The first Southport Area Committee meeting of the year began with a sub judice-type clampdown on any questions dealing with the pedestrianisation problems of Chapel Street because of the sad fatality that occurred on the site some weeks ago. Our Party, of course, extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved local family.
What we did not approve of was the way no-one at the meeting was allowed to ask questions about the grey and dull design, the poor workmanship, the cost or even the delay involved in completing the project, despite many residents having voiced their concerns about these points. However, a debate blackout was still enforced on this subject.
Another Area Committee query asked: “Although Sefton Council is over 32 years old, it has still NOT earned the highest marks for its administration from the Audit Commission.” This was met by an attempted rubbishing of the commissioners from some aggrieved councillors, one of whom thought that a particular member of the auditing group was, indeed, in his opinion, – “a TWIT”!
One wonders what praise would have been heaped upon the Audit Commission by the Sefton Councillors if the authority had been given the highest accolade of 4 stars with a merit as some local authorities have already achieved. But, sadly, ‘sour grapes’ continued on the night as further scorn was deposited on the commissioners by a posse of disgruntled council members who appeared to object to any form of monitoring by this Government appointed national body.
Southport Party spokesperson, ex-Cllr. Margaret Brown, then highlighted how Ormskirk hospital visitors from Southport, eligible to use free transport, had to go via Sandhills on the train, whilst similar Ormskirk to Southport hospital visitors could use a free and direct bus service. Obviously this anomaly is being pursued.
Finally, the inequality of the Sefton parking regime throughout the borough was again endorsed by the authority, which thinks it is still OK for Southport to continue carrying the bulk of this unfair burden.