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Highways England paid over £5,000 to a surveillance and security firm to monitor two public information events in Sefton.

The public events related to HE's controversial plans to build a dual carriageway through Rimrose Valley country park, to cope with the increase in HGV traffic resulting from the Port of Liverpool’s expansion.

Campaigners have argued that the new road will increase traffic related noise and pollution in Litherland, and ruin the park.

But bosses at Highways England insist the staff were at the meeting for security reasons.

(Image: PA)

The SRV (Save Rimrose Valley) campaign group has now revealed that total of £5,424 was paid by HE to a surveillance company to monitor two events which took place in October last year.

One event took place at a hotel in Netherton and the second was at a community centre in the Seaforth area.

The company who attended the events offer a range of services including covert surveillance, monitoring, bodyguards and close protection.

It employs former members of the special forces, armed forces and intelligence corp.

The ECHO understands that photographs were taken at the events but there was no filming.

In January HE expressed concerns about the security of its staff following reports that contractors were threatened in Rimrose Valley park.

HE said that contractors had been threatened with violence by members of the public.

A spokesperson for HE said:“The safety of every one of the 600 people who attended our public information events last year was our main priority.

"The vast majority of people affected by the proposals for a new bypass to the Port of Liverpool have been respectful of our staff, but we have had a few concerning incidents where people have experienced abusive or threatening behaviour.

"We therefore employed a security firm to make sure the events ran smoothly. This is not unusual for an event of this type, and the security firm was employed purely to carry out this role.”

(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Members of the public expressed concern over a number of individuals seen at the two events last year. The SRV campagn then decided to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to HE to find out who they were.

Speaking on behalf of the SRV campaign Stuart Bennett said: “We find this type of activity disturbing. The firm’s website confirms that it carries out surveillance of protest groups and specialises in public consultation events.

"It also claims to be discreet, although in our case, its staff were easily identifiable as they had all chosen to wear matching tweed jackets.

“They watched us as we protested outside. Inside, they hovered nearby as we discussed the road proposals with members of Highways England’s staff and its subcontractors.

"It was an uncomfortable experience.

“When we asked them about their involvement, we couldn’t get a straight answer. Responses included health & safety, hotel guests, road users admin and logistics.

“On a serious note, what sort of message does this send to the public? There is absolutely no trust here. Was this purely security, or was information gathered? If so, what has been done with any footage or photographs?"

"Furthermore, Highways England is refusing to make public the feedback given on the day after people took the time and effort to share their views. What have they got to hide? This is yet more questionable behaviour from Highways England – and we’re footing the bill.”