Agenda and minutes

The Mayor welcomed Members, Officers and Members of the Public to the Meeting of the Council at Chesterfield High School.  The Mayor took the opportunity to thank the Head Teacher of Chesterfield High School, Mr. Kevin Sexton and his staff and more specifically Mr. Peter Tallant and Mr. Nick Kearsey for all their help and support in the arrangements of the Meeting at Chesterfield High School.  The Mayor thanked the sound engineer Mr. King for his services and thanked Paul Fraser, Ruth Harrison, Shaun Pimblett and the Democratic Services Team for all their hard work in the organisation of the meeting that evening.

The Mayor reminded those in attendance to remain seated during the meeting and continue to observe social distance; to remain seated when addressing the Council.  The Mayor also stated that should any member or officer need to move away from their designated area that a face covering should be worn and that hand sanitizers were readily available on each table and around the school and requested that they be used as appropriate. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Brennan, Cluskey, Corcoran, Cummins, Dodd, Lewis, McKinley, Moncur, Sathiy, Thomas, Lynne Thompson, Tweed and Wilson.

Members are requested at a meeting where a disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest arises, which is not already included in their Register of Members' Interests, todeclare any interests that relate to an item on the agenda.

Where a Member discloses a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, he/she must withdraw from the meeting room, including from the public gallery, during the whole consideration of any item of business in which he/she has an interest, except where he/she is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of a dispensation.

Where a Member discloses a personal interest he/she must seek advice from the Monitoring Officer or staff member representing the Monitoring Officer to determine whether the Member should withdraw from the meeting room, including from the public gallery, during the whole consideration of any item of business in which he/she has an interest or whether the Member can remain in the meeting or remain in the meeting and vote on the relevant decision.

In accordance with Paragraph 9 of the Council’s Code of Conduct, Councillor Carr declared a personal interest in relation to Minute No: 34 Honorary Freedom of the Borough – Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust by virtue of the employment of his spouse and remained in the room during the consideration of the item:

Minutes of the meetings held on 18 and 20 May 2021.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Council meetings held on 18 and 20 May 2021 be approved as a correct record.

Mayors Reflections

The Mayor reported that it was an honour to attend Liverpool’s Armed Forces Day Service at St. Nicholas’ Church, Liverpool.

The Mayor also referred to the Memorial Service held on 9 July 2021 for Captain Johnnie Walker and reported that it was an honour to attend such a wonderful Service.

Mayors Charity Events

The Mayor invited both members and officers to support the Mayors Charity by joining the Mayors Lottery and asked those interested to contact Shaun Pimblett, the Civic and Mayoral Officer.

COVID-19   

The Mayor thanked all members and officers of the Council for all their hard work and dedication to their communities over the past 18 months.  The Mayor referred to the Councils sterling efforts in providing vital services, support and guidance along with its communities and partners during the pandemic.

To deal with matters raised by members of the public resident within the Borough, of which notice has been given in accordance with the procedures relating to public questions, motions or petitions set out in Paragraph 37 to 48 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution.

(Details of any petitions notified or questions submitted by members of the public will be circulated at the meeting).

The Mayor reported that a public petition had been received containing the signatures of over 500 people.

The Mayor reported that in accordance with Council’s Constitution the lead petitioner, Councillor Dalbuquerque would be given a maximum of 5 minutes to make his representations to the Council on his petition and thereafter the Council would be given 15 minutes to debate the petition before making its decision. 

Councillor Dalbuquerque addressed the Council on the basis of the following reasons for the petition:

“We are petitioning Sefton Council to STOP the proposed cycle lane infrastructure (currently being consulted on) being installed across Southport from Crossens to Ainsdale, and REMOVE the current TEMPORARY cycle lanes on Queens Road and Houghton Street.  These lanes are NOT WANTED or NEEDED in Southport.

Why are Sefton Council making it more difficult for people to drive here and visit?  No-one (or very few) cycle from Preston, Liverpool or other areas to visit Southport.

The cycle lanes which have already been imposed in Southport town centre have been disastrous.  They have damaged local businesses at a time they need help and support, by making it more difficult for people to drive into and park there.

We have been contacted by disabled people who are horrified by the decision to allow cyclists on Chapel Street, making it a no go area for them.

In Birkdale and Hillside, affected roads in “Quiet Streets” include: Trafalgar Road; York Road; Alma Road; Greenbank Drive; Dover Road; and Hillside Road.

Spaces alongside Hesketh Park will be gone, taken up by a dual lane cycle lane if Sefton has its way!  There will be nowhere for anyone who uses Hesketh Park to Parkrun, exercise, bring your children, walk dogs etc to park your cars!  Surely this can’t be right?

Churchtown Lights already sees traffic blocked up in all directions.  It is one of the busiest road junctions in Southport.  Proposals are to reduce the lanes inside the lights, which could make congestion far worse.

Widening the rarely-used lanes on Preston New Road will restrict the flow of traffic and increase traffic congestion in this area.

Traffic could be forced to use quieter residential Streets due to the congestion on the planned routes.

People attending the businesses on the approach to Ainsdale Village, the churches, cemeteries and rugby events, will all be unable to park as previously on the main roads, and will seek parking anywhere they can.

There are also associated road closures to through roads such as York Road, Trafalgar Road, Hillside Road and Dover Road, forcing locals to use the main road only, which causes more congestion.”       

Members debated the petition and Councillor Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services reported that he would respond after hearing the full debate  on Cycle Lanes and after Agenda Item: 17, Motion Submitted by Councillor Pugh – Cycle lanes, Min No: 40 refers had been considered.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:  That:

(1)           the Council thank the lead petitioner,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive and consider questions to Cabinet Members, Chairs of Committees or Spokespersons for any of the Joint Authorities upon any matter within their portfolio/area of responsibility, of which notice has been given by Members of the Council in accordance with Paragraph 50 to 52 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules, set out in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution.

The Council considered a schedule setting out the written questions submitted by:

together with the responses given. Supplementary questions to questions 1, 3

, 5, 9 and 11 were responded to by the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Locality Services and Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services.

Report of the Head of Highways and Public Protection.

Further to Minute No. 19 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 June 2021 the Council considered the report of the Head of Highways and Public Protection in relation to the continuation of the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring programme that had been approved by the Environment Agency along with the allocations of grant funding.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:    That:

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services.

Further to Minute No. 24 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 June 2021 the Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services in relation to the Climate Emergency Annual Report. 

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:    That the progress made on the targets in the Sefton climate emergency strategy and action plan, as detailed in the report be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Council considered the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2020/21 and Councillors Myers, Murphy, John Sayers and Bradshaw highlighted the key areas of work undertaken by the respective Committees and thanked Members and Officers for their support and assistance during 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor Sayers, seconded by Councillor Bradshaw and

RESOLVED:

That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/21 be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services.

The Council considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services that set out a new scheme for approval in the Council’s revenue budget and two new schemes for approval in the Capital programme.

The report also sought approval to accept the Restart contract from G4S Ltd, the prime contractor appointed by the Department of Work and Pensions for Restart in the North West,

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:    That:

(Councillor Shaw, a Member of the Liberal Democrat & Progressive Alliance Group requested that his dissent to recommendation (4) above be recorded).

Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer.

Further to Minute No. 5 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 27 May 2021 the Council considered the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer in relation to the proposal to grant the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust.

 An amendment to the recommendation was moved by Councillor Dowd,  seconded by Councillor Burns:

“That the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be extended to include Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust”. 

Following a debate on the amendment it was agreed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be extended to include Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

A further amendment to the recommendation was moved by Councillor Brodie-Browne, seconded by Councillor Evans:

“That the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be extended to include Mersey Care NHS Trust (Mental Health)”.

Following a debate on the amendment it was agreed that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be extended to include Mersey Care NHS Trust (Mental Health).

The following Substantive Motion in relation to the Resolution was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and unanimously

RESOLVED:           That:

(1)   In accordance with Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1972, this Council wishes to place on record its high appreciation of, and the debt of gratitude of the Borough to the Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust,Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust (Mental Health)and in the light of their hard work and dedication during the devastation of the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Council resolves that the Honorary Freedom of the Borough be conferred on Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust (Mental Health)and that it be granted the right, privilege, honour and distinction of attendance at all ceremonial occasions and be invited to attend at an Extra-ordinary Council meeting to be held on a date to be determined at Bootle Town Hall, be approved; and

(2)  the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services be authorised to take all of the necessary actions associated with (1) above and arrange a civic reception for the Officers and Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust (Mental Health) and invited quests to take place at the rising of the Extra-ordinary Council meeting in Bootle Town Hall, be approved.

Report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer in relation to the proposed appointment of Independent Remuneration Panel Members, Independent Persons, and Parish Councillors to sit on the Independent Remuneration Panel and the Audit and Governance Sub-Committee as detailed in the report.

It was moved by Councillor Lappin, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:           That:

The Mayor reported that notice had been given by the Labour Group Whip, Councillor Grace of the following changes to Memberships of Committees:

·                Councillor Roche to replace Councillor Carr on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Health and Social Care) and Councillor Howard to replace Councillor Roche as the Substitute Member for Councillor Halsall;

·                Councillor Page to replace Councillor Carr on the Pay and Grading Committee;

·                Councillor Burns to replace Councillor Carr on the Local Joint Consultative Committee and Councillor Carlin to replace Councillor McKinley as the Substitute Member for Councillor Halsall;

·                Councillor Carlin to replace Councillor McKinley as Substitute Member on the Local Joint Consultative Committee and Councillor  

·                Councillor Page to replace Councillor Carr as Substitute Member for Councillor Roche on the Audit and Governance Committee;

·                Councillor Bradshaw to replace Councillor Carr as Substitute Member for Councillor Hansen on the Planning Committee; and

·                Councillor Burns to replace Councillor Blackburne as the Substitute Member for Councillor Grace on the Public Engagement and Consultation Panel

RESOLVED:

The changes as detailed above, be approved.

The Council considered the report of the Leader of the Council in relation to a matter that was dealt with in accordance with Rule 46 (waiving call-In) of the Access to Information Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution, whereby “call in” was waived.

It was moved by Councillor Maher, seconded by Councillor Fairclough and

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Additional Resources for Enforcement

It was moved by Councillor Irving, seconded by Councillor Bennett that:

Over the last five years’ visitor pressure on Sefton’s attractive coast line has increased in such large numbers that the areas at Crosby, Blundell Sands, Ainsdale and especially Formby have been over whelmed by visitors.   In Formby the majority of visitors arrive by car, car parks become full early on so visitors park in residential areas completely ignoring yellow line restrictions.   The roads become impassable and Sefton Councils Civil Enforcement Officers are unable to deal with the sheer numbers of illegally parked vehicles with many motorists not getting fined for their complete disregard to traffic regulations which are clearly marked on roads.

The most recent case to prove this point of vehicle numbers was Sefton Council’s green bin collection on May Bank Holiday Monday when collection was abandoned as the vehicle was unable to maneuver through the densely illegally parked vehicles in the area of Harington Ward, Formby and was rescheduled several days later at an extra cost to Sefton Council’s collection.  The lack of enforcement has now led to a belief by visitors that the same sort of tolerance will be accepted in the nature reserve and beach.   This has resulted in large numbers of people attending ‘Raves’, lighting Barbecues on the beaches, in the Pine Woods and taking alcohol with them.    All of these restrictions are prohibited and clearly marked as you enter the area. Due to the fact that this area has been defined as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSS.i)   

Anti-social behavior activities have now increased to such a level that we have had two separate stabbing incidents on the beach, one of which resulted in a male running amok with a Samurai Sword and almost murdered two people.    The Police who are over stretched throughout Merseyside have had to deploy extra patrols to this area and have issued over a hundred fines, closed the beach area for two days in the last month as well as removing disposable barbecue’s and alcohol off visitors.   Sefton Councils over worked C.E.O’s did remarkably well issuing 121 tickets in Formby over two days at the recent Bank Holiday in May.   Taking into account that they did not take a refreshment break but worked right through they should be praised for the diligence.   It is clearly obvious that there is insufficient enforcement being put into the traffic parking problem that we have in Sefton.      Enough is enough and I am asking this council to support my motion of requesting for additional funds to resource the service adequately in order that there is capacity to tackle the issues of illegal parking throughout the Borough and more specifically near to Sefton Coast.   This action alone will undoubtedly convey the message to visitors that Sefton Council will not tolerate bad behavior either by drivers or organized groups who cause this anti-social behavior to our wonderful coast line.  If the the Motion is agreed then it be referred  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Sefton Council to Request Secretary of State For Permission to Increase Penalty Charge Notices

It was moved by Councillor Irving, seconded by Councillor Bennett that:

Over the last five years there has been a complete disregard by motorists visiting the Sefton Coast in the parking of their vehicles on clearly marked single and double yellow lines as well as grass verges in residential areas.   Drivers refuse to pay reasonable car parking charges thinking they can get away without receiving a parking ticket due to the many vehicles illegally parked.   At a recent May Bank Holiday 2021, over two days Sefton Council issued in one small area of Sefton 121 penalty charge notices.   The Civil Enforcement Officers who issued them were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of illegally parked vehicles and were unable to issue more due to their time on duty.  The charge of a parking ticket is at present at its maximum level allowed by Government, £70.00 charge but £35.00 if paid within 28 Days.  This amount for parking fines the Government has imposed on local councils is simply not enough to persuade drivers to stop this unwarranted illegal parking in residential areas, which has caused many residents to resent visitors to their area.

Council Motion

This Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State in requesting him to allow Sefton Council to Increase the penalty charge in their area.   By granting this request it is hoped that the continued abuse of traffic regulations by many motorists who illegally park vehicles in restricted areas of Sefton M.B.C. will force them to be more sensible in the way they park vehicles in the future.

Following a debate and on a show of hands the Mayor declared the Motion  was carried by 43 votes to 4 with 1 abstention and it was

RESOLVED:           That:

Over the last five years there has been a complete disregard by motorists visiting the Sefton Coast in the parking of their vehicles on clearly marked single and double yellow lines as well as grass verges in residential areas.   Drivers refuse to pay reasonable car parking charges thinking they can get away without receiving a parking ticket due to the many vehicles illegally parked.   At a recent May Bank Holiday 2021, over two days Sefton Council issued in one small area of Sefton 121 penalty charge notices.   The Civil Enforcement Officers who issued them were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of illegally parked vehicles and were unable to issue more due to their time on duty.  The charge of a parking ticket is at present at its maximum level allowed by Government, £70.00 charge but £35.00 if paid within 28 Days.  This amount for parking fines the Government has imposed on local councils is simply not enough to persuade drivers to stop this unwarranted illegal parking in residential areas, which has caused many residents to resent visitors to their area.

Council Motion

This Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State in requesting him to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

CYCLE LANES

It was moved by Councillor Pugh, seconded by Councillor Shaw that:

Recognising the concerns voiced by the public about planned cycle lanes in Southport, this Council will impose a moratorium on the plans to allow for sensible consideration of said plans by a cross-party working party who scrutinising all currently available evidence and feedback shall report back to elected members prior to any final decision being taken.      

An amendment was moved by Councillor Jones, seconded by Councillor Dalbuquerque that:

 the following words be replaced

“this Council will impose a moratorium on the plans to allow for sensible consideration of said plans by.” and be replaced with the following words

 “. Taking into consideration the petition presented to full council earlier, highlighting the damaging effect on local businesses, and the health and wellbeing of residents that these plans are withdrawn with immediate effect.”

the following words “Any future proposals will be discussed by” to be included before the words “a cross-party working party”; and

the following words to be included after the word taken “for the betterment of Southport and its residents”.

Following debate, on a show of hands, The Mayor declared the amendment was lost by 37 votes to 8.

Thereafter, on a show of hands, the Mayor declared the Motion was lost by 35 votes to 4 with 8 abstentions.

Hands Off Southport and Ainsdale - A response to the Boundary Commission

It was moved by Councillor Myers, seconded by Councillor Doyle that:

The Boundary Commission has admitted that the radical changes it has proposed for Southport constituency are not justified in terms of the electorate.

Instead, it tries to explain them by claiming they will “...better respect both local ties and the boundaries of existing constituencies...".

They intend to cleave away Ainsdale, an area with very close ties to Southport, and replace it with various bits of the current South Ribble constituency which simply do not have anywhere near the same connection to our town. To add a further layer of confusion, they also lie under another council's authority.

As two councillors elected in Southport, one of whom lives in Ainsdale, we say that the Commission's claim is hogwash and an insult to the intelligence of local residents and representatives.

Ainsdale is a close and much-loved part of the local community here. Southport Town boundary actually lies in Ainsdale. It's a coastal community, as is Southport. It's one of our treasured villages.

Administratively, it's been linked with Birkdale, another of our lovely villages, since 1894 and both then joined Southport as a county borough in 1912. It is part of us.

As nice as they are, three of the four areas the Boundary Commission intends to replace Ainsdale with are quite separate and distinct from our town here. 

There is no justification for trying to claim that wards such as Rufford, Hesketh with Becconsall or Tarleton have anything like the local ties to Southport that Ainsdale does. Only North Meols (Banks) comes remotely close to being justified on these terms. 

Let us be clear, these changes do not better respect local ties - they sever them. 

Ainsdale must remain part of Southport constituency or it is painfully obvious that both are being sacrificed on the altar of expediency by the Boundary Commission. An integral part of us should not be torn away simply because it makes life easier for others.

We move that Sefton Council rejects in the strongest possible terms the Boundary Commission's plan to remove Ainsdale from Southport constituency. Also, that it also writes to the Commission making clear our opposition as outlined above and that it asks the Commission to explain exactly how it comes to believe that the wards it is proposing to introduce at Ainsdale's expense have stronger ties to Southport.  

Following a debate and on a show of hands the Mayor declared the Motion to be carried by 45 votes to 2 with 5 abstentions and it was:

RESOLVED:           That:

The Boundary Commission has admitted that the radical changes it has proposed for Southport constituency are not justified in terms of the electorate.

Instead, it tries to explain them by claiming they will “...better respect both local ties and the boundaries of existing constituencies...".

They intend to cleave away Ainsdale, an area with very close ties to Southport, and replace  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.