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A decision on Sefton Council’s Judicial Review application against Highways England has been deferred following the hearing at the High Court sitting at Manchester Civil Justice Centre on Tuesday, October 23.

Sefton Council presented its case at the High Court to review the decision by Highways England not to consult on the option of a tunnel for the proposed Port Access route when they undertook a consultation exercise to determine their preferred route option.

The council argued that despite having promised to do so, Highways England failed to include the tunnel option in its consultation or in any event failed to include it in a lawful way.

Sefton is of the view that the tunnel option would have merit and the only option which could balance the need for improved access to the port with the needs of the local community.

As part of the hearing, Sefton asked for an Order quashing the preferred route announcement and an Order requiring Highways England to re-consult about the tunnel option before any decision as to the preferred route is re-taken.

After hearing both sides of the case, judgement has been deferred to another date.

Sefton Council’s Judicial Review application against Highways England will be determined by the High Court sitting at Manchester Civil Justice Centre on Tuesday, October 23.

Sefton Council asked the High Court to review the decision by Highways England not to consult on the option of a tunnel for the proposed Port Access route when they undertook a consultation exercise to determine their preferred route option.

The council will argue that despite having promised to do so, Highways England failed to include the tunnel option in its consultation or in any event failed to include it in a lawful way.

Sefton Council believes the tunnel option would have merit and is the only option which could balance the need for improved access to the port with the needs of the local community.

As part of the hearing, Sefton is seeking an Order quashing the preferred route announcement and an Order requiring Highways England to re-consult about the tunnel option before any decision as to the preferred route is re-taken.

The Council has instructed a leading QC to represent them and although it is possible a judgement will be given on Tuesday (October 23) it may be deferred to another date.

Six schools in Sefton have been shortlisted for a number of awards at this year’s Educate Awards.

• Bishop David Sheppard CE Primary School in Southport is in the running for the Innovative and Creative Literacy Award.
• Formby High School is shortlisted for Most Inspirational 16-18 Education Provider
• Hillside High School, Bootle, is nominated for the Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School Award
• Netherton Moss Primary School is hoping to bag the Outstanding Arts in a Primary School Award
• Summerhill Primary School, Maghull, is looking to achieve the Most Inspirational Primary School accolade
• St Oswald’s CE Primary School, Bootle, is shortlisted for Spirit of Enterprise Award, whilst parent support advisor, Julie McNally, has been nominated for Support Star of the Year Award.

The Educate Awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, is now in its seventh year and is the largest education awards in the North West. From inspiring teachers, superb support staff to innovative projects across the curriculum, the awards recognises the work of schools and colleges which are delivering outstanding education and helping students achieve their full potential.

Since launching in Liverpool in 2012, the awards has grown rapidly, now recognising schools and colleges right across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Commenting on the shortlist, Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, says: “We are delighted to finally reveal the shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony in November. This year’s shortlist includes schools and colleges from all across the region.

“The awards recognise the arts, careers, sport, literacy, STEM and so much more – we believe it’s so important to celebrate all aspects of school life and champion the teachers and school support stars who bring learning to life!

“Many congratulations and good luck to all the shortlisted schools in Sefton.”

In total there are 21 award categories, from Teacher of the Year, Career Aspiration, School Support Star of the Year and Outstanding Commitment to Sport. The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday 16 November at Liverpool Cathedral.

Associate sponsors include Winstanley College, All About STEM, Liverpool John Moores University, CER, Progress Schools, Liverpool Learning Partnership, School Improvement Liverpool, The Foundry Agency, LSSP, The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt. Revd. Paul Bayes, DMR David M Robinson Jewellery & Watches and BMD Law.