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Cllrs told to expect ‘surprising’ results of Southport Cycle Lane consultation

15 October 2021
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Borough Of Culture, Essential Sefton, Latest News, Southport

The results of the recent Southport Active Travel Cycle Lane consultation will be presented to the November 9th Overview and Scrutiny committee (O&S), fulfilling the promises Sefton Council has continually made to ward councillors.

This decision preceded a formal request which has been made by five ward councillors to call an Extraordinary General Meeting of the council to discuss the same report.

At a meeting of full council in July, Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, guaranteed that an Overview and Scrutiny committee made up of cross-party councillors will be able to take a detailed look into the results of the much publicised consultation.

Ahead of the meeting Cllr Fairclough warned committee members may be very surprised at the picture painted by the feedback of residents and campaigners.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services said: “As promised we will make the full results of this consultation public and subject it to cross-party scrutiny to ensure complete fairness and transparency.

“Those who take a look at the reports findings will see some unusual outcomes including multiple, and in one case 19, submissions from a single IP address and people responding to every single question with ‘strongly disagree’.

“I can understand there are people who do not agree with our proposals and there has been some high-profile opposition expressed.

“However, I have never known people to be so adamantly against plans to introduce crossing points that would improve road safety for pedestrians.

“My concern is that the genuine views of the people of Southport might have been hijacked in a coordinated response by people who don’t want to see these walking and cycling schemes go ahead and I look forward to hearing the views of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel.”

Common concerns expressed included the loss of street on-street parking for some residents and its possible impact on local businesses, the effect on journey times for Birkdale residents and the people driving to rugby tournaments and school events having to park further away.

Cllr Fairclough added: “As the report says, the Council put a lot of effort into encouraging people to take part in the consultation but it seems to have been mainly people who fit a certain profile who have responded in large numbers so we need to look at how we can try to get broader responses in the future.

“And, given the multiple submissions identified, we are going to need to build in ways of detecting this into future consultations, to ensure the outcomes are truly representative of a community’s views.”

A full report of the consultation’s feedback and comments will be publicly published on November 1st before being presented to an Overview & Scrutiny Committee on November 9th for a comprehensive analysis and consideration.

In order to ensure maximum transparency, Sefton Council’s Overview & Scrutiny committees are responsible for scrutinising a whole range of local authority functions and responsibilities and the impact those works may have on the local community.

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Sefton joins Northern leaders in offer to work with Government to “level up” the North

14 October 2021
John McCabe
No comments
Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News, Regeneration

Civic and business leaders from across the North are putting forward a collective partnership offer to Government, setting out how the North can lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution and deliver on the levelling up promise.

In a document published today by the Convention of the North and the NP11 group of northern local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), northern leaders set out the five “gamechangers” which, through collaboration across the North and with Government, will grow an inclusive economy that delivers for the North and the country, while also tackling the health inequalities that have been laid bare by COVID-19. Those game changers are:

  • Leading the Green Industrial Revolution
  • Closing the healthy life expectancy gap between the North and South through innovation
  • Closing the education and skills gap
  • Improving connectivity in towns and cities in the North
  • Increasing private and public investment in R&D spending in the North

The five gamechangers represent a combined Northern offer to Government to ensure the North plays its full part in levelling up the UK, leading the transition to a Net Zero economy and developing a competitive Global Britain.

Leaders have invited the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, to join them for a working Convention in Liverpool in January 2022, focused on turning the Government’s positive commitment to level up the North into action.

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, who will mark the document’s launch with a business roundtable in Liverpool focusing on the opportunities for the North to lead the transition to Net Zero, said:

“True levelling up has to mean tackling long-standing and structural inequalities that exist between North and South in this country on a wide range of issues, from healthcare and job prospects, to transport and infrastructure spending. This is not an issue of party politics but one of fairness and social justice.

“As leaders representing millions of people across the North, we want to work with government to make that a reality. The North has been hit harder than the rest of the country, but I believe that with proper support we also have the potential to bounce back further and faster than the rest of the country too.

“From levelling up to climate change and everything in between, the solutions to many of the fundamental issues facing the country lie in empowering local leaders to work with central government and take the decisions that our areas need to shape our own destinies and build a stronger, fairer, better balanced United Kingdom.”

 

Deputy Leader of Sefton Council and Cabinet Member for Locality Services, John Fairclough added:

‘Sefton Council  is facing huge financial pressures in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, which is still very much with us. Necessary Council Tax increases in the coming years, in part to meet the demands of caring for our most vulnerable residents, will inevitably place the burden of recovery on our residents and communities, at a time when many can least afford it.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. The Convention of the North andNP11 group are challenging Government to work collaboratively with Councils, other public bodies and business leaders throughout the region, while making proposals that, if translated into action, will truly mean levelling up in the North, including Sefton.

“From leading a green industrial revolution to reducing the gap in health outcomes for our citizens, supporting vulnerable adults, children and families, closing the education gap to having greater connectivity, these are aims that are already integral to Sefton’s Vision for 2030 and that we passionately echo alongside our peers.”

Today’s publication of Northern leaders’ collective offer to Government will pave the way for a Convention of the North with NP11 event, due to take place in Liverpool in early 2022.

Following the success of its inaugural event in September 2019, at which Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a series of commitments to the North, the Convention of the North with NP11 will work with Government to focus resources and investment on the North to allow it to level up.

 

Sefton Council joins forces with partners to support National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2021

12 October 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized

A group of people stand in front of a Stope Hate UK banner outside a fire stationNational Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place between 9th – 16th October 2021 and Sefton Council, along with a range of partners, is highlighting what hate crime is, how it affects people, encourage people to report it, and let people know what is happening in the local area to tackle it.

Raising awareness and encouraging the reporting of hate crimes is a priority for the Council and partners throughout the year, but we can use National Hate Crime Awareness Week to shine a spotlight on the work being undertaken to tackle it in all its forms.

Hate crime can involve people being targeted based on their disability, transgender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation. Merseyside Police expand these strands further and also monitor hate crime against those who sex work, which is seen as unique but often best practice for the support provided. The force believes that every person in Sefton and the wider Merseyside area has the right to go about their lives without being the target of abusive language or criminal behaviour motivated by hate or prejudice.

The Home Office has today (Tuesday 12 October) released its latest figures for hate crimes in England and Wales. There has been an overall increase in recorded hate crime with sexual orientation, disability, race and transgender hate crimes all showing marked increases. Religion hate crimes have dropped for the second year running.

The report states that the increases are believed to be due to better recording methods by police forces, greater awareness on the part of victims and the public, and also spikes in numbers of hate crimes following certain events.

To support National Hate Crime Awareness Week several activities are taking place across Sefton to help prevent hate crime, increase awareness and provide training.

These are:

  • Community partnership event with the Police and Crime Commissioner Office and Sefton Hate Crime agency partners to carry out a targeted leaflet drop in key hot spot areas to encourage people to report hate crimes
  • Deliver Hate Crime Awareness training to students at Hugh Baird College, St Bedford Road Primary, Sacred Heart School Crosby and Sefton Youth Detachment Workers
  • Attend ‘People’s First’ in Bootle to discuss hate crime with group members
  • Attend a Disability Hate Crime Steering Group hosted by Dr Leah Burch from Liverpool Hope University
  • Visit Venus Women’s Centre coffee morning to discuss any hate related issues
  • Videos posted across Sefton Council’s social media channels in support of National Hate Crime Awareness Week and the support available to victims

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:

“We want to do everything we can to send the message out that hate crime will not be tolerated in Sefton and to give people the confidence to report abuse and not suffer in silence.

“It’s really important that people know about the various ways a hate crime can be reported in Sefton; whether it be by contacting the police directly, via the independent charity Stop Hate UK or at one of the many reporting centres across the Borough. Victims and witnesses will be supported to report hate crime and to receive advice and support.”

Superintendent Sarah Kenwright said:

“Merseyside has a reputation for being a welcoming, friendly place and there is no place here for hate crime.

“If you are aware of a repeat offender on your street, of an individual or family who are being subjected to hate, or if you see anything online or while out and about, please tell us. We want to actively encourage our communities to be our eyes and ears and firmly believe they play a crucial role in spotting and reporting a hate crime.”

Supt Kenwright added:

“I would also urge any victim of hate crime in Merseyside to please come forward. It is vital that we give our support to anyone who believes they have been subjected to abuse or left in fear because of who they are, and I want to reassure the public that we will take action against those responsible.

“We have officers and staff dedicated to protecting victims of hate crime who will make sure you will be supported at every step as sensitively as possible.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:

“National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important date in the calendar for me. It gives us all the opportunity to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of our communities, while coming together to reaffirm and renew our commitment to challenging and tackling all acts of hatred and prejudice.

“At a time when our country sadly still feels quite divided and, in the wake of a recent increase in incidents of hate crime, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant to combat discrimination, abuse and prejudice.

“Let me make it clear, crimes motivated by hate have no place in our society.

“I’m pleased to be working with partners and communities across the region to send out the message – loud and clear – that our region is diverse, it is inclusive and it is welcoming. Those who look to spread and breed hatred are have no place here.”

Everyone has a role in tackling hate crime and eliminating it from society. If you have witnessed a hate crime, or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101.

If, for any reason, you do not wish to the report to the police, Stop Hate UK will ensure you get the appropriate emotional and practical support. They offer a free, confident and accessible 24/7 reporting service for all victims of hate crime, including multi-lingual reporting, the Stop Hate UK app, phone line 0800 138 1625 and webchat www.stophateuk.org.

You can also report a hate crime at one of a number of independent reporting centres across Sefton, or you can use this online form.

Anyone affected by hate crime can visit www.victimcaremerseyside.org for help, advice and to get the contact details for organisations which can offer support.

Council encouraging Sefton entries for this year’s City Region Culture & Creativity Awards

12 October 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.

Once again, Sefton Council is encouraging the Borough’s artists, arts organisations and community groups to submit nominations in for the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

Entries need to be submitted by Friday 12th November and must feature activity that took place have taken place between 13 November 2020 and 12 November 2021.

Nominees must either live, study and/or work in one of the City Region’s six boroughs or have created work or projects that have significantly benefited its residents and visitors and contributed to the development of the local economy.

Categories

Award categories include Artist and Arts Organisation of the Year, a Student Inspiration Award, The People’s Choice and the Judges’ ‘Inspiration Award’ for significant contribution to Culture. There is also a range of Impact Awards for themes that include Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Education & Learning and Sustainable Business in Arts.

Nominations can be creative individuals, organisations, groups or partnerships and can include the visual and the performing arts such as theatre, dance, music and opera. Photography, film and broadcast media, literature, museums, galleries and heritage and craft creations and projects can also be entered.

Last year The Atkinson in Southport picked up the People’s Choice for Outstanding Contribution to Culture and the Covid-19 Creative Response Impact Award. And Artist of the Year was awarded to Paul Curtis, who has just completed the spectacular sand lizard mural at Ainsdale’s Toad Hall, the largest ever painting by a single artist in UK.

Creativity has thrived

Huge finished sand lizard painting by Paul Curtis on the side of Ainsdale's Toad Hall
Huge finished sand lizard painting by Paul Curtis on the side of Ainsdale’s Toad Hall

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Despite all the problems and trials the pandemic has thrown at us and the effect it had on our year as the Borough of Culture, creativity has continued to thrive across Sefton.

“I would urge individual artists and organisations across Sefton to visit www.lcrcultureawards.co.uk to find out more about the awards and categories and to  submit nominations for the awards by the November deadline.”

Vibrant and exciting

The Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity awards were created as part of the Metro Mayor’s Percent for Culture initiative. They were established to recognise the value and power for change that the arts, cultural and creative sector can bring in reinforcing the city region as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business.

The Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 2nd March 2022.

Creativity and generosity

Announcing this year’s Awards, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region is the country’s cultural capital; that creativity is in our DNA and we’ve seen it on full display over the past year. As we have emerged the pandemic, people across our region have stepped up with imagination, creativity and generosity that I know will help to lead our creative recovery.

“I’m sure this year’s awards, when we’re able to come together properly, celebrate our creative talent and recognise the resilience that got us through the pandemic, will be a memorable occasion for us all.”

Sefton teams up with partners to provide FREE swimming lessons for disadvantaged children

12 October 2021
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Your Sefton

Sefton Council is helping to provide free swimming lessons for children in care, thanks to generous funding from one of the local authority’s contractors.

CRL Concrete Repairs Ltd and its suppliers, who are working with Sefton Council on the refurbishment of Dunes Splash World, have teamed up to kindly donate funding to the Sefton Active Aquatics team.

This has allowed the service to provide a brand new ‘Access To Swimming’ programme designed to help disadvantaged children and children in care to swim.

Through the funding, Sefton’s Aquatics Team have been able to put together a completely free ten week course of swimming lessons.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, said: “We recognise that throughout the country there are a lot of children who do not have the opportunity or means to take part in any formal swimming lessons.

“That is why we are delighted that, thanks to the generous and kind hearted donation of CRL Concrete Repairs Ltd and partners, we are able to provide a dedicated Access to Swimming scheme to help children in care have the opportunity to learn how to swim, enjoy being in a pool and making many happy memories.

“The opportunity to provide these lessons for disadvantaged children in care who have not had the opportunity to attend anything like this before is invaluable and I would like to say a massive thank you to CRL and their suppliers for their philanthropy.”

Daren King, CRL’S Northern Regional Director, added: “CRL have a longstanding history of working collaboratively with our clients and supply chain to support the communities in which we work. We are very proud to be working alongside Sefton Council to set up the Access to Swimming Programme which will give many disadvantaged children and children in care the opportunity to learn an important life skill and have fun in the process.

We are very thankful to Mapei, AMB Technical Ltd, VI Distribution, Industrial Coating Services, QED Scaffolding and Prema Energy Ltd who have generously supported our programme and made it possible.

We hope all the children enjoy their swimming lessons at this excellent facility.”

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