Harington Ward Labour Councillor makes sure Formby residents have their say on which trees are planted in their community

Harington Ward Labour Councillor Nina Killen said she is delighted that Formby residents will get the chance to have their say which trees are to be planted on a green at the heart of the community where three trees have recently been removed.

 

Cllr Killen had been contacted by residents concerned that three trees have been taken down from the open green space on Wicks Green.

 

Residents believed that the trees had been mistakenly removed, but after being contacted by Cllr Killen, Sefton Council's arborists have confirmed that the trees were dead and they were removed for public safety.

 

But now Cllr Killen and her Harington Ward colleagues are working to secure funding to pay for replacements

 

Cllr Killen said: "I met with the residents around Wicks Green who were obviously concerned that the trees had been removed from the green.

 

"Three poplar trees were removed because they were dead and at least two others are at risk due to them being in a similar condition.

 

"The council had been concerned that the trees had become dangerous in the condition they were in and tell me they feared that the trees could have fallen in the road or injured someone.

 

"But I has passed on the concerns of some of the local residents that they had felt there had been no communication about the removal of the trees. Sefton officers have agreed to reassess whether the process can be more transparent to keep those living in the community more informed."

 

Due to the Tory-Lib Dem Government funding cuts, Sefton Council doesn't have the budget to replace the trees, but Cllr Killen said councillors are working on sourcing the funding from elsewhere.

 

Cllr Killen said: "Because of the financial constraints imposed on Sefton by the Tories and Lib Dems in Government, there is not a lot of money available to pay for replacements or management of the replacement trees.

 

"There is no money in the council's trees budget for replanting trees, so the money has to be found from elsewhere. But I am delighted that my ward colleagues have agreed with me that the trees need to be replaced.

 

"The residents have already made a contribution and we will work at sourcing the rest.

 

"Bigger more mature trees will cost more but may survive better so we'll have to strike a balance between cost and tree size. The council's tree planting manager, is going to put together a proposal with different options. So the residents themselves will get the chance to choose what type and how many trees they want. That will be their decision."

 

The trees will be planted this winter during the regular tree planting season, and they will be guaranteed for two years. If they don't take they will be replaced. 

 

Cllr Killen added: "I am really pleased we've been able to help the residents with this situation. I know tree felling is a very emotive issue and we've had a similar issue recently in the Village where trees have had to be taken down. 

 

"We are hoping that those trees will be replaced too.

 

"My ward colleagues and I have worked together with the residents to come to a decision which I think most residents are satisfied with. The trees are going to be replaced with ones which are more suited to the green and which will be of a more mature nature so much nicer to look at."

Rain! Rain! Rain!

Over the past couple of days Formby has experienced a vast amount of rainfall which has lead to several cases of flooding including the Hawksworth Drive area, where Sefton Council have had to deploy sandbags to prevent the problem getting worse.

As we are expecting further rainfall over the next 24 hours or so, if you have experience any flooding in your area please feel free to contact your 3 Formby Labour Councillors via the details provided on this page (please see side bar).

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson joins the Formby Residents' Action Group to fight plans to destroy the greenbelt

Labour MP Bill Esterson told more than 400 Formby residents that the battle to fight plans to build on greenbelt land in the town was being made all the more difficult because of the "duplicitous government's planning policies".

 

The packed out Formby Residents' Action Group meeting at the RBL building on Whitehouse Lane, heard that while Tory Chancellor George Osborne is encouraging local authorities up and down the country to build on greenbelt, he has signed a petition opposing plans to build on countryside in his Tatton constituency.

 

Formby Residents' Action Group organised the meeting to update the community on the campaign to oppose David Wilson Homes' plans to build more than 300 homes on the current farmland to the east of Savon Hook and Alt Road along the bypass. 

 

The plans have sparked anger amongst Formby's residents who have since organised a campaign group to oppose the development.

After seeing the initial plans for himself and speaking to residents, Bill Esterson has vowed to fight the developer.

Speaking at the meeting, which Formby Labour Councillors Catie Page, Nina Killen and Peter Maguire also attended, the MP said: "This Conservative-led Government wants to build on the greenbelt because that's where their friends the developers can make most money.

"The fact that George Osborne is coming out encouraging local authorities to build on greenbelt, while signing a petition to oppose building on the greenbelt in his own constituency shows the duplicitous nature of the Tories in government.

"The Tories are accepting donations to their party, including from David Wilson Homes, and they are changing the planning rules in favour of these developers.

"That's why it is important that the people of Formby stand shoulder to shoulder, as they have done so far, to campaign against these plans which will see the bulldozers move in to Formby and tear up the character of our communities throughout Sefton."

Bill praised the Formby Residents' Action Group for organising the campaign.

Bill said: "Formby Residents' Action Group is doing a fantastic job co-ordinating this campaign.

"Thousands of people have signed the petition so far, which can be presented to the government once the 10,000 mark is reached and the government must respond.

"I'd like to thanks the hundreds of people who attended the meeting on Friday and who let me know their views about this issue.

"Most people I have spoken to agree that we need housing for our young people, but the community needs to be the ones who decide where those new houses go.

"This is the community of Formby. The people of Formby must be given a say on how their community evolves and develops. That's what localism is and what I and my colleagues will continue to fight for."

Formby Labour Councillor Nina Killen tackles litter problem at Long Lane Ditch

Formby's new Labour Councillor Nina Killen has tackled a long running problem of litter at Long Lane Ditch.

Cllr Killen received complaints from residents that the ditch had again become strewn with litter.

She immediately contacted the council and urged them to take immediate action.

The ditch was cleared by the community payback team.

Cllr Killen said: "As soon as I raised this issue with Sefton Council they immediately took action to clear the ditch of litter.

"I am now working with council officers to ensure the site is cleared regularly.

"Formby Labour Action Team has had reports in the past of rats in the area and we hope that getting Long Lane Ditch on a schedule for regular clearing will help ensure that we keep the rat population under control.

"But Sefton Council is facing even more government cuts which means it is very difficult to get any additional resources. However, we will continue to work with Sefton Council and local residents to tackle the problem."

Cllr Killen is calling on people not to carelessly throw away their litter in the streets.

Cllr Killen said: "Where there are litter bins, people need to use them. If there are no litter bins immediately available, then people just need to carry the rubbish until one is.

"People shouldn't be throwing their litter away.

"We all have a responsibility to keep our communities clean and if we don't there are very clear environmental repercussions just like we are seeing at Long Lane."

Formby Labour Action Team celebrates success in bus shelter campaign

Formby Labour Councillor Catie Page is celebrating as her wait for a new bus stop shelter is finally over.

Cllr Page has been campaigning for a new bus shelter at Liverpool Road near to LA Fitness after being contacted by residents.

The bus stop, immediately opposite the old Lighthouse pub, had previously been a basic post stop.  

 

As it is a popular stop for people travelling to Crosby and Liverpool, Cllr Page launched a campaign to get a new shelter.

 

Her campaign was successful and the new shelter was installed last week.

 

Cllr Page said: "I am absolutely delighted the new shelter has been installed.

 

"That part of Liverpool Road is particularly exposed to the elements, so people waiting at the stop can be hit particularly hard by wind and rain. In the winter they are also subject to hail and snow.

"This new shelter will ensure that waiting passengers have some form of protection from the elements while waiting.

"Many of the people who contacted me about this issue were older passengers who found it particularly difficult to stand at the stop in all weather. Some were school children who make their way to school in the south of the borough. They were getting drenched in the rain while they waited for the bus.

 

"Now, thanks to this shelter, the many young and older people who use this bus stop can do so without getting soaked - and they can also take a seat while they wait."

MP Bill Esterson asks Eric Pickles how the government plans to help towns not successful in Mary Portas scheme

Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson this week challenged the government to detail how it plans to help revitalise town centres in Sefton who failed in their bid to win a share of Mary Portas' funding.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Bill asked the Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles:

"Formby, Crosby and Maghull all bid unsuccessfully for the Portas cash. Sefton’s Labour Council wants to help its town centres given the scale of cuts to local government. Will the minister tell me how he is going to make sure town centres are revitalised and tell me what support will be available to help?"

Bill said the Tory-Lib Dem government had essentially washed its hands of the town centres which hadn't been successful in the Portas bid which he called nothing more than a publicity stunt.

Bill said: "The Portas Bid scheme was far too small to have any considerable impact on improving our town centres. It was a gimmick designed more at grabbing a headline than improving the fortunes of our town centres..

"The scheme had a cash pot of of just over £1million to be shared between 12 successful bidders. That is not enough to make any discernible impact in turning around the fortunes of our struggling town centres up and down the country.

"But worse, the government now appears to have washed its hands of those town centres that worked hard to put together bids, but which weren't selected to take a share of the fund.

"It is not good enough for the Communities Secretary and the Tory-Lib Dem Government to chase a headline at the expense of our hundreds of ailing town centres.

"Closer to home, i saw details of the bids from Formby, Maghull and Crosby. each and every one of the bids from Sefton Central deserved to be winners and they deserve more from the government."

Bill praised Sefton Labour Group who have pledged to set up a fund to give the borough's shopping centres a boost during the difficult economic climate.

Bill said: "The Labour Group again are taking the lead on this where the Tories and Lib Dems in government are failing our town centres.

"Local businsses are struggling to make ends meet at the moment. While the government has grabbed its headlines for the Portas scheme, it is now the Labour Party in Sefton which is coming up with concrete proposals to make a difference in our communities.

"Some of the creative ideas which we have seen generated within our shopping centres by local business people, local shoppers and volunteers, have been tremendous.

"There is a clear desire to improve the offering in our shopping centres, to attract shoppers and to see our town centres once again returned to their former glory.

"That is exactly what the Labour Group on Sefton Council is proposing to do."

Labour Councillors welcome steps to tackle traffic congestion problems in Formby

Formby's three Labour Councillors have welcomed steps which are being taken to resolve the annual problem of congested roads in the town.

Formby Labour Councillors Nina Killen, Catie Page and Peter Maguire have worked alongside other local councillors to consult with police and Sefton Council to come up with solutions to the problem.

The councillors were inundated with complaints from residents about grid-locked roads and illegally parked cars following last month's warm weather as visitors flocked to the beach and pinewoods.

After consulting with residents and the emergency services, Formby Area Committee last week decided to install yellow lines on Victoria Road (near to Badgers Rake), Squirrel Green and part of Gorse Way and Proctor Road.

Cllr Nina Killen said: "As we've seen recently, traffic is a real problem in Formby during sunny summer days as people obviously flock to enjoy our coastline.

"We have the issue of so many cars on our roads causing gridlock, as well as vehicles being parked illegally and irresponsibly.

"This problem has gotten worse each year as day trippers visiting the beach and nature reserve decide to park outside of the National Trust car park or when the car park becomes full. 

"People complain about the problem year in, year out, so what we have come up with as part as Formby Area Committee is action which we hope will go some way to resolving the problem, by ensuring that cars are not parked along the main roads leading immediately to the beach and pinewoods."

Cllr Page said the effectiveness of the measures being implemented to resolve the congestion problems would be regularly reviewed.

Cllr Page said: "Councillors on Formby Area Committee, under the chairmanship of Cllr Gill Cuthbertson, agreed to create 'no waiting at any time' zones on the roads worst affected by the increase in traffic to try to keep vehicles moving and allay the congestion.

"These zones will be monitored to assess their effectiveness and the new parking restrictions will be policed particularly during high-traffic days.

"As all three of the Labour Councillors for Formby live in the town, we have each seen the problem of traffic during the summer period worsen year on year.

"The action Formby Area Committee has taken is just one step which we hope will go some way to alleviate the problem, but it will not be the only measure we take as we work to resolve the issue. This is an ongoing issue which we are determined to resolve."

Formby Fire Station Opening

On Monday I was fortunate to attend the opening of the new fire station on Church Road. This is a fantastic facility which will serve the people of Formby for many years, it was also encouraging to see that the new building had other features which allows it to serve the local residents in other ways. For example a state of the art gym which will be primarily used by firefighters but will also be available to certain members of the public and a large conferenc room which can be used for many community meetings.

After the official opening, local councillors, representatives from the Fire Authority and members of the public where given a guided tour of this fantastic new facility. We where also treated to a renactment of what the fire service would do in the case of a serious RTA(Road Traffic Accident) where the driver had experienced severe head trauma. It was very impressive and gave those of us present a reminder of the difficult work and risks that firefighters go through every day.

I managed to take a few snaps whilst I was there, however my camera kept failing throughout so there aren't many!

Formby Councillors work to tackle summertime traffic problem which leads to town gridlock

Formby's three Labour Councillors are working with Sefton Council and Merseyside Police to find a solution to the summertime problem of Formby's congested roads.

Every time the sun shines, Formby's roads become congested with sun seekers en route to the beach.

Formby Labour Councillors Nina Killen, Catie Page and Peter Maguire have been inundated with complaints from residents about grid-locked roads and illegally parked cars.

The three Labour Councillors are meeting with Sefton Council chiefs and Formby Neighbourhood Police officers to look into ways to alleviate the problems.

Cllr Killen said: "Traffic is a real problem in Formby during sunny summer days as people obviously flock to enjoy our coastline.

 

"We have the issue of so many cars on our roads causing gridlock, as well as vehicles being parked illegally and irresponsibly.

"This problem has gotten worse each year as day trippers visiting the beach and nature reserve have decided to park outside of the National Trust car park or when the car park becomes full. 

 

"People complain about the problem year in, year out, but as yet, there has been nothing effectively done to tackle the issue.

 

"Cllrs Page and Maguire and I are looking into just what can be done."

 

Cllr Page said residents had contacted the Formby Labour Action Team with suggestions on how to improve the traffic problem during warm days.

 

Cllr Page said: "People have come forward with suggestions for improving the flow of traffic on our roads during the good weather as people come to Formby to enjoy our community.

 

"Living in Formby, we've seen this problem worsen, but we are now looking into some suggestions which could ease the pressure on our roads.

 

"These suggestions include improved signage for visitors, increased parking restrictions in areas worst affected and the introduction of a traffic management system.

 

"We will be putting all of these suggestions to Sefton Council and the police. But what is introduced needs to be to the benefit of the whole of Formby instead of just moving the problem from one location to another.

 

"And while we would like to see any measures introduced which could help resolve the problem, Sefton has obviously been hit harder than most local authorities in terms of Tory-Lib Dem government cuts which has seen the local authority have to make more than £80m worth of savings over the last two years.

 

"So money is tight, but the Labour Councillors in Formby are working on a solution to this problem."

 

Cllr Maguire said the problem is so bad on many roads in Formby, people are turning to parking their cars on grass verges and even on private property as well as officially designated areas of scientific interest..

 

Cllr Maguire said: "Cars parking illegally and on private property are clearly not acceptable. Roads congested with cars nose to tail at a standstill is clearly a problem which needs to be resolved. Motorists irresponsibly damaging Formby's wildlife is something which needs to be stopped.

 

"While we want this issue tackling, there is obviously no easy fix. So if people want to make any more suggestions, please let us know by emailing formbylabour@gmail.com."

 

* Councillors are organising a public meeting to discuss the issue. Times, dates and venues are yet to be finalised.

Labour MP Bill Esterson and Formby Councillor angry as Freshfield Train Station phone mast is given green light

Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson and Formby Labour Councillor Nina Killen said they are both disappointed that plans to install a phone mast at Freshfield Train Station were given the greenlight last Friday.

Mother of three Cllr Killen, who was only elected as Harington Ward's Labour Councillor earlier this month gave her backing to the residents' campaign to oppose the plans, with MP Bill Esterson raising concerns about the long term health implications of the mast.

But despite this, the Vodafone and Telefonica application for the mast was approved by the planning committee on Friday.

Cllr Killen said she was disappointed for everyone concerned in the campaign and all of the residents who signed a petition opposing the plans.

Cllr Killen said: "This is very disappointing for everyone in Freshfield. There was overwhelming opposition to these plans in this community, but still the Planning Committee appears to have had no way of turning down the planning application.

"The residents' arguments against the plans deserved to be listened to. I and other local councillors made sure that local views were considered.

"People living nearby, are very concerned about the accumulative effect of increased radiation in this community. Not only will there now be radiation being emitted from the high voltage sub-station, as well as the electrified rail lines and existing nearby telecommunications masts, but now there is also increased levels of radiation from the new mast.

"Accumulated levels of radiation are a very real concern for health experts

"Then when you consider that this mast will be just 16m away from the nearest property, a property where there are young children, you realise why people here are concerned. Unfortunately, according to government guidance, such concerns are not part of the planning process.

Cllr Killen added: "It is not something which we wanted, but which is being imposed upon is as a result of central government rules."

Bill Esterson said it was disappointing that government changes to planning regulations made it even more difficult for local councillors to object to unwelcome developments.

Bill said: "I am very concerned that local councils’ hands are being tied because of the changes to the planning rules. There were no planning reasons for the committee to turn down this application and new rules brought in just a few weeks ago make it even harder to stop development of this kind.

"Despite talking about localism, the Tory-Lib Dem government is stopping local communities from being able to stop masts of this kind being erected.

"I have seen some very worrying evidence highlighting potential health risks, especially to children, because of increased levels of radiation and I am demanding the government looks into this further.

"I am going to keep pressing the government on this issue and if the government reveals any new findings I will be pushing for a comprehensive review of the issue of phone masts throughout the country." 

New Formby Councillor works with residents to oppose plans for phone mast at Freshfield Train Station

Formby Labour Councillor Nina Killen is working with residents to oppose plans to install a telephone mast at Freshfield Station.

 

Mother of three Nina was only elected as Harington Ward's Labour Councillor two weeks ago, but already she is working alongside residents to oppose the mast application.

 

Vodafone and Telefonica have submitted the application for a telecommunications mast to be sited at the station off Victoria Road.

 

This is the second time in 10 years that residents have had to mobilise to oppose the installation of a mast at the site.

 

Golf Road resident Jamie Doyle was involved in the original campaign to oppose the plans.

 

The father of two, who together with other residents compiled a petition opposing the plans, said: "A few of us went around collecting names of people in the immediate vicinity. In a very short time we managed to collect 90 signatures.

 

"Out of every door we knocked on, we had just one person who refused to sign, which goes to show the strength of feeling in this community against this.

 

"The proposed mast is being sited in an area where young children live and where there is already higher than normal levels of radiation being emitted from the high voltage substation, electrified rail lines and the telecommunications mast recently erected at Fisherman's Path.

 

"Residents here feel as though this is already a done deal and their views are being ridden roughshod over.

 

"This 45ft mast will dominate the landscape for the local residents, as there is negligible screening. There is one tree blocking this mast, but that isn't sufficient coverage.

 

"But the main concern is the close proximity of the mast to the houses, it is just 16m away from my property. The accumulative radiation is the primary concern for people in this community. There are lots of young children in this community and we fear for the health affects of these masts on them."

 

Harington Ward Labour Councillor and mum of three Nina Killen and MP Bill Esterson have written to residents around the site.

 

Cllr Killen said: "People in this community have some very real concerns about this application and that is shown by the number of people who signed the petition opposing it. 

 

"We have concerns about the health implications of a mast of this size being located so close to houses.

 

"This community campaigned against a similar application 10 years ago. We will campaign even harder this time.

 

"The views of this community must be heard."

 

Bill Esterson has raised the issue in Parliament.

 

Bill said: "I have asked government ministers for guidance on the risks from electromagnetic radiation from phone masts and mobile phones, especially in children. 

 

"There is evidence of potential health risks especially to children and we want the government to say what the scientific evidence shows. 

 

"I am also asking for clarification on the new planning rules about mobile phone masts which the government announced last month.

 

"Cllr Killen will also be raising the issues which have been raised locally with us with members of the Sefton Council Planning Committee."

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson pays tribute to Formby's John Moores who has died aged 83

Sefton Central Labour MP Bill Esterson has paid tribute to John Moores Jnr who has died aged 83.

 

Mr Moores, who was son of the late Sir John Moores, founder of Littlewood's football pools, lived in Formby with his wife Jane.

 

Bill Esterson said he was shocked to hear of Mr Moores death.

 

Bill said: "From the point I was selected to stand for the Sefton Central seat John Moores became a good friend and advisor.

 

"He was tireless in campaigning for issues of social justice and looking after the interests of the community of Formby where he lived.

 

"He had a deep sense of social justice and was always concerned about other people.

 

"I spoke to him recently and he was in very good form, so this has come as a particular shock to me and members of the Labour Action Teams throughout Sefton."

 

Bill passed his sympathies on to Mr Moores' wife Jane and the rest of the family.

 

Bill said: "Lots of people knew John. He was a very down to earth man who was always willing to do anyone a good turn. That's just the type of man he was.

 

"John was always full of energy and up for campaigning on a variety of issues.

 

"We have lost a good friend, but I am sure that his passion for social justice will live on as he was an inspiration to me and many others who met him."  

Formby Labour councillors urge residents to have say on future of town's library service

Formby's three Labour councillors are urging residents to have their say on the future of the town's library.

 

Cllr Catie Page, together with new Ravenmeols Labour Councillor Peter Maguire and new Harington Ward Labour Councillor Nina Killen, are calling on people to have their say on the library service.

 

Sefton is conducting a review of its services throughout the borough, including in Formby.

 

Cllr Catie Page said: "Sefton Council is seeking information about how people here use the library service. Once they have compiled those views, they will then formulate recommendations on options for the future of the service.

 

"Because our library is so well used, it is crucial that people here have their say and make sure that the views of Formby residents are heard.

 

"Between 2010-11 Formby Library had 119,143 visits. For a small library like ours, that is a lot and it shows just how well used our service is.

 

"This is in no small way down to the ideal location of the library, just outside the Village, near to the train station and on main bus routes. It is an ideal service for the town.

 

"We want people here to make sure they have their say so the council can make an informed decision when drawing up the its proposals for the future of the library."

 

This first stage of the consultation will be for 12 weeks and will close on July 31. Residents' views and the information provided will be used as part of a report for future options for the service which will be used for further consultation later in the year.

 

Cllr Nina Killen said Sefton's controlling Labour Group was determined to ensure that residents were integral to the decision making process in the borough.

 

Cllr Killen said: "Because of the Tory-Lib Dem government's cuts to Sefton's budget, which has already seen us have to cut more than £80m from council spending, there is obviously less money to spend.

 

"We have to make sure we spend what money is left wisely.

 

"We need to ensure that we are providing the services that residents most want and need and part of that process is ensuring that residents' views are taken into account.

 

"That's why it is crucial that people have their say and get involved in the consultation."

 

Cllr Peter Maguire said the library service in Formby is widely used.

 

Cllr Maguire said: "I know from personal experience that Formby Library is well used and very popular. I have used the library since I was a child and still use it today, and I know just how busy it can be.

 

"The figures for the number of visits for last year and the number of books issued show that.

 

"I would urge people to take the time to fill in the consultation document and send it back so that the views of Formby are heard."

 

To fill in the questionnaire, go to: https://engagespace.co.uk/sefton/consultation_Dtl.aspx?consult_Id=735&status=2&criteria=I

 

The consultation closes on July 31.

 

 

 

 

Issues 2010/11                                          Visits 2010/11

Ainsdale	90,807		Ainsdale	64,131
Aintree	40,695		Aintree	31,977
Birkdale	162,636		Birkdale	87,282
Bootle	69,132		Bootle	104,533
Churchtown	122,043		Churchtown	59,472
College Road	83,521		College Road	92,522
Crosby	207,396		Crosby	142,094
Formby	190,336		Formby	119,143
Litherland	49,208		Litherland	42,444
Meadows	151,989		Meadows	274,252
Mobile	4,946		Mobile	Not recorded
Netherton	35,428		Netherton	42,937
Orrell	46,666		Orrell	32,256
Southport	118,460		Southport	117,109
Total	1,373,263		Total	1,210,152