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Author: Martin Driver

One week left for small and medium sized Sefton businesses to apply for Trading On Scheme grant

5 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News

Businesses across Sefton impacted by the pandemic have one more week to apply for a grant from the ÂŁ1.4million allocation set aside for the Borough.  

Last month, Liverpool City Region leaders announced that they had secured a further ÂŁ8.1m in emergency funding to support businesses across all six local authority areas in their recovery from the effects of Covid-19.

The additional funds are to be shared with small or medium-sized businesses, with between 10 and 249 employees, as part of the Trading On Scheme.

The window for applications is open until 5pm on Friday 12th November 2021.

Sefton based businesses can find guidance and further details about the application process on the Sefton Council website: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/tradingonscheme 

In a joint statement issued at the launch of the scheme, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader, Halton Borough Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader, Knowsley Borough Council, Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Ian Maher, Leader, Sefton Borough Council, Cllr David Baines, Leader, St. Helens Borough Council and Cllr Janette Williamson, Leader, Wirral Borough Council said:

“Throughout the past 18 months, we have worked together to protect our region from the biggest challenge it has faced since the war. That collaboration, creativity and hard work resulted in millions of pounds of support that helped sustain thousands of businesses in all parts of our region through the worst of the pandemic.

“More than £44m was distributed to more than 4,000 businesses, saving many more thousands of jobs and livelihoods in the process. We start our recovery from a much stronger position as a result.

“That recovery is already well underway and received a massive boost in May, with the launch of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s £150m Covid Recovery Fund, which has allowed our region to get a headstart on the rest of the country.

“Now we’re launching another £8.1m of funding for SMEs, who make up a massive chunk of the local economy. Together, we are making sure that the Liverpool City Region has the fastest and strongest recovery possible, with no one left behind.”

The government requires each council to exercise its local knowledge and judgment in devising a grant scheme that aligns best with the particular economic characteristics of its area by funding those businesses that have been severely impacted by Covid-19. Because of this and the limited amount of funding available, the amounts of grant funding for individual businesses will vary across different local authority areas.

How Sefton Council has supported its local businesses during the pandemic

Sefton Council has administered 23,000 grant payments through local, regional and national financial support packages and schemes totalling £97.7 million in payments to businesses right across the Borough – from taxi drivers to childminders to pub landlords.

A total of ÂŁ41.8 million in Business Rates retail discounts were awarded in 2020/21 with a further ÂŁ22.5 million awarded in 2021/22.

To administer this latest grant scheme, Sefton Council is utilising its Business Rates, InvestSefton, Tourism and Environmental Health business relationships to contact as many eligible businesses as is possible.

Anyone who has not been contacted can still check their eligibility and submit an application before the closing date of 5pm Friday 12th November 2021.

Job seekers checkout Aldi careers event in conjunction with Sefton Council

4 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News
Left to right – Pat Riordan Sefton at Work Advisor, Maria Platt Sefton at Work Employer Liaison Officer, Sefton Council Cabinet Member Cllr Marion Atkinson, Tia Bankes Aldi Area Manager and Ciaran Gibson Aldi Area Manager.
Left to right – Pat Riordan Sefton at Work Advisor, Maria Platt Sefton at Work Employer Liaison Officer, Sefton Council Cabinet Member Cllr Marion Atkinson, Tia Bankes Aldi Area Manager and Ciaran Gibson Aldi Area Manager.

Sefton Council’s employment and recruitment service, Sefton@Work, partnered with supermarket Aldi today to promote upcoming job opportunities at its latest Sefton store.

The new supermarket is due to open in Maghull in early 2022 and will bring around 40 new, full-time equivalent jobs to the Borough.

Sefton@Work advisors and employer engagement officers have been working alongside Aldi’s recruitment team to ensure that residents seeking employment are aware of the upcoming opportunities.

Job seekers joined an information session in Maghull on Thursday 4th November to find out what it’s like to work for Aldi and how the job application process works.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“I dropped in on the information session and was really pleased to be able to see so many local people engaged in the job seeking process. The pandemic has shown us all more than ever just how important our supermarket workers are, and I’m sure many people will be excited about forging a career in this sector.

“Our Sefton@Work team were met with real enthusiasm and those in attendance have gone away with both great job application tips, and a better understanding of what local employers like Aldi are looking for in their new recruits.

“It’s so vital that we work alongside any business setting up shop here in our Borough, so that we can maximise long-term employment opportunities for our communities. We hope to use this joined-up recruitment approach as a blueprint to continue working with Aldi, as well as other employers and investors, in the future.”

Bryn Richards, Regional Property Director for Aldi, said:

“Our store in Maghull will deliver around 40 full-time equivalent jobs. As construction progresses it is essential that we begin recruiting high quality, local people to work at the store.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Sefton@Work to promote local employment and maintain our industry leading salary and standards.

“We are committed to providing local workers with long term stable jobs with wages above the market average and the offer of internal promotion and career progression.”

Local job seekers in attendance at Aldi and Sefton@Work recruitment event in Maghull.
Local job seekers in attendance at Aldi and Sefton@Work recruitment event in Maghull.

Sefton@Work offers a range of free and confidential job-related services to residents aged 16 years and above throughout Sefton. It also supports employers with a free professional recruitment service to help them find the right person for the job.

Any company based or working in the Borough with job vacancies can get in touch to see if Sefton@Work can help to find local people for those opportunities. Businesses can contact Paula Cain on 0151 934 2875 or via email paula.cain@sefton.gov.uk

Anyone looking for employment and who would like to register for free, confidential and impartial advice and guidance on getting into work, should call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or email seftonatwork.info@sefton.gov.uk

For more information about the Sefton@Work service people can visit www.seftonatwork.net or follow the service on Facebook and Twitter by searching for @LearnWorkSefton.

Less than two weeks for Sefton nominations to this year’s City Region Culture & Creativity Awards

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Borough Of Culture, Front Page, Latest News
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.

Artists, arts organisations and community groups across Sefton are being reminded there are less than two weeks left to submit nominations in for the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

Nominations can be for creative individuals, organisations, groups or partnerships and can include the visual and the performing arts such as theatre, dance, music and opera. Photography, film and broadcast media, literature, museums, galleries and heritage and craft creations and projects can also be entered.

Significantly benefited

Nominees must either live, study and/or work in one of the City Region’s six boroughs or have created work or projects that have significantly benefited its residents and visitors and contributed to the development of the local economy.

Categories in this year’s awards include Artist and Arts Organisation of the Year, a Student Inspiration Award, The People’s Choice, and the Judges’ ‘Inspiration Award’ for significant contribution to Culture. There is also a range of Impact Awards for themes that include Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Education & Learning and Sustainable Business in Arts.

Entries need to be submitted by Friday 12th November and must feature activity that took place have taken place between 13 November 2020 and 12 November 2021.

Creativity

When this year’s Awards were launched last month, Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Despite all the problems and trials the pandemic has thrown at us and the effect it had on our year as the Borough of Culture, creativity has continued to thrive across Sefton.

“I would urge individual artists and organisations across Sefton to visit www.lcrcultureawards.co.uk  to find out more about the awards and categories and to submit nominations for the awards by the November deadline.”

Imagination

Announcing the Awards in October, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region is the country’s cultural capital; that creativity is in our DNA and we’ve seen it on full display over the past year. As we have emerged the pandemic, people across our region have stepped up with imagination, creativity and generosity that I know will help to lead our creative recovery.

“I’m sure this year’s awards, when we’re able to come together properly, celebrate our creative talent and recognise the resilience that got us through the pandemic, will be a memorable occasion for us all.”

The Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity awards were created as part of the Metro Mayor’s Percent for Culture initiative. They were established to recognise the value and power for change that the arts, cultural and creative sector can bring in reinforcing the city region as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business.

In 2020, Artist of the Year was awarded to Paul Curtis, who has recently completed the spectacular sand lizard mural at Ainsdale’s Toad Hall. The Atkinson in Southport picked up the People’s Choice for Outstanding Contribution to Culture and the Covid-19 Creative Response Impact Award.

Boots-on-the-ground approach kick starts vaccination rush in Sefton

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News
One of the boots-on-the-ground team out and about in L20
One of the boots-on-the-ground team out and about in L20

Sefton health bosses are hailing their boots-on-the-ground approach to boosting vaccination rates a success.

By the third of four planned days, drop-in vaccination slots being promoted at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy in Bootle were filling up and local people were making online and telephone appointments for jabs.

Information

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “By going out and talking to people in parts of Sefton’s Derby and Linacre wards where numbers of people vaccinated were lower, we found people were keen to get their jabs but just needed more information.

“Some thought that because they had not been able to attend their vaccination appointment on the letter they had received, they had missed their chance while others were unclear where jabs were available.

“By going out to these areas, where we know people are juggling busy work and school lives and are less likely to engage with our social media and online messages, has provided the additional information people have needed to access the vaccinations that will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Sefton Council’s Covid Engagement Officers and members of its Swab Squad have been out, last week and this week, in Sefton’s L20 postcode area talking to residents and handing out flyers with details of how to access vaccinations.

Knowsley Road Pharmacy reported last week that they had been significantly busier and this week their sessions have filled up fast.

Lots of places

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Whether you need your first, second or booster jab there are lots of places to get your vaccination across Sefton as well as Knowsley Road.

“Anyone in Sefton aged 18 and over, can find a walk-in vaccination site or book a vaccination appointment at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119 free.

“And those over 16 are also eligible and can book their first vaccine online or go to a walk-in session.

“Our vaccination sites at Netherton Health Centre, Seaforth Village Surgery and local pharmacies are also there to get you vaccinated and are busy which is great to hear so we are asking you to call and book a time slot before coming down.”

Vast majority

Margaret Jones reminded people that local COVID-19 infection rates remain high and the best way to keep them down is vaccinations. She added: “I am pleased that during this exercise, our teams have called at thousands of addresses and spoken to hundreds of people but have only encountered a handful who are opposed to the vaccines themselves, based upon the disinformation that has been spread.

“It is clear that with a little help, the vast majority of people are prepared to take the action required to protect themselves, their families their friends and colleagues.”

After the success of this initial exercise Sefton Council is considering other parts of the Borough where it might be repeated.

For appointments at nearby vaccination sites, people can call to book a time slot at:

  • Seaforth Village Surgery – 07979938229
  • Netherton Health Centre – 0151 247 6413
  • Davey’s Chemist – 0151 476 0007
  • Smarts Chemist – 0151 922 4984
  • Asda Pharmacy. Bootle – 0151 955 4120
  • Bridge Road Chemist – 0151 920 6361

Green Sefton highlights the importance of the coast in managing the impact of climate change

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News
Aerial image of Southport coastline
Aerial image of Southport coastline

Climate predictions indicate that over the next century around 350m of the Sefton coastline could be lost to erosion and localised flooding could increase if action is not taken now.

That is why the Council’s Green Sefton Service is taking note of these latest predictions for coastal change, ensuring that its development and management plans mitigate as many of these risks as is possible.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Sea-level rise, increased storminess, changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures are all key factors in how the dynamics of our precious coastline could change over the next century.

“There is a very real risk that north of Southport at Marshside, our salt marshes will lose their ability to absorb wave energy as they gradually erode, and land drainage will also suffer.

“Our sea defences at Southport and Crosby will weaken and increased water levels may lead to more frequent localised flooding.

“Birkdale, Ainsdale, Formby and Hightown’s infamous dune systems could see increased rates of erosion and loss of vital dune habitats.

“The impact of climate change is not confined to textbooks anymore but could be felt by thousands of Sefton residents in the future if we don’t act now.

“That is why the Council is developing a new flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy and will continue to monitor the coastline as the lead representative for the whole of the north west region.

“We are also dedicated to undertaking habitat conservation works, alongside specialist partners, particularly on our dune systems to ensure the rare flora and fauna native to our coastline is protected.”

Image of crashing waves at the Sefton coast
Image of crashing waves at the Sefton coast

As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Sefton Council’s new flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy will take into account these climate change predictions of rising sea levels, increased wave heights, coastal erosion and more common tidal flooding.

Sefton’s communities can get involved in shaping this plan for the future as they have a further two weeks to submit their views to a public consultation. People can take part online at www.YourSeftonYourSay.sefton.gov.uk and have up until Wednesday 17th November 2021.

Flood and erosion events can affect not only those living in coastal and high-risk areas, but also transport networks, schools, highways and local businesses. They can also have detrimental environmental impacts on rare habitats and species.  

Sefton Council is dedicated to producing a management strategy that is fit-for-purpose and recognises the increasing challenges of the climate emergency and where targeted and risk-based investment is needed.

The new strategy will outline the clear roles and responsibilities of not only the Council, but other risk management authorities who work closely alongside Sefton Council including the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Highways England and the Canal and River Trust.

The public consultation includes the opportunity for the draft flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy, and associated business plan, to be viewed in full, followed by a short survey to gather thoughts from residents.

* The climate predictions quoted in this article have been put together by Sefton Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management officers using the UKCP18  climate analysis tool: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/ukcp/about

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