Another fire at Clarence Houses in Formby

THE former special needs School site, Clarence Houses, in:- West Lane, St. Anne's Road, Freshfield, on:- Thursday, 11 September 2025, was on fire. Merseyside Fire and Rescue crews were alerted at:- 7.47 pm and on scene at:- 7.50 pm, with 4 appliances in attendance. Crews arrived to find that the theatre building, within the School complex was well alight, with an area around 50 x 20 metres affected. There was a significant amount of smoke being generated by the fire and residents nearby were told to keep doors and windows closed.  Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are now investigating the cause of the fire. 

Clarence House, located on:- West Lane, Fresfeild, was originally built in:- 1885 as:- St. Anne's Industrial School for girls. St. Anne's Industrial School closed in:- 1922. The building was them repurposed as:- St. George's Industrial School for boys. Later it became a School which provided educational placements for girls and boys aged:- 7 to 19 with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties, with a new name:- Clarence High School. Clarence High School closed its doors around 2018 despite being rated as a:- 'Good' School in it's Ofsted inspection, with it's owners:- Nugent Care, claiming it was down to:- "financial pressures." The building was left abandoned, and is now set to be demolished as part of plans for a new housing development. This is 1 of a few fires at have taken old at the former School, with the 1st being in April 2023.

These photos of the fire were taken for us by Sally Hawkins and her daughter.

Cross Party Support for Return of Children's A&E to Southport Hospital; Cllr Mike Prendergast

SEFTON Council has once again spoke with 1 voice and sent a clear and united message: Southport needs to see Children's Accident and Emergency services back at Southport Hospital, with a full 24 hour A&E service for both adults and children.

At last night's Full Council meeting, Councillors from all political parties came together in unanimous support of motions calling for the return of this vital service to Southport Hospital.

This marks the second time in recent months that every political group on Sefton Council has backed a motion on this issue, demonstrating the strength of cross-party consensus and the deep concern shared by local representatives.

The absence of a dedicated Children's A&E in Southport means that families often face lengthy journeys to Ormskirk or beyond when urgent care is required. For parents, carers, and most importantly, for children in need of immediate medical attention, this situation is far from acceptable.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Mike Prendergast, Leader of the Conservative Group on Sefton Council, said:- "The message from Sefton Council could not be clearer, Southport must have its Children's A&E back. This is not a party-political issue; it is about the health and wellbeing of our children and families and doing what is right for Southport. Once again, every Councillor, from across the political spectrum, has stood together to say that the current arrangements do not meet the needs of our community and we deserve better. Southport Hospital plays a central role in the lives of thousands of families. Restoring Children's A&E is not simply about convenience, it is about ensuring safe, timely access to urgent care for young people when they need it most. As a Town of over 90,000 people, and after over 20 years without this vital service, we are starting to see the possibility of Children's A&E returning. We have all shown we are committed to working constructively to secure this the best for Southport and the whole of Sefton. Our community has spoken with 1 voice, and we will keep pressing until Children's A&E is restored."

The campaign for the return of Children's A&E continues to gain momentum, with Councillors and residents alike united in pressing health authorities to act. The Shaping Care Together consultation is still ongoing and local people are being encouraged to submit their views.

The unanimous vote at Sefton Council underlines that this is a priority for the whole borough and a matter of fairness for families in Southport and throughout Sefton.

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