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<\/p>\nCouncillors say the site has been left vacant for a number of years<\/p>\n
Liberal Democrat Councillors Mike Sammon and Leo Evans(Image: Handout)<\/p>\n
Concerns have been raised about a \u2018long-neglected\u2019 site in a much-loved area of Southport<\/a>, after local councillors said it was being \u2018left to decline\u2019 and negatively impacting on the local community.<\/p>\n Liberal Democrat councillors in Southport, Mike Sammon and Leo Evans, have both called on Sefton<\/a> Council to step in over a long-neglected vacant site. They both represent Cambridge ward where the land sits, and are asking the local authority use whatever powers it holds to find a workable solution for the empty land.<\/p>\n The councillors said the privately owned site has been left open and unsecured for a number of years, with damaged fencing allowing access. Residents say this has led to repeated fly-tipping and further deterioration, despite the site being located in a residential area.<\/p>\n Following a recent visit, councillors Sammon and Evans have formally contacted the council\u2019s Planning Enforcement team to ask what action can be taken to address the situation, which continues to cause concern for local residents after years of inactivity.<\/p>\n Cllr Sammon said: \u201cResidents have raised concerns about this site for a long time and it is clear that the current situation is not acceptable.<\/p>\n \u201cThe land is open and unsecured, which is contributing to fly-tipping and ongoing problems for people living nearby.<\/p>\n \u201cI have now asked the council to step in, assess the site and consider using the powers available to require it to be properly secured and maintained.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents should not have to live next to a site that has been left to decline indefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n Commenting on the impact of the vacant land, Cllr Leo Evans added: \u201cThis is a familiar issue where land is left vacant for years with little accountability, while residents are left dealing with the consequences.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we are asking the council to act now, situations like this also underline the need for stronger laws so that sites cannot be left vacant and unmanaged for years without consequence.\u201d<\/p>\n Cllr Sammon told the Liverpool ECHO<\/a>: \u201cThe land referred to is on Alexandra Road in Southport. I emailed Sefton Planning Enforcement who have since said there is no Planning Enforcement issue, but I then followed up with environmental health.<\/p>\n \u201cCllr Pat Keith was the former Cambridge Ward Lib Dem councillor, and they raised this years ago and again with Cllr Leo Evans in 2019, and a residents association from Alexandra Court is regularly in touch with me over it.<\/p>\n \u201cThe issue has worsened recently because the fence has been broken through so now it is wide open and people use it for fly-tipping.\u201d<\/p>\n The councillors say they will continue to press for action and will update residents once a response is received from Sefton Council.<\/p>\n For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news<\/a><\/p>\n Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.<\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter<\/a> @LivECHONews<\/a> – the official Liverpool ECHO Twitter account – real news in real time.<\/p>\n