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Sefton's response to flooding following Storm Christoph

BILL Esterson MP responded to "unprecedented" flooding, in Maghull, which was largely saved from "a disaster" due to the breach of an embankment. Sefton Central MP Mr Esterson has called on the Government to make funds available for flood prevention. The fortuitous breach of the embankment, at Lunt Meaows, saved many homes from what would have been certain internal flooding, on Wednesday, 20 January 2021.

Mr Esterson has previously written to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) asking for the necessary flood defences to be funded. Mr Esterson said that the Environment Agency had investigated schemes that would reduce flood risk in Maghull in 2017 and the preferred intervention was costed at ₤1.3m. DEFRA wrote that they would only fund ₤200,000 of this, and "external funding" would be required to make up the rest. Mr Esterson wrote to the Environment Secretary and the Chancellor on 14 January 2021, to ask that the decision be looked at again and the funds be made available.

Following extensive flooding due to what has been described as an unprecedented rainfall event, which saw levels rise on the River Alt to record levels, Mr Esterson has written again, on Thursday, 21 January 2021 to ask that the decision be revisited. He asked the Environment Secretary George Eustice if he would support previously submitted bids under the National Resilience Fund from the Environment Agency for full funding of flood defence schemes in Maghull, and also what plans he has to announce a new flood recovery fund. The answer to the written question is expected next week.

Mr Esterson said:- "We have seen unprecedented rainfall which has caused severe flooding. I was out last night and saw for myself the distressing situation for so many residents. The emergency services were terrific and averted an even worse disaster. Lunt Meadows is a nature reserve and a planned flood storage area, and what happened last night was it just filled up much more quickly than normal. A huge 30 metre section of embankment gave way at Lunt Meadows relieving the pressure on Dovers Brook, which certainly saved many homes from a much worse outcome. My office staff have been talking to residents and offering assistance. I have been pressing the Government to fund the necessary flood defence work and they have so far refused to make the funds available. After what happened last night it is vital that the money is made available so this doesn't happen again. The Government announced ₤5.2bn for flood defences last year; where is the money for Maghull?"

Leader of Sefton Council, Ian Maher, said:- "From local Councillors and volunteers knocking at doors to inform and mobilise residents, to colleagues attending different scenes in the area to help tackle flooding, it was really impressive to see the speed with which all of the organisations came together over the past 24 hours in a highly critical situation. The amount of rainfall we've seen across Sefton in the past few days has really been unprecedented, causing issues right across the Borough. Our dedicated staff, alongside many local partners, continue to assess what needs to be done in the immediate aftermath and will be looking to address longer -term concerns in the affected areas. Thankfully the weather conditions have calmed, and it will be a relief for our residents to know that there are no longer any severe warnings in place."

The Council has distributed its sandbag supplies to as many residents as possible, and is urging anyone with flood water in their property to report this to:- Flooding@Sefton.Gov.UK with any photos they may have. Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by the most recent flooding and allow Officers to work with other Flood Risk Management Authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of such incidents. Some roads remain closed or impassable across the Borough, and people are urged to only go out if it's absolutely essential. Accidents happen in fast flowing water so avoid walking or driving near floodwater and residents are reminded that there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects or raised manhole covers beneath the water. Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website.

TSB offers support for customers affected by flooding

THE TSB have confirmed that they are ready to provide immediate financial support for any of its customers affected by the flooding following Storm Christoph in England and Wales.

TSB's Customer Banking Director, Robin Bulloch said:- "Our customers need to know that if they've been affected by the flooding we're ready to help them get through it. We'll provide the financial support they need, so they can concentrate on the practical issues they face. If you have been affected and need help, then I would encourage you to contact us as soon as you are able to do so."

The assistance that TSB will be offering customers who have been affected, includes:-

► Mortgage customers with a TSB mortgage can apply for a repayment holiday for up to 2 months. This can be taken even if the customer has previously taken a Covid repayment holiday. For new customers joining TSB, mortgage advisers and brokers will work with customers to understand their individual position.

► Savings TSB customers will be able to waive early closure fees on TSB Fixed Rate ISA products and Fixed Bond customers will be able to surrender their policies early to gain access to their money.

► Credit card customers can request an emergency credit limit increase.

► Current accounts customers can already withdraw up to ₤500 per day using an ATM.

► TSB's Personal Loan customers will all have up to two non-consecutive repayment holidays available in a 12 month period as standard for any customers who need short term relief on their outgoings. Customers can apply over the phone or by logging in to Internet Banking.

► Business banking:- business banking customers should contact TSB. TSB has a range of options to assist each customer according to their individual case.

Sefton Council's supermarket safety message

THE Director of Public Health for Sefton Council, Margaret Jones, has written to managers of the Borough's supermarkets to support their efforts to keep customers and staff safe from Covid19.

In her letter, Mrs Jones thanks them for their tireless work and for the measures stores are taking to ensure COVID safe practices are followed by members of the public. These include ensuring all staff and customers wear a face covering unless medically exempt, that people shop on their own where possible and that they maintain distancing in store.

Other measures include controlling numbers in the store, layouts, signs and floor markings to promote social distancing, providing hand sanitizer and the facilities to disinfect shopping trollies and baskets and frequent disinfection of regularly touched surfaces.

Mr Jones also reminds store managers that their staff can use Sefton Council's SMART test centres at Bootle Leisure Centre, Aintree Race Course and Splash World in Southport.

The Lateral Flow tests available at the sites are for people without Coronavirus symptoms. The results tell people whether they are unknowingly carrying the Covid19 virus and can help prevent them from spreading it accidentally to customers, colleagues and family members who may be vulnerable. Results can come through in as little as 30 minutes.

This week, the Council has extended opening hours at its 3 test sites, working from 8am to 8pm, to make it easier for people who are working to go along for a test. No appointments are necessary. It is recommended that those who are working and having to go out and mix with others should get tested every 5 days.

People wanting a test can check on the live Find a Test map to see if the sites are busy and how long you might have to wait.

Because the Government's latest regulations say that people in England must:- 'stay at home' except for essential purposes, only key workers, including those who work in the shops and supermarkets that are open and those with caring commitments during the lockdown should now go for a SMART test. Everyone else should be staying at home, not mixing with others outside our household or bubble, and only going out for local exercise and to shop for essentials. This means we don't currently need a SMART test unless there are specific circumstances.

Margaret Jones said:- "In my role as a Director of Public Health and as a supermarket user, I really do appreciate the efforts that the stores and their staff are making to enable us to buy the essential supplies we need and keep us safe. It is important we all play our part by following the guidance that's in place for our own safety and respecting that supermarket staff are just doing their job when they ask us to comply. And, anyone who is having to go out to work can and should go to get tested and regularly re-tested at our 3 SMART test sites, from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week."

She finishes her letter with a reminder that anyone showing Coronavirus symptoms; a fever, a new continuous cough or a loss of taste or smell should self isolate and book a test straight away by visiting:- www.Gov.UK/Get-Coronavirus-Test or by calling:- 119.

Covid19 Vaccination rollout gathers pace in Seftont

AS the roll out of Covid19 Vaccinations gathers pace across the NHS, our GP led services in Sefton continue to make good progress immunising priority patients. Working together with the borough's 2 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), GP led services are working hard to immunise those residents over 80 years old and Care Home residents and staff. As well as operating from local Vaccination Centres, roving teams of immunisers are going directly into Care Homes to vaccinate residents and staff.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, explained:- "Since December our GP Practices have been working together in groups to deliver the Vaccinations as quickly as possible to those aged over 80 years and to invite them into a Community Centre, in Sefton, to be immunised safely and we're making good progress."

Sefton's GP led services are just 1 part of the national Vaccination programme. A Regional Vaccination Centre has also opened at the St Helens Rugby League Club Stadium, which is an additional option and some Pharmacies, in Sefton, will also join the national programme by the end of January 2021.

Dr Gillespie continues:- "The Regional Vaccination Centre in St Helens is in addition to our local GP led services. We understand it won't work for everyone and if you do get a letter to go there and can't travel or don't want to go there please don't worry. You will still be contacted by the GP led service to be invited for your vaccine in the centre nearest to you."

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "Importantly, we are still asking you not to contact your GP practice or another NHS organisation to ask for your Vaccination; or to request 1 for a member of your household or carer. We are asking people not to turn up at a Regional Vaccination Centre without an appointment. Our GP led service will be in touch as soon as it can book you in for the vaccine. We are also asking you to stay safe and follow the restrictions in place, even if you have had your 1st dose of the vaccine which gives you a good level of protection, but not the maximum. You may be partially protected, but others around you might not be so please remember, hands, space, face."

If you haven't already been vaccinated at a GP led service and receive the letter from the national service, providing you can travel to the Regional Vaccination Centre safely, we recommend that you book using the details the letter provides.

If you are unable or don't want to go to a Regional Vaccination Centre, you can choose to wait and get your Vaccination from your nearest GP led service, this might not be at your usual GP practice but details of that will be shared with you when you are contacted.

Some residents may be offered their Vaccinations in Hospital if they are an inpatient or an outpatient during the vaccine rollout. Hospitals are also vaccinating health and care staff.

This is the biggest Vaccination programme the NHS has ever undertaken. It is a huge challenge and the local NHS is working hard to overcome any logistical issues as they may arise. The exact weekly roll out of the programme will be largely shaped by the vaccine supply from the manufacturers. You can find out more about the programme at:- NHS.UK/Conditions/Coronavirus-Covid19/Coronavirus-Vaccination.

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 37,892 cases and the total number now stand at:- 3,543,646 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:-1,290, within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 94,580, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 95,829.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 38,676. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 3,953 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 3,709.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,092,041 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 489,280 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions

► Liverpool, 40,454 confirmed cases.
383

► Halton, 9,722 confirmed cases.
122

► Knowsley, 14,206 confirmed cases. 174

► Sefton, 19,467 confirmed cases.
203

► St. Helens, 13,127 confirmed cases.
187

► Wirral, 20,250 confirmed cases.

305

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 14,807 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 7,563 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 20,403 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 14,062 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 16,667 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 17,207 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 78,524 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 43,080 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 19,126 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 10,639 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 17,300 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 18,549 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 16,252 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 14,318 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 13,473 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 14,488 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 23,564 confirmed cases.

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

4,973,248 464,036

Jab Stats correct as of 20 January 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both vaccines are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 1.2 to 1.3 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- +2% to +5%, as of 15 January 2021.