Agenda and minutes

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting this evening and reminded those present to have mobile phones and laptops set to silent. She advised that members of the press would be live streaming the meeting.

The Mayor advised that a special meeting was being held to reflect on the terrible events that took place in Southport on 29 July 2024.

The Mayor reported that Sefton would never forget the terrible events of 29 July. Those who lost their lives, and their loved ones, would remain in the forefront of the Council’s thoughts. The Council would also reflect on other aspects of what happened after the attack and the many acts of kindness, compassion, courage and solidarity which characterised the reaction. The Mayor was sure that everyone present would agree that the response to the attack was truly phenomenal, such as the response of the emergency services, and people going out of their way to help and care for their fellow citizens. This illustrated how Sefton came together in the face of such an atrocity. Guests were present to talk to the Council about that response, and the Mayor welcomed them to the meeting.

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor extended her thanks to the first responders, heroes and helpers and acknowledged all the offers of support received with condolences from County, Borough and Town Councils throughout Britain and beyond.

The Mayor also thanked the families for allowing herself, the Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council to attend the funerals of their little loved ones and at least two of those mentioned had attended all 3 funerals.

In relation to the King’s visit the Mayor said how much the visit was appreciated by the families and by the community to have him join us, but she wished to acknowledge that whilst some might feel it was nice to meet the King, she felt it served to show the gravity of the situation and it was a shame the visit was under such sad circumstances.

Guest Speakers

The Mayor considered that the Council was very honoured to have the Chief Constable for Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, present, together with Dave Mottram of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Ian Moses from the North West Ambulance Service and indicated that the Council would hear from a guest speaker representing the emergency services. The Mayor was also delighted to welcome Natasha Sandland, Jennie Septhon and Ginnie Payne, the Headteachers of Marshside Primary, Farnborough Road Primary and Churchtown Schools who were present in the public gallery.

The Mayor invited Serena Kennedy, representing the emergency services, to address the Council.

The Chief Constable for Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, addressed the Council, to express her condolences and to thank the public for their support of the emergency services, including the police dogs that were injured.

The Mayor invited Members of the Council, and all those present at the meeting, to stand, if they were able to, and join together in a moment of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Copy attached

It was moved by Councillor Atkinson, seconded by Councillor Prendergast, supported by Councillor Pugh and unanimously

RESOLVED:

COUNCIL REFLECTION OF THE EVENTS OF 29^th JULY 2024

On 29th July 2024 the lives of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King, 3 innocent girls were taken, with many others being injured and everyone who attended the dance class in Hart Street, Southport experiencing the most horrific event imaginable.

As a council, we offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers including to the survivors and their families, and those of many others, are with you all.

We wish to record our thanks to the members of all emergency service workers at Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and all of those NHS staff across the region for their bravery and professionalism in their initial response and for their ongoing care and expertise in supporting the victims and their families.

We also wish to record our thanks to members of the public who responded bravely to help the victims and support their communities and thank those Sefton MBC staff who have provided and continue to provide ongoing support to those impacted by this tragedy.

Furthermore we thank businesses, the voluntary sector, faith leaders, and the many other organisations, groups and individuals from Southport and across the wider Liverpool City Region for their response.

As a community, Southport responded by pulling together with an outpouring of support for the families across the town, as evidenced by the thousands of people who attended the vigil at The Atkinson in Southport.

Our community has proven we are stronger together than those who seek to divide us.

This Council

·       will continue to work with and be led by the families affected over the coming months and years

·        will continue to work with those schools affected and the Southport Learning Partnership to meet the presenting needs of the families and of all of our children.

·       will arrange civic receptions in the autumn to thank and recognise as many of those involved as possible