Time for council to listen

THE “remarkable success” that Southport’s Conservative MP Damien Moore has achieved in having the government agree that some £25m from the newly announced Towns Fund will have the most significant difference on Southport in many decades.

Over the years there have been significant amounts of money allocated to Sefton by various governments but in most cases the bulk of it has been spent in the southern part of the borough because the criteria that have been laid down have concentrated on poor physical infrastructure and elements of social problems.

While up to a point this has been understandable, what we need now and what Damien Moore has achieved is a forward-looking set of proposals that will regenerate and rejuvenate the town centre but also link in with areas such as the Marine Lake.

The whole point however is that the Labour-controlled Sefton Council really must embrace the concept and have the political courage to delegate at least some of the decision making process in terms of priorities and time frame to ensure that the voice of Southport is heard and listened to and that recommendations that come forward on this basis are implemented.

This massive new programme is forward-looking and will enable Southport to build on and to capitalise on its many positive aspects but too many of these have been sorely neglected by councillors who do not understand the concept of progressive economic development and who with example after example have restricted the voice of local communities and I would cite as one of the best/worst examples the abolition of the Southport Area Committee, where the impact of this foolish decision still resonates with so many people in our town. Cllr Sir Ron Watson Dukes Ward Councillor

HUNT FOR HISTORY

I WONDER if any of your readers can help me?

I am researching my family history and am looking for information during the war years, 1940–1945.

My sister, Patricia, was born in Macclesfield in 1936.

When my father was called to duty in July 1940, my mother was left to continue my father’s work with the Royal London and to look after Pat and my brother, who was only 18 months old.

At some point during the war my mother became ill and was unable to look after the children.

At that time, my brother contracted scarlet fever and Pat “suffered with nerves” as she was pining for her daddy.

My brother was sent to the local isolation hospital and I believe it was a local lady arranged for Pat to go to a home in Southport.

I can only find evidence of two children’s homes at that time.

The Sisters of Notre Dame, Birkdale, and the North of England Children’s Sanatorium.

I remember my mother talking about the nuns that took care of the children, yet it seems unusual that she would be sent to a Catholic home as our family was Church of England.

Sadly my sister died several years ago and I regret not talking to her more about her experiences as a child during WWII, which is why I would be very grateful if anyone has any memories to share.

Jennefer Mellor Contact seftoncommunities@

reachplc.com