Sefton Central MP asks "Where is the money for Maghull?" after Government announces ₤42m investment in flood schemes in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson has criticised the Government for failing to provide the necessary funding for flood prevention for Maghull. The Government and Environment Agency said ₤42.8m was to be invested in schemes in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire in 2020/21 as part of ₤860m national investment. But Maghull, which was saved from flooding only by a fortuitous breach of the embankment at Lunt Meadows during Storm Christoph in January, gets nothing. Mr Esterson said:- "When I met with the floods minister recently I told her that Maghull needs this investment, so it is disappointing to see that ₤860m will be spent on flood defences this year and next, but nothing for Maghull. The Environment Agency has identified the work that needs doing to build the flood defences that Maghull deserves. The work that is needed to Dovers Brook would cost ₤1.7m. So where is the money for Maghull? After cancelling my meeting three times, the Government's Floods Minister Rebecca Pow MP finally met with me recently to hear why flood defences are so urgently needed. I requested that the funding be made available, but she refused to commit to what is needed to help protect Maghull residents from flooding. I saw for myself on the night of Storm Christoph how close Maghull came to a catastrophic flood. I have met with residents whose homes are worthless because of the flood risk and they live in fear every time it rains. The Environment Secretary George Eustice says the Government is standing by communities in bolstering defences against flooding across England, but the people of Maghull are not getting the protection they need. I will not stop until the Government's words are backed up by actions to protect everyone in my constituency from having their lives upended by a flood."

Sefton Council's Fostering Service have put on their dancing shoes and taken on the:- 'Jerusalema Dance Challenge.'

THE challenge originated as a TikTok video, but it went viral in 2020, and is now a global sensation. Fostering teams all over England are now taking part in the dance which is creating a wave of awareness across the country about fostering and the vital role it plays in so many children's and young people's lives. Northumberland's Foster Care team kicked�or danced off the challenge in May and other local authorities including Sefton, followed in their footsteps.

Lisa Lyons Interim Executive Director of Children Social Care and Education said:- "Dance has a great way of bringing people together and the 'Jerusalema Dance Challenge' is a perfect example, so we are delighted to take part in the challenge for one main purpose. The song behind the dance means:- 'go with me, protect me and take me home.' I think this is something with resonates with the role of a foster carer as someone who opens their home to a child or young person to protect and take care of them, longer term or preferably until they can go back to their family home. This challenge is a really fun way to celebrate foster care and raise awareness about the need for more local people to help our children and think about fostering for Sefton."

Click below to watch the Sefton Fostering Team's:- 'Jerusalema Dance Challenge.' Sefton's Fostering Service:- '#Jerusalemachallenge,' on YouTube. To make an enquiry or find out more please visit:- SeftonFostering.Co.UK, or call free on:- 08009232777.

Over 10 thousand excited and hungry customers passed through the brand new Southport Market in its 1st 48 hours of opening

AFTER much excitement, Sefton Council opened the doors of the refurbished ₤1.4m Southport Market on Thursday, 22 July 2021 and immediately traders were made to handle the heat of what is the North West's latest place to be for good food and drink. In fact nearly 15,000 tasty treats, from wood fired pizzas to mouth watering bubble waffles, were served up to customers in the 1st 48 hours of the market's launch, as thousands descended on the resort's market quarter for a taste of the action.

Gavin Williams and James Kennedy, co-owners of Allotment; 1 of the 10 stunning food stalls in the new look market, said they were delighted to be firing up the grills and serving up a selection of burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries meals. Gavin said:- "The Council have been phenomenal and the market is already buzzing! I'm sure this is the start of something amazing for Southport. We chose to be a part of the market after walking into the building for the 1st time and became instantly struck by how spectacular it looks. It is a real eye catching site and we know it will draw in so many people to the Town."

James added:- "The investment that has been put into the market is fantastic and it is something that is completely different and we are very excited to be a part of it."

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:- "It's no surprise that already we are seeing tens of thousands of people visiting Southport Market in its first few days of opening. Across the region word is spreading quickly about the market and we cannot thank our incredible traders, bar team and Council staff enough for all the hard work that has been put into making this a reality. We look forward to welcoming even more people through our doors this coming weekend!"

Sefton Central MP asks "Where is the money for Maghull?" after Government announces ₤42m investment in flood schemes in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire

Sefton Council's Fostering Service have put on their dancing shoes and taken on the:- 'Jerusalema Dance Challenge.'

Over 10 thousand excited and hungry customers passed through the brand new Southport Market in its 1st 48 hours of opening

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region