Bootle Canalside takes major step forward as plans are submitted

THE transformation of Bootle Town Centre has taken another step forward as Sefton Council has submitted a planning application for a multi functional events, entertainment, and hospitality venue.

The plans will see the space adjacent to the Strand opened up to create a dynamic, multi purpose open air venue that will sit alongside the waters of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This will include a food and drink offer, new events spaces and an urban garden.

The work will improve the environment and open up the canal for use as part of the Canalside project, with the aim of bringing new activity to the under used land as the long term regeneration of Bootle develops. This will stimulate the local economy, transform the look and feel of the Town for residents, businesses and visitors and improve the quality of life for the community.

If the planning application is approved, the space looks set to host an exciting calendar of events which would include a Food and Drink Festival in the Summer and Christmas Markets in December with a more detailed events programme to be published for future years.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:- "The plans for Bootle Canalside will transform the space in the interim; creating a multipurpose events space to kickstart the regeneration of Bootle Town Centre. Bootle Canalside offers a fantastic opportunity for growth and recovery for one of our hardest hit communities during the Covid19 Pandemic. I am thrilled to see that the plans make full use of our natural landscape alongside the canal and will incorporate an urban garden and community space. It is great to see a regeneration project like this 1, with local businesses, the local community and economic recovery at its heart."

The work, which is funded with ₤1.65m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is the 1st part of Sefton Council's plans to invest in the improvement of the Bootle New Strand Shopping Centre.

₤370,000 of the total funding is from the Local Growth Fund, which is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Strategic Investment Fund.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Places like the Strand have always been at the heart of our communities – but too many of them have seen better days. Making our Town Centres and high streets places that local people can be proud of again is one of my key priorities. The last year has been incredibly tough, but we can start to see better days ahead and we're investing ₤1.65m to help Sefton Council with their plans to revitalise the area and boost the local economy. Working together, we will breathe new life into Bootle Strand and make it a place for people to meet, shop and socialise again. It's because of devolution, with local people being able to make decisions about our areas, that we're able to prioritise places like Bootle Strand for regeneration."

These proposals form part of wider regeneration and transformation plans Sefton Council has for Bootle including:- Bootle Area Action Plan and the recently announced Government 'Levelling Up Fund' bidding round, which Sefton are exploring to help deliver Sefton's economic recovery plans. The planning application can be viewed online.
 

Help protect what you love - get your vaccine

THE new Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson is joining public health officials in urging people to get their Covid19 vaccine if they are eligible. With the easing of restrictions, alongside new variants emerging, there is growing evidence we are once again at a critical turning point in our response to Coronavirus. Although rates remain low in Liverpool, there has been an increase in the number of cases across the UK, and locally on Merseyside, of the B.1.617 variant, which was originally identified in India. Evidence now shows the new variant is more transmissible than other strains of Covid19, and there is now real potential for rates to increase rapidly again, in the same way it did last year. The Government is continuing to use four tests to determine when the next stage of restrictions will be eased. They are:-

► The rollout of the vaccine programme.

► The effectiveness of vaccines in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.

► The rise of infection rates and the potential risk of a surge in hospitalisations.

► The emergence of new variants.

Last week, it was announced that the UK vaccine rollout has so far saved over 12,000 lives and prevented around 33,000 hospitalisations, although new data suggests the new variant spreads more easily, the vaccines are still working to prevent people from getting gravely ill. Liverpool is doing well with vaccine uptake, with 78% of those in the 40+ category now having received their 1st dose; however it is still behind City Region neighbours who collectively average 86%. Looking at other areas of the country where the new variant has spiked, evidence shows the majority of people needing medical assistance; including intensive care treatment; are people from those age groups who have been eligible, but haven't taken yet up the offer.

Mayor Joanne Anderson said:- "I've had both my jabs and having my second jab has given me much more confidence to go out and about. We are worried about the new variant because we're doing so well at the moment, but by working together, and by getting vaccinated we can stop cases rising. The Covid19 vaccine is shown to be safe and effective, and is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and our City."

Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool scommented that:- "Everyone over 36, or turning 36 before 1 July 2021, can now access their vaccine. The 1st dose offers a good level of immunity around three weeks later, but the second dose is needed for longer lasting protection. 2nd doses for those over 50 and those at increased risk of Covid19 will now be given at eight weeks, instead of twelve, as having the second vaccine is the best way to give maximum protection against the virus. If you've missed your 2nd appointment; don't worry, it's not too late. Early evidence shows the new variant is not tending to affect people who have been fully vaccinated, so it's more important than ever for those eligible to accept their vaccine."

Also adding to the call, Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who said:- "The best action we can take in the fight against Covid19, and any of the variants of the disease, is to get those people who are eligible vaccinated quickly and safely. If you haven't yet booked your vaccination, even if you are in any of the earlier cohorts, it's not too late to get in touch and get booked in. Call:- 119 or visit the national booking service online."

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, also explained that:- "As well as encouraging people to get vaccinated when they are eligible, we can also fight the spread of the virus by getting tested regularly. Everyone regardless of vaccination status should continue to practice social distancing measures as lockdown restrictions ease to reduce the spread of Covid19 in Sefton."

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council's Director of Public Health, added:- "Vaccination is the best protection we have against Covid19 and new variants. I would urge everyone who is offered a jab to get vaccinated and then to make sure they go along for their second follow up appointment to ensure they gain maximum immunity from the virus."

Booking your vaccine is easy, please go to:- NHS.UK or phone:- 119.