Author: Ollie Cowan

Voters across Sefton are being reminded of the need for valid photo ID if they wish to vote in person at the upcoming May election.

Everyone wanting to cast their vote at a polling station in Mays local elections will be required to show valid photographic identification following new legislation via the Elections Act 2022.

If they have them, people can use a driving licence or passport as photo ID at a polling station but if they don’t have these or one of the other accepted documents, they can get a free Voter Authority Certificate online.

Acceptable

However while there are over 20 different forms of acceptable ID, there are still a number of identification cards which polling staff can’t accept.

Voters in Sefton will, for example, not be able to use their Merseytravel 60+ card as it is not classed as an acceptable form of ID.

Information on what is required and how to apply, along with details of registering to vote and getting a postal vote can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/voterid.

Voters who do not want to vote in person at a polling station can apply to cast their vote by post.

To help ensure everyone is aware of the new requirements and encourage them to exercise their democratic right to vote, Sefton
Council is running a Borough-wide advertising dubbed ‘IDeal Time’ on high streets and public transport.

Cllr Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Resources said: “We want to ensure that everyone can prepare now to ensure they don’t miss out.

“That’s why we are running our high-profile IDeal Time campaign to highlight what they need to do and by when they need to do it.

“Anyone without a valid photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate up to six working days (5.00pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023) before the elections on Thursday, May 4th.

“And the cut-off date for registering to vote is midnight on Monday 17 April 2023 , and the deadline for receipt of all postal vote applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023.”

Elections Act

Passports, driving licences and parking Blue Badges, along with older and disabled people’s bus passes are among the types of photo ID people can show to be allowed to vote under the Election Act 2022.

Cllr Lappin continued: “Our teams are already working extremely hard to ensure everything is in place to meet the new requirements, but this is the time for voters across Sefton to make sure they are prepared too so we are not forced to turn anyone away on May 4th.”

For more information about the upcoming elections and rule changes please visit www.sefton.gov.uk/elections .

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Tickets are going on sale from today for an amazing 2023 calendar of events in Southport.

Thousands of people from across the region and beyond have the opportunity to snap up tickets for the amazing Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship, with both events taking place in the sunny seaside resort in September 2023.

Free entry

These annual events, hosted by Sefton Council, also include the Southport Food & Drink Festival in June, with entry to this mouth-watering event remaining completely free.

Tickets for both the Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship are expected to sell out fast.

This years British Musical Fireworks Championship will be held across two days, with six competitors fighting it out over a weekend to be crowned the very best of the best.

Returning competitors who were unable to perform last year due to bad weather, will take to the skies above Victoria Park.

Returning displays

AJ Pyrotechnics and Gala Fireworks will return and face off against Imperial Lotus, Sonic Fireworks, Celestial Firework Displays and Galaxy Fireworks to see who will be crowned the very best of the best.

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 once again host our three flagship tourism events in 2023.

“Our Tourism team and partners have, as always, been working exceptionally hard to ensure we are able to once again bring this tantalising trio to Southport.

“Tickets are on sale from today (Monday, March 6th) for the thousands of people who adore our events and I urge you to get them now before they sell out

“Entry to the Southport Food & Drink Festival remains completely free.

“We’re also continuing to offer free entry to the Southport Air Show for anyone under the age of 16 and the British Musical Fireworks Championship for under the age of five.

Delighted

“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 2023 and we look forward to seeing you very soon.”

Dates for the three events are as follows:

• Southport Food & Drink Festival: June 2 – 4th
• Southport Air Show: September 9 – 10th
• British Musical Fireworks Championship: September 22 – 23rd

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

A special memorial plaque has been unveiled in memory of a Sefton councillor.

Cllr Gordon Friel, who served on Sefton Council since being elected to represent Lincare Ward in 1994, sadly passed away at the age of 69 last year.

Well Known Face

He was a well known face among the local authority and served on both the Licensing and Planning committees during his time representing Sefton.

Cllr Friel also represented the borough on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee.

Now a special memorial plaque has been unveiled at the Living Wall on Washington Parade in Bootle by Cllr Friel’s family and Linacre ward Councillors.

The Friel family were joined by Cllr John Fairclough, Cllr Christine Maher and Cllr Dan McKee for the unveiling.

Tribute

Speaking in tribute to his friend and former colleague, Cllr John Fairclough, deputy leader of Sefton Council, said:

“I will remember Gordon as always smiling.”

“A respected councillor Gordon was first elected in May 1994 and faithfully represented Linacre ward for the last 28 years.

“Gordon was a former union convener (rep) at the Jacobs factory in Aintree and stood on behalf of Sefton residents on boards and in many other roles during his time as an elected member.

“He will be sadly missed by both colleagues officers and those who knew him and we hope the Living Wall will serve as a poignant tribute to the work Gordon did for his community.

“Our thoughts remain with his family at this time.”

Cllr Christine Maher added:

“Gordon gave me tremendous support, help and advice after I was elected and I will miss him dearly.”