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Golfers and members of the public still have two weeks to offer their views on ways to improve the course and facilities at Southport Golf Links.

Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team launched the public consultation last month, and are hoping to hear from even more people over the next fortnight.

While people can’t now play golf due to national restrictions in place from today, they can still use this time to rate the current facilities at Southport. Green Sefton want them to share their ideas for ways to develop and enhance not only the tees and greens, but other facilities such as the changing rooms and café.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We want to hear people’s opinions on both the existing course and facilities at Southport Golf Links, so that we can establish the priorities for improvements that they would like to see.

“I know people will be frustrated they can’t get out to play at the moment, but I hope they will use a bit of this down-time to have their say and suggest the improvements they would like to see.

“As well as the view of those for whom golf is already a lifelong passion, we’d like those who might be thinking about taking up the sport for the very first time to let us know what would encourage them to get started with the game.

“It’s an anonymous survey so people can feel free to express whatever views they have.”

Cllr Moncur went on to highlight the physical and mental health benefits of golf which, he said, could be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

The consultation also looks at environmental concerns as part of Sefton Council’s commitment to combating climate change. Questions focus on renewable energy, sustainable irrigation, recycling and reducing the use of plastics and improving existing wildlife habitat on the course.

The Council has not identified any specific funding for any potential future development or investment at Southport Golf Links, but has cemented its commitment to acting on the consultation feedback as it did with last year’s consultation on Bootle Golf course.

Cllr Moncur continued: “The consultation questionnaire isn’t very lengthy and is easy to complete online. People have until Friday 20^th November to take the opportunity to have their say.”

To take part in the consultation here.

Ahead of Bonfire Night and the introduction of national coronavirus restrictions, Sefton Council is reminding residents that gatherings and displays are not permitted.

The Council is also urging communities to work together this year, to not gather where bonfires have traditionally been built, as this will help to support the NHS, protect health workers and stop the further spread of the virus among Sefton residents.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “Due to the current pandemic and worryingly high levels of infection rates, now is not the time to be encouraging people to gather around bonfires. We would ask for cooperation from our residents to ensure that these events do not take place this year.

“As in previous years, council officers will be working with both the Police and Fire services to reduce anti-social behaviour and protect the vulnerable, as well as removing fly-tipped waste and illegal bonfires.

“We’ve already been made aware of certain areas where bonfire material is already building up. This will be removed and anyone who decides to dump rubbish at these sites could be prosecuted for fly-tipping.”

All major outdoor events scheduled to take place have been cancelled to help reduce the spread of the virus and all requests to hold events such as firework displays, no matter how large or small, have been refused for public safety reasons.