climate change..”

This Clean Air Day, Thursday 16th June, Sefton Council is gathering pollution data with brand new sensors to monitor and improve air quality at some of the Borough’s biggest junctions.

Located at seven key junctions around Sefton, the sensors will give the Council’s Highways Management team access to real-time updates on air quality on key roads for the first time.

Among the locations where the devices will be located is Dunnings Bridge Road in the south of the Borough. which is known to be a hotspot for air pollution. Fitted to traffic lights, they will monitor harmful gases and particulate matter.

The data collected will be sent live to Highways Management as they control traffic signals and electronic signage on major corridors. This will enable them to manage traffic flows and even implement diversions, to help avoid serious congestion and reduce harmful emissions, particularly in built up areas most affected by air pollution.

The seven sensors have been funded by the Liverpool City Region ,and Sefton Council has installed a further three outside schools in the north of the Borough to monitor the levels of air pollution near certain schools.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“I am delighted to see the installation of these sensors in Sefton.

“Poor air quality can have a really damaging effect on our environment and on the health of our community. This new technology will allow us to monitor air quality along congested routes in real time and enable us to develop strategies aimed at reducing air pollution.

“Clean Air Day is a chance for us all to celebrate work like this aimed at monitoring and addressing air quality in challenging areas of our borough and considering how we can all have an impact on improving air quality in Sefton.”

The data from these sensors will be used to inform future strategies.

Alongside this work, we have been progressing our Outline Business Case for a Clean Air Plan

For more information on the Clean Air Plan, go to Your Sefton, Your Say