Disappointment as committee rejects call in over Salfordian

SOUTHPORT Councillor Mike Sammon has expressed his disappointment after last night's Sefton Council Scrutiny Committee rejected the Liberal Democrat call in on the Salfordian.

Cllr Sammon and colleagues had asked the Labour led Cabinet to consider allowing some capacity for homeless families with children, rather than limiting the building to single adults and couples. He argued that the Council's own FAQs describe the building as suitable for:- "small households" and that its location opposite Hesketh Park makes it a natural setting for some family provision.

Cllr Sammon has publicly stated:- "I'm disappointed that the Labour majority rejected the case we put forward. Cllr Liz Dowd, the Cabinet Member responsible, focused solely on political points and did not address the reasons for the call in. She did not even mention the question of families, despite the fact that Sefton Council currently has homeless families living in shared temporary accommodation. They appear to have been completely overlooked for this family orientated location opposite Hesketh Park."

Although the committee voted against referring the decision back to Cabinet, the Council’s purchase of the Salfordian is still subject to gaining planning permission.

Huge Free Christmas Event Coming to New Brighton

NEW Brighton is set to sparkle brighter than ever as:- 'Light Up New Brighton' arrives on Seabank Road and Victoria Road on:- Saturday, 29 November 2025, running from:- 4pm to 9pm. The huge, free community event promises an unforgettable evening packed with festive magic, live entertainment, family activities, a:- 'Christmas Market' and the:- 'Christmas Tree Switch On!'

Delivered collaboratively by:- New Brighton Festive Lights, This Side of the Water and Wirral Borough Council, the inaugural festive event is a must for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit. With so much to see and do for kids and adults alike, New Brighton is the place to be on:- Saturday, 29 November 2025!

Seabank Road, from:- 11.30am... Firstly, there’ll be activities throughout the day on Seabank Road, with local independents coming together to provide festive cheer for the community. There’ll be stalls and coffee at Kollektiv, plants and famous home made soaps at Bon, Emmanuel Church Christmas Fair, Vintage Interior Fairy’s 10 year anniversary with vintage singer Kahli Morris, the Christmas Tree Switch On and more!

Victoria Road, from 4pm... From 4pm enjoy the Christmas Market, with over 40 independent stalls on Victoria Road, offering last-minute Christmas gifts including;- cakes and pies, local honey and preserves, toys, candles, jewellery, crafts, and unique handmade items. A Christmas market village full of artisan delights!

Father Christmas Grotto also opens; a completely free grotto experience, complete with festive sweets kindly provided by B&M and supported by Asda. Meanwhile, there’ll be a Poochy Sleigh with Santa and Blue The Newfoundland Dog, a festive photo booth and the talented Abbie Fairchild will perform live with her guitar, filling Victoria Road with Christmas songs and acoustic favourites.

Evening Highlights... From 6pm, a magical Lantern Parade led by drummers will set off from Riptide, heading to the Mermaid before making its way up to the Christmas tree. Local schools will proudly display their handmade lanterns. Meanwhile, the pantomime cast will arrive with the Mayor Of Wirral and there’ll be a performance by the Wallasey Ladies Choir; bringing harmonies and festive warmth. At 6.30pm, there’s the Official Christmas Tree Switch-On, with the panto cast pressing the button to illuminate New Brighton for the festive season. Visitors can enjoy a free selfie session with the panto cast and the lively Penny Lane Jazz Ensemble will take the stage, joined by a dance troupe for an hour of feel-good festive entertainment. Throughout the night, Medicine Men DJs will keep the atmosphere buzzing.

Free Children’s Activities... There’ll be mascots, a snow machine, storytime and bauble painting, in addition to local businesses offering special festive activities, including Christmas crafting at District House. Throughout the event there will be a huge selection of free fun for younger guests including:-

• Gingerbread decorating
   

• Bauble painting (including adult bauble painting at Tallulah’s)
   

• Storytime with Mrs Claus
   

• Free Father Christmas grotto
   

• Face painting
   

• Lantern trail displays

Food, Drinks and Treats...  Expect a feast of festive flavours available from a wide range of specialist vendors including:-

• Wood fired pizza
   

• Yorkshire pudding wraps
   

• Scouse
   

• Pulled meat loaded fries
   

• Tater tots
   

• Burrito wraps
   

• Sweet waffles
   

• Speciality coffee and indulgent hot chocolate
   

• Mulled wine from Tallulahs’

40+ Local Stalls for Christmas Shopping... offering perfect opportunities to get unique, last minute gifts from independent traders, the huge market will feature a wide range of artisan delights including:-

• Cakes, pies, cookies and festive treats
   

• Honey, preserves and artisan foods
   

• Toys and children’s gifts
   

• Candles and home scents
   

• Jewellery, crafts and handmade goods

This Side Of The Water’s Jess Waring said:- "The 1st ever Light Up New Brighton event has been an amazing community effort. This year we are lighting up 54 lamp posts, 2 Christmas trees and more to put the BRIGHT in New Brighton! We have had some amazing local sponsors; with businesses, community groups and individuals making this possible. It’s going to be magical!"

A True Community Celebration... This incredible free event is the result of huge collaboration between:- local businesses, community groups, organisers and Wirral Borough Council, all coming together to:- Light Up New Brighton, and deliver a magical Christmas experience for all. A magical Christmas event with something for everyone and 1 not to miss! To recap... Light Up New Brighton takes place on Saturday, 29 November 2025 from:- 11.30am, on:- Seabank Road and Victoria Road, New Brighton.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....