More than 1,300 people have signed a petition urging Sefton Council to reveal their plans for a historic Southport building.
The council’s Cabinet is due to make a decision on October 2 over whether to acquire the Grade II-listed Salfordian Hotel in Southport.
But local residents have slammed the council for a lack of transparency, failing to consult them over the possible purchase of the building in Park Crescent – using taxpayers’ money – and refusing to answer questions on what it would be used for.
Their anger comes amid concerns that the 25-room hotel will be converted into a large-scale HMO (house in multiple occupation) that could create a huge safeguarding issue depending on who will be accommodated there because of its location directly opposite Hesketh Park, used by hundreds of families and event organisers in the surrounding communities.
And that anger has only grown after Sefton Council published an FAQ document yesterday (September 24) which confirmed that offenders leaving custody are among those who would be housed, and that consultation with residents would only take place later in the planning stage – after any acquisition has already been agreed.
A residents’ spokesperson said: “Councillors have been told the building would be used to meet the region’s statutory duty to provide housing under Chapter 8 of the Homeless Code of Guidance, and while we fully support this duty of care, the practical reality of such provision needs to be made clear.
“This is not a small-scale project but a major facility being imposed without engagement.
“It is unacceptable that a major decision about a heritage building in a landmark community location should be advanced without public scrutiny.”
The Salfordian currently operates under a temporary HMO licence, issued to cover a guardianship scheme that keeps the building occupied by working tenants, but that licence expires in July 2026.
Residents say, faced with questions, Southport MP Patrick Hurley has failed to address concerns, later directing them to the council’s own website which previously contained only a short issue notice with no detail.
The council’s FAQ document has confirmed that the site would be staffed 24 hours a day.
While this was presented as a safeguard, residents argue that this staffing model is used nationally for hostels accommodating people with higher-risk and more complex needs, such as probation referrals, addiction and unmanaged mental health challenges.
They point out that staff in such accommodation have no power to detain occupants, questioning how safeguarding can be guaranteed around the site, opposite Hesketh Park and overlooking Argyle Tennis Courts.
Campaigners are asking the council to:
* Debate any decision publicly
* Confirm what its plans are and, if it is to be an HMO, disclose why that site was chosen and who will be accommodated
* Ideally, stop or pause any acquisition of The Salfordian given its heritage status and the inappropriate location for a large-scale HMO pending full public consultation and ‘genuine engagement with residents’
The spokesperson added: “The Salfordian is not an ordinary development site, but a heritage building facing a public park where children play and teenagers gain independence.
“This is a family-oriented community. Places like Hesketh Park should be protected in ways that strengthen safety and enrich community life, and the council’s failure to consult or explain its plans for the Salfordian does the opposite: it creates fear and mistrust where there should be openness and reassurance.
“We feel a big decision is being made quietly, and that’s not acceptable.”