Author: Martin Driver

Sefton Council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities have signed a joint statement of intent to reassure Maghull communities that they are continuing to work together to explore solutions to reduce the risk of flooding.

The statement strengthens the collaborative approach already undertaken to manage and reduce flood risk, further prompted by weather events in January. A major incident was declared due to significant rainfall brought by Storm Christoph on Wednesday 20th January 2021 which also saw the Environment Agency issue two Severe Flood Warnings in Maghull, covering 439 properties within the flood warning area.

The predicted flooding did not happen as expected but the incident highlighted the need for all three organisations to come together to find deliverable improvements that make a significant difference for the community.

All three organisations have sought to manage the risks through a range of means to date including routine maintenance, capital investments, improvements to warning and informing residents as well as planning control. Alongside the statement of intent, a new flood risk working group will also be established with representation from all three agencies.

Cllr John Fairclough, Deputy Leader of Sefton Council and Chair of the new working group, said: “Flood risk is a serious issue for residents across the Borough and something that our officers are dedicated to finding both short and long-term solutions for through our flood risk management strategy.  Over the past decade due to a combination of severe weather events and instances occurring from rivers, sewers and surface water, we’ve seen significant issues in not just Maghull, but across Sefton.

“But now more needs to be done, and a working group led by the Council will seek to find and drive investment into flood risk management across the whole Borough of Sefton. An essential part of this requires collaborative work alongside partners, to share expertise and to identify actions that can be taken individually and collectively to reduce this risk. I am confident that the establishment of the new working group, and confirmation of our joint commitment through the statement of intent, will explore and identify feasible solutions that are needed by all.”

Andy Brown, Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Lancashire, said: “Across England, we’re working to better protect communities from the risk of flooding and make homes and businesses better prepared and more resilient through our long-term FCERM strategy. Alongside our partners we have already taken a number of steps to reduce the risk of flooding across Sefton such as routine maintenance activity, investment in flood defences and improvements to our warning and informing service.

“We are committed to joining up further and feel that a working group, with input from all risk management authorities, is a good way forward. Together, we can better identify all possible actions, large or small, to reduce flood risk and we hope this will help to reassure local communities.”

Jo Harrison, Director of Environment, Planning and Innovation at United Utilities, said: “We continue to invest in the sewer network across Sefton, including work in Maghull, involving a £4 million project in the Rock View area to help reduce the risk of sewer flooding, which is nearing completion.

“However, storm flooding is a complex issue with no simple answer. The drainage network includes pumping stations, culverts, watercourses, sewers and highway drains all operating and interacting together but under the responsibility of different agencies.

“Collaboration is key and we remain absolutely committed to working with the Lead Local Flood Authority (Sefton Council) and the Environment Agency to ensure issues are investigated thoroughly and measures are put in place to minimise the risk of flooding, to help protect the community.”

The statement can be read in full on the Sefton Council website. 

Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebration that runs from Monday 15^th to Sunday 21^st March. Created and coordinated by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, they work with primary schools and cultural organisations across the UK to offer children and their families rich and enjoyable Shakespeare experiences.

In Sefton, its libraries share the Shakespeare Week ethos that Shakespeare is for everyone.

Whilst libraries are sadly still closed, staff have put together a series of videos to mark the week. The videos highlight the work they do and the opportunities libraries offer for people across the Borough, but using the famous words of Shakespeare.

The videos will be shared throughout the week on the Sefton Libraries Facebook page.  

During the pandemic, Sefton Libraries have switched the majority of their activities online. Through their Digital Library Services, people across the Borough have been able to access e-books and e-audiobooks using services such as the BorrowBox and RBdigital apps.

Staff have also been able to provide additional support to communities such as help with downloading apps, setting up email or staying in touch using Zoom or Skype through their IT helpdesk sessions every Monday.

Additionally, the libraries team has become involved in the ‘Reading Friends’ initiative, aiming to tackle loneliness by bringing people together remotely to read, chat and share stories.

Details of Sefton’s Library Services and how they are working during COVID-19 can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.

A Sefton Council spokesperson: “We want to correct some misinformation that has been seen and heard in our communities regarding Orrell Mount / Silcox.

“Sefton Council have not sold Orrell Mount / Silcox playing fields, they remain in council ownership and there are no plans to sell the land.

“The Council has had a planning application approved to create brand new all-weather 3G pitches to replace the existing grass pitch and to install new changing facilities on the site. We are also hopeful that in the future we will be able to refurbish the existing pavilion for wider community use.

“We want to reassure local residents and others, that the Council’s plans include the installation of measures such as sound proofing boards to address any concerns residents may have about noise from the pitches. There will also be strict operating times to ensure that any light pollution is minimised.

“Dog walkers and public will still have access to the open land around the 3G pitches as they always have done. There are no plans to build new homes on this site as has been suggested locally.  

“Pitches such as those being created at Orrell Mount / Silcox are desperately needed in our borough. Our Playing Pitch Strategy indicated that around 17 such sites are needed across Sefton.

“Of course, it goes without saying, that all-weather pitches will also support residents to maintain their health and wellbeing all year round, as well as provide the opportunity for local junior football teams to train and play the whole year round.

“Once this work is complete, our hope is that Orrell Mount / Silcox, and the refurbished pavilion in particular, will continue to serve, and be used by, the local community.”