Author: Bridie Finnan

Primary schools in Sefton are taking part in an exciting research programme to understand the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and other pollutants in our atmosphere.

NO2 is produced by most vehicle exhaust pipes and is measured with monitoring tubes in different locations.

A total of 11 schools will be monitoring at key points in their school to see what the air quality is like within their grounds. Schools include Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary (pictured), where the tubes will be monitored by the schools Eco Council.

Each school on the AirWatch programme has linked up with a member of Sefton’s Environmental Protection team and the Southport Eco Centre and will be hosting diffusion tubes to monitor levels of NO2. They will receive monthly reports as well as educational content and activities to do in class across a wide range of topics.

AirWatch programme schools will also have access to termly campaign toolkits to help pupils influence positive behaviour on the school run to reduce any air quality issues around their school grounds and any measures the school take to reduce the levels of pollution will be able to be monitored in real time by the students.

Schools will be asked to return the tube every month in a pre-paid envelope and replace it with a new tube so that the team can track changes over a long period.

The AirWatch programme will run from January 2022 to December 2022.

Darren Lloyd, Teacher at the Eco Centre said:

“This is fantastic opportunity for young people in Sefton to take part in an exciting project with real world results. The Clean Air Crew project has been a fantastic success with most schools in the authority now signed up – we have established engagement, now we want to foster ownership.

“Good air quality is extremely important to the health of people and the planet and this project will help us to identify those areas where improvements need to be made.

“I am thrilled that local schools will be helping us to gather this data, ultimately this is their planet to inherit and we want them to be learn about this crucial issue as soon as possible.”

If schools are not already signed up to www.cleanaircrew.co.uk, Sefton schools can register for free & access a wealth of curriculum resources supporting sustainable education for both classroom & home learning.

There is still time for other schools to register to take part in the AirWatch programme, they can sign up at the website before January 21^st to register.

Sefton Council are delighted to confirm the return of the hugely popular Southport Air Show, as well as the Food & Drink Festival and British Musical Fireworks Championship, which will all take place in the sunny seaside resort across 2022.

The free Southport Food & Drink Festival has also been extended to four days as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Prices will be released when tickets go on sale in early January and both the Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Championships are expected to sell out fast.

To celebrate the return of the incredible Southport Air Show, which will take place on the 9th and 10th of July, general admission entry will now be completely free for Under 16s.

A brand new exclusive Pier Viewing ticket will also go on sale with limited availability for those who want to guarantee the very best views of the upcoming Southport Air Show.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, welcomed the news, saying:

“We are incredibly delighted to be able to put on our three flagship tourism events in 2022.

“Our Tourism team and partners have been working exceptionally hard to ensure we are able to bring this tantalising trio to Southport next year in a safe and secure way while guaranteeing fun for all the family.

“Tickets go on sale in January for the thousands of people who adore our events and sadly missed out on the opportunity these last few years.

“Entry to the Southport Food & Drink Festival remains completely free, while we have some incredible new offers and incentives for families at the Southport Air Show.

“We are delighted that we can provide such stunning high quality events for our residents and visitors, as well as complimenting an already bustling calendar of other major events like the Southport Flower Show, Southport Comedy Festival and much more!

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our beautiful borough in 2022 and we look forward to seeing you very soon.”

Dates for the three events are as follows:

Southport Food & Drink Festival: Thursday 2^nd to Sunday 5^th June.

Southport Air Show: Saturday 9^th and Sunday 10^th July

British Musical Fireworks Championship: Friday 23^rd to Sunday 25^th September

For more information and to keep up to date on the latest events in Southport, visit www.visitsouthport.com.

Sefton Council is to consult with areas of South Sefton in January on how their household waste and recycling waste is collected and how the Council can reduce fly-tipping and keep our streets clean.

The Council will be asking residents in parts of South Sefton who currently receive a sack collection to share their views on two proposed collection methods aimed at cleaner, safer streets.

Currently, many homes in the area have re-usable hessian sacks for their recycling, which are emptied weekly, while the rest of their household waste is collected in black non-reusable sacks.

However, waste sacks  left on the street for collection can cause local environmental issues. These can include increased litter on pavements and roads and encouraging fly-tipping and considering most bags contain food waste, attracting vermin.

After successful trials in local areas across the Borough, issuing each household with wheelie bins for each waste stream on an alternate weekly collection regime has seen an improvement in the local environment and has resulted in a noticeable reduction in litter and fly-tipping.

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services said:

“I am pleased to see our consultation ready to launch in the new year and I hope everyone who receives our letter takes part and has their say.

“We all want cleaner streets and the two proposals put forward address these issues and make for a safer, more hygienic collection and reduces flytipping in our Borough.

“I urge people to get involved and work with us to find cleaner, safer solutions that work for everyone.”

A letter will go to all affected homes in January with details on how to take part online or via phone.

Implementation of any new system will follow the consultation later in the year.

A gingerbread extravaganza is coming to Bootle Canalside with two pop-up events scheduled for this weekend and next.

Over the weekends of Friday 10th to Sunday 12th and Friday 17th to Sunday 19th December, Bootle Canalside will be decorated for the festive season, featuring a Christmas tree, cosy tipis and gingerbread people on stilts.

Food and drink will be served from Bootle Canalside’s trademark shipping containers in a nod to Bootle’s industrial past, and people will be seated in a cosy, covered tipis surrounded by barrels and benches in true Bavarian style.

There will be activities for all the family including crafts and storytelling to bring Christmas to Canalside. A gingerbread trail through the Strand will lead out onto the Canalside.

So here’s what you need to know before heading down to Bootle Canalside…

What days is it open?
Friday 10th December- Sunday 12th December

Friday 17th December- Sunday 19th December

What time does it open?
Fridays: 3pm-8pm

Saturdays: 11am-6pm

Sundays: 12pm- 4pm

Where is it?
The new Bootle Canalside site is next to the Strand and can be accessed via Washington Parade, through the Strand or down the brand new steps on Stanley Road.

It it a 5-minute walk from Bootle New Strand Station and a 2-minute walk from the Strand Bus Station.

Is it free?
Yes, entry is free onto the site as is all the entertainment.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Access to the site is wheelchair accessible from Washington Parade and the Strand however, parts of the site are uneven in places and caution is advised for wheelchair users.

Is it child-friendly?
Yes. We have child friendly food stalls and entertainment and Bootle Canalside Pop Up is designed to be a place for all the family. We also have some fun craft and storytelling activities on all weekend.

Is it dog-friendly?
Yes, provided dogs are kept on a short lead and any mess is picked up.

What food stalls do you have?
We have all things Christmas served from our shipping containers as well as waffles, sweets and more tasty treats
We also have a bar serving coffee, beer, mulled wine, soft drinks and more…

What activities are on?
We have crafts and storytelling running every day delivered by local community groups and watch out for out Gingerbread People walking through the site every now and again. You won’t miss them!

How can I give my feedback?
There will be feedback forms and drop boxes dotted around the site…
We really want to hear what to local community want from this fantastic space

Do I have to wear a mask?
No, as per current COVID guidelines at this outdoor event you do not have to wear a mask although people are free to wear one if they like. We would encourage everyone to sanitise their hands often and be mindful of others. It may be a good idea to take a lateral flow test before so you know that you are not unwittingly spreading COVID-19.