Decision details

It was moved by Councillor Jones, seconded by Councillor Dutton

“The Council:

(1)      Recognises the many concerns raised by a significant number of Southport residents, regarding the management of the Ainsdale and Birkdale Nature Reserve and Dunes.  In particular, the recent and further application for a felling licence to fell a further substantial amount of English broadleaf trees in this protected natural environment.

(2)      Recognises that these works have progressed without recognition of the public interest, offering little public consultation.

(3)      Recognises that further concerns have been raised by Southport residents regarding the state of Southport beaches and foreshore.  There are significant concerns amongst residents with the grass encroachment north of the pier and the deposits of disgraceful sludge covering Birkdale beach.

(4)      Notes that at the recent Southport Area Committee meeting held on 18 July 2012, these concerns were recognised by eleven of the twenty-two questions and a petition presented to the meeting, being related to the Ainsdale and Birkdale Nature Reserve and the foreshore areas.

(5)      Notes that at the same Southport Area Committee meeting, the Liberal Democrat Members finally agreed with Southport Conservatives that these significant public concerns and their questions needed to be addressed and we therefore request that the works ongoing to the Ainsdale and Birkdale Nature Reserve are curtailed pending the completion and outcome of full public consultation being submitted to the Council to enable Members and the public to be informed and gain the answers our residents deserve.

(6)      Realises that a buoyant and prosperous coastal resort like Southport is not only good for the economy of Southport but the whole of Sefton and relies upon the co-operation of our local residents.

(7)      Requests that an urgent review is undertaken of our current coast management programme in order to protect Southport’s Dune system, foreshore and the many habitats within it.  Our ambition is to understand the ‘coastal processes’ and work to restore our beaches to their former condition.  It is in this understanding that we may be able to encourage our beaches to be used and enjoyed by many people.  This will encourage much needed revenue to Southport and Sefton”.

The Mayor indicated that the Motion in its current format, is one to which Rule 15.14 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules (Motions on Expenditure) applies and if carried, it would need to be referred to the Cabinet for final consideration of the financial implications in advance of any budgetary commitment and prior to any action being taken to implement the decision.  If the Motion was amended and there are no financial implications arising from the Substantive Motion, it would not need to be referred to the Cabinet.

Following debate thereon, on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that the Motion was lost by 47 votes to 7.

RESOLVED:

That no action be taken on the Motion.