Sefton Council Questioned Over Lack of Winter Gritting Outside Schools

Liberal Democrat councillors in Southport have called for pavements immediately outside schools to be prioritised for gritting during icy weather, following a recent exchange at a meeting of Sefton Council.

Councillor Mike Sammon, Liberal Democrat councillor for Cambridge Ward, raised the issue at Council after asking whether there was an estimated cost for gritting pavements immediately outside schools on roads that fall outside the current Winter Service Policy.

In a written response, the Council said it had not previously estimated the cost of gritting pavements outside schools and raised concerns about affordability.

When asked in Council whether pavements immediately outside schools should be treated as a priority, the Cabinet Member said the cost would be prohibitive.

Councillor Sammonsaid he found that response disappointing.

“This was not about gritting every pavement in the borough. It was about whether very short stretches of pavement immediately outside schools should be treated as a priority because of the obvious safety risks to children, parents and grandparents on icy mornings,” he said.

He added that concerns about gritting outside schools are not new and that Southport Liberal Democrat councillors have raised this issue previously in response to concerns from parents and residents.

Councillor Lauren Keith, Liberal Democrat councillorfor Meols Ward, said the issue affected families across the town.

“Parents should be able to walk their children to school safely without worrying about untreated pavements in icy conditions,” she said. “This is about a sensible, targeted approach that recognises where footfall is highest at the start of the school day.”

Councillor Lynne Thompson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Ainsdale Ward, said that prioritising pavements outside schools was a matter of prevention.

“A small amount of targeted gritting in the right places could prevent slips and injuries and give parents peace of mind,” she said. “We are not talking about blanket coverage, but about sensible prioritisation.”

The Liberal Democrat group on Sefton Council will continue to press the Council to review how winter gritting priorities are set and whether greater flexibility could be built into existing arrangements.