Sefton

Sefton is a metropolitan borough in Merseyside, England. It covers coastal towns and suburban areas to the north and west of Liverpool, including Southport, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, Maghull, Litherland and Netherton. The borough lies on the Irish Sea coast and includes notable natural areas such as the Formby dunes and pinewoods and the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve.

Created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, the borough brought together several older districts into a single local authority, Sefton Council. The council operates as part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which coordinates transport, housing and economic development with neighbouring authorities.

Sefton has a population in the hundreds of thousands, with Southport serving as the administrative and tourist centre and major urban areas including Crosby and Bootle. The economy is driven by services, retail, tourism, and light industry, with maritime and coastal assets supporting visitor numbers.

Notable sites include Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley's Another Place, Formby Point and pinewoods, and the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve. Southport hosts cultural events such as the annual Flower Show. The area also includes golf courses and coastal recreation.

Transport links are provided by the Merseyrail network, offering frequent services to Liverpool and Southport. The borough is connected to regional routes, including motorways and major A roads, supporting commuting and tourism.