Residents in Sefton worried about major traffic issues due to Open Golf and Weather conditions

RESIDENTS in parts of Sefton are growing increasingly anxious about major traffic disruption as soaring temperatures collide with the 154th Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale. Those living in Ainsdale, Crosby and Formby already have had major problems due to the typical influx of day trippers flocking to Merseyside beaches in the hot weather, but over the Open they will merge with tournament traffic with the potential to paralyse the local road network.

Already, the area has had gridlock this year, due to traffic volumes and dangerous parking, sparking serious concerns over the total loss of residential parking along with the blocking of vital access routes for emergency vehicles. If the concerns of residents happens, this unusual situation will result in a unique bottleneck that would be far worse.

As a result, local authorities have confirmed they are actively addressing these fears, with strict measures ready to tackle dangerous or obstructive parking.

Sefton Council officials have again emphasised that irresponsible parking poses severe risks by blocking crucial access paths for emergency services, beach staff and local residents.

In an official warning published online ahead of the summer heatwave, Sefton Council stated that illegal parking will not be tolerated and immediate fines will be issued to offenders. Both Merseyside Police, and Sefton Council have also warned that dangerously parked vehicles might also be removed.

Both visitors and locals are being urged to prepare for exceptional congestion and substantial delays along the entire Sefton coastline. Visitors are strongly advised to leave their cars behind and travel by public transport instead, as parking spaces at coastal hotspots and National Trust sites are strictly limited and expected to fill up rapidly.

To help keep crowds moving safely and ease the intense pressure on local roads, Merseyrail and local bus operators are running enhanced services throughout the week.

Churchtown Village is all set for a 1940s Street Party!

THE Botanic Gardens originally opened in 1874, and will provide an amazing backdrop to what will be a fantastic:- '1940s Street Party,' along with the historic Village Centre, which both have been beautifully preserved. While the historic 1940s vintage era is remembered fondly locally, this event will be bustling with both locals and tourists, in what is a much loved annual attraction. This special event takes place on:- Saturday, 12 July 2025, from:- 12 Noon to 8 pm, with lots to enjoy for all the family. During the day, Botanic Road will be closed to traffic between:- The Bold Arms and Remedy. No parking will be available on this stretch of road. We strongly suggest getting public transport in to the area, but if going by car, please remember to park sensibly and not to block drives. Admission is free. Funds at the event will be raised for Bebe's Hive.

Here's what to expect:-

Military vehicles and re-enactors
Dress to impress in your best 1940s attire
Live music and vintage attractions~
Tea & cakes
Traditional street food and the Churchtown classics
Pop up stalls
Supporting local community causes
Union Jacks, bunting and good old fashioned fun
Fairground rides

The Entertainment Line Up will be:-

12 pm � Yooks Ukulele Band
1 pm � Beverley Alexander aka Lilli de Carlo 1940s singer
2 pm � Sea Cadets
2.30 pm � Wrights Performing Arts
3.15 pm � Beverley Alexander
4.30 pm � Wellbeing Choir

Are you going? If you are attending, please remember that a Yellow heat health alert has been issued for the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber and will be in place for the same time period, from:- 9 am, on:- Wednesday, 8 July, until:- 9 pm, on Sunday, 12 July 2026. Also, this is the 1st day of the Open Golf build up, so expect traffic to be far higher than normal.

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Residents in Sefton worried about major traffic issues due to Open Golf and Weather conditions

Churchtown Village is all set for a 1940s Street Party!