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Author: Martin Driver

Plans for construction of Sefton’s first new council homes for 30 years get go-ahead

8 July 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

Sandway hard hatInnovative plans by developer Sandway Homes Ltd will see the building of the Borough’s first new council homes in almost three decades.

Sefton Council-owned company Sandway Homes’ plans to include council apartments as part of the its Buckley Hill Lane development have been approved by the authority’s Planning Committee. The development will also contribute to the affordable housing provision on the wider open market housing site.

1990s

Construction of the nine council flats will be first to take place in Sefton since the 1990s.

Located in Sefton Grange, the Buckley Hill Lane site on the edge of Netherton will see the construction of 69 new properties. They will be two, three and four-bed homes and one and two-bed apartments, the majority of which will be for sale. The scheme will see the redevelopment of land previously occupied by tower blocks, known as the Z Blocks.

Sandway Homes Ltd.’s new Managing Director Louise Davies welcomed the decision by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee to give the go-ahead for the Buckley Hill Lane site.

Exciting & historic

Louise, who joined Sandway in May, said: “This is an exciting period for Sandway Homes Ltd and the construction of these nine, new council apartments at Buckley Hill Lane, the first in Sefton for almost 30 years, makes it a historic one too.

“Our aim is to develop high-quality, mixed-tenure homes, to meet Sefton’s housing requirements. I am pleased to have joined the company at a time when our early developments are taking shape and the next phase of sites are coming on stream.”

In June, Sefton Council’s Cabinet also agreed the disposal of three new sites for development by Sandway Homes. The former Bootle High School site in Netherton, and land at Bentham’s Way and Foul Lane in Southport, will form the second phase of Sandway’s development programme.

Challenging

Louise continued: “An important part of Sandway’s business model is to target challenging brownfield sites, in locations where new homes are in high demand to complement other schemes being delivered across the Borough.”

Over the next five years, Sandway Homes’ Business Plan will ensure that Sefton Council receives income from land disposal receipts, with all sites being acquired at full market value. In addition, the Council will receive sales income as well as planning gain through Section 106 and increased Council Tax revenue. And, it will introduce new, high-quality housing in areas of the Borough were new build-homes may have not been provided before.

Return

 Louise added: “Sandway will generate a financial return and added value to the Council through a number of routes.  As with any development programme, investment to date has included the pre-construction associated works and obtaining planning consent and financial approval for the Council to raise borrowing in order to invest in this first phase of development.”

Sign at Sandway siteConstruction of Sandway Homes Ltd.’s first two developments of 78, high-quality two, three & four-bed homes at Sandy Brook, Ainsdale and Barton’s Close, Crossens is already underway. Both schemes include affordable housing as part of the mix, with 25 of the 78 properties allocated for a combination of affordable rent and shared ownership.

With support from Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund, main contractors Barnfield Construction Limited are on site and the groundworks phase for both sites are almost complete.  Property handovers are scheduled to commence in early 2022, and the Company and their appointed agent Abode, have received extensive sales interest for the first release of homes.

Far-sighted

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Trish Hardy added: “Increasingly Councils are turning to development partnerships such as we have created in Sefton and there are some very successful examples of where these far-sighted, symbiotic relationships are working very successfully. 

“I look forward to working with Louise, the Sandway Team and a range of partners to continue to provide people in Sefton with high-quality housing, which meets their needs and supports the Council’s ambitious 2030 vision.”

More information and details of the high-quality, contemporary homes Sandway is constructing can be found at www.sandwayhomes.co.uk

COVID pandemic doesn’t end on the 19th of July, says Sefton Council Leader

7 July 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council
Cllr Ian Maher
Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher

With significant numbers of people expressing concerns about the Government’s plans to remove all COVID restrictions from Monday 19th July, Sefton Council is stressing that people have the right to take whatever action makes them feel safe.

Real fears

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said: “It is clear from people’s reaction to the government’s announcement it plans to abandon measures to protect people from COVID from Monday 19th July that this is causing real fears for a lot of people.

“While some people will want to get rid of masks straight away, others will want to continue wearing them and have every right to do so. Wearing masks have proven to protect the wearer and those people who they come into contact with from catching COVID.

“I know many of us are now double vaccinated and feel safer but despite being jabbed up we can still contract the virus without feeling any ill effects and pass it on to others. This may include those who remain vulnerable to COVID, people with other medical conditions that make them susceptible to illness as well as front-line health workers who are acutely aware of the virus and it effects.

“So, continuing to wear a mask can be seen as an act of courtesy and consideration as much as self-protection.”

Buses and trains

Public transport seems to be a particular concern with reports of many saying they want to see mask wearing maintained on buses and trains.

Cllr Maher continued: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m as delighted as everyone else that we are edging back to normality, but I think we need to do so in a way that takes everyone’s safety into account and after Monday 19th, that will mean us making those decisions to protect others.

“People across Sefton have made huge efforts and sacrifices to protect their friends and neighbours, their communities and people working in local business throughout the pandemic and I am confident they will show the same care and kindness.”

You can find the Government’s guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID after most restrictions are lifted on Monday 19th July, here.

Extra COVID-19 vaccine dates for booking and walk-ins in Sefton

2 July 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Uncategorized

Additional COVID-19 vaccination slots have been confirmed making it easier for people in Sefton to grab a jab.

Bookable slots are available at Linacre Methodist Mission in Litherland next week and people can secure a guaranteed slot through the national COVID-19 vaccination booking service.

Walk-in vaccinations will also be accepted during the confirmed clinic times.

Details of the additional clinics are as follows:

Linacre Methodist Mission

 

DATE VACCINE TIME
Tuesday 6 July AstraZeneca 11am to 1.30pm
Tuesday 6 July Pfizer 2pm to 5.45pm
Wednesday 6 July AstraZeneca 11am to 1.30pm
Wednesday 7 July Pfizer 2pm to 5.45pm
Thursday 8 July Pfizer 11am to 1.30pm
Thursday 8 July AstraZeneca 2pm to 6pm
Saturday 10 July Pfizer 2pm to 4.45pm
Saturday 10 July AstraZeneca 5pm to 7pm
Monday 12 July AstraZeneca 11am to 5pm

Leyland Road Methodist Hall, Leyland Road, Southport

DATE VACCINE TIME
Sunday 4 July AstraZeneca/Pfizer 11am to 1pm / 2pm to 4pm
Tuesday 6 July AstraZeneca/Pfizer 6pm to 9pm
Wednesday 7 July AstraZeneca/Pfizer 9am to 1pm / 2pm to 6pm
Thursday 8 July AstraZeneca/Pfizer 6pm to 9pm

You can find a list of walk-in sites across the Region, including in Sefton, here.

Second doses

People who attend a walk-in clinic for their first dose will have their vaccination record updated online and will then be able to book in their second dose appointment using the national booking system: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination

Second jabs are also available at the walk-ins, if it has been at least eight weeks since the first dose for people aged over 40, and 12 weeks for people aged under 40.

Getting the second dose is vital to getting longer lasting and maximum protection offered by the vaccines, with recent research also showing they are highly effective against the Delta strain of the virus.

Booking a vaccination appointment   

All adults can still book at one of the 1,600 vaccination centres, pharmacies or general practice sites across the country that are available through the national booking service.

In Sefton, appointments can still be booked at one of the pharmacy-led vaccination sites located in Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

People who cannot go online can call the service on 119 instead to book their jab.

In line with updated JCVI guidance, people aged 39 and under and all pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Celebrating 73 years of the NHS in Sefton

2 July 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council
A layered sponge cake iced with 'NHS' surrounded by cup cakes spelling out he words 'Thank You'.
NHS birthday cake

On Monday 5 July the NHS will celebrate its 73rd ‘birthday’. After a challenging year, health professionals in Sefton are encouraging everyone to join them in giving thanks for our national health service and recognising those who have worked hard to keep our borough safe.

Staff at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are marking the anniversary of the creation of the NHS by hosting a ‘Big Tea’ event, sharing a ‘Thank You’ video to staff and residents in Sefton and inviting everyone to join in to ‘light it blue’ at home this weekend.

Cuppa

Anyone can get involved in the ‘Big Tea’ to say thank you to our NHS by hosting their own tea party and collecting donations for NHS Charities Together. Alternatively, you can join in online by taking a 5 minute brew break, sharing a photo with your cuppa on social media with the hashtag #NHSBigTea and donating to the charity by texting TEA to 70207 to give £5.

Landmarks across the country will also be ‘lighting up blue’ this weekend to mark the occasion and show support for the NHS, while also remembering those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. The NHS in Sefton is encouraging everyone to join in this simple act at home from Saturday 3 July – Monday 5 July, to show support for our NHS and remember those we have lost.

Hope

Fiona Taylor, chief officer at NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “It has been an extremely challenging year for the NHS in Sefton and across the country, but it has also been one of hope. While caring for around 400,000 seriously ill COVID-19 patients, the NHS has rolled out the biggest vaccination programme in our history.”

“We could not have played our part in these achievements without the skill and dedication of our staff, volunteers, keyworkers and you, the public, who are supporting our efforts by following social distancing rules and turning up to get vaccinated.”

“We would like to mark the 73rd birthday of the NHS by saying a huge thank you to those who have worked so hard to face these challenges or who have supported us over the last 12 months.”

Celebrations

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We would love for everyone in Sefton to join in the birthday celebrations at their own ‘Big Tea’ events with friends and family, while remembering that the ‘Rule of 6’, or two households, still applies indoors. It’s a great opportunity to ‘pour out our thanks’ to NHS teams all over the country who have worked so hard to care for and protect our communities this year.”

“You can also join in by ‘lighting up blue’ at home to show your support. Why not dig out the Christmas lights, hang something blue from your house, or simply place a lamp in your window as an act of respect to remember those who we have sadly lost to COVID-19.”

Cllr Maher also took part in a ‘thank you’ video, talking about how, in May, the Council’ s Cabinet agreed proposals to grant Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in the light of the hard work and dedication the Trusts’ staff had shown during the ‘devastation of the Covid 19 Pandemic’.

The NHS ‘Big Tea’ is a national celebration and fundraising events organised by NHS Charities Together, the NHS’ national charity partner made up of 240 charity members based with hospitals, mental health, ambulance and community health services across the UK.

If you would like to host your own NHS ‘Big Tea’ event or find out how to support NHS Charities Together, visit their website here: www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/nhs-big-tea/

You can find out more about the NHS birthday and activities across the UK on the NHS website here: www.england.nhs.uk/nhsbirthday/.

Local young people are spreading the facts on vaccination

2 July 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News
Bottle containing COVID-19 vaccine dose

Vaccinated young people across Cheshire and Merseyside are adding their voices to the ‘Spread the Facts’ campaign to show how others can play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

A local, independent survey conducted as part of the campaign found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of surveyed younger people in Cheshire and Merseyside agree the vaccination is necessary for a return to ‘normal’ life.

The survey also encouragingly uncovered a strong feeling that younger age groups still know they need to comply with guidelines even after having the vaccine, with 70% disagreeing that once you have the vaccine people don’t need to follow guidelines.

Facts

The ‘Spread the Facts’ initiative, which originally launched earlier this year, features young frontline health workers sharing their own personal stories and telling young people how they can play their part in stopping the spread of the virus.

As part of the latest phase of the campaign, they are being joined by young people across the region who have already stepped up to take the vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Experience

Ellie Longman holding her vaccination certificate
Ellie Longman

One supporter is 24-year-old care worker Ellie Longman from Liverpool. After losing a family member to COVID-19 and working closely throughout the pandemic with those most affected, she is eager to share her story about how young people like her can make a difference.

She said: “I have seen, both in my job as a care assistant and through my own experience with COVID-19, exactly how important vaccinations are in helping stop the spread and serious illness due to the virus. I was able to access the vaccination in February due to my job, which involves working with people more susceptible to the harsher effects of coronavirus, and was happy to go forward for it in order to play my part in protecting the most vulnerable in my community.

“I would absolutely recommend anyone to go and get the vaccine if they are able to. I think it’s important to remember that, just because we are in the younger age bracket, it doesn’t mean we are automatically safe from the effects of virus and, after losing a family member to COVID-19, I know the immense devastation the virus can cause to families and communities. Even though I did experience some mild side effects around 24 hours after both vaccinations, they were easily manageable with pain killers, fluids and some rest, which is a lot better than the potential side effects of contracting COVID or even long COVID.

“At the end of the day, science doesn’t lie, and the figures show that vaccinations work in helping to significantly reduce serious illness and deaths due coronavirus, and ultimately getting back to enjoying life out of lockdown and without restrictions. Before the pandemic I enjoyed travelling and meeting new people, and I’m really excited to be able to do those things again.”

No question

Adam Cureton, 24, from Prenton, who suffers with asthma, has had both vaccinations and is now keen to encourage others to get their jab.

He said: “I’ve suffered from asthma since I was a child and I know that, while I’m otherwise fit and healthy, catching COVID could severely affect me.

“So, when I was invited to take up the jab a few months ago, there wasn’t a question in my mind about whether I should do it or not. My girlfriend, who also has asthma, is a frontline worker as a trainee pharmacist, so we both feel very strongly about not only protecting ourselves, but protecting our families too. We’re all so desperate for life to get back to normal and to be able to do the things we previously took for granted – the vaccine is our way to do this and hopefully our route out of lockdowns and further restrictions.”

Since the vaccination programme was opened up to over 18 year olds, public health chiefs across the country have been amazed at the positive response and are continuing to praise younger people for stepping up in the fight against the virus.

Example

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council's Director of Public Health
Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health

Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health in Sefton said:  “I’m pleased to see young people like Ellie and Adam speaking up about the importance of vaccinations and am glad that high levels of young people are following their example and getting vaccinated.

“It’s simple for anyone aged over 18 to book a vaccination appointment and every time someone does they are helping the whole country make its way out of the COVID pandemic and return to the normalities we all want to see.”

Stepping up

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool and lead Director for Communications and Marketing in Cheshire & Merseyside, added: “It is very encouraging to see the high levels of younger people already stepping up and taking the vaccine to protect themselves, as well as their family and wider community. It shows that younger people understand how instrumental they are in the fight against the virus and are prepared to take action to save lives.

“Our latest programme of activity for ‘Spread the Facts’ will continue to speak directly to young people and address any misinformation or misconceptions out there. The young NHS workers in our campaign are witnessing first-hand the big difference that the vaccine is making in the fight against COVID-19 and are extremely passionate about sharing their stories, so others can understand the real facts and reasons behind why it is so important for all of us to get vaccinated.

“We should all be incredibly proud of our younger people for stepping up to ensure we can continue on our road out of lockdown and back to normality.”

Healthcare community

The ‘Spread the Facts’ campaign, which is a collaboration between the NHS and local councils in Cheshire and Merseyside, features young people working across the healthcare community in the local area. NHS workers, including young doctors, nurses and support workers, share their experiences of working throughout the pandemic.

The real life health care heroes impart facts and recommend simple behaviours that will cut the spread of the virus and stop the spread of misinformation among young people. www.spreadthefacts.co.uk holds the facts and signposts to other official sites for further reading.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to anyone aged 18 or over. People in Cheshire and Merseyside are also encouraged to take part in regular COVID-19 testing, and home testing kits can be ordered at: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.

Those in Cheshire and Merseyside who are struggling with their mental health can visit Kind to Your Mind, which contains a variety of mental health and wellbeing resources, including online therapy and crisis phone numbers: https://www.kindtoyourmind.org.

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