Sefton Council is writing to private properties and businesses from today (Monday October 14th) to ask them to remove any remaining temporary tributes they may have on display.

Communities around Sefton and beyond have been incredible in showing their support and compassion for everyone affected by what happened in Southport earlier this year. This includes a vast array of heartfelt tributes and outside private properties.

Over the next few weeks the Local Authority is encouraging residents and businesses across Southport and Sefton to begin removing these temporary tributes, while the Council's own officers will also be sensitively removing any temporary tributes from street furniture such as benches and lamp posts.

Risthardh Hare, Sefton Council's Executive Director of Children's Services, said: "We understand from speaking to those affected that they have found incredible comfort in these tributes over recent weeks.

"However we are aware that these tributes are only temporary and some members of the community are now finding it emotionally challenging to see these tributes every day.

"Work has begun to look at a long term permanent tribute as part of Sefton Council’s unwavering support for all families and those affected by the tragedy and we will make sure the community is kept up to date with these works as and when the time is right.

"With that in mind we are kindly asking people to sensitively remove their temporary tributes."

If anybody has any questions or requires any more information they can get in touch with Sefton Council's dedicated team via email on southportrecoveryteam@sefton.gov.uk. 

You can find our Southport Together pages, which include details of support available, here.