Sefton Council cabinet today approved the acquisition of The Salfordian Hotel in Southport to provide temporary accommodation for some of Sefton’s most in need households.

Permanent homes

Purchasing the former hotel will enable the Council to assist eligible homeless households while it helps them find permanent homes. It will continue the building’s 60-year history of providing a refuge for those in need.

The Salfordian was acquired by Salford Council in 1963 to provide sheltered and safe accommodation for residents and carers. Recently Salford Council approached Sefton to purchase the building.

Safeguards

Acknowledging concerns raised by some local people about the building’s future use and residents, Sefton Council has put together a set of FAQs on its plans for the building. These include questions on who would be living there, the safeguards being put in place and the reasons people become homeless and need temporary accommodation.

The FAQs also make clear that The Salfordian will not be used to accommodate asylum seekers. The can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/TheSalfordian.

Safe and supported environment

Recently Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “If the purchase goes through then The Salfordian can once more provide a safe and supported environment for our most in need residents.

“There are some people who are concerned and don’t want us to do this. So, it’s only fair that we answer those concerns and dispel some factual inaccuracies in the process.

“Sefton Council has a statutory duty to prevent and relieve homelessness for its residents. Support services are in place for Sefton residents that are housed in temporary accommodation where they can be helped to find a permanent home.

"This will be a fantastic opportunity to help those most in need. That could be your friend, a family member, someone you deeply care about being given the support they need at The Salfordian.

Increasing demand

She continued: “Given the increasing demand for temporary accommodation both locally in Sefton, as well as nationally, the site has the potential to help meet the needs of Sefton residents experiencing homelessness.

“Residents and local businesses will be consulted as the Council progresses this purchase as part of proper planning and change of use policies."

You can find the agenda and papers for next week’s Cabinet meeting here.