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Robotics firm takes last unit at Northwood’s Mersey Reach as work starts on phase 2

14 September 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News

A Merseyside firm pioneering the use of industrial robots has become the latest occupier to sign up for the award-winning Mersey Reach development in Aintree.

CNC Robotics industrial unit at Mersey Reach
CNC Robotics industrial unit at Mersey Reach

CNC Robotics is to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in the last remaining unit in phase one. The fast-growing company, which provides robots for a wide range of machining applications, currently occupies two units at nearby Sefton Business Park. The new 12,133 sq ft unit will enable it to bring together its operations on a single site and provide space for further growth. B8 Real Estate and JLL acted as joint agents on the letting on behalf of the investor, Northwood Urban Logistics.

Mersey Reach was named as Development of the Year at Insider’s recent Liverpool City Region Property Dinner. Phase one consists of four units totalled 112,500 sq ft, with other occupiers being precision blade manufacturer Hardy UK, Selco Builders Warehouse and Skinny Drinks, which occupied CNC Robotics’ unit for eight months before moving to a larger unit on the site.

Arial image of whole Mersey Reach site
Arial image of whole Mersey Reach site

Work has already started on phase two which will consist of 12 units totalling 102,000 sq ft. Units will range in size from 4,000 to 30,000 sq ft, with completion due in early 2022.

Thomas Marriott from B8 Real Estate’s lettings team said:

“Mersey Reach is one of the most high-profile developments of its type in the area. The unit attracted interest from a number of parties and was let within a week, demonstrating the level of demand for high-spec industrial and logistics space. We are already dealing with enquiries about phase two, which we expect will also attract strong interest.”

Iain Taylor, Director at Northwood Urban Logistics, said:

“We are very pleased to welcome CNC Robotics to Mersey Reach and enable them to expand their advanced manufacturing business in Aintree. There is a significant lack of good quality industrial premises within the region. Mersey Reach offers a fantastic solution for growing occupiers with features such as 8m-10m clear internal height, fitted offices, good sized yards and electric car charging points.”

Situated on a 13.5-acre site off Dunnings Bridge Road, Mersey Reach was developed with support from Sefton Council’s business growth team, InvestSefton, and is expected to create up to 350 jobs when complete.

Stuart Barnes, Sefton Council’s Head of Economic Growth & Housing, said:

“The Mersey Reach development is enabling fast-growing Sefton-based companies like CNC Robotics to continue to operate from our borough, not only improving productivity in the advanced manufacturing industry but bringing new jobs for local communities.

“Having the infrastructure to accommodate the needs of expanding businesses is what makes Sefton the ideal place for them to flourish and offers a real sense of confidence about the future of business here as we focus on recovery post-pandemic. I have no doubt that the next phase of the Mersey Reach development will bring a wealth of training and employment opportunities to our residents.”

Work resumes on Coastal Road cycle lane scheme

13 September 2021
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Your Sefton

Works are set to resume on the final phase of the Southport Coastal Road Cycle scheme, with contractors returning to the road from next Monday (September 13th).

The scheme is part of the Southport East West Cycle Link improvement project, with funding from the Liverpool City Region and primarily compromises of the widening of cycle track between Weld Road roundabout and the bridge at Pinfold Lane.

Following a delay due to avoiding any disruption during the summer period and other conflicting works in the Southport area, the final stages of the cycle lane upgrade works will now be completed, with contractors working on the stretch of carriageway between Weld Road Roundabout and Shore Road Roundabout from Monday, September 13th.

These works are expected to take around four weeks to complete and require a temporary off-peak closure of the southbound lane, between the hours of 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

For more information about road closures in Sefton visit www.roadworks.org

Annual Sefton In Mind campaign launched to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

10 September 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Sefton CVS

Sefton In Mind LogoIn the past two years, we’ve seen the power of hope in action and the need for connection and communication has been more vital than ever.  Friday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day and the start of the annual Sefton In Mind campaign. This year’s theme is reflection – encouraging everyone to remember our role in growing positive mental health and wellbeing, and highlighting the importance of communities working together to help people through what has been exceptionally difficult time.

The global pandemic has impacted all areas of our lives including our mental health, which may continue for years to come. With many aspects of life returning to their pre-pandemic state – some people may find the lifting of restrictions and opening up of other areas of life hard to navigate.

Jan Campbell, Health and Social Care Officer at Sefton CVS said:

“Reflection is an important process in helping us to develop a deeper understanding of why we feel what we feel. Through this process we learn and grow stronger. If we all take time to reflect on what we can do as individuals for your own wellbeing or to help others, that could make a huge difference. Suicide is preventable and small actions, like just asking “how are you?“ can make a big difference. Supporting activity in your local community is a great way of help others. There are many opportunities available throughout Sefton to get involved in activities that support people who are currently struggling.”

Health partners in Sefton have witnessed a considerable rise in demand for early intervention and prevention services – but we still have some way to go. A local person who had attempted to take their own life said:

“It’s not always easy, particularly if you feel you reached a point where hope has dissolved and lost its past meaning.  So, I do a few things when I’m not feeling hope which helps me turn that corner and starts chipping away at that dark cloud overhead.”

Helping your local community and exploring the mental health services available to everyone is a good way of safeguarding your mental health and that of those people you care about.

Practical ways to boost your mood:

  • Physical Exercise. However you’re feeling inside, any form of physical exercise that you are able to do (taking yourself out for a walk) will release  endorphins – energising both the brain and the body.
  • Identify your triggers: Is there something in your current lifestyle that is adding to your low mood? Think about your diet, sleep patterns or alcohol consumption –  these can all have an impact on your mood.
  • Get a sleep routine: There are lots of relaxation apps to help you cultivate good sleeping habits – limiting your phone time before bed can help with sleeping patterns
  • Be solution-focused: If something is bothering you – ask yourself what can be done about it? Do you need any help in making those changes?
  • Talk to someone: Even if you don’t feel you can share with family or friends, there is always someone to talk to, a number to call

Taking any of these small steps will have a positive impact on your mental health.

Dr Rory McGill, Consultant in Public Health, said:

“Sefton in Mind this year emphasises the importance of connecting with ourselves. The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for everyone, so it is important that we take time to reflect on our own mental health and how much we have all endured and come together in Sefton to support each other through such unprecedented times.”

For more information about local support please visit https://directory.seftoncvs.org.uk/

Sefton’s response to Peel Ports – 10/09/2021

10 September 2021
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News

Sefton Council has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Friends of Rimrose Valley group and the wider community after campaigners were sent a misleading letter from the Peel Ports Group.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, says the open letter fails to understand or appreciate the experiences and concerns of the local community, who will be detrimentally affected by a planned dual carriageway cutting through Rimrose Valley Park.

The letter also cites out of date statistics and data which is no longer relevant to the issues that would arise as a result of the road’s creation.

While there is some common ground to be found within the letter, issued by Peel Ports’ Chief Executive, Cllr Fairclough lamented what he describes as a lack of sympathy to the community.

Cllr Fairclough said: “For years we have repeatedly said we want to work with all parties, from our communities to our businesses, to find a workable, safe and environmentally sound solution to an increased demand on the port.

“Not only will National Highway’s plans deprive us of a much loved urban green space, it will also, by their own admission, have a negative impact on significant HGV vehicle pollution which goes against the Government’s own agenda to improve air quality.

“The letter I have read today from Peel’s Chief Executive is equally misleading and misguided and I would like to set the record straight on a number of points.

“While we wholeheartedly agree that ‘getting freight off road’ should be a key strategic aim for Peel’s business, it should not be remedied by building a new road that moves this issue from one area to another.

“Getting freight ‘off road’ is vital for communities who have long been affected by the operations associated with the port. The long standing real world lived experiences of local residents, of which some of our elected members are, does not align with the ‘benefits’ laid out in this letter.

“Social and environmental issues continue for our communities, not just from port-related traffic but from the underlying operations of the port itself, and economic benefits have been limited in terms of the quality and quantity of employment opportunity generated for local people by the port. And also we have the potential designation of Freeport status, the implications of which are unspecified at present, but will need to be taken into account too.

“This should not be a trade-off of one versus another – solutions are required that deliver positive economic, social and environmental outcomes.

“I note that in his letter, Chief Executive Mark Whitworth refers to detailed studies suggesting that only 10-15% of the traffic assessed is connected with port operations.

“While we have always challenged this historic statistic, which was taken from several years prior, it is particularly important that we take a fresh look at new and up to-date data.

“The world of work has changed significantly since then, not least in the context of the pandemic. These changes, as well as increased growth in the port’s traffic volume, have greatly affected traffic flows in the area and a fresh study is needed.

“It is also important to understand the greater impact of HGVs, compared to other vehicles, on local air quality.

“We have always shared the belief of our communities that National Highways should explore and identify alternative technologies and solutions that would be far less detrimental to the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“This letter does nothing to change our minds.”

/Ends

Sefton families will be among many hard-hit by Government’s planned Universal Credit cut

10 September 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council
Cllr Trish Hardy
Cllr Trish Hardy

With just a month to go until Government plans to reduce Universal Credit by £20 a week are scheduled to come effect Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, has added her voice to the widespread concern about the cut and the effect it will have on Sefton families.

Working families

Cllr Hardy said: “A high proportion of households across Sefton, including many working families, rely on Universal Credit and this number has increased as a result of the pandemic and the effect it has had locally on jobs.

“If the Government goes ahead with its plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 next month it will be a disaster for those families many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.”

Last week, 100 organisations, including charities, children’s doctors and public health experts wrote to the Prime Minister calling on him to abandon his Government’s plans to go ahead with the £20 reduction. Among the 100 signatories to the letter were Business in the Community which was founded by the Prince of Wales, Oxfam, Save the Children, the Trussell Trust, the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health, and the Conservative thinktank Bright Blue.

Analysis by Citizens Advice has shown that ÂŁ20 a week is equivalent to six days of energy costs or three days of food costs for a low-income family. Separate academic research shows 63% of people supported the ÂŁ20 increase during the pandemic, and 50% supported making it permanent.

Slashing

Cllr Hardy continued: “It has been estimated that by slashing Universal Credit by £20 each week or £1,040 per year, the Government is going to push around ½ million families across the country, including many in Sefton, into poverty.

“And we know that as well as the day-to-day strain it puts on individuals and families, poverty has the largest impact on infant mortality and during childhood, it is the first step to poor physical and mental health.

“During the pandemic more Sefton families have fallen falling into the absolute or relative low-income category and we have seen eligibility for free school meals rise.”

“Sefton has a high proportion of jobs that tend to be lower paid and even with the £20 increase in Universal Credit, working families have found themselves in poverty.

“Taking that money away from them next month represents a disaster, particularly when you consider the health issues these workers and their children will face and will make a mockery of any claims by the Prime Minister’s claim to be on the side of families.”

Emergency help

She added: “During the COIVID-19 pandemic Sefton Council has given out over 4,800 payments for emergency help and made over 2,700 Discretionary Housing Payments to help people struggling with rents and bills.

“Our website contains information for people on Universal Credit, benefits and a range of related topics including help with rent and Council Tax and the Borough’s Foodbank Network at www.sefton.gov.uk/advice-benefits”.

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