Sefton Council has made vital improvements to the way its coastline is monitored following the death of a 21-year-old student.
An inquest into the death of Hamza Mansoor, which was held at Bootle Town Hall yesterday after the student from Stoke drowned at Crosby beach on 20 July, 2021, revealed that emergency services were hit with severe congestion the night of his death. The Pakistan-born man who couldn't swim was swept out to sea before being brought back to land after he fell unconscious in the water.
Peter Moore, assistant director of place (highways and public protection) for Sefton Council, was questioned on the council's efforts following the death by senior coroner Julie Goulding. Despite it being acknowledged that there were signs on the beach at the time warning of the dangers of the beach and sea he admitted that Crosby Leisure Centre car park is one of the parts of the coastline where people are encouraged to go due to the number of parking spaces.
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The number of cars at the coastal entrance meant that when emergency services arrived at the scene of the accident they were met with congestion and delayed them getting onto the beach, albeit only marginally. Ms Goulding said it was lucky that many of the people on the beach at the time of the accident were off-duty medical professionals meaning that the slight delay did not impact the efforts to try and resuscitate Hamza or his friend Toqeer Ashraf Mohammad.
When questioned as to why the issues surrounding parking at the coastal gateway hadn't been addressed, despite the issues appearing in a number of paramedics' and police officers' statements, Mr Moore said he hadn't been made aware of the issues until the inquest.
He said: "I would be guessing as to why it wasn't brought to our attention. If other parts of the borough are more concerned they may focus on those areas. What I would comment on is with our policy we prioritise those which have been flagged as a problem."
Ms Goulding interjected and pointed out that other parts of the coastline had not faced a death during the summer. She said: "There wasn't a death on those other beaches. Friends on a lovely evening which turned into a tragedy. There may be a focus on those other areas. It doesn't seem like the most thought-through comment."
Mr Moore added: "After being notified now that it's been a problem we will consult with police colleagues as to whether there's more we can do."
During the inquest, it was outlined that there is a persistent problem with the parking situation but it was admitted there is no consistency as to when it is and isn't busy at the coast. Mr Moore confirmed there will be talks into the parking situation but did concede that they would have to send drivers "somewhere else" if they were to limit parking availability.
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