Sefton's Cabinet set to approve bold new plan to regenerate Bootle 22 December 2025

Sefton Council Cabinet members are being asked to approve the new Bootle Area Action Plan at their meeting on Thursday 8th January.

Shaped by input from the local community the proposed Plan is a blueprint for making Bootle a better place to live, work, and thrive. It will unlock exciting opportunities for local people and businesses.

The Bootle Area Action Plan sets the ambition and the planning framework through which we will deliver a revitalised town centre with the regeneration of Bootle Strand and the creation of vibrant spaces like Salt & Tar at its heart. It will facilitate new shops, leisure facilities, services and cultural events.

It will also enable a delivery programme of new modern, affordable homes for families and individuals and by attracting businesses and funding, the plan will create employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

A commitment to greener and safer streets sees walking, cycling, and public transport prioritised making it easier to get around, with reduced traffic and pollution. And measures ranging from energy-efficient buildings to water-saving systems will result in a cleaner, greener Bootle for future generations.

Cllr Paulette Lappin Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:

“Adopting the Bootle Area Action Plan will help give developers and investors the certainty and confidence to bring projects to the town which will, in turn, mean growth and benefits such as new jobs, shops and services for local people.

“Jointly funded by Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, this Plan has been shaped through community consultation and feedback, and it has undergone rigorous examination by an independent Planning Inspector.”

“This is the first time Sefton Council has introduced an Area Action Plan, and it shows the commitment we have to Bootle’s regeneration and the ambition we have for the future of the town, its residents, businesses and communities.”

People can find out more and read the plan at www.sefton.gov.uk/BootleAAP.

Details of the next Sefton Council Cabinet meeting on Thursday 8th January can be found at https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=11860

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A little bit of Christmas for you.

Tubi launches on Virgin Media TV, bringing its massive streaming catalogue to millions of UK households at no extra cost

Tubi is now available for Virgin Media TV customers to enjoy at no extra cost, as it further expands its reach in one of the world’s most dynamic streaming markets. 

LONDON, December 3, 2025 – Tubi (www.tubi.tv), Fox Corporation’s (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) ad-supported streaming service, today announced it is now available on Virgin Media TV in the UK, making its vast catalogue of over 60,000 movies and TV episodes accessible to millions more households, at no extra cost.

With the addition of Tubi, Virgin Media customers can now explore a wide range of content that includes everything from fan-favourites and deep-cut cult classics to major blockbusters – across all genres including action, thriller, comedy, and horror. A sample of titles available for viewers in December include Zombieland, Baby Driver, Bend it Like Beckham, Jack and Jill, Robin Hood (2018) and La La Land.

Additionally, audiences will be able to enjoy Tubi Originals such as the documentary NAOMI OSAKA: THE SECOND SET, Destry Allyn Spielberg’s directorial debut PLEASE DON’T FEED THE CHILDREN, starring Michelle Dockery and the hit sensations SIDELINED: THE QB AND ME, as well as its sequel SIDELINED 2: INTERCEPTED reuniting its stars Noah Beck, Siena Agudong, with Charlie Gillespie (Julie and the Phantoms), Sage Linder (Descendants 3) and Roan Curtis (Firefly Lane) joining the cast, as well as James Van Der Beek (Pose) and Drew Ray Tanner (Riverdale) reprising their roles from the original film.

“Our partnership with Virgin Media enables us to connect more UK viewers with free movies and TV series they’re passionate about,” said Ross Appleton, General Manager, UK, at Tubi. “As a platform known for curating top-tier entertainment, Virgin Media is an ideal home for Tubi’s expansive catalogue. Together, we’re offering audiences greater choice through a seamless and easily accessible TV experience.”

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Our goal at Virgin TV is to curate high quality entertainment and world-leading programming for our customers. We do this so they can enjoy the best viewing experience with the best possible value. We are delighted therefore to add Tubi to our offering, giving Virgin TV customers access to one of the world’s biggest offerings of world-famous movies, TV shows and documentaries at absolutely no extra cost. With Tubi, we know families can immerse themselves in even more must-see on demand entertainment on the Virgin TV platform.”

Since launching in July of 2024 in the UK, Tubi has doubled its library size, securing its position offering the biggest collection of free movies and TV series in the market. Tubi’s global footprint continues to expand, with over 100 million monthly active users worldwide and its growing share of fully addressable audience skewing younger with more than half made up of Gen Z and Millennials. While more than 95% of viewing on Tubi is on–demand movies and TV shows, it most recently launched over 30 FAST Channels with key partners such as Lionsgate, A&E, Banijay, and Filmrise, to offer viewers a complementary lean-back experience.

About Tubi

Boldly built for fandom, Tubi is a free streaming service that entertains over 100 million monthly active users. Tubi offers the world’s largest collection of Hollywood movies and TV shows, thousands of creator-led stories and hundreds of Tubi Originals made for the most passionate fans. Headquartered in San Francisco and founded in 2014, Tubi is part of Tubi Media Group, a division of Fox Corporation.

About Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK’s largest and most reliable mobile network with a broadband network offering the fastest widely available broadband speeds. It is a customer-first organisation that brings a range of connectivity services together in one place with a clear mission: to upgrade the nation. Virgin Media O2 is the corporate brand of the 50:50 joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefónica SA, and one of the UK’s largest businesses.

The company has 47 million UK connections across broadband, mobile, TV and home phone. Its own fixed network currently passes 15.5 million premises alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation’s population with 4G, and almost 200 towns and cities with 5G services. Virgin Media O2 is committed to delivering gigabit broadband speeds across its entire network footprint by the end of 2021 and plans to upgrade its fixed network to full fibre to the premises with completion in 2028.

Virgin Media O2 is a major investor in the UK. It employs around 18,000 people, has more than 430 retail stores and has committed to invest at least £10 billion over the next five years. As integration work progresses at pace, both Virgin Media and O2 continue to offer their respective products to customers, with new, joint services launching soon. Today, the business delivers award-winning broadband and WiFi connectivity to homes as well as providing a connected entertainment service. This brings together live TV, thousands of hours of on-demand programming and a wide-selection of apps to customers through a set-top box and on-the-go through tablets and smartphones.

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New Forensic Science Regulator appointed for England and Wales

The regulator ensures that the highest standards in forensic science are met across the criminal justice system.

Dr Marc Bailey has been appointed as the Forensic Science Regulator for England and Wales.

Dr Bailey is a scientist who has significant regulatory experience. He has held multiple roles within the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and led international research in quality systems and standardisation, including whilst working at the National Physical Laboratory.

The Forensic Science Regulator is responsible for ensuring that the provision of forensic science services across England and Wales meet the highest standards of quality and integrity. This includes assessing compliance, providing advice to ministers, setting quality standards and ensuring that all forensic science providers adhere to these standards.

Dr Bailey will work closely with the police, forensic science providers and the legal profession to ensure that forensic science in England and Wales remains at the forefront of innovation and reliability.

Dr Bailey will officially assume his duties after Gary Pugh’s term concludes on 25 July 2025.

Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

Dr Bailey is going to bring a wealth of experience and expertise as the new Forensic Science Regulator.

This pivotal role is essential in ensuring the highest standards of forensic science are upheld.

By setting rigorous standards and providing robust oversight, the Forensic Science Regulator will continue to ensure that forensic science supports the work of the police, allowing them to investigate crimes and bring justice for victims.

I’d like to thank Gary Pugh for his previous work in this role.

Dr Bailey said:

I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Forensic Science Regulator.

I look forward to enacting and developing the regulation of Forensic Science and working with the team that support my role to ensure that the criminal justice system has full confidence in forensic science evidence.

 

Survey shows Bootle businesses keen to work with council & Everton FC to boost towns matchday appeal

Businesses in Bootle are keen to work with Sefton Council and Everton FC to boost the town’s matchday appeal.

Feedback from the Council’s recent business impact survey showed that almost all local businesses (98%) are aware of the new stadium and the significant opportunities it could bring to Bootle. Three quarters of those who took part also knew about the dedicated shuttle bus service running before and after matches between the Strand Bus Station and the stadium.

Business Plans to Capitalise on Matchdays

Many of the businesses consulted said they are planning to extend opening hours and introduce special matchday offers. This included themed food and drink, and other promotions to attract supporters and visitors.

Sefton Council carried out the survey in partnership with Everton Football Club and Hill Dickinson Stadium, to help understand the opportunities and potential impacts the new stadium development for Bootle. 

Ensuring Local Businesses Benfit from Major Investment 

Since the stadium project began, Sefton Council has been working closely with Everton FC, Liverpool City Council and Merseytravel to ensure local businesses and communities can benefit fully from this major investment. Following two successful test events at the new stadium, with a further match planned for Saturday 9th August, the Council invited businesses in Bootle to share their views through an online survey. 

The survey was led by InvestSefton, the Council’s dedicated business support team. It asked businesses about key issues including transport, parking, themed events and fan zones at Salt and Tar and Lock and Quay and the expected increase in visitor footfall on match days. Officers also spoke directly with retailers, business owners and social trading organisations in Bootle Strand and along the Stanley Road corridor. 

In response to the feedback, Sefton Council has confirmed it will continue to improve directional signage to car parks and public transport links. It will also monitor the use of parking and shuttle bus services, and provide businesses with practical support around recruitment, marketing and planning for matchday trade. 

Salt and Tar Highlighted as Key Venue

The Salt and Tar event space next to Bootle Strand has been highlighted as a key location for fan engagement and themed activities. Regular shuttle buses from Bootle Strand ensure it is easy for fans to travel to and from the stadium.

Council officers are already in discussions with Everton FC and Merseytravel to develop further local business opportunities and events linked to the transport hub and nearby parking. 

Councillor Marion Atkison, Leader of Sefton Council, said: 
“Everton’s new stadium is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Bootle.

“These findings show there is real optimism and ambition among our local businesses. We’re committed to working with our partners to make sure this development delivers lasting economic and social benefits for our communities.” 

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said: 

“This survey has given us a clear picture of how local businesses see the opportunities ahead.

“It’s a great starting point as we work to boost business growth and make sure Bootle benefits fully from this investment. This is only the beginning, we will keep listening to our businesses and residents so everyone can help shape what could be very exciting times for Bootle.” 

Councillor Liz Dowd, Chair of Sefton’s Public Engagement Panel, added: 
“We really appreciate the time our businesses have taken to share their views. This feedback is crucial as we shape future plans that bring long-term benefits to Bootle.” 

Where to Find Full Survey Results

To read the full survey findings, you should visit  We Asked, You Said, We Did - Sefton Council - Citizen Space