Pat Regan

Open letter to Southport Press

28 November 2015

Call for derelict Woodvale area to be utilised for Minor Injuries Unit and extended Dementia Care services

Dear Editor

I write with regards to the recent reports on the proposals put forward by local councillors of what ‘they’ think should go on the derelict Sandbrook Way site.

Cllr Preece wants a community centre; well we already have the Children’s Centre and Woodvale Community Centre. Cllr Hartill seemingly wants to take trade away from our local Ainsdale Village, as he thinks a retail unit is the best deal for everyone. I will have to let the Ainsdale businesses discuss ‘that’ idea with the councillors.

I put forward something this town has needed since 2003, a Minor injuries unit for children alongside an extension to the wonderful Brookdale dementia services, already next to that site. Let’s give something back to the community that is more important to our hearts than more shops.

Why have the local residents NOT been informed of these possible development ideas? As usual consultation will no doubt only take place when deals have been signed and we are used as an ‘exercise’ to pretend they are PR friendly.

Margaret Brown and I are the co-chairs of CARES (Coalition Against Removal of kids Emergency & other Services), the team who fought tirelessly years ago for the return of our A & E and maternity services for our children.

It is about time the powers that be FINALLY did something right and good for our children and elderly.

We don’t want more shops or houses; there are plenty of both lying empty in Southport, just somewhere closer than Ormskirk and Liverpool to take our sick children to.

Junior doctors are currently striking and A&E units are pushed to their limits. A minor injuries unit would give us the immediate peace of mind for our children, without 4 hour waiting times at an already full A&E. It is also a ‘perfect’ location between Formby and Southport with room for parking.

Let’s finally return something that should never have been taken away thirteen years ago. I ask all parents, grandparents and families to support this and make it happen.

Cath Regan