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Help Sefton Council to shape its flood and coastal erosion risk strategy for the next decade

23 September 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News, Local Consultation

Sefton Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), is drawing up a new strategy to protect its communities from the risk of flooding and coastal erosion over the next decade.

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

It will set out the actions that will be undertaken to reduce the risk and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on Sefton’s communities and highlight simple actions that residents themselves can undertake in support of this.  

Arial view of the coastline at Southport
Arial view of the coastline at Southport

Everyone living in Sefton is encouraged to take part in the period of consultation on the draft strategy, ensuring that their views are heard before the plan is finalised in early 2022.

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

People can take part online at www.YourSeftonYourSay.sefton.gov.uk and have up until Wednesday 17th November 2021.

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

“We are very proud of our unique borough with its 22 miles of amazing coastline and diverse landscapes among our urban residential areas and business hubs. One thing we have in common with the rest of the country, and especially other coastal authorities, is the risk of flooding and erosion and the complex challenges that we face to manage the impact of such events on our communities.

“That is why it’s vital for us to develop, maintain, apply and monitor a local flood risk management strategy, and to seek the views of those who live here in Sefton as we look to shape that plan for the next decade.”

Flood and erosion events can affect not only those living in high-risk areas, but also transport networks, schools, highways and local businesses. They can also have detrimental environmental impacts on rare habitats and species, which is why the 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 Council’s own plans must align with the Environment Agency’s national strategy that looks 100 years into the future and considers the risks climate change presents and the options to adapt to this challenge.

Cllr Moncur added:

“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 flooding events in neighbourhoods across Sefton, including most recently at the start of 2021 in Maghull.

“These events can have devastating environmental, social and economic impacts, making a sustainable flood risk management strategy absolutely essential for our communities. And is complementary to our on-going work with partners, such as the recently formed strategic flood resilience group, where we share expertise and identify actions that can be taken individually and collectively to reduce the overall risk.

“I would urge everyone across Sefton to take part as we shape this plan for the next decade to ensure their views are heard.”

Attention Clean Air Crew: Sefton schools urged to join the Airwatch Programme

22 September 2021
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Schools in Sefton are being offered the chance to join an exciting research programme to understand the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in our atmosphere.

NO2 is produced by most vehicle exhaust pipes and is measured with monitoring tubes in different locations.

Each school on the AirWatch programme will link up with a member of the authorities Environmental Protection team and host diffusion tubes to monitor levels of NO2. They will receive monthly reports as well as educational content and activities to do in class across a wide range of topics.

AirWatch programme schools will also have access to termly campaign toolkits to help pupils influence positive behaviour on the school run to reduce any air quality issues around their school grounds.

Schools will be asked to return the tube every month in a pre-paid envelope and replace it with a new tube so that the team can track changes over a long period.

The AirWatch programme will run from January 2022 to December 2022.

This opportunity is open to 25 schools initially and will run on a first come, first served basis.

 

Darren Lloyd, Teacher at the Eco Centre said:

“This is fantastic opportunity for young people in Sefton to take part in an exciting project with real world results. The Clean Air Crew project has been a fantastic success with most schools in the authority now signed up – we have established engagement, now we want to foster ownership.

“Good air quality is extremely important to the health of people and the planet and this project will help us to identify those areas where improvements need to be made.

“I am thrilled that local schools will be helping us to gather this data, ultimately this is their planet to inherit and we want them to be learn about this crucial issue as soon as possible.”

 

Schools can sign up at www.cleanaircrew.co.uk and log into their account.

From the Teachers’ Area click on the Airwatch link and register your interest. This is the same area where schools will find the resources to support this programme.

If schools are not already signed up to the Clean Air Crew, Sefton schools can register for free & access a wealth of curriculum resources supporting sustainable education for both classroom & home learning.

BIPC Liverpool and British Library join forces to announce major new support lifeline for businesses across the Liverpool City Region

22 September 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News, Uncategorized

The Business & IP Centre Liverpool (based in Central Library) and the British Library have announced the roll out of several new local Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) across the Liverpool City Region.

Tuesday 21st September sees the official launch of more BIPCs in libraries in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St.Helens and Wirral.

Anyone with a business idea or wanting to develop an existing business can now access a new range of specialist support services.

Following last year’s spending pledge of £13million in government funding towards a major expansion of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre network, many more local libraries are being equipped with dedicated workspaces, business resources and expert support for aspiring business owners. The expansion builds on the proven track record of support delivered by BIPC Liverpool.

Since being set up six years ago, BIPC Liverpool has helped over 3000 people start or grow a small business.

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson says:  

“Liverpool’s Business & IP Centre is a brilliant success story and has provided a huge amount of support to countless individuals. The concept of providing help to anyone with a business idea, regardless of their background, is social value in action.

“What’s hugely encouraging is that over half of those who have benefited and set up a businesses are women and a third are from ethnic backgrounds – more than triple the national averages for business ownership in the UK.

“This is largely due to the accessibility and community-based ethos of library-based business support, so I’m delighted to see that the success of BIPC Liverpool will now be replicated across the City Region enabling many, many more people to benefit.”

The new BIPCs will be situated in Crosby, Huyton, Birkenhead, St. Helens and Allerton libraries. Each will be equipped with a core set of resources including a powerful range of free business databases, provided by the British Library. There will also be a programme of events, workshops and one-to-one advice sessions delivered in collaboration with local business leaders, professional advisors, successful entrepreneurs and community partners.

Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian at the British Library, says:

“At their heart, libraries are trusted spaces with professional staff who have a mission to connect people with information. Our BIPC Network harnesses the power of libraries, bringing in expertise from the local community to help people from all walks of life turn an idea into a successful business.

“We’re delighted to mark this next chapter in the Network’s journey, growing from 14 to over 100 new regional and local Centres across England. Our mission is to put business support in every library, whilst maintaining our commitment to ensuring IP workshops and events are also open to everyone online.”

Culture Minister, Caroline Dinenage, says:

“It’s brilliant that small businesses and entrepreneurs will now be able to access invaluable support and resources across the Liverpool City Region.”

Details of individual library opening times and range of BIPC services can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/bipc 

To find out how InvestSefton, Sefton Council’s business growth team, can help your business contact 0151 934 3452 or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk or visit www.investsefton.com

Speak to your doctor for a life changing Active Lifestyle referral

21 September 2021
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News

Sefton’s Active Lifestyles Team are encouraging people across the borough who may benefit from a series of health and wellbeing programmes to access their services.

The Active Lifestyles Programme, delivered by Active Sefton, run a series of services designed to help residents prevent falls, lose weight, improve their nutrition and physical activity levels and manage health conditions by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Residents across Sefton who think they would see an improvement in their overall health and wellbeing by joining the Active Lifestyles Programme are being asked to access the services either through registering themselves or arranging a referral through their GP Surgery.

There are four main services, all led by qualified professionals in safe and secure environments.

The Exercise Referral Programme – aimed at people aged 16 and above and designed for people who may be overweight or obese or have health conditions that would improve by taking part in a healthy lifestyle. It includes a 12-week subsidised, supported programme of physical activity, ranging from gym-based sessions, swimming, exercise classes, walking and cycling groups, through to community-based activities, as well as a full health screening before, during and after, including blood pressure, weight and waist circumference checks.

Weigh Forward Weight Management Programme – Our brand-new Weigh Forward programme has been specially designed to reduce the confusion surrounding nutrition and is available to anybody who would like to improve their weight. Suitable for anybody over the age of 16 years who may be overweight or obese, the free 6-week programme is available through friendly group or 1-1 sessions and can be accessed both virtually and face to face.

MOVE IT – This free healthy lifestyle programme is for children who are above ideal weight and their families. MOVE IT is a fun way to learn about leading a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods to help maintain a healthy weight. Available for children aged 5-16 and their families/guardians, we can work together to learn about healthy weight maintenance in a fun and exciting way over a 6-week period.

Active Ageing – This falls prevention programme is available for residents aged 60 and over who are at risk of a fall or who have suffered a fall in the last 12 months. The free programme offers strength and balance exercises to help reduce the likelihood of a fall, as well as helping minimise any impact of injury in the event of a fall.
The overall aim is to provide the tools to help encourage continued daily activities and maintain independence. The service also looks to improve confidence, builds friendships, improves mental wellbeing, encourages good nutrition, alongside making residents aware of lots of services available in the community to further support.

NHS Health Checks – If you’re aged between 40 and 74, you may be eligible for a FREE NHS Health Check that can help you live a longer and healthier life by picking up early on signs of conditions that can then be prevented such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, with discussion and signposting on to services that can help improve health and wellbeing.

For more information or to find out if you may be eligible to access services without a GP referral, please contact Active Lifestyles on Active.lifestyles@sefton.gov.uk or call 0151 934 2352.

Recycle for the Planet! Sefton residents encouraged to recycle to combat climate change

21 September 2021
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Sefton Council is urging people to think about trying to recycle more of their waste for Recycle Week 2021.

Residents are being asked to ‘Step It Up’ in the fight against climate change and take action to protect our environment and coastline here in Sefton.

Well used

Latest research reveals that almost 9 out of 10 people now recycle and that is seen up and down streets in Sefton where recycling bins are well used. However, 55% of households put items in the general rubbish bin that can be recycled. Recycle Week 2021 is a chance for everyone to stop and think about what can be recycled and how we can do more.

Recycling has a huge impact on our emissions and currently saves 18 million tonnes of CO2 every year, which is the same as taking 12 million cars off the road.

Impact

We recycle on average over 22,000 tonnes of waste each year. Working in conjunction with the residents of Sefton we are looking to improve this year on year. The more we recycle the less impact we have on the environment in which we live.

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services said:

“Sefton residents have embraced recycling as a way of life but we can always do more. People may be surprised how much of an impact recycling can have on reducing our emissions and the more recycling we do, the greater impact we can have.

“I urge everyone to take some time this Recycle Week to ask what small thing they can do to improve recycling and contribute to protecting our beautiful borough from the effects of climate change.”

If people are unsure about how to recycle a specific item, you can visit www.recycleright.org.uk and use the online tool to see what needs to go in the recycling bin where you live.

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