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Mikhail Leisure Group to run incredible Southport Market bar

16 June 2021
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

An incredible feature bar will be the centrepiece of the new Southport Market crown after Sefton Council appointed a locally based leisure group to manage its day to day running.

Following a tender process last year, Mikhail Hotel Leisure Group, famous for the Bold Hotel, Lord Street Hotel and Punch Tarmey’s, have been revealed as the team Sefton Council have chosen to manage the feature bar at the revamped Southport Market.

The new look venue will officially open its doors soon, following the reveal of 9 incredible stalls and traders who will take up permanent residence in the building alongside the new bar operators.

Andrew Mikhail, owner of The Mikhail group, said: “Yet again, the great team at Sefton Council have had fabulous vision with their regeneration plans for the market.

“Not only creating jobs for locals but I am certain that this will bring people from far and wide to Southport.

“My team are fabulous at what they do and running great venues is what we are known for, which meant we were the obvious choice to run the bar, the impressive centrepiece to the market.

“The market is looking really impressive and we look forward welcoming those customers who are regulars at our other Southport businesses and to welcoming some new faces. ”

Finishing touches are being applied to the iconic market space as it undergoes a major transformation into a leading food, drinks and events space that will boost the local economic and tourism sectors, thanks to the hard work of Sefton Council and funding by both the Liverpool City Region & Southport Town Deal.

Aesthetics work will soon be completed to give the market space a sleek and modern look, while still combining elements of Southport’s proud seaside heritage.

Nine market stall traders have now been revealed; from artisan pizzas and Mediterranean delicacies to Canadian inspired poutine and spicy Mexican street food.

The full list of confirmed traders is as follows:

Blackhurst Butchers
600 degrees (Pizzas, Italian)
Hector’s Mexicana (Mexican street food)
Down and Oot (Canadian steaks, poutine, hot sandwiches)
King St. Bakery (Portuguese tarts)
Messy Moments (Desserts)
Birkdale Pie & Mash (Assorted pies)
Allotment – (American Burgers et al)
Pitamu (Greek & Mediterranean)

Alongside the brand new Southport Market space is a monthly Maker’s Market, taking place in the surrounding market quarter are of the town, including a mix of artisan craft and food stalls.

The £1.4m market scheme, which is a key enabler and an early part of Sefton Council’s Covid-19 recovery plan for Southport, will see 10 new locally based food units and a feature bar installed. This will be supported by a flexible events area able to host high-quality markets along with other events.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “It is incredible to see all our hard work nearing completion and I cannot wait to see the Market open for everyone to enjoy.

“We are absolutely delighted to have confirmed the Mikhail Group as our Market bar operators and look forward to working with them at what is an iconic location.

“Southport Market is a venue that is of considerable historic importance to the resort, which is why we have ensured the space is brimming with local touches and influences.

“Our amazing tourism team have been hard at work with The Atkinson to source old images of Southport to be used throughout the market and the excitement is really building for our big launch soon!”

Sefton Council on track to reach its net zero carbon by 2030 target

16 June 2021
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Sefton Council confirms it is on track to be net zero carbon by 2030 after it published its Climate Emergency Annual Report, confirming a whopping 10% reduction in total emissions in just one year.

The fall was driven by the move away from office working and into home working. This led to a 92% fall in staff commute emissions and a fall in gas and electricity emissions in Council owned buildings. Sefton have chosen to report the emissions that staff produce whilst working from home in order to report a more accurate picture but the reductions in emissions were evident.

The Council are working to embed an agile/home working approach in future to maintain these carbon emissions reductions.

The report highlights key projects that have been started this year which would see a further 17% reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint upon completion including LED Street Lighting and retrofit works at Bootle and Southport Town Halls.

In addition to those measures which have reduced carbon consumption, Sefton Council have planted over 3000 trees which, in time, will reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere and contribute further net carbon reductions.

The 2030 target, which was set out in Sefton Council’s Climate Emergency declaration in 2019, is ambitious but critical to preventing further damage to our climate. All Council decision making reports now have to consider climate implications and training has been developed for all staff to ensure that all areas of the Council are on board with this ambitious but necessary work.

 

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory and Corporate Services said: 

“I am delighted to see the results of this years Climate Emergency Annual Report, it is testament to the hard work of everyone at the Council to have seen such a huge reduction in our carbon footprint and to see we are on track to reach that critical date of net zero carbon by 2030. 

“The pandemic has forced us to change the way we live and work and it has been difficult at times, but there are some positives to draw from our experience and I hope we can maintain some of the positive climate impacts that have been seen over the past year. 

“A 27% reduction in emissions when this years projects have been completed is so encouraging and I hope we can keep up the momentum as we move into next year. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate COP26 in the UK than with this fantastic progress towards our target.”

 

The UK will play host to COP26, an international climate summit, in November 2021 and Sefton hope to celebrate all aspects of its wonderful coastline, the health and wellbeing benefits to climate action and its fantastic progress against its climate targets later in the year.

You can find further information on Sefton’s Climate Emergency progress at Sefton Council’s website

 

 

Let there be light! Southport switches on to stunning Marine Lake events space

16 June 2021
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News

A stunning and modern Marine Lake events centre and light show is set to bring over half a million visitors and nearly 300 new jobs to Southport, Sefton Council can reveal.

The spectacular events space, situated on Southport Promenade, will be combined with a jaw dropping ‘Light Fantastic’ animation on the Marine Lake, thanks to funding from the Southport Town Deal and support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The concept has been developed in partnership with the Southport Town Deal board, and is set to transform the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre into a high quality, distinctive entertainment and business events venue, kickstarting an economic rejuvenation of the waterfront area of the town.

Artist impression of Light Fantastic Southport

Its believed the regeneration will lead to footfall of over 515,000 visitors to the waterfront, while also creating 288 jobs and boosting the town’s hotel and hospitality sector with nearly 60,000 overnight stays from conferences and events alone.

A comprehensive delivery strategy is now being produced to help guide the delivery of the Marine Lake events and lightshow project. This will include operator procurement, a full business case, detailed designs and eventual planning application submission.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Southport Town Deal Board Member and Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “The existing Southport Theatre and Convention Centre building has a long and proud history and is an asset that stirs great passion amongst all, as well as being sited in an incredible location in the town centre.

“As the largest investment project included within the Southport Town Deal, the Marine Lake Events Centre, a working title suggested by one of the hundreds of schoolchildren who responded to the targeted consultation on the project, will provide Southport with an incredible events space with state-of-the-art facilities to attract a continuous and wide range of different types of entertainment events and audiences to the resort.
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“The Light Fantastic show will provide a walkway into the lake as part of an incredible water, light and sound show which won’t just complement the Events Centre, but will also prove to be an attraction in its own right to further elevate and distinguish the Southport brand.

“Sefton Council and our partners on the Town Deal Board want to see Southport transformed in to a thriving, vibrant visitor destination.

“We want to give people a reason to visit and stay for longer. We believe that attractions such as this, our new events space, and more, will create a genuinely unique visitor experience and will only serve to strengthen our visitor economy.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Like many people, I’ve got lots of happy memories of going to Southport as a kid. It’s great to see these exciting projects to help breathe new life into the town moving forwards.

The Southport Theatre and Convention Centre building currently remains closed at this time.

With threats of thunderstorms across the region Sefton reminds residents of work to manage and reduce flood risk

16 June 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News

After weeks of sunny weather, thunderstorms are now predicted to sweep across the region and Sefton Council are reminding residents of how to check the flood risk in their area and other ways to protect themselves and their properties.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for the storms expected late on Wednesday and through to Thursday night, with the potential for travel disruption and flooding.

Sefton Council is monitoring forecasts to put necessary measures in place if required. While it is not anticipating widespread issues, its flood officers are calling upon communities to sign up for the latest flood alerts, to check any potential risk in their area and to ensure they are prepared should the rainfall result in instances of flooding.

Cllr John Fairclough, Deputy Leader of Sefton Council and Chair of the Sefton Flood Resilience Strategic 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 everything from routine maintenance of gullies to seeking out investment for coastal defences. As part of their roles it’s also incredibly important for them to raise awareness and educate communities about how they have a role to play in flood prevention and preparedness.

“Thankfully the forecast for thunderstorms this week doesn’t look like it will have the same impact as we saw at the start of this year when a major incident was declared in Maghull. It does however remind us that no matter what time of year it is, we can face extreme weather events and we want to ensure our communities are equipped with the information they need to be prepared for such instances.”

Steps that people can take not only while the weather alerts are in place, but to manage flood risk all year round and to be prepared for a flooding event, are:

  • Finding out your own risk of flooding before a flood happens. Floods can happen anywhere, and it is important to remember you don’t need to live by water to be at risk of flooding. Visit the government’s flood warning information service online or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
  • If you are in an at-risk area sign up for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline online or by calling: 0345 988 1188.
  • Make a personal Flood Plan for what you will do if there is a flood at your home. Resources can be found at The Flood Hub.
  • The Council does not have a duty to provide sand bags to protect homes or businesses. Have your own stock of sandbags – these can be bought from builders’ merchants or DIY shops.

Cllr Fairclough added: “We continue to work with our key partners including the Environment Agency and United Utilities, to manage flood risk across Sefton. We’ve already met a number of times this year under our new working group and I am confident that this collaborative approach is already resulting in positive outcomes that will benefit all of our communities.”

Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website or Sefton Council website.

Residents can report flooding on a public highway or any blocked road gullies on the Sefton Council website using an online reporting form.

Should anyone end up with flood water in their property, they should report this to flooding@sefton.gov.uk with any photos to accompany the report. 

Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by incidents of flooding and allow officers to work with other flood risk management authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of future flooding.

Government announces extra COVID support for City Region

14 June 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council

After clean water, vaccination is the most effective public health intervention.The Government has announced that Sefton, along with the rest of the Liverpool City Region’s boroughs and other parts of the country will be receiving additional support to help identify and prevent the spread of COVID Delta variant, which was first identified in India.

Additional support that can be deployed rapidly can include surge testing, tracing, isolation support and maximising vaccine uptake. These measure are also being rolled out in Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington.

They were announced on the day that the Prime Minister confirmed that he was delaying the final fourth stage of lifting lockdown restrictions by up to one month, until Monday 19th July.

Control spread

Testing, isolation and vaccinations will help suppress and control the spread of the virus and variants in both the short and longer term, when used in combination with people following existing guidance such as hands, face, space and fresh air.

Extra guidance included as part of the enhanced support package, include minimising travel in and out of the affected areas, to keep loved ones and communities safe.

Support available can include specialist Surge Rapid Response Teams and the military to support measures such as testing and door-to-door visits, supervised in-school testing and wastewater testing sampling. Communication support can also increase awareness in all communities, maximise vaccine uptake and enhance contact tracing.

Self-isolations flyerSelf-isolation crucial

Following feedback from Sefton’s track and trace teams, a campaign is underway to remind Sefton resident of the importance of self-isolating if they get a positive COVID test result.

It reminds residents that if they or a member of their household is experiencing coronavirus symptoms or if they have had a positive rapid test result, it’s crucial that they ALL self‑isolate and book a confirmatory PCR test.

If the result of your PCR test is positive, they must self‑isolate for 10 days  but if the result is negative, they no longer need to self-isolate.

Find out more about including 10 top tips on self-isolating during Covid-19.

Stay safe

However, testing for people with and without COVID symptoms, self- isolation and getting vaccinated along with existing guidance on distancing, mask-wearing and handwashing remain key ways to stay safe and control the spread of the virus.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are doing everything we can to stop the spread of the Delta variant, and working with local authorities, we are providing a strengthened package of support in areas where cases of the variant are increasing.

“We know this approach has made a real impact in South London and in Bolton where we have seen it stall rising cases.

“I urge people living these areas to get tested, come forward for your vaccine as soon as you are eligible and make sure to get the all-important second jab – that is how we will beat this virus.”

Dominant

Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency Dr Jenny Harries said: “The Delta variant is now the dominant strain across the UK, with cases continuing to rise in some areas. People in these areas can help protect their community by remaining cautious, by working from home if possible and remembering to practise hands, face, space and fresh air.

“Getting the vaccine gives a strong level of protection against this variant and I strongly recommend that everyone gets both jabs when the NHS invites you – it will protect you and your loved ones.”

Early research shows that vaccines provide strong protection against the new variants. Effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the Delta variant is similar after two doses compared with the Alpha variant first detected in the UK. Even higher levels of effectiveness are expected against hospitalisations and death.

The government and its world-leading scientists are closely monitoring the evolving situation and the rates of variants, and will not hesitate to take additional action whenever necessary.

Find out more about vaccinations in Sefton.

Weddings

Despite the delays in Stage 4 of restrictions being lifted the 30-person limit applied to weddings will end in England from Monday 21st June. That means there will no limit on numbers at receptions or ceremonies, whether they are indoors or outdoors.

Capacities will be limited by the highest number of people venues can accommodate while remaining Covid-secure.

 

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