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Crosby Library and Civic Centre in Waterloo will join more than a hundred buildings and landmarks across England and Wales by lighting up purple to celebrate the upcoming census and its importance to communities.

The event is being organised by The Office for National Statistics (ONS) to raise awareness of Census Day on March 21, a survey that happens every ten years and gives a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

The iconic library, which has been lit up for a wide range of occasions, will join landmarks in England and Wales include the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, BT Tower in London and Blackpool Tower – lighting up in the Census 2021 brand colour from Friday March 19 through to March 21.

The census helps inform the provision of public services throughout the UK, such as determining the appropriate number of school places and hospital beds that are needed to properly serve their communities.

Pete Benton, ONS Director of Census Operations, commented:

“The census is such an important undertaking that helps inform the vital services we all rely on every single day within our communities.

 “We wanted to shine a (purple!) light on the buildings and landmarks that matter most to their local areas, highlighting the importance of the census in helping shape the communities we live in.

 “We’re thrilled with all the support we have received so far and would like to thank Sefton’s Library Service for their participation. Now is the time for everyone to complete their census and be part of history”

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Ian Maher, said:

“The census is incredibly useful to us in Sefton, helping us to build a picture of the communities we serve in a borough for everyone, so please take part on Census Day.

“Sefton has supported the national push to reach as many parts of our communities as possible and it’s great to see such an iconic local landmark lit up as part of that support.

“While it’s been fun for the authority to support the Census in this way, there’s also a serious point to make. Please make sure you complete and return your census form as you can be fined £1000 if you don’t take part or share false information.”

Now that residents have their code to complete they can complete their form online at the Census website 

Due to maintenance work taking place at Aintree Racecourse as part of preparations for the Grand National, Sefton residents accessing SMART Covid tests at this site will need to take a different route once inside the Aintree racecourse complex.

From Tuesday 16th to Tuesday 23rd March, instead of entering the test site via Grand Nation Way, visitors should look out for traffic marshals who will direct them along the alternative route.

The diversion will involve minimal disruption for visitors accessing their SMART Covid test.

SMART tests are available at Aintree Racecourse from 8am – 8pm – no appointment necessary.

Owing to the current national lockdown, only key workers and those with caring commitments no COVID-19 symptoms should now be going for SMART tests.

Full details about testing in Sefton are available on the Council’s website.