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Ditch Those Stabilisers back by popular demand!

25 September 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

Back by popular demand during the October half term school holidays, Sefton Council is proud to offer a number of ‘Ditch Those Stabilisers’ cycling events.

Children aged four and above can learn to ride a bike unaided at sessions in both Litherland and Southport.

The events, which take place a number of times throughout the year, always have a very high success rate, as staff from the Council’s highway safety team offer a range of practical advice to young riders and their parents.

Sessions are free but pre-booking is essential.

Join in the fun at Litherland Sports Park, Boundary Lane on Tuesday, October 23 between 9am-12pm or Shoreside Primary School, Westminster Drive on Thursday, October 25 from 9am to 12pm.

To register, please call on 0345 140 0845.

Change of venue for Sefton’s Planning Committee (Sept 26)

25 September 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

The venue for the Wednesday, September 26 meeting of Sefton Council’s Planning Committee has been changed.

As a large number of people attending this committee is anticipated, the venue has been changed from Southport Town Hall to Bootle Town Hall in order to accommodate this.

Bootle Town Hall is easily accessible via public transport and is just a short walk away from Oriel Road station for those travelling via train.

The meeting will still take place from 6.30pm. For the full agenda visit www.sefton.gov.uk.

Don’t be afraid to ask when it comes to sexual health advice

24 September 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

This week (24–30 September 2018) is Sexual Health Week, with the local NHS telling us to ask for advice if we have questions or concerns.

In 2017, there were more than 400,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England.  During the same time, one in 10 sexually active 16-24 year olds also admitted that they never used a condom.

Colette Page, practice nurse lead at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport & Formby CCG, said: “It’s so important that we practice safer sex – not using protection can lead to STIs as well as pregnancy.

“It’s also good to remember that some infections never show any signs and can go completely undetected unless tested for.

“This is why we advise you are screened regularly – before you have unprotected sex in a new relationship or after having sex with a new partner without using a condom.

“Most STIs can be treated easily, so don’t be scared of having a test and getting a positive result. However, if you leave an STI untreated it could go on to cause infertility and other complications.”

Another focus of this year’s awareness week is to highlight the issue of consent – non-consensual sex is a criminal offence and is punishable by law.

Overall, good communication throughout, between sexual partners is key to making sure consent has been given and neither partner has changed their mind.

Colette Page added: “If someone has forced or persuaded you into a sexual situation you are uncomfortable with, there is help available.

“You are not alone, there is help and support for you and you should never feel like it is your fault.”

The Sefton Sexual Health Service is free and confidential for everyone, offering walk-in or appointment clinics and designated under 25 only sessions.

Services provided include all contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatments including HIV, free condoms and pregnancy tests.

For more information go to www.seftonsexualhealth.co.uk or call 01695 656 550.

You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123 where your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.

You can find out more about sexual health, on the NHS website – www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health

Counterfeit One Direction perfume case ends in successful prosecution

24 September 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

A recent court case involving counterfeit goods seized in Sefton was only ever going to end in one direction, thanks to the dedicated work of the local authority’s Trading Standards team.

Sefton has welcomed the successful prosecution of a Formby man after he plead guilty to the manufacture and possession of counterfeit goods potentially worth around ÂŁ1million.

In 2016, Sefton Council’s Trading Standards team seized vast quantities of materials and packaging capable of producing approximately 2000 Jo Malone candles and 80,000 bottles for One Direction perfume, from an industrial premises in Formby.

It was thought the goods were destined for car boot sales up and down the country in the lead up to Christmas.

Christopher Costello, aged 48, was arrested in connection with the offences and pleaded guilty to four offences at Sefton Magistrates Court on September 17.

He was sentenced to 9 weeks custody, to be suspended for 12 months, and has been made to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

He will also have to pay ÂŁ715 in costs and victim surcharge.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “I am delighted at the outcome of this case and would like to thank our hard working Trading Standards team who have worked tirelessly from start to finish on this investigation.

“Importantly, this not just about inferior quality merchandise but also about public safety and making sure that the products you purchase are safe.

“We continue to warn the public to be wary of any potential counterfeit goods as there have been serious safety concerns with candles and perfume in the past.”

Anyone who suspects the manufacture or sale of counterfeit goods should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Next phase of Southport Pier improvement works set to begin

21 September 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration

The next phase of multi-million pound improvement works on Southport Pier is set to start in October.
Phases one and two of the Pier project are now complete which includes extensive structural repairs and painting – all completed ahead of programme and below budget.

More than 800 individual repairs have been completed by a specialist contractor and the work has also seen the construction of a new kiosk on the Pier incorporating seating and improving the overall offer of the Grade 2 listed building.

The third phase will begin on October 1 and will see the construction of a second retail kiosk, essential power upgrades, a refurbished pavilion and timber decking repairs.

The work is scheduled to run until the Christmas period and during this time the seaward pier and pavilion will be closed to the public from the halfway house to the pavilion. The landward section will remain open to the public, including the recently completed kiosk.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “This important improvement work on Southport Pier is really starting to take shape.

“The first two phases went really well coming in under budget and ahead of schedule so we are delighted the next phase will start in October.

“While not all of the Pier will be open during the next phase, we believe it is a small price to pay for what will be crucial to this important scheme.

“Hundreds of thousands of people visit Southport Pier every year boosting the local economy and this whole scheme will secure an important landmark for generations to come.”

The final phase of works planned in 2019 will see improved access and restoration of the Marine Lake railings.

The ÂŁ2.9 million project is funded via The Coastal Community Fund and Sefton Council.

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