Members of the public are being invited by Sefton Council to make their contribution to a masterplan for the 20-year transformation of Bootle. Tony McDonough reports

Sefton Council is launching a public consultation as it looks to formulate a 20-year masterplan to transform Bootle.

Our Future, Our Bootle is an Area Action Plan which will set out a clear vision for the town for the next two decades and beyond. It will act as a catalyst for further investment in the town, creating more opportunities for local people and businesses.

It will also help to secure the homes that people need and want, help address the challenge of climate change, provide good quality open spaces and facilities, seek local environmental improvements as well as securing job opportunities.

The council want residents and other stakeholders to play a key role in shaping the plans, which once adopted, will form part of the Development Plan for Sefton alongside the Local Plan.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said: “A lot is happening in Bootle right now, including the repurposing of the Strand. We are really excited about Our Future, Our Bootle and want everyone in Bootle to get involved in this amazing opportunity to shape the future of our town.”

This first stage of a multi-staged consultation on the plan is the ‘Issues and Options’ phase. Over the next weeks a newsletter will be circulated to all homes and businesses in Bootle which will provide details how to get involved in the consultation.

The Issues and Options document and an online feedback form are available online at www.sefton.gov.uk/bootleAAP. There will also be a number of in person drop in and online events. Details of the drop in events are:

• The Bootle Strand (Pop-up shop on Medway) : Saturday, November 20, between 10am – 2pm.
• The Bootle Strand (Pop-up shop on Medway): Wednesday, November 24, between 10am – 2pm.
• Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, 104 Marsh Lane: Wednesday, November 24, between 4 – 6.30pm.
• The Bootle Strand (Pop-up shop on Medway): Friday, December 3, between 10am – 2pm.
• Community By Nature, 40-42 Hertford Rd: Friday, December 3, between 4 – 7pm.

There will also be online workshops on Tuesday, November 23, between 6pm and 7pm, and Wednesday, December 1, between 1pm and 2pm. You can register to attend the online workshops at www.sefton.gov.uk/bootleAAP

Cllr Daren Veidman, Cabinet Member for Planning, added: “There has been a lot of talk about the regeneration of Bootle over the past few years. The Area Action Plan gives us the opportunity to reflect on all of the positives and provide greater certainty to residents, developers and local businesses about the future of the town.”