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Shoppers at Bootle Strand Shopping Centre will see a wall of green as they head to the shops on Thursday 16^th June as an extension to the existing ‘living wall’ is installed.

The Washington Parade entrance has boasted a living wall packed with greenery and shrubs since 2020. The wall is designed to be visually appealing and also add an element of urban green space to a busy built up area.

The plants play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the nearby road and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, thereby contributing in a positive way to the environment.

The wall increases green space in this urban area, improves air quality and supports health and wellbeing for the community. There are benefits to local wildlife too providing a brand new habitat in the town centre, encouraging bees and other pollinators to new areas.

Ward members for Linacre ward have now funded an extension to make the health and social benefits even greater for Strand regulars.

This project is the latest in a line of projects aimed at improving the environment for the community and fulfilling the Council’s climate emergency commitments to promoting green activity.

Sefton Council Linacre Ward Members said:

“We are thrilled to unveil our extended living green wall today which will not only enhance the experience of visiting this cornerstone of the Bootle community but also has so many health, wellbeing and environmental benefits.

“Green spaces in town centres can be few and far between and this is a great way to introduce biodiversity and green space and improve the look and feel of our town centre.

“Given that today is Clean Air Day, I’m sure Strand shoppers will breathe a little easier today knowing that we are fully committed to ‘greening’ our town centres and showing our commitment to climate change..”

This Clean Air Day, Thursday 16th June, Sefton Council is gathering pollution data with brand new sensors to monitor and improve air quality at some of the Borough’s biggest junctions.

Located at seven key junctions around Sefton, the sensors will give the Council’s Highways Management team access to real-time updates on air quality on key roads for the first time.

Among the locations where the devices will be located is Dunnings Bridge Road in the south of the Borough. which is known to be a hotspot for air pollution. Fitted to traffic lights, they will monitor harmful gases and particulate matter.

The data collected will be sent live to Highways Management as they control traffic signals and electronic signage on major corridors. This will enable them to manage traffic flows and even implement diversions, to help avoid serious congestion and reduce harmful emissions, particularly in built up areas most affected by air pollution.

The seven sensors have been funded by the Liverpool City Region ,and Sefton Council has installed a further three outside schools in the north of the Borough to monitor the levels of air pollution near certain schools.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“I am delighted to see the installation of these sensors in Sefton.

“Poor air quality can have a really damaging effect on our environment and on the health of our community. This new technology will allow us to monitor air quality along congested routes in real time and enable us to develop strategies aimed at reducing air pollution.

“Clean Air Day is a chance for us all to celebrate work like this aimed at monitoring and addressing air quality in challenging areas of our borough and considering how we can all have an impact on improving air quality in Sefton.”

The data from these sensors will be used to inform future strategies.

Alongside this work, we have been progressing our Outline Business Case for a Clean Air Plan

For more information on the Clean Air Plan, go to Your Sefton, Your Say

Sefton Council has responded to reports that misleading documents are being circulated about its consultation on a new masterplan for Orrell Mount Park.

Doctored

After doctored versions of Council leaflets and other items emerged, a Sefton Council spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that rather than allowing people to express their views on the masterplan for redeveloping the whole of Orrell Mount Park, some people opposed to it are doctoring documents in order to influence and mislead those who may wish to take part.

“Having listened to local people, the Council has drawn up the masterplan and engaged leading specialist management consultancy FMG Consulting to carry out the consultation so that everyone, including those who disagree with the proposals, to put forward their views.

Misleading

“It seems, however, from doctored leaflets and other documents being circulated that whoever is producing them is seeking to influence the outcome of the consultation by misleading people and, perhaps, trying to discourage them from having their say. This includes telling them how to answer the consultation questions rather than enabling them to express their own views, and including answers they suggest people copy and paste for certain questions.

“The final masterplan will be dependent on the outcome of the consultation and what people tell us they want, which is exactly why, in line with how the Council has redeveloped other parks in the past. The Council have purposefully highlighted that funding is not confirmed for some elements. However, as has happened previously, once we have seen the outcome of the consultation, we will then seek funding to deliver what people have told us they want.

Authentic

“We would encourage everyone who has a view on the future of Orrell Mount Park to visit www.sefton.gov.uk/orrellmount where they can find authentic information and provide their feedback.

“Three drop-in sessions about the proposals were held on Thursday 9^th June and three more are planned for Monday 11^th July.”

You can find out more here.