Sefton Green Party campaigners have also repeatedly called for more proactive measures to tackle these environmental offences. Last year, Green Party representatives highlighted the scale of illegal dumping in the borough, with Cllr. Neil Doolin calling for urgent action in the Liverpool Echo.²

Cllr. Neil Doolin states:

“The marginal increase in fines for dog fouling and fly tipping is a direct result of our ongoing pressure on Sefton Council to take environmental crime seriously. While we welcome this limited progress, it is clear that more needs to be done, particularly in areas where littering remains a major issue. Residents should not have to put up with fly-tipped waste, dog-fouling, and litter blighting our communities. We will continue to hold the council to account and push for further action.”

The FOI data also suggests that the council’s ‘Why Fly Tip’ campaign, funded by a £50,000 DEFRA grant in 2024, has contributed to an increase in enforcement, particularly in Linacre and Derby wards. However, several areas, including Manor, Meols, Molyneux, Victoria and Park wards, still report no recorded enforcement action. The Green Party is calling for Sefton Council to expand efforts into these neglected areas.In the meantime,

Sefton Green Party members continue to lead by example, organising regular community litter picks and reporting fly-tipping incidents to ensure action is taken.“We encourage residents to get involved in our community clean-up efforts,” Cllr. Neil Doolin added. “Together, we can build a cleaner, greener Sefton.”

ENDS.

Notes for editors:

1. Fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling, littering and fly tipping during 2024 – a Freedom of Information request to Sefton Borough Council – WhatDoTheyKnow

2. Neighbours ‘horrified’ as mounds of rubbish dumped on street – Liverpool Echo

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Sefton’s first Green Councillor, Neil Doolin, has tabled a motion urging the local authority to take decisive action in advancing its 2019 climate emergency declaration¹, which represented a commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with expert opinion and ultimately achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

The motion, to be debated at this week’s Full Council meeting, outlines practical steps to integrate renewable energy solutions into major council developments and housing projects. It also calls for a stronger collaboration between the council and the community to retrofit renewable technologies in publicly owned buildings, fostering a greener, more sustainable future for Sefton.

Key proposals include:

1. Renewable Energy for Major Developments: Installing solar PV, air-source heat pumps, and wind technologies at flagship council projects including Bootle Strand and Southport Marine Lake Events Centre.
2. Eco-Friendly Southport Pier: Rebuilding Southport Pier with renewable energy systems and live educational displays, positioning it as the UK’s first ‘eco-pier’.
3. Greener Homes through Sandway Homes Ltd.: Equipping all new housing developments with air-source heat pumps and solar PV to provide clean, low-cost household energy and alleviate pressure on the local power distribution grid.
4. Community Energy Collaboration: Establishing a joint council/community-owned limited company to retrofit schools and public buildings with renewable energy systems.

Cllr. Neil Doolin, Green Councillor for Church Ward, commented:

“Since Sefton declared a climate emergency in 2019, the need for further, meaningful action has only become more urgent. The catastrophic effects of climate breakdown are increasingly visible, with record-breaking temperatures and escalating economic costs. Globally, 2024 was the hottest year on record. We recognise the progress made since 2019 but must re-emphasise the importance of local action in the face of a global crisis.

“This motion is about ensuring Sefton takes practical steps to lead by example, stimulate local green enterprises, and lower energy bills for our residents and businesses. By incorporating renewable technologies into major developments and supporting retrofitting projects, we can help pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

1. https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/documents/s97052/Climate%20Emergency-%20Strategy%20final.pdf

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The motion, set to be debated at the Full Council meeting this Thursday 16th January, calls on the Leader of the Council to write to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, expressing opposition to the Government’s refusal to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendation for compensation.

This motion highlights the devastating impact on up to 10,000 women in Sefton, many of whom have suffered financial hardship, diminished retirement savings, and significant emotional stress. The WASPI campaign has condemned the Government’s decision¹, and the motion urges the Council to do the same, reinforcing its longstanding support for the campaign.

Cllr Neil Doolin, Green Councillor for Church Ward and proposer of the motion, said:

“It’s time for the Labour Party—locally, nationally, and in government—to deliver on the promises they’ve made to WASPI women over many years. The sense of betrayal is palpable. Despite past public support from Sefton Labour MPs Peter Dowd and Bill Esterson, there has been silence since the Government’s announcement. Where are their voices now?

“The Government’s decision has caused enormous harm; the affected women state they have lost opportunities to make informed decisions to plan for retirement, which has had a negative impact on their health, emotional wellbeing, and home life. Sefton Council has already supported the WASPI campaign in 2018²; I hope this week we reaffirm that commitment and stand united in seeking justice for these women.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

1. WASPI Statement Response to Liz Kendall – WASPI – Women Against State Pension Inequality

2. Motion submitted by Councillor B. McCann – Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) Sefton Home

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