Author: Charlene Smith

Sefton Councillors have described themselves as doubly disappointed by the many people who ignored advice to avoid local beaches this weekend and by the level of parking issues and rubbish that was then left behind by people.

Large numbers travelled to Sefton’s beaches from as far afield as Manchester, Wigan and Birmingham over the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday there was an average of 7,000 people on the beaches each day at any one time.

Leader of Sefton Council, Ian Maher said, “Sefton’s coast line is stunning, and we understand why people want to visit, especially when the weather is nice.  However, it’s really worrying that people are ignoring Government advice and appear to be completely ignoring social distancing guidance.

“As well as risking their own safety, and the safety of our local residents, the state in which some of those visitors have left certain parts of our coastline is simply an insult to our local communities.

“In addition, there were a number of people who as well as ignoring the requests from Council and the Police to stay away, put the Southport Lifeboat team at additional risk by getting themselves in the situation where they needed to be rescued from the incoming tide.

“Visitors need to remain respectful and protect our public spaces. Don’t leave your litter behind or use camp fires or barbecues.

“We also understand that many people living in our coastal areas have experienced an increase in parked cars.

“Sefton Council is doing everything it can to address the issue and our enforcement officers were issuing parking tickets all weekend to cars parked irresponsibly and dangerously. Unfortunately, the high volume of vehicles and people on all the restricted roads around the seafront meant our officers could not cover all areas safely.

“Some people have suggested we close the beaches but with 22 miles of coastline, with hundreds of individual access points, this is simply not possible.

“We have restricted access to the car parks and worked with Merseyside Police to restrict access to local roads, but the real answer is people taking responsibility for their behaviour and showing some consideration for others.”

David Mercer, senior reserve manager at Natural England, said: “We have had several serious wildfires on the National Nature Reserves in Merseyside this week due to visitors lighting campfires and barbecues. This has not only endangered people’s lives and the wildlife of the site but also tied up several fire crews for days at a time.

“If visiting the countryside, please follow the Countryside Code and do not light fires or use disposable barbecues. Even a discarded cigarette can start a fire at this time of year. If you do come across a fire do not attempt to tackle it but ring 999 with your location.”

Guidance on staying safe outside your home.

Sefton gave an extra big hand last night for NHS staff and key workers, thanks to London based British textile artist Ian Berry whose ‘Clapping Hands’ were projected onto Southport and Bootle Town Hall.

 A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are honoured to be the first area in the Merseyside region to be showing this powerful animation of two clapping hands on the day the nation claps for those working to keep us safe through the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Ian Berry lives & works from his London studio and was moved by the clapping, at 8pm on Thursdays every week in the UK. His son couldn’t wait for Thursdays to come, often asking ‘is it Thursday yet?’.

After explaining to his son that we are clapping for those who keep us safe, they took a picture of two clapping hands and the idea was born.

The projection, which has shone on iconic buildings across the world, acts as a visual reminder that the nation supports those on the frontline and encourages people to think of who they clap for each Thursday at 8pm.

Sefton Council Chief Executive Dwayne Johnson says at this time when people are facing changes in their lives, he hopes some may consider the option of becoming foster parents.

Speaking as Fostering Fortnight draws to a close Johnson, whose own mother was fostered, said:

“We are all facing unprecedented and enforced changes to our work and personal lives and some people may have seen their experiences change as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.

“It is a period where some people are choosing to or having to evaluate their lives and think about changes for the future.

“I hope that anyone who has thought about becoming a foster carer might use this opportunity to follow it up and see whether providing this vital support for young people is for them.

“I know it’s a varied and challenging role which is also very rewarding and satisfying. From personal experience, I have seen the huge positive effect it has had on my mother’s life.”

As well as a child’s day-to-day care, being a foster carer involves providing support and guidance about education, health and social well-being matters that will affect the rest of that young person’s life. Training and support is provided for the role, which also means attending some meetings and managing confidential and sensitive information.

For a child or young person, being moved from their home for different complex reasons, can be distressing and difficult to understand. They can experience loss and anxiety when separated from their birth family and need love, patience, support and understanding to cope.

Johnson adds:

“The Coronavirus lockdown period has been difficult for those of us who have our partners, children, mums and dads, brothers and sister around us but for those young people who for whatever reason haven’t had any family they can connect with, it will have been a particularly trying time.

“We really need new people to support those children and families.”

To find out more about becoming a foster parent, you can visit our dedicated website https://seftonfostering.co.uk/ 

Or speak to one of the team on our freephone number 0800 923 2777

Take a look at this moving video from Dwayne’s mother as she shares her personal experience of being fostered herself.