For the second year running the Sefton ruling group has refused to up their game on flood prevention. A proposal to commit an extra £40,000 to keep clear the galleys in flooding hotspots was rejected at this week ’s Sefton Budget Council meeting, even though warnings had been issued by Sefton's Chief Executive on flood risk back in December. Surface flooding has been a persistent problem in many areas of the borough.

Cllr Pugh , the Liberal Democrat leader told the council “I will make two bold predictions. First it will rain heavily next winter and secondly that Climate Change won’t suddenly stop. Astonishingly,as the impact of climate change has kicked in, the council has reduced its cleaning rota for the gulleys and grids leading to many roads being flooded with surface water.

Most are only cleared once a year. We urged action last year and will carry on making the point until reality dawns for the Council”.

The proposal would have paid for up to 10,000 extra clearances in the difficult areas-keeping water flowing, despite the clogging of autumn leaves and other rubbish.

“I hope that when residents get drenched by passing cars in the future or have to splash up their own drive they will ruefully note that the Council’s persistent inertia on this issue.

Our proposal would not have solved all problems but this certainly is something the public actually want their council tax spent on.

'Food prevention' and cleared 'galleys' - are these Seftons answer to the obesity epidemic?

Former MP of a coalition government that imposed austerity measures on councils complains about a reduction in council services...

How much would it cost, and who pays!

so is Mr Pugh no longer the liberal and independence group ?

Where was he going to find the money for his proposal ?

there must be an election due the lib dems are out again

Originally Posted by salus.populi

Former MP of a coalition government that imposed austerity measures on councils complains about a reduction in council services...

Indeed, the Council had it's own dedicated crew with a gully wagon. This job was hived off to private contractors many moons ago (it may have been pre austerity when Labour were in power), as a cost cutting exercise.
Now I know they have a newish gully wagon as I was still there when it was acquired. It sits comfortably at the Formby Bypass depot doing the square root of bugger all most of the time.

Maybe Councillors could explore this with the Cleansing Department - might even be a bit of grant money available - you never know.

Over to you regular Councillor posters.

Seems a shame we can't get better quality staff at Sefton condemning Pugh for bringing up their obvious failings doesn't help.

Originally Posted by local

Seems a shame we can't get better quality staff at Sefton condemning Pugh for bringing up their obvious failings doesn't help.

Better staff with less funding. Good luck with that.

Originally Posted by salus.populi

Better staff with less funding. Good luck with that.

Yes get rid of the wasters who have been taking the michael for years.

Paying a slack *** more money is a waste