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Following advice issued to schools in Sefton to delay reopening, Sefton Council can now confirm that all schools will be reopening for Nursery, Reception and Years 1, 6, 10 and 12 on Monday, June 22.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said: “Sefton Council’s approach has been to work with headteachers and staff focusing on making safe and sensible decisions and maintaining, wherever possible a collective approach to the re-opening of our schools.

“This has resulted in excellent preparatory work undertaking and completing risk assessments and we now feel it is appropriate to recommend that schools do progress to wider opening from 22nd June.

“Recent publicity about the R number created considerable uncertainty among parents, pupils and staff about the safety of any opening of schools beyond the current arrangements.

“However the available evidence is that the R is below 1 in the North West, all schools have carried out risk assessments and taken the necessary steps to safely progress to wider opening and we are confident that there is sufficient PPE available locally and all schools have been provided with a ‘starter’ pack, which has led to today’s confirmation of schools reopening on 22nd June.

“Since 23rd March many schools in Sefton have remained open to children of key workers and vulnerable children. Teachers and support staff have ensured children have been supported during this challenging period.

“All settings will continue to remain open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers as they have been since the start of the national lockdown.”

With over 2,000 rounds having been played at Bootle since it re-opened on Wednesday 20 May, Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team is warning people not to use the course for exercise and dog walks or fishing.

Since Green Sefton announced it had re-opened Bootle Golf Course and Southport Golf Links in May, with fees held at 2019/20 levels, business has been brisk. From this week, players have been able to play in fours, rather than just in pairs or on their own and from today (Monday 15 June) snacks and drinks will be available. Other restrictions to ensure players’ and employees’ safety remain in place.

But, the re-introduction of so many golfers means people who have got used to using the course at Bootle for their daily exercise and for walking the dog, are now facing the hazard of being hit by a stray ball.

Mark Shaw Green Sefton Service Manager said: “We knew golfers were itching to get out on our popular courses at Bootle and Southport and we are delighted to welcome so many of them back and to be loosening the restrictions they face when they come.

“However, we want to remind those people who quite legitimately used Bootle Golf Course as a place to take their daily exercise sessions under lockdown, that they now risk putting themselves in harm’s way with the danger of being struck by golf balls.  This also applies to those people who have taken the suspension of play as an opportunity to fish, unofficially, in our water hazards.”

The Green Sefton team is putting up signs at Bootle Golf Course to remind and warn non-golfers of the hazards, including where a public footpath that crosses the 8^th and 11^th fairways.

People wanting to play need to book a tee slot, by telephoning Bootle Golf Course on 0151 928 1371 or Southport Links on 01704 535286. Slots are available every 10 minutes from 9am to 7pm.

Find out more including details of the current restrictions.

Sefton Council’s £1/2 million-plus plans to improve golf in the Borough through the development of driving ranges at Bootle Golf Course and Southport Golf Links, remain in the pipeline although have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

Featuring dedicated coaching bays, plans for the new, floodlit facilities were developed after a consultation with local residents and golfers who highlighted the importance of new practice facilities and investment in course infrastructure.

Plans to boost Sefton’s golfing offer approved by Sefton Council.