Residents say:- "Do not forget the hedgerow removed by developers!"

WITH all the press and problems with the Pandemic, locals are worried that Sefton Council will not take action on both Barratt Homes Manchester and David Wilson Homes North West to replace the 100 year old hedgerow, that was removed by the developers.  The 100 year old hedge, that was on Liverpool Road, Formby, was fully removed in January 2020, without permission.  The hedge was protected under the priority habitat and hedgerow regulations 1997, but they had been given permission to remove a 155 metres of hedgerow to enable access to the site only. The firm was facing a large fine and was ordered to replace the hedge, but now residents are worried this will not happen. 

"With all that is going on, it might seem silly to complain and say we want to remind people about the removal of the hedgerow, but life still goes on and we must protect the environment. We can't forget, or other, bigger issues will happen and in the long run, we will be worse off!  This development was never wanted in the area.  The land floods, despite what was said and you just can't trust these developers. Sefton must still push them. The fine will not only help to restore the hedge, but also remind developers to keep to the rules and respect local areas. if we are court braking the law during the pandemic, we will still be fined or jailed, so Sefton must uphold the law." local Formby resident Andy said. We have contacted Sefton Council for a comment.  We would love to hear your views on any environmental issues within the Liverpool City Region, so please do email us to:- News24@MerseyReporter.com and let us know your thoughts.

RSPCA inspector swims out into lake to rescue drowning gull

AN RSPCA Officer swam out into the middle of a lake to rescue a drowning gull that was tangled in fishing litter. Inspector Daniel Tomlinson, who is part of the RSPCA's Water Rescue Team, went to the lake near Mill Lane, Liverpool, on Sunday, 5 April 2020, after locals spotted the gull in trouble. Daniel said:- "The gull had one wing tangled in fishing wire which was caught on overhanging tree branches. The bird was flapping and thrashing around and was understandably extremely distressed. The more the gull tried to escape, the more tangled he became. And as he stretched and stretched the wire he was dangling into the water where he was at risk of drowning."

Daniel is 1 of 65 RSPCA Officers who are trained and equipped to deal with animals caught up in flooding and launch water rescue missions, put on his dry suit and swam out to help the bird. Daniel added:- "I swam across and managed to untangle him. Then, I swam back on my back with the gull sat on my chest to keep him above water."

The gull was taken to the charity's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where vets found he'd suffered a badly broken wing which they felt was unlikely to heal meaning he'd not be able to fly again. Unfortunately, he was put to sleep to end his suffering. Daniel also commented that:- "This is 1 of the sad consequences of fishing litter as often the animals tangled in the litter suffer injuries which can be fatal to them. It is a stark reminder as to how hazardous fishing litter is to wildlife. The RSPCA receives thousands of reports of animals and birds caught in fishing litter every year. We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one careless person to endanger the life of an animal. We ask all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust's Take 5  Campaign and make use of the recycling about scheme to dispose of their waste tackle and line."

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like this and keep our Animal Hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at:- RSPCA.Org.UK.