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Sefton families urged to get imaginative and go on a story hunt for World Book Day 2021

2 March 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

To celebrate World Book Day, Sefton Libraries are collaborating with renowned storyteller John Kirk for an interactive story hunt, and families across the Borough are urged to get involved.

The virtual adventure will take families into the ‘Enchanted Forest’ for 30 minutes of imaginative family fun. People can join the story hunt on the Sefton Libraries Facebook page at 2pm on Thursday 4th March, World Book Day. The ‘Enchanted Forest’ is suitable for families with children aged 3+.  

Story hunts have become extremely popular across the country, and around the globe, as parents and carers have had to think outside of the box when home schooling and keeping their families entertained.

John Kirk StorytellerStoryteller John Kirk, who works with libraries and museums to deliver engaging virtual story telling experiences like no other, has worked in collaboration with Sefton Libraries on many initiatives in the past to encourage children to foster a love of reading.

Sefton Libraries will also be hosting a special digital story time on its Facebook page to mark World Book Day at 10am on the day. Story time volunteer Karen Bonell will be reading ‘The World Book Day Monster’ by Adam and Charlotte Guillan.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Our libraries service has been doing a fantastic job throughout the lockdown ensuring that our communities still have access to books, magazines and newspapers, as well as supporting families to encourage children to pick up a book through their story time videos.

“There has been huge demand for our online services as people have been spending more time at home and I am delighted that we are able to help mark World Book Day this year in such a creative yet safe way, from the comfort of living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen tables and makeshift home classrooms! Please do get involved.”

Andrew Farthing, Sefton Libraries Manager, said: “It’s vital for children in Sefton to have access to books, and to have opportunities where they can transport their minds to faraway fictional worlds. The power of reading and storytelling can spark inspiration in young minds, build their confidence to read independently and often prompt a lifelong love of reading – something that really boosts mental health and wellbeing.”

During the pandemic, Sefton Libraries have switched the majority of their activities online. Through their Digital Library Services, people across the Borough have been able to access e-books and e-audiobooks using services such as the BorrowBox and RBdigital apps. Staff have also been able to provide additional support to communities such as help with downloading apps, setting up email or staying in touch using Zoom or Skype through their IT helpdesk sessions every Monday.

Additionally, the libraries team has become involved in the ‘Reading Friends’ initiative, aiming to tackle loneliness by bringing people together remotely to read, chat and share stories.

Details of Sefton’s Library Services and how they are working during COVID-19 can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.

World Book Day aims to changes lives through a love of books and shared reading. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. 

Views welcomed on improvements to transport links through Sefton’s Maritime Corridor

1 March 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Local Consultation

Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, as well as local businesses, are being encouraged to share their views on Sefton Council’s scheme to improve transport links for all who use the Maritime Corridor.

Stretching from Switch Island to the Netherton Way (A5038), the Maritime Corridor links Atlantic Park to the wider region. It includes junctions on Ormskirk Road (A59), Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036) and Netherton Way (A5038), as well as the local road network. The Corridor is also key to connecting the Port of Liverpool with the wider region and is a recognised area for potential economic growth by both the Council and the Liverpool City Region.

The Maritime Corridor scheme proposes improvement works at five key junctions, as well as enhancements to walking and cycling routes. The public consultation will run until Sunday 28th March 2021 and feedback from the survey will be incorporated into development plans while funding is sought for the improvements.

As part of the Council’s 2030 vision, all improvement plans for the Borough’s streets and transport networks take into account the need to tackle the wider Climate Change Emergency while improving the health and wellbeing of its residents.

Schemes aim to keep people active and encourage them to think about alternative and green modes of transport that will improve air quality, while at the same time reducing congestion and enhancing access for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: “We are improving our streets and transport networks throughout the whole of the Borough to support our Sefton 2030 Vision. The intention is to make it easier to move around and to improve links across the region and beyond, while also including active travel measures that support the health and wellbeing of our communities. It’s also vital that we maintain our commitment to taking positive action towards a low carbon transport network and supporting Sefton’s Climate Emergency objectives.

“The scheme around the Maritime Corridor area is just one part of this wider approach which will aim to improve connectivity and reduce congestion, improving air quality and health, while not forgetting the opportunity to unlock the area’s economic potential.

“The planned improvements to junctions and active travel routes for pedestrians and people who cycle are at a very early stage of development, and we would encourage all residents and businesses to use this consultation period to get involved and help to shape the scheme as it moves forward.”

The consultation, along with maps of the proposed junction improvements and cycle provisions, can be accessed on the Your Sefton Your Say website and will be open until Sunday 28th March 2021.

Feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of the scheme’s next stages.  A report summarising the consultation responses and next stages will be produced and made available on the Council website.

Statement: People urged not to travel to the coast under lockdown restrictions

1 March 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Health, Latest News

Following reports over the weekend of visitors travelling substantial distances to the Sefton coast, the Council is urging people to continue to follow national lockdown restrictions. 

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Sefton’s coastline is stunning and thankfully it’s not going anywhere. It will still be here ready to welcome people back when it is safe to do so – but now is still not that time. 

“The weather is picking up as spring arrives, but that’s no excuse for people to disregard the national restrictions that continue to be in place in order to stop the spread of Covid-19 and to save lives.

“It was incredibly disappointing to see people travelling from far and wide to the coast over the weekend. We are urging both residents and those considering a visit to our Borough to stay at home and follow the guidelines.

“We understand that people are looking ahead to the easing of lockdown measures, but we’re not quite there just yet, and if people don’t continue to follow the restrictions it could mean that infection rates rise again in our communities.

“Our beach car parks remain closed and stringent parking restrictions are in place as we address parking concerns locally, with our enforcement officers working in conjunction with colleagues from Merseyside Police.

“At this time, we need people to continue to think about their safety and the safety of others, as well as the wellbeing of our communities and the staff from not just the Council but all agencies working hard to keep everyone safe.

“The Council continues to work closely with the partners of the Sefton Coastal Landscape Partnership (including Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and others) to keep Sefton’s beautiful coastline safe for visitors and residents alike.”

 

Green light for improvement works to enhance Ainsdale Beach facilities

26 February 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News, Southport

Following approval at January’s full Council meeting, plans are now progressing for improved access and facilities at Sefton’s Ainsdale Beach.

In 2020, the Council saw huge numbers of visitors flocking to the coast. This highlighted the need for further investment to maintain the best possible experience for all beach users, while factoring in important conservation and environmental needs.  

As part of the investment, designs are now being drawn up for an off-beach car park that will help to reduce the impact on local communities who have been affected by irresponsible parking in the past. A new, cashless payment system will also be introduced at the beginning of April when beach car parks reopen.

The Council’s Green Sefton team is set to recruit more than 30 Seasonal Rangers for the 2021 summer months, an increase in the number of posts usually recruited for the busy visitor period. Some of the new rangers will help to manage car parking and access at Ainsdale as well as ensuring that visitors keep the coastline clean and tidy.

Options for new toilet facilities are being explored alongside a trial for new off-beach food and drink vendors, all with a view to enhancing visitors’ experiences at Ainsdale.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “I am pleased to see plans progressing for the much-needed investment at Ainsdale beach and I am very much looking forward to welcoming more Seasonal Rangers to the Green Sefton team. Not only will the additional rangers help to support our management of the existing car parks, they will also play a vital role in ensuring that our coastline remains clean and beautiful.”

This week, Cllr Moncur approved a freeze on the car parking season ticket for all Sefton residents, which was introduced last year, meaning they can continue to enjoy the beach and save money after just three visits.

The specially reduced ticket costing just ÂŁ30, also remains available to anyone driving an electric or hybrid car, as part of measures to encourage the use of more environmentally-friendly transport.

Meanwhile, the standard day visitor rate for the car park will increase by £2, to £10 per day to cover the costs of the latest improvements and generate income for the long-term care of Sefton’s unique 22-mile coastline.

Cllr Moncur added: “Further improvement of facilities will provide a better environment for people to enjoy this beautiful space, while protecting our special wildlife and landscape, and tackling car parking concerns.

“I am particularly pleased that the Council can continue to offer a favourable car parking rate for Sefton residents, and electric and hybrid car drivers.

“We often say we want visitors to our beaches to leave nothing but their footprints, but we can now help them think about their carbon footprint too as well as encouraging them to enjoy these special sites.”

Residents and visitors alike will continue to be encouraged to travel by other means to the beach too, as part of the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and tackling the Climate Change Emergency. People can access the coast via local walking and cycling routes, as well as wheelchair and pram friendly access through Ainsdale station and village. 

Beach car parking charges for 2021:

  • ÂŁ10 per day for cars
  • ÂŁ16 per day for horseboxes or minibuses
  • 50% off the above rates after 4pm subject to car parking management arrangements
  • ÂŁ30 season ticket for Sefton residents and those who drive an electric or hybrid vehicle

An online form to purchase season tickets will be made available on the Sefton Council website in the coming weeks. 

Current national lockdown restrictions still apply to the use of outdoor spaces across Sefton, with people being advised not to travel to the coastline for exercise if it is not local to them.

Controlled explosion on Formby beach: update from Merseyside Police

26 February 2021
John McCabe
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Following the controlled detonation of an explosive device at Formby beach today (26 February), Merseyside Police have provided the following statement:

Merseyside Police can confirm that officers are in attendance at Formby beach today (Friday 26 February) following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance device. 

Officers were called around 5.30pm yesterday (Thursday 25 February) after the device was found by a member of the public.

The device has now been safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.  

A cordon remains in place in the Victoria Road area while safety checks are completed. 

We would like to thank the community for their patience while we deal with the incident.

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