Sefton Council Rejects Proposal for Improved Beach Access for Lifeboat

Sefton Council turned down a suggestion that Southport beach access should be reviewed to make lifeboat access to the shore easier. 

Just as in Hoylake vegetation and mud have slowed access to the sea, increasing risks for the public and difficulties for the volunteers who man the lifeboat.

The issue was raised by Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader, Cllr. John Pugh who had been alerted to it, following a visit to the Southport lifeboat station at their recent open day. Lifeboat organisers made it clear that even with their state of the art modern equipment the mud accretion and changes in the beach were an increasing problem.

Suggested solutions included the use of wood or stone to construct a better passageway to sea.

"Even a few seconds delay in an emergency can be crucial,” said Cllr Pugh, “ when lives are at risk.”

Regrettably the request for a close look at beach and shore access was turned down by the Labour administration. The Cabinet Member in charge of coastal issues Norwood councillor, Mhairi Doyle claimed that no-one could stand in the way of nature.

After the debate Cllr Pugh, said , “ I know that Cllr Doyle is a sensible person who will in all probability go away and look at this problem later, but the official policy of the current Sefton Labour administration is to do nothing.That is neither a realistic nor a sustainable position.

Often the excuse for inaction is the fact that Sefton coast is a protected, environmental area of special scientific interest monitored by Natural England which is  a government body set up to protect natural habitats. However, during the debate it was made clear that the Council could intervene on the beach with the consent of Natural England, but had not had any recent meaningful dialogue with them about work on improvement works.”

“It's hard to resist the conclusion that doing anything to improve Southport beach is simply not on Sefton’s current agenda and they’re actively looking for reasons for doing nothing- even when it’s critical that some action is taken.”

The Council debate on this subject can be found here.https://sefton.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/1038618/start_time/107000