Will cuts cost Sefton Farmers?

NEW data released by the Labour Party shows that rural Sefton is projected to lose ₤40,611.50 this year alone, pushing family farms to the brink of closure as a result of the Government's rushed withdrawal of the Basic Payments Scheme for farmers. The party's analysis, based on figures from the Rural Payments Agency, lays bare just how big a hit the rural economy overall stands to take from what Labour say is the Government's 'reckless approach' to the scheme. Labour supports the principle of reforming farm payments, but has spoken out about the Government's reckless approach which is leading to a cliff edge, with 76% of farmers nationally saying the new payments won't be enough.

Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, commented:- "Farm payments need reform, but it's shocking that farmers and rural businesses in Sefton stand to lose over ₤40,000 this year alone as a result of this Government's reckless cuts. The Government needs to get a grip on this, review it, and provide the security that rural voters in Sefton need as we recover and rebuild. Labour's Rural England Policy Review is seeking views from voters in Sefton as we work to ensure that our next manifesto provides as much hope and opportunity to rural communities as it does to those living in Towns and Cities."

The past decade of Tory rule has weakened the foundations of rural communities, with funding for transport and health services cut and community hubs such as:- village shops, Post Offices and pubs allowed to close. Labour has joined the National Farmers' Union (NFU) in calling for an urgent review of this policy. The Review will seek evidence on all of this and more, setting out Labour's ambition to become the natural home for rural voters once more.

Dog Control Public Space Protection Order approved by Sefton Council

IN the full Council meeting. on 22 April 2021, the reintroduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to promote responsible dog ownership across Sefton was given approval. The measures are based on the previous Dog Control PSPO which saw a reduction in dog related complaints across the Borough during its 3 year implementation. from July 2017 to July 2020. The revised Order has been formulated by Sefton's Legal and Public Protection teams in conjunction with Green Sefton, the Council service responsible for its parks and open spaces. Failure to comply with the Order will result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of ₤75. When drawing up the order, the Council took account of input from nearly 1,200 residents, dog related organisations and interested groups, gained through a public consultation, that took place in 2 parts last year owing to the Covid19 Pandemic.

As well as it still being an offence to not remove dog fouling, the PSPO:-

► Restricts the number of dogs that can be walked by 1 person to a maximum of 6.

► Prohibits dogs from entering enclosed playgrounds and fenced sports pitches, including multi use game sport facilities.

► Prohibits dogs from entering marked sports pitches during specified periods.

►Ensures dogs are kept on a lead of no more than 2m within defined picnic sites and family areas, all public roads and footways and all cemeteries and crematoria.

► Allows authorised officers to direct a dog owner to place their dog on a lead to prevent a nuisance or behaviour likely to cause annoyance or disturbance to others.

Peter Moore, Sefton Council's Head of Highways and Public Protection, said:- "The majority of dog owners across the Borough already understand and do most of the things in the Order anyway, so the reintroduction of these measures will have very little or no impact on them at all. What the Order will do is continue to encourage greater responsible dog ownership and promote a cleaner and greener environment across Sefton's parks, open spaces and neighbourhoods. We'll be reviewing the existing signage at our parks, playgrounds and picnic areas to ensure that those who use our brilliant outdoors spaces to spend time with their 4 legged friends are aware of their responsibilities."

Over the coming weeks, there will be a focus on raising awareness of the reintroduction of the PSPO and the rules that need to be followed. A Public Space Protection Order is an official measure that is an enforceable part of the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. PSPOs can be used to protect the public from behaviour that is having or is likely to have a harmful effect on the quality of life of those in an area. Further detail about the PSPO will be added to the Council's website in the coming days and weeks at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Dogs.

Help protect our rare Natterjack Toads

THIS year, as the weather gets better and Covid19 Restrictions ease up, a reminder to all dog walkers and people with children visiting Formby Point, on the Merseyside Coastline, been asked to take extra care to help save the areas many protected species.

Devils Hole is just 1 of the many fantastic and unique breeding spots of the Natterjack Toad. The National Trust is reminding all visitors, locals, and tourists that it is a criminal offense to damage this delicate habitat of these amphibians.

Both people or dogs must not paddle or enter the water where spawn, tadpoles, and toadlets are located. Paddling or swimming can kill the toads and threaten their breeding success.

Take your litter home! Over the last year, a massive amount of dropped litter had to be collected, each time restrictions eased, letting people return to the area. Dropped litter can kill, or damage the habitat that the toads live in as well as the many other rare animals, birds, and plants that thrive on the Formby Dune system.

Please also remember that BBQs and fires are not allowed on the Beach, Dunes and land around the coastline, including the Pinewoods, as these can not only cause a hazard to other people, but also risk damaging the very delicate balance of this unique area. Plus, you can be heavily fined should you get spotted and also face worse penalties, if your actions result in a wild fire.

Together we can help these special creatures thrive. More information can be obtained by emailing:- Formby@NationalTrust.Org.UK.

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:- 2,729 cases and the total number now stand at:- 4,398,431 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:- 18 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:- 127,345, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 150,841.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 1,915. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 276 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 140.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,843,260 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 604,779 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, 48,413 confirmed cases.
11

► Halton, 11,923 confirmed cases. 1

► Knowsley, 17,356 confirmed cases. 4

► Sefton, 23,871 confirmed cases. 10

► St. Helens, 17,041 confirmed cases. 7

► Wirral, 24,249 confirmed cases.
6

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

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.

Total UK people who have received Vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

33,257,651 11,192,601

Jab Stats correct as of:- 21 April 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 Vaccine s are given as 2 doses, at lEast 21 days apart, for a full Vaccination course.