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22 June 2022
Vol 29 l Issue 25
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MOUNT GARAGE, Prescot Road, Melling L31 1AR, THE GULF GARAGE
Park House site plans resubmitted
Life transformed after ‘miracle’ funding effort
HORSE SANCTUARY ‘MAY CLOSE’ OVER LEASE WRANGLE
Some of the sailing fun on the marine lake next to Crosby Lakeside
Lakeside Centre pushes the boat out for foster children! YOUNGSTERS have been enjoying free sailing fun at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre. The sailing was organised for Sefton’s foster children and their carers. Sefton Fostering Services’ assistant team manager Tracy Millward said: “We want to show our carers and their families how much we appreciate them by putting on these great activities and events. “Days like these bring foster families together and help to create those special memories. “I’d also like to say a big thank you to our Leisure Services who we have been
working closely with. “This work means foster children and their foster families can access Sefton’s leisure facilities for free and have the opportunity to try different experiences and possibly find new talents and interests, building confidence and selfesteem. “This is fantastic as it really helps to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Sefton and their foster cares who are doing something amazing.” Anyone who is thinking about fostering can find out more by calling 0800 923 2777 or visit seftonfostering.co.uk
‘Our council appear blind to the social value of our work’ Report by Tom Martin
A HORSE sanctuary in Thornton faces an uncertain future unless they can agree a new lease with Sefton Council, says its founder. Bernadette Langfield wants to secure the long-term future of Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary at its current base on Buckley Hill Road, but so far has been unable to come to an agreement with the council. She told the Champion that she “finds it difficult to understand how our own local authority appear blind to the social value of our work.” Bernadette also revealed that she has been forced to put on hold her expansion plans for the charity, which includes new picnic areas and linked pathways allowing horse-drawn carriages to take wheelchair users around the site.
In an effort to gain support for the sanctuary, Bernadette has launched a petition calling on the council to act, which has already been signed by more than 1,100 people. She said: “We believe that we are an asset to Sefton and our work is recognised internationally. “The council's own ‘Vision 2030’ carries objectives to partner with the charity and voluntary sector to deliver excellence for communities it serves. “Here is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that and it costs the council absolutely nothing at all because we carry all the cost and the risk.” The Champion reported in 2019 how Shy Lowen and the council had reached a “verbal agreement” on a new 99 year leasehold agreement, but this was never finalised. Bernadette added: “We have launched a new petition because we feel we have no alternative than to again turn to the public and request assistance.” To view the petition, visit www. change.org and search for ‘Shy Lowen’. Shy Lowen offers free access to horse riding, community events both on and off site, equine assisted mental health therapies and training.
Bernadette Langfield.
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