In the third in a series of engagements with Green Party councillors in Liverpool, the local party’s press officer Stuart Borthwick sits down for a pint and a chat with John Howard, councillor for Sefton Park.
John Howard (Sefton Park)
Stuart: May 2023 marked significant changes in South Liverpool, including new ward boundaries and the retirement of long-standing councillors. What inspired you to step up and run for election?
John: It was indeed a time of transition. The retirement of Lawrence Brown, Anna Key, and Stephanie Pitcher left big shoes to fill, and the new ward boundaries presented both challenges and opportunities. I’d only been a member of the Green Party for six months when I was selected as the candidate for the newly formed Sefton Park ward. Winning with 57% of the vote was a huge honour, and I’ve been working relentlessly since then to address the needs of the ward.
Stuart: Sefton Park is a key part of your ward. What challenges are you addressing there?
John: Sefton Park is a Grade I listed site with Green Flag status, attracting visitors from across Liverpool and when used by festivals from around the country too. Balancing this commercial use with the preservation of the park is crucial. Another major issue is water management. The water table in the park has risen over the decades, likely due to climate change, causing drainage problems and water build-up in some areas.
I regularly work with the Head of Parks to spot and address issues early, from clearing blocked drains to managing leaf debris that creates hazards when compacted. Sometimes I even step in personally, armed with wellies, to clear blockages by hand. However, larger challenges require council resources, and I ensure these are allocated appropriately.
Stuart: Lark Lane is another prominent part of your ward. What steps are you taking to address concerns there?
John: Lark Lane is one of Liverpool’s most vibrant streets, but it has long-standing issues. Parking on side roads has been a persistent complaint from residents, and I am trying to address this. Since being elected, the council have secured funding for redevelopment, and I’ve been working with them on fine-tuning the designs, alongside integrating feedback from residents. Plans include widening and levelling pavements to improve safety for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and parents with pushchairs.
We’re also starting a consultation on introducing a long-requested residents’ parking permit scheme. Additionally, I’ve worked with the local Neighbourhood Association and the Council to ensure businesses comply with regulations, such as keeping trade bins off pavements on non-collection days. These steps are already making the area more accessible and safer.
Stuart: Licensing has been another contentious issue on Lark Lane. Can you share your thoughts?
John: Licensing used to be governed by a “cumulative impact” policy, which ensured a balanced mix of businesses in the area. This policy allowed the licensing committee to consider the overall impact of new applications, preventing an overconcentration of late-night bars. Unfortunately, it was removed during the pandemic and there’s now a risk of the Lane becoming dominated by a single type of business.
I’ve previously submitted a petition to the council calling for the policy to be reinstated, but the response has been slow and non-committal. It’s essential to maintain Lark Lane as a diverse and thriving community hub that balances commercial success with residential needs. As the balance of business types has already skewed further than I would have liked, improving enforcement of licensing conditions is now key, to ensure businesses don’t take liberties that cause disruption for local residents.
Stuart: Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the ward?
John: Improving accessibility is a key focus. On Livingstone Drive, for instance, driveways often cut into pavements, making it difficult for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. I’d also like to see more pedestrian crossings to connect the park with surrounding streets, and better cycling infrastructure. Of course, resources are always limited, and every councillor has a wish list. I’m committed to advocating for projects that make the most significant impact while navigating the constraints of council funding.
Stuart: You also sit on two important committees. What has been your focus there?
John: On the Neighbourhoods Committee, I’ve been involved in initiatives like reducing mowing in certain areas to improve biodiversity and drainage while also saving money. I’ve been pushing for the council to switch to cut-and-collect at the end of the growing season, rather than cut-and-drop. This will reduce growth of tall grass whilst increasing diversity of wildflowers, and make the areas left for biodiversity more open for general use.
Another critical issue is the health of the River Mersey. We recently passed a motion censuring United Utilities for sewage dumping and are pushing for better water management to prevent overflow. Just last week, a group of us met with them to hear about their plans for almost entirely replumbing Liverpool’s sewage and drainage systems to prevent future sewage overflows. I’ll also be going on a visit to one of their sewage works in the new year, to get a better idea of what infrastructure issues are currently being faced.
On the Culture and Economy Committee, I’m focused on making the city’s tourism economy more sustainable. For example, I’m advocating for onshore-powered cruise ships to reduce air and water pollution, and set up a one-on-one meeting with Museums Liverpool to hear about the green aspects of their dock redevelopment and the associated district heating scheme, which promises to make their operations more energy efficient.
Stuart: What motivates your work as a councillor?
John: I’m passionate about connecting local challenges with global issues like climate change. Whether it’s improving accessibility, enhancing green spaces, or encouraging sustainable practices, I believe these efforts make Liverpool a better, more resilient city.
Sometimes you can do a lot of chasing of something but end up with little to show for it. But then eventually you get a win, and seeing progress—even small steps—drives me to keep pushing forward.