On 2 October 2025, Sefton Council’s Cabinet will decide whether to acquire The Salfordian Hotel, Park Crescent, Southport, for use as temporary accommodation for qualifying households. The Council has stated that community impact, not cost, will be the deciding factor.

This petition arises from three key concerns:

1. Who would be housed
Current housing law prevents families and 16–17-year-olds from being placed in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). In practice, this means such sites are used for single adults or couples without dependants. Based on regional demand, the majority are expected to be single men. Eligible groups include:
 • people leaving custody with no home
 • adults discharged from institutions without accommodation

Official inspections have shown that risk assessments for prison leavers are often inadequate, meaning individuals may be placed without a full needs or safety review. It is therefore reasonable to expect that The Salfordian would be used primarily for single men from across the region, some with unmet support needs.

The Salfordian sits directly opposite Hesketh Park, a heritage park used by families, children, and vulnerable adults, and overlooks Argyle Tennis Club, where young people play sport. This creates safeguarding and community impact concerns.

2. Transparency
The Cabinet discussion is scheduled to be held in private. The law only allows this when confidentiality outweighs the public interest. Since the key issue is community impact, there is strong reason for the meeting to be public.

3. Consultation
Council documents refer to “meetings, briefings and emails,” yet no local residents or businesses have been informed or engaged. Proper consultation must be well-publicised and inclusive if the community is to have a genuine voice.

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We support the principle of providing safe accommodation for those in need. However, this proposal lacks transparency, consultation, and consideration of its location.

This petition therefore calls on Sefton Council to:
 • Withdraw the proposal for The Salfordian,
 • Hold Cabinet discussions in public, and
 • Carry out full and open consultation with Southport residents and businesses.

Please sign if you share these concerns and believe Southport deserves a transparent and balanced decision.