The use of any of Southport’s past accolades praising outstanding residents is now forbidden by the Council. Also the official use of our 150 year old Coat of Arms without the administration’s permission is now NOT allowed.
No-one is now allowed to be honoured with our highest award of the Freedom of Southport. This is irrespective of the fact that it has been part of our long-standing town heritage going back well into the 19th century. In fact, there has been over 26 recipients since 1900, one of which was Robert Hudson, who served as a Southport MP for 21 years culminating in the honour being given to Alderman Bellis just before we were swallowed up by Sefton Council in 1974.
This is all part of the history and tradition that many of us still treasure but which is now being eroded as we witness the antics of the current Single Area Committee administration refusing to even listen to our party’s suggestion that an award should be given to the town’s gardeners for their fine achievements over many years.
Unfortunately this is a committee meeting that not only stifles freedom of speech and proper public debate but also refuses to invite prominent public servants such as the local fire chief to come along with his presentation updating us all on the current changes within his service. This invitation has been resisted in spite of a popular public request to do so and an acceptance by the officer should he be invited.
The Southport Single Area Committee was voted for 2 years ago in a referendum by residents and was intended to act as a forum for town opinions and public debate. Unfortunately, it has now descended into a toothless talking shop under the control of one party which dictates who is allowed to speak and what topics they are prepared to accept. Their political bias has now become so obvious that it is nauseating.