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 quiet reflection dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives on 29 July, as the Council remembered Elsie, Bebe and Alice.
The Council observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect in reflecting on those lost.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bradshaw, Halsall, Johnson, Maher, McKee, Murphy, Thomas, Tweed and Veidman.