By Daniel Kirk - Conservative candidate for Sudell Ward and local Maghull resident.
Once again, Sefton Labour has demonstrated a troubling pattern of mismanagement, raising doubts about their ability to meet the needs of the Sefton.
Last week, the planning committee made a regrettable decision by voting down the expansion plans for Summerhill Primary School. These plans were crucial to prevent Maghull from being overwhelmed by the construction of 1400 new houses in Maghull East.
In the planning report presented by Sefton Council, the expansion of Summerhill Primary School was a key factor in approving the development. The report indicated that 50% of the Section 106 fund (estimated at £2.5M in the 2017 report) would be allocated to fund the school. This was meant to assure the people of Maghull that the development would be sustainable and not overburden existing services.
Whilst Maghull & Lydiate Conservatives had reservations about the devolvement of Maghull East from the start, we supported some points in the report. For example, the use of the Section 106 fund to address essential needs such as education and infrastructure. However, in light of the planning committee decision on Summerhill's expansion it shows a lack of commitment in Sefton Labour to meeting the needs of both current and future residents.
Education is the backbone of society, and the decision to block the plans based on one minor issue such as parking, seems unwarranted. Notably, most students attending Summerhill would live within walking distance, and encouraging walking should be seen as beneficial. The rejection implies that Sefton Labour is denying education rights to those moving into the area, making it harder for Maghull residents to find nearby schools for their children.
Sefton Council should be deeply concerned and re-evaluate their priorities. The denial of Summerhill's expansion is just one more example of Labour mismanagement in Sefton, reminiscent of the Bootle Strand incident.
