In late September 2025, racist graffiti and swastikas appeared across Sefton, prompting a swift response from local authorities and community organisations. The incidents were reported in the local paper, which highlighted the public’s concern and the council’s commitment to addressing hate-related behaviour in the borough.
Council statement and action taken immediately
Sefton Council leader, Cllr Marion Atkinson, was reported as saying: “We won’t tolerate this filth. I am extremely disturbed by this disgusting graffiti. This is absolutely unacceptable, and we will not be tolerating this filth.”
The council confirmed that cleaning teams were deployed promptly to remove the graffiti. Where surfaces could be damaged by removal techniques, staff applied anti-bleed paint to cover the markings and prevent show-through. Merseyside Police classified the graffiti as a hate crime. A spokesperson stated:
“We will not tolerate racist and hateful graffiti in our community. Enquiries are ongoing to find the perpetrators.”
These official statements demonstrate the council and police response to the incidents, highlighting procedural measures for removal and investigation.
Coordination with community organisations
Following the incidents, Sefton CVS coordinated with the police Hate Crime Joint Action Group to provide support to victims and affected communities. Robert Brennan, a CVS coordinator, confirmed in email correspondence with North West Bylines that the organisation works in partnership with the local authority to distribute Stop Hate UK leaflets and provide guidance to residents impacted by hate crime.
Brennan stated that no public meetings were immediately scheduled in response to the incidents, but he was supporting residents in South Sefton who had formally reported hate crimes. He also referenced the Equal Voice Network, which connects voluntary and community organisations across the borough to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
- Equal Voice Network
Equal Voice members have partnered with Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network – a national charity commissioned by Sefton Council to conduct listening sessions with residents and provide structured opportunities to discuss community concerns.
- The South Sefton Community Alliance
The South Sefton Community Alliance (SSCA), represents multiple grassroots organisations,and provided a collective statement regarding the incidents. In an email to North West Bylines, the Alliance noted that its members are “united in our desire to change the current climate in Sefton.”
The email mentioned that the graffiti and flags were installed ‘under cover of darkness,’ and described them as actions carried out by a minority of individuals within the community.
SSCA member organisations also carry out local initiatives, including street cleaning and graffiti removal, to maintain public spaces. This gives members of the community a chance to work together and improve their area.
The SSCA also welcomed input and collaboration from external parties, including journalists and other community members, in supporting ongoing initiatives.
- Equal Voices in Action Forum
Sefton CVS launched a forum called Equal Voices in Action, designed to bring together residents, organisations, and community leaders to share experiences and coordinate responses to incidents such as the recent graffiti. Charanjeet Birdie, project manager at Sefton CVS, described the forum in email correspondence as a “space where people and organisations in Sefton can come together, share stories, and showcase how we can collectively respond to challenges like hate crime.”
The forum provides a platform for communication between voluntary and community organisations, allowing coordination of awareness-raising activities, reporting of incidents, and support for affected residents.
- Hate Crime Joint Action Group Activities
The Hate Crime Joint Action Group, in which Sefton CVS participates, continues to provide support to residents who report hate crimes. This includes distributing informational leaflets, providing guidance on reporting procedures, and facilitating contact with appropriate authorities. Brennan confirmed that individuals impacted by the recent graffiti incidents are being supported through this framework
The partnership between Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, and community organisations is structured to provide a coordinated response to hate incidents while maintaining confidentiality and support for victims.
- Community initiatives and services
Shy Lowen Horse and Pony Sanctuary offers equine-assisted programmes, such as “Harmony with Horses,” to residents. These programmes are designed to engage children and families from diverse backgrounds in structured activities.
Ongoing support for the community
Brennan’s correspondence also referenced ongoing community support following previous incidents in Southport and South Sefton. Measures included educational sessions in local schools and structured community engagement initiatives. These programmes continue to operate under the guidance of Sefton CVS and local authority partnerships.
Equal Voice and Belong provide forums for structured dialogue, allowing residents and community groups to discuss community cohesion, report concerns, and share experiences in a supervised setting.
Sefton Council and its partners continue to monitor the borough for hate-related incidents. The council’s communications confirm that graffiti removal and protective painting remain standard procedures, while police investigations continue to identify individuals responsible for criminal acts.
Community organisations maintain records of support provided to residents, including those impacted by the graffiti incidents, and coordinate responses through structured meetings and partnerships.
